When we at IAVM and Facility Manager magazine say that the Association’s leading bi-monthly magazine is YOUR magazine, we mean it. We are the stewards and the ones responsible for producing content from issue to issue that helps you become a better venue manager. It is the primary reason for our existence and to ensure that for your membership you are getting the very best from the magazine.

To that end and since it is in fact your magazine, we want to request a favor: send us your story ideas for future issues of the magazine. We want to hear from you about what the hottest, latest, and greatest stories are in your world that we need to look at and report on. Do not think any subject too trivial for us to look at; we simply want to hear from you so that we might consider and evaluate feature stories moving forward.

Please email those story ideas (and suggested authors, if that applies), to rv.baugus@iavm.org, and we will be happy to consider for future publication and get back to you.

We sincerely value your input and ask again that you seriously consider a topic (or two … or three) and let us hear from you.

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) announced the hiring of Joyce Leveston as general manager. She will begin on July 16.

In her new role, Leveston will be responsible for overseeing the MCCA’s overall business operations teams and contract partners with a major focus on leadership, management and direction to further enhance the customer’s experience at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Hynes Convention Center, and Lawn On D.

She currently serves as director of convention services at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. where she leads a team of 14 and manages all aspects of convention services, event and facility operations, and coordination between the facility and its contract partners. Leveston has managed many signature events such as the Presidential Inaugural Balls, the Nuclear Security Summit for President Barack Obama, the Republican National Convention, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference, and the AIPAC Policy Conference.

“It is a privilege and an honor to be welcomed into the MCCA family. I look forward to supporting the vision and growth of such well respected professionals in the industry,” Leveston said. “It is my intention to build on Boston’s outstanding industry reputation for customer service excellence as we welcome and host visitors from around the world to the MCCA’s award winning venues.”

Leveston brings a wealth of industry knowledge to her new role. She has prior experience in key leadership roles in several Tier 1 convention markets including the San Diego Convention Center, the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX, and the Miami Beach Convention Center. At each stop she took on additional responsibilities and earned the confidence of her peers within the organization while raising her professional profile through membership in multiple professional organizations. Leveston is a regular participant in industry task forces and has been a presenter at events both domestic and international.

“Boston is a premier global destination for meetings, conventions and events, and we are excited to welcome Joyce to our already strong leadership team,” said David Gibbons, executive director of the MCCA. “Joyce has the talent, knowledge, expertise, and experience to lead the team, take on new responsibilities, and create an environment that delivers service excellence to every customer.”

In support of LGBT Pride Month, AEG is creating awareness around diversity and inclusion with the release of its “Infinite Diversity” video that underscores the organization’s belief in unity and diversity and can be seen here.

Newly launched, the campaign encourages employees and fans to view the video and share it on their social channels via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #BetterAsOne. The program promotes AEG’s belief that its strength comes through diversity of thought and ideas.

Dan Beckerman, CEO and President of AEG, said, “At AEG, we embrace our differences with regards to race, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disabilities, politics, sexual orientation, education, and religion, and are focused on building a culture that consistently promotes diversity of thought. Diversity and inclusion are more than a corporate policy — they are embedded in everything we do, not only because it is the ‘right thing to do,’ but because it adds value to our organization. We are proud to celebrate diversity during Pride Month and throughout the entire year.”

In addition to promoting its “Infinite Diversity,” video on social media, on June 5 AEG hosted a discussion with Gregory Lewis, executive director and CEO of True Colors Fund, at the GRAMMY Museum at LA LIVE for its U.S. employee workforce that focuses on the work that True Colors Fund is doing to combat homelessness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth.

Venue Management Association (Asia and Pacific) Limited, held its Asia – Pacific Venue Industry Congress from May 20-23, in Auckland, New Zealand, where the association dispensed a number of awards and recognition to industry professionals.

In addition to the awards, the VMA recognized 13 individuals who attained their Accredited Venue Manager (AVM) designation, a mark that recognizes venue industry practitioners with extensive industry experience skills and qualifications.

Also, IAVM’s Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation was bestowed upon 21 individuals who now hold the internationally prestigious rank.

Other awards:

Lifetime Achievement Award
Sally Arch, General Manager
Adelaide Entertainment Centre & Coopers Stadium at Adelaide Venue Management Corporation

2018 Venue Professional of the Year
Darren Burden, Chief Executive
Vbase

2018 Allied Professional of the Year
Jim Fidler, Director
Secure Events and Assets

2018 Young Achiever of the Year
Nicola Drummy, Event Project Manager
Melbourne & Olympic Parks