The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) is pleased to announce Beth Wade, CVE, as the recipient of the 2023 Charles A McElravy Award.
Currently, Wade is the Director of Berry Center, a venue complex owned by a K-12 school district Houston, TX, a position she has held since 2005 when it opened. The facility included an 11,000-seat stadium, 8,500 seat arena, 456 seat theatre and 15,000 square foot convention space. Although the primary tenant is the school district who uses the facility for training, sporting events, student productions, banquets and parties, the facility hosts concerts, family shows and community meetings.
Wade has been a member of IAVM since 1981. She has chaired the Certification Board, Membership Committee, Mentoring Committee and served on the Board of Directors, as well as numerous other committees. Wade earned her Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation in 1996 and was awarded the Chair Citation in 2019.
“I am excited to celebrate Beth and her contributions to IAVM and our industry at VenueConnect in Pittsburgh,” stated Brad Mayne, IAVM CEO and President. “Beth’s service to the association spans over 40 years, and she is the epitome of the best of the best in our industry. Her volunteerism and service has been instrumental in making who we are and what we do stronger, the exact reason the McElravy award is awarded.”
Upon being notified of receiving the award, Wade said, “Being selected as this year’s recipient of the Charles McElravy Award is an unexpected honor and privilege. I love being part of IAVM and have received so much more from IT than I could ever give back. I am overwhelmed that the Board of Directors would acknowledge my work to further our industry in this way and am deeply grateful.”
Wade will be presented with the award at VenueConnect 2023, which is being held in Pittsburgh, PA July 31-August 3. For more information on VC23 or to register, please visit https://venueconnect.iavm.org/.
