IAVM is proud to announce that Kim Bedier, CVE, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Charles A. McElravy Award, the Association’s highest honor recognizing a lifetime of extraordinary contributions to the venue management profession.
Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, Bedier has become a respected leader in the industry, known for her operational excellence, servant leadership, and unwavering commitment to developing people. Today, as Chief Operating Officer of Advantage Training, she continues to inspire leaders and organizations across North America, Australia, and New Zealand through leadership development, team building, and workplace culture programs.
Bedier’s career has included leadership of some of North America’s premier public assembly venues, including Honda Center and OCVIBE in Anaheim, California, as well as the Tacoma Dome, Greater Tacoma Convention Center, historic theaters, and Cheney Stadium. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for innovation, operational excellence, and building high-performing teams, earning widespread respect from peers across the industry.
Her service to IAVM has been equally remarkable. Bedier has served as Chair of the IAVM Board of Directors, Chair of the Venue Management School Board of Regents, Dean of the Leadership Institute, and as an educator for thousands of venue professionals through IAVM’s educational programs. Her leadership has helped shape future generations of venue managers while advancing governance, leadership development, diversity, and inclusion throughout the Association.
“Kim’s impact on the venue management profession is immeasurable,” said Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, President & CEO of IAVM. “Her leadership has influenced not only the venues she has served, but also the thousands of professionals she has mentored, taught, and inspired throughout her career. Kim exemplifies the servant leadership, integrity, and passion that define the Charles A. McElravy Award, and IAVM is honored to recognize her extraordinary legacy.”
The Charles A. McElravy Award recognizes individuals whose careers have profoundly shaped the venue management profession through visionary leadership, dedicated service, and a lasting commitment to advancing the industry.
“Over the course of my career, I have come to believe that our profession is not really about venues, it’s about people,” said Bedier. “To be recognized by colleagues and friends – people I love and respect – is an honor beyond anything I could ever imagine. I never expected to receive an award for doing what I love and I am extremely grateful.”
Bedier will be formally recognized during one the General Sessions at VenueConnect 2026, taking place August 9–12 in Indianapolis, Indiana. IAVM members, industry partners, and venue professionals are invited to join us as we celebrate her remarkable achievements and honor a career that has helped shape generations of leaders.
Be part of this special celebration by joining us at VenueConnect 2026. Register today by visiting www.venueconnect.iavm.org and experience the industry’s premier gathering while helping us recognize one of venue management’s most influential leaders.
