The IAVM Foundation has been committed to programs, ideas, and initiatives that build amazing careers and a strong future for the industry for more than 32 years. It has bestowed more than 300 scholarships worth approximately US$350,000 dollars.
This past July at VenueConnect in Portland, the Foundation continued this legacy by announcing its newest campaign, “Build An Amazing Future.” This campaign is a three-prong approach focused on students, young professionals, and mid-level management in the venue management industry.
Part of this approach is the commitment to funding just over $40,000 to provide 37 scholarships + internships through the Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship Program for venue professionals, young professionals, and students to attend IAVM sector meetings, schools, and VenueConnect each year. The funds will help cover the registration fees and all hotel accommodations. The Performing Arts Managers Conference in San Francisco, Feb. 15-17, 2015, will be the first sector meeting that scholarships will be offered. Visit www.iavm.org/amazingfuture for eligibility and to apply.
The Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship Program recognizes deserving individuals who demonstrate leadership, character, diversity, community involvement, and the potential to be future leaders in the venue management industry.
The program was established after the passing of Joseph A. Floreano, CFE, a long-time IAVM member, Foundation Trustee, and the first-and-only Honorary Chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees. Floreano was known for giving selflessly in both time and money to worthy industry causes. His leadership was aspirational and he took great pride in mentoring and supporting the advancement of the venue management industry. Joe Floreano was not only incredibly instrumental in the development of the Foundation’s “Build An Amazing Future” campaign but also became the inspiration as he truly resembled and embodied everything it stands for. The contributions Floreano made to the Foundation are immeasurable, and with that, we believed that the naming of the scholarship program would be the most appropriate way to honor his legacy, which will forever leave a mark on the Foundation.
““This scholarship and internship program memorializes the life and contributions a man who spent a lifetime leading by example,” said Paul Cramer, CFE, executive director of The Classic Center. “Joe was on a constant quest for quality and daily illustrated his love of servicing others. It was his attention to detail and warm-giving personality that earned him the respect and honor of his community and his peers. The professionalism by which he served the public, the IAVM association, belief in continuing education, and willingness to give to others to improve the future of our industry can only be regarded as legendary.
“I know he, his family, and staff will be honored to know that future generations to come will continue to learn by the outstanding example and legacy he has left behind,” Cramer continued. “I can’t think of a greater gift that the association and Foundation could give to future generations than a scholarship or internship named after a master of the craft of public assembly facility management.”
The Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship program will select five outstanding candidates to receive scholarships at the Performing Arts Managers Conference (PAMC), the Arena Management Conference (AMC), and the International Convention Center Conference (ICCC) in 2015 based upon the following five categories – Outstanding Leader, Diversity, Industry Women, Young Professional, and a Student Internship. The program also has scholarship + internship opportunities at the Academy for Venue Safety & Security (AVSS), Venue Management School (VMS), and VenueConnect.
“The IAVM Foundation is committed to fostering and supporting the next generation of the venue management industry,” said Foundation Board Chair Jason Rittenberry, CFE, president and CEO of IRG Sports + Entertainment. “By naming the program after Joe Floreano, we are setting the gold standard of what we should all strive to aspire to be. Joe was the ultimate mentor, leader and friend to all.”
In addition to the Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship Program, the “Build An Amazing Future” campaign will also be launching a 30 UNDER 30 Program for young professionals and a new certification – Certified Venue Professional (CVP). To learn more about the “Build An Amazing Future” campaign, please visit www.iavm.org/amazingfuture.
