After two years of developing IAVM Board-approved online learning, the moment arrived in New Orleans during VC25 to debut the new microcredentialing tool. The first two courses — Sustainability in Public Assembly Venues and Risk Management in Venues — are now available.
“IAVM Online is designed for those without the budget or time off to access other IAVM offerings,” explained Amy Fitzpatrick, IAVM’s Director of Marketing. “We want to meet all of our members where they are.”
IAVM built an online portal that members can access with any level of technology. The new learning management system was created and branded specifically for IAVM, featuring a user-friendly portal for both students and instructors.
Amy Fitzpatrick, Bobby Goldwater, CVE, and Shane Beardsley introduce IAVM Online in the Innovation Theater at VC25. Greg Wolfe, IAVM Director of Education, is at the podium.
The two courses launched to date are offered at a rate members can afford, Fitzpatrick said. Each course is $49 for IAVM members, $99 for nonmembers, and each microcredential certification will be roughly $200.
Bobby Goldwater, CVE, of Georgetown University’s Sports Industry Management program, introduced the concept to IAVM’s board in 2023 and has been active in rolling out IAVM Online. “It feels good to create more value for our members,” Goldwater said. “We have 1,500 members here at VenueConnect, but there are more than 8,000 are members of IAVM. These courses provide educational access to members of all levels.”
Microcredential learning content is bite-sized and focused on specific industry competencies. Courses are taught by IAVM members who are experts in their subjects. The courses are also “stackable,” meaning they build on each other. At the end of each course, students complete an assessment and receive a certificate of completion, similar to digital badges used on social media.
“It is 100 percent learning on your terms,” Fitzpatrick said. “The system is very mobile friendly. You can use your iPad or phone.” Students progress at their own pace, with no time penalties.
“And it’s a step toward earning your CVP,” Goldwater added. It’s also a gateway to greater involvement with the association and its offerings, including Venue Management School and the Senior Executive Symposium.
Shane Beardsley, Vice President of Guest Experiences & Community Partnerships at the Jacob K. Javits Center, teaches Sustainability in Public Assembly Venues on IAVM Online. At Javits, they have a full-time sustainability officer and have seen major success with their two-acre rooftop farm, orchard, and greenhouse, Beardsley said. However, they still face challenges with diversion rates. “It’s a learning curve, and in preparing this course, I leaned into that curve,” he said.
Wayne Middleton, CVE, explains the Risk Management course, while Greg Wolfe and Shane Beardsley look on.
“I’ve been teaching this course to my kids,” Beardsley added. “After this course, you can carry on an intelligent conversation about sustainability in public assembly facilities.”
Wayne Middleton, CVE, Principal Consultant at Reliance Risk, who has 35 years of experience in public venues and events, teaches the Risk Management course. He describes it as a baseline for students who, ideally, would then continue on to VMS and AVSS for more in-depth learning.
He focuses his teaching on defining risk management, recognizing its importance, and identifying common terminology. “Understanding the risk management process is the key,” Middleton said. “You will learn to recognize roles and responsibilities and to apply risk management principles in your venue.”
Gil Fried, JD, professor at the University of West Florida and member of the IAVM Academic Committee, added that online education is far more engaging than it used to be. “Having industry experts who are passionate about the topic teach the subject matter takes IAVM Online learning to a new level,” he said. “We are using best practices in developing material.”
Fried noted that education has progressed from correspondence schools to radio to TV to the internet. The goal now is to train current and future IAVM members — and to educate the broader public.
The first two online modules apply to everyone, both inside and outside the industry, Fitzpatrick said. They are the start of what will eventually become 4 modules for each microcredential, each about 45 minutes in length, available through IAVM Online.
For more information regarding IAVM Online or to register for a course, visit www.iavmonline.org.
