This year’s VenueConnect (in my humble opinion) is going to ROCK THE HOUSE! After all as Venue Professionals you’ve got to appreciate one fact, this year’s meeting is set against a backdrop of 23 miles of beautiful sand beaches, ocean waves and tropical breezes. I can’t think of a better way to reconnect with colleagues, learn and do business.

If you’re thinking that VenueConnect 2012 is going to be the same old, same old – then think again!

Start with golf or sport fishing to benefit the IAVM Foundation!

If you’ve always wanted to help the IAVM Foundation raise some money and you’re not a golfer like me, we’ve added an opportunity for you! Taking advantage of our coastal location, we’ve added a sport fishing tournament to kick off the conference on Saturday. Sign up early for this one! Continue Reading →

The Regional Meetings have begun and our update on the evolution of our governance model was well received by Region 5 & 6 in Arlington, TX, April 12th.

We are currently in the process of sharing some initial thoughts on what isn’t working with our current governance model, and what we might want to do to become more efficient as a board and as an association. We are in the information sharing and gathering phase, and the response so far has been very positive. Continue Reading →

Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!

Before we step back, slow down and enjoy the holiday season, you need to know about the highlights from our recent and successful mid-Winter Board Meeting. Our Association is taking exciting steps forward into 2012 and beyond. Continue Reading →

While re-reading the U.S. Travel Association’s response to the new executive order on the new “local first” travel policy, I can’t help but think about basketball.

Hello, IAVM members!

I’m writing to you as your new president and CEO, and if I haven’t met you yet, I look forward to doing so. I’m also pleased to share with you IAVM’s blog! As a regular reader, you’ll hear about issues that affect the venue management industry, as well as receive insights about your association and where it’s headed. Of course, I’d love to get your comments and thoughts on the subjects at hand, or feel free to email me any time at vicki.hawarden@iavm.org.

So, I recently closed out my first 45 days here at IAVM, and it’s been an eventful and rewarding time. I have spent many productive hours in conversations with volunteer leaders, staff and IAVM partners, and each conversation has given me a new perspective. That perspective, aligned with my association management experience, has led me to believe we need to focus on 7 major areas in the year ahead. Continue Reading →