Paulette Lester, Director of Convention Services at the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission, was awarded the Bruce McDaniel Individual Professionalism and Lifetime Achievement Award at the Upper Midwest Convention and Visitors Bureau (UMCVB) Fall Conference on September 15. The award is given to a tourism industry professional that has demonstrated and made a significant leadership impact and furthered the economic growth of the hospitality industry. 

Lester joined the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, the parent organization of the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, in 1984. She has served on various boards and committees, including the Meeting Professional International Heartland Chapter, Event Service Professionals Association, Iowa Society of Association Executives and the Urbandale 4th of July Celebration Committee. Lester worked with Governor Vilsack's team in hosting the National Governors Association in 2005; she was later awarded the Governor's Volunteer Award for her service and commitment to that event.

Previously, Vicki Comegys, Vice President of Conventions, Sports and Services at the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission, won the Individual Professionalism and Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau was awarded the Innovation Award presented by UMCVB in 2009.

For more information on the UMCVB Fall Conference and past award winners, visit umcvbfallconference.com.