R.V. Baugus

The International Association of Venue Managers has named R.V. Baugus as the organization’s new Senior Editor. R.V. Baugus is a communications veteran with almost 20 years’ experience covering the public assembly venue industry. R.V. is no stranger to IAVM. He worked at the association from 2000-2013 as editor of Facility Manager magazine. He started his own freelance company and has written for a number of association publications, Venues Today magazine and serves as a contributing editor to Dave Campbell’s Texas Basketball magazine.

During his previous service at IAVM, R.V. was the recipient of 10 of his 11 earned Quill Awards in various writing categories given by the Dallas chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. Facility Manager also received two magazine redesign awards and enjoyed its highest ad sales revenue during his tenure.

“I have always considered IAVM my home and my family,” R.V. said. “I am a major consumer of the various types of events that take place at our member venues and have a passion as a fan and a great understanding as a professional for the work that IAVM members do across the world at their various venues.”

Prior to coming to IAVM in 2000, R.V. was a communications associate at Young Presidents’ Organization and served as news editor of Promotional Products Business magazine with Promotional Products Association International, where he earned his other Quill Award. R.V. has also been responsible for publications with the Association of Tennis Professionals and World Championship Tennis.

R.V. is a Dallas native and a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (Journalism). He was proudly married for almost 25 years to Tanya Bailey Baugus before her sudden passing last year.

R.V. resides in Grand Prairie, Texas. In addition to being involved as a deacon at Oak View Baptist Church, R.V. serves as the public address announcer at Joy & Ralph Ellis Stadium in Irving, where he calls football games for the city’s three high schools. He also serves on the board of directors for Irving Schools Foundation.

Meredith Merritt

The International Association of Venue Managers has named Meredith Merritt as the organization’s new Director of Development. Meredith will be joining the staff November 3, 2016.  She will work with IAVM President/CEO Brad Mayne, CFE and Chair of the IAVM Foundation, Bob Hunter, CFE as well as the Board of Trustees to implement a variety of fundraising strategies and initiatives while increasing awareness of the IAVM Foundation.

Meredith brings over 10 years of experience in the industry, most recently as Senior Events and Sales Manager for the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, TX where she was responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with clients which included donors, sponsors, media partners, community partners, annual clients and new clients.  Meredith has been a member of IAVM for 5 years and has volunteered on several IAVM committees.   Merritt graduated from Clemson University with a BA in Communications Studies and is a two-year graduate of IAVM’s Venue Management School

VenueNet is the online forum where IAVM members can ask questions, give input, post stories, learn about upcoming events, discuss industry changes, prepare for potential threats, and so much more. This exclusive member benefit is a great way to communicate with your peers from every sector in the industry.

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Here’s where we spotlight some of our favorite Instagram photos we’ve seen from the past week. The photos are from members and venues worldwide. If you haven’t followed us on Instagram yet, now is a good time. By following us, you’ll be entered into our monthly drawing where you can win prizes such as conference registrations, full-page ads in FM magazine, and textbooks. The next drawing will be November 7.

Also, this week will be our final week of the #iavmweekly5 spotlight series. Next week we will share a recap featuring all 50 of our picks from the past ten weeks! But don’t worry, if you share incredible photos of your venue, or job, we will still repost them.

So behold, this week’s top five!

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The International Association of Venue Managers has named Ronald Melton as the organization’s new Chief Operations Officer/Chief Financial Officer. Melton will be joining the staff mid-November. He will oversee all operational and financial areas of the organization and will assist the President and CEO in overall management for the association.

Melton brings over 25 years of experience in the industry, most recently as COO and Interim CEO of Visit Baltimore where he managed the administrative, information technology, research, human resources, membership, accounting, finance and visitor services operations of Visit Baltimore.  Melton attended both Colorado State University and the University of Texas at Dallas where he studied Business Administration with and emphasis in Accounting. His professional career also includes positions with Travel Portland, Conference Meeting & Assistance Corporation, Continental Parts Company and the Dallas Convention Center where he served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

While with Visit Baltimore Melton was active with various professional and local organizations including serving on Boards of Directors for the National Academy Foundation School and the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance. In a letter to the members of the Baltimore Convention Center & Tourism Board, John Frisch, Chairman Visit Baltimore, stated “Ron provided excellent and thoughtful leadership during a critical time of transition for the organization, for which I remain incredibly grateful”.

“We are thrilled to have Ron leading vital teams inside our organization.” said Brad Mayne, CFE, IAVM President and CEO. “Ron’s background in our industry, coupled with his operational expertise, gives our members a strong proponent in professional growth and greater success as an association. I personally look forward to working with Ron as we look for new ways to bring more value to our members.”
The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) currently has over 5,200 members worldwide. Founded in 1924 as the Auditorium Managers Association, IAVM is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly venues. Association members include venue managers from amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, convention centers/exhibit halls, performing arts venues, stadiums and university complexes. The International Association of Venue Managers, having significant influence in a global industry, is the acknowledged organization providing superlative leadership, cutting-edge innovation, advanced education, supportive advocacy, opportunities for networking and connection between venue professionals around the world. Committed to international membership growth and development, the IAVM is the preeminent source for all public assembly related research, information, services, and life-safety issues worldwide.

To receive images or other information, email Christy Jacobs, Director of Sales & Marketing, or contact her at (972) 538-1015.

Here’s where we spotlight some of our favorite Instagram photos we’ve seen from the past week. The photos are from members and venues worldwide. If you haven’t followed us on Instagram yet, now is a good time. We may just include your photos in a future post.

By following us, you’re also entered into our monthly drawing where you can win such prizes as conference registrations, full-page ads in FM magazine, and textbooks. Congratulations to Abby Hunt, who is our recent winner. The next drawing will be November 7.

Behold, this week’s top five!

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