Awards and Honors

PDI-POA presents awards periodically to recognize extraordinary service, distinction, and achievements in the protocol profession. 

Protocol Professional of the Year

Established in 2013, the Protocol Professional of the Year Award is presented to a PDI-POA member in recognition of extraordinary achievements in their area of work or project. Nominations are made by their peers, and an award winner is chosen by a selection committee chaired by the Vice President for Membership.

Mark Verheul
International Protocol,
Strategic Networking,
& Stakeholder Management
The Hague, Netherlands

Congratulations to our 2020 Protocol Professional of the Year, Mark Verheul! Mark has been a member of PDI-POA since 2017 and resides in The Hague, Netherlands where he runs his own consultancy firm on international protocol and strategic networking.  Recently, he assisted in transitioning the Netherlands’ 75th anniversary of its liberation after World War II to comply with COVID-19 protocols, ensuring the safety of its participants.  Mark made the King’s speech accessible to the general public via a live broadcast and assisted in the creation of a new website to honor the veterans for the event.

The Ann Beard Board of Directors’ Achievement Award

Established in 2007, the Ann Beard Award is presented in recognition of service beyond required responsibilities of a member of the Board of Directors to PDI-POA including the completion of a major project taking months or years. Awardees are selected by the President of the PDI-POA Board.

Hope Laman
Executive Administrative Assistant, Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Congratulations to our 2020 recipient of the Ann Beard Board of Directors’ Achievement Award, Hope Laman!  Hope has been a member of PDI-POA since 2016, and served on the Board of Directors from 2018 to 2020. She held the position of the Vice President for Communications from 2018 to 2020 and the Vice President for Membership in 2020. Hope was selected as the 2020 Ann Beard Award honoree for her extraordinary work developing and advancing both the Communications and Membership portfolios during her term on the Board of Directors.

The Spirit of Diplomacy Award

Established in 2003, the Spirit of Diplomacy Award is presented for extraordinary service or distinction to the field of protocol and excellence in the diplomatic arena. The recognized achievement may be at the national or international level, or in the individual’s area of jurisdiction.