The IAVM Foundation is honored to announce Allen Johnson, CVE, CPM, Chief Venues Officer for the City of Orlando, as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Foundation Legacy Award. This award honors an individual whose commitment and contributions have left a lasting legacy on the Foundation and the venue management industry at large.
“It is my honor to announce Allen Johnson, CVE, CMP, as the 2025 IAVM Foundation Legacy Award recipient,” said Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, IAVM President & CEO. “His contributions to IAVM—as a past Foundation Chair, committee member, and tireless advocate—have left a lasting impact on our community. We are proud to recognize Allen and celebrate all he has done to elevate the industry.”
Since 2004, Johnson has served as Chief Venues Officer for the City of Orlando’s Venues Department, overseeing operations for high-profile facilities such as the Kia Center (formerly Amway Center), Camping World Stadium, Tinker Field, Harry P. Leu Gardens, and the Mennello Museum of American Art. His leadership also extended to the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre and the Expo Center during his tenure.
With over four decades of experience in the venue industry, Johnson’s impact reaches far beyond his local community. A longtime IAVM member and past Chair and Trustee of the IAVM Foundation Board of Trustees, he currently serves on the IAVM Arenas Committee and holds board positions with the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, Florida Citrus Sports, and several other civic and professional organizations. His dedication to mentoring and public service has shaped the careers of countless industry professionals.
“Allen Johnson is the epitome of selfless dedication and unwavering generosity,” stated Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP, Chair of the IAVM Foundation Board of Trustees. “Year after year, he goes above and beyond to support the IAVM Foundation, quietly but powerfully contributing in ways that have an immeasurable impact. His consistent donation of Orlando packages for the Silent Auction is not only a significant revenue generator for the Foundation, but it also creates lasting memories for our members and their families, offering them unforgettable experiences that truly enrich their lives. It is with deep gratitude and admiration that we honor Allen with the Foundation Legacy Award. This recognition is a small reflection of the immense impact he has had, and we are truly privileged to celebrate his incredible contributions.”
Johnson’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, including finalist nominations for Pollstar’s Facility Executive of the Year, IAVM’s Venue Excellence Award, and the UK’s TheStadiumBusiness Customer Experience Award.
In recognition of his extensive civic contributions, Johnson was named the 2019 Downtowner of the Year by the Downtown Orlando Partnership and received the 2020 SPORTYS Award from the Greater Orlando Sports Commission as Central Florida’s Sports Executive of the Year.
Johnson will be presented the Legacy Award during IAVM’s VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show, July 28–31, in New Orleans, LA.
