It is with heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our cherished colleague and friend Dean Altvater on March 17, 2025, after a brief illness. No words can adequately express our deep sorrow in losing Dean, a powerhouse in our industry and a transformative leader in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and business events management sector.
Dean’s professional journey began almost four decades ago as a meeting planner, giving him insight from both sides of negotiations and unparalleled empathy for clients. Prior to joining PRA in 2017, he held national sales roles at the LA Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wyndham International, and Hilton’s luxury collection, including LXR Hotels & Resorts. Dean’s career is marked by a dedication to excellence. As an active member of FICP, he greatly impacted discussions and new initiatives in the field. He consistently fostered connections and collaboration among peers. He participated in numerous industry organizations, serving on the boards of the New Jersey and Westfield chapters of MPI and leading a committee for NYSAE. Dean was a founding board member of the New York chapter of ACOM and served as President of both the New York Chapter of the PCMA and MPI. All while making time to mentor the next generation of event professionals, he remained committed to advancing and strengthening the industry through his leadership and guidance.
Known for his vivacious personality, kind heart and contagious laughter, he built authentic, lasting relationships and strong connections with everyone he encountered. The PRA family is profoundly grateful for having worked with Dean, whom we consider a true friend. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his devoted family, close friends, longtime colleagues, and clients as they navigate the coming days.
We pay tribute to Dean’s legacy by living his mantra, “Always look up.” Maintain a positive outlook, even in challenging times. Share your thoughts on Dean’s legacy by commenting below.
For business and media inquiries, please contact Laurie Knapp: laurie.knapp@pra.com
13 Comments
Leave A Comment
DestinationNewsletter
Waterfront Fine Dining on the san Diego Bay
Recent Blog Posts
March 20, 2025
PRA Mourns the Passing of Dean AltvaterJuly 19, 2023
Color Blocking in Event SpacesNovember 18, 2022
Experiential Activations – Nostalgia Marketing and EventsAugust 29, 2022
Citizen Watch America PartnershipJuly 29, 2022
Best Outdoor Venues in the NortheastJuly 13, 2021
Go Plastic Free in JulyApril 20, 2021
Celebrating World Creativity + Innovation DayMarch 15, 2021
The Flow of Water + EventsFebruary 22, 2021
Elevate Your Investor Day with PRA Digital ServicesFebruary 16, 2021
Plant a Tree with PRA
We were all shocked and saddened by Dean’s sudden passing. Dean is beloved by his colleagues and friends at PRA Events as well as his clients, deep friendships within the event industry. He will be greatly missed by all.
My heart feels heavy. I vividly remember our quick chat on the show floor at IMEX this past October and our lengthier chat after running into each other at a previous event. Not the news I was expecting to see on my feed today on LinkedIn. This picture you all chose truly showcases who Dean was and so does your message, thank you for honoring him this way. Dean and I worked at LXR together and he was quite the professional and gentleman. It was indeed his authenticity and positive outlook that made him stand out. Sending love and prayers to all who love him. May he rest in peace.
My heart is heavy. I met Dean in the 1990’s and always liked and admired him. So sad to read this news 😢
I was saddened to read of the passing of Dean. While our relationship was professional (for over 20 years), he was a kind and caring human who could light up a room. He will be missed, but a welcomed addition to heaven above.
Dean helped me tremendously when I took responsibility for PwC Meetings & Events. He was one-of-a-kind and a mentor to me. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues.
So deeply sorry to read to read this sad news about Dean. May he rest in peace.
Sending so much love to the entire PRA Family. Dean will be missed by many!
We met in college in 1985 and he was my first true love. :-( We dated for 3 years and he changed my life for the better in every possible way. His kind heart, smart wit, and positive outlook still inspire me today, 40 years later. Godspeed to you, Dean, as you reunite with your beloved brother and parents in Heaven.
In the short time I knew Dean, he left a lasting impression as a magnificent storyteller. Every time he visited our office, he brought little candies and unique trinkets from the most mysterious corners of NYC—hidden gems that made you feel like you were experiencing the city through his eyes. He had a rare gift for building deep, authentic connections with everyone he met. His mantra—always look up—reflected how he saw the world: full of wonder and possibility. Heartbroken to say goodbye. You will be deeply missed, Dean. Rest in peace. 💔
I’m speechless to hear of his passing! What a class act and true professional! My heart goes out to his family and long live his memory. RIP!
Dean was a beautiful and wonderful person. With the heart of gold. RIP.
Dean was a devoted friend and colleague. I met him when I he was President of MPNNYC and I was President of MPINCC 1997 and we remaind friends since that time. His loss is a shock and I am still processing the fact that I will not see him again. He will be sorely missed. My prayers for his family and friends as they mourn their loss. May he R.I.P.
All of us within the FICP Community mourn the loss of our good friend Dean Altvater. He was the consummate hospitality partner, reliable volunteer and mentor to many in our field. You could always count on Dean to be present, focused, creative, empathetic and helpful. His presence is greatly missed.