The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) is pleased to announce that Brittany Martin, Assistant Director of Event Services at the Georgia World Congress Center, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 IAVM VMA Asia-Pacific Leadership Institute Scholarship.
The scholarship was announced during the graduation ceremony at the 2026 Venue Management School (VMS), recognizing Martin’s outstanding achievement and commitment to professional development within the venue management industry.
The IAVM VMA Asia-Pacific Leadership Institute Scholarship provides a unique international leadership development opportunity through IAVM’s partnership with the Venue Management Association (VMA) in Australia. The scholarship recipient receives full tuition and room and board expenses to attend the VMA Leadership Institute, along with a reimbursement stipend to assist with travel and miscellaneous expenses.
The selection process is highly competitive. Year Two VMS students who achieve one of the top three test scores in the Year One program are invited to apply, provided they are available and able to travel to Australia to attend that year’s VMA Leadership Institute. Applicants then participate in a formal interview process before a final recipient is selected.
“Brittany’s dedication to professional growth, leadership development, and the venue management profession made her an exceptional candidate for this scholarship,” said Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, President & CEO of IAVM. “We are proud to recognize her achievement and look forward to seeing the knowledge, perspectives, and global connections she will gain through this experience. On behalf of IAVM, congratulations to Brittany on this well-deserved honor.”
“I am deeply grateful and truly feel blessed to have been selected for this scholarship,” stated Martin. “This is such an exciting and unique opportunity to expand my knowledge professionally and culturally on how to be and shape better leaders, while doing what I love most – connecting with people. I’m honored to be able to represent IAVM and my fellow colleagues and look forward to sharing and learning much more with my new friends down under!”
The IAVM VMA Asia-Pacific Leadership Institute Scholarship represents the Association’s commitment to investing in the next generation of venue industry leaders. By connecting emerging professionals with global learning experiences, the program broadens perspectives, strengthens leadership capabilities, and fosters international collaboration that benefits the entire profession. As Brittany embarks on this unique opportunity, she joins a distinguished group of industry leaders who have leveraged the experience to expand their impact, build lasting international relationships, and help shape the future of venue management.
