IAVM has awarded the prestigious 2014 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award to Bob Mayer, CFE, an IAVM member since 1982.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be presented during the 2014 International Convention Center Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, recognizes individuals who have had a significant impact on the convention center industry and the IAVM community.
Mayer’s decades of experience are marked with accolades that recognize his commitment, drive, and passion for an industry he has been active in since his first job as assistant manager of the Myriad Convention Center in Oklahoma City in 1978.
Mayer’s involvement with IAVM has been instrumental to the association’s strengths and successes. He has worked on numerous committees, including serving five years on the board of directors. He was district vice president of IAVM from 1987-1989, IAVM’s second vice president from 1990-1991, and president of the association from 1992-1993.
Mayer’s other roles within IAVM include:
—Founding Member of the Board of Regents
—Instructor for the IAVM’s Venue Management School
—Chairman of the IAVM Foundation (1999-2000)
—Founding Chair of the Association’s first Leadership Institute Program (2001)
Recognition for Mayer’s achievements are many. In 1985, he was presented with the IAVM District VI Francis R. Deering Award; in 1987, he received the Certified Facilities Executive (CFE) designation for professional achievement; and in 2000, he received the industry’s highest honor: the IAVM Charles A. McElravy Award for outstanding contributions to the industry and IAVM. In 2005, he received one of the first Chairman’s Citations.
Since retirement, Mayer has remained highly involved in IAVM in various capacities, including serving as a member of the Performing Arts Committee and the International Convention Center Committee. He also served as chairman of the IAVM International Steering Committee, working with leadership in Europe, Australia, and China. Currently, he is a faculty member of the IAVM Academy for Venue Safety and Security (AVSS) as a subject matter expert pertaining to severe weather planning and preparedness at public assembly venues and outdoor events.
Mayer’s colleagues and peers join IAVM in celebrating his achievement.
“Bob Mayer is the first name that comes to my mind when I think about people in IAVM who would be willing to volunteer for a project assignment or task,” said John Christison, CFE, president of BCI+Network. “Bob has always said yes every time he was called upon, and he is still doing so in retirement.”
Frank Poe, executive director for the Georgia World Congress Center, said Mayer was a role model who directly impacted his work ethic and career.
“A leader is made through his hard work, sacrifice, and unquestioned integrity,” Poe said. “These are the qualities that Bob has displayed—challenging me to be the best I can be.”
Mayer’s unwavering dedication to running events smoothly and his fastidious attention to detail were noted by Harold Hansen, CFE, a senior consultant at VenuWorks.
“While there are many people and organizations that have played a role in the industry’s increased awareness and preparedness around severe weather, Bob Mayer’s contribution to the AVSS Severe Weather Planning and Preparedness Guide was instrumental to this change,” Hansen said. “Bob’s efforts have, and will, allow patrons to attend events, have a good time, and go home safely—saving lives throughout our industry.”
The IAVM Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Mayer on Friday, October 3, 2014, during a luncheon at the International Convention Center Conference. The conference will be held October 2-4 at the Fairmont Waterfront hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia.
