Family. Team. Band. We’re all one group when it comes to venue excellence, education, and service and this year’s awards prove it.
Excellence for all. Check. Easier submission process. Check. Multiyear application. Check.
“I’m so proud of the updated Venue Excellence Awards program! The task force has worked very hard to make it both easier to submit and far more inclusive for every kind of venue within our membership,” said Kerry Painter, CFE, CMP, CEM. “From race tracks to complexes who may have struggled in the past to squeeze into a category, the guidelines will now meet your needs. We want every venue to have a chance to brag about the great things they are doing to move this industry forward. And the best part is…your submission will now remain on file for three years to save you some of the work in applying”
The deadline to submit your application for review is May 16, 2016. Your application may be submitted as a Word document, and you may also choose to embed photos within the text.
“We’re honored to be the stadium recognized by IAVM for the accomplishments of our staff and stakeholders. The 2014 Venue Excellence Award is significant for our team at MetLife Stadium, as IAVM has great influence in the global world of venue management,” said Brad Mayne, CFE, president and CEO of MetLife Stadium. “No doubt the professional development our six IAVM members have received from the association has played a part in our ability to be recognized as one of the premiere stadiums in the world by professionals in the sports and entertainment venue industry.”
Each application submitted will be eligible for consideration for a three-year period. As an example, an application submitted for the 2016 award will remain in the application pool for 2017 and 2018 unless the applicant wins. No further action is required. However, applicants may update or modify their application prior to the annual submission deadline in 2017 and 2018.
To submit your Venue Excellence Award application, please click here.
Overview – Venue Excellence Award
The Venue Excellence Award (VEA) recognizes up to five IAVM venues of any type within the membership that demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues. This includes but is not limited to amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, casinos, complexes, convention centers, exhibit halls, fair/festival grounds, performing arts centers, race tracks, stadiums and university venues. IAVM takes pride in its members and member venues that excel in providing their communities with a safe and enjoyable space for all types of events and educational opportunities.
“This recognition is a testament to the passion, energy, and dedication that our staff puts into making INTRUST Bank Arena a top notch facility each and every day,” said SMG General Manager A.J. Boleski. “This award is unique and prestigious in that it recognizes venues not based on ticket sales, rather solely on our ability to demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues. It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as the best arena in the world based on IAVM’s Venue Excellence Award criteria.”
Any venue, publicly or privately owned and operated, that has demonstrated excellence within the last calendar year and has, at least, one current employee who is an IAVM member in good standing may apply. Venues are eligible to win multiple VEAs; however, previous winners are eligible to apply in the third year following their most recent award. As an example, a venue that wins in 2016 may apply for the 2019 award.
“What a tremendous honor to receive the Venue Excellence Award,” said Russell Read, CFE, CMP, vice president of operations for the AT&T Performing Arts Center. “An excellent venue is primarily a tribute to a great group of employees, and a celebration of artists and community. I am proud that the AT&T PAC strives to embrace these qualities every day, and honored that we were acknowledged by our professional community.”
Overview – Education & Service Award (formerly the Venue Education Award)
The IAVM Education & Service Award recognizes member involvement through community outreach, education opportunities, mentorships, and internships that demonstrate excellence within our industry as well as giving back to the community. Some examples that have been shared include: active in high school programs and career development; offering internships for local college students within the company/venue; mentoring through community outreach or within a university setting; educational offerings to staff within the company/venue; community involvement with youth and young adults. IAVM takes pride in its members and member venues that excel in providing their communities with an enjoyable space for all types of events and educational opportunities. This award is open to university staff, professional members, faculty, Allied companies and individuals, as well as retired members.
Any Allied company or individual, faculty or university venue, public assembly venue, (publicly or privately owned and operated) is eligible to apply. Individuals or companies/venues may be nominated by others or themselves and must have at least one current employee who is an IAVM member in good standing.
To submit your Education & Service Award application, please click here.
Thank you to our Awards Review Task Force members (see list below) for working diligently to bring this new “all inclusive” offering to our members.
Darius Dunn, CFE
Associate Director – Event Operations
UH Sports & Entertainment/VenuWorks
Kevin Duvall
Chief Operating Officer
Georgia World Congress Center Authority
Daniel Huerta
Executive General Manager
Fair Park Dallas
Philip Jordan, CFE
Director
Salt Lake County Center for the Arts
Denny Magruder, CFE
Executive Director
WesBanco Arena
Kerry Painter CFE, CEM, CMP
Assistant General Manager
Cox Business Center
Jason Rittenberry, CFE
Chief Strategy Officer
Circuit of the Americas | Austin 360 Amphitheatre
Maria Talbert
Associate Director
Indiana University
Erik Waldman
Senior Director of Logistics & Events
Georgia Dome
Anne Wheat
Director of Guest Services & Special Projects
MetLife Stadium
