In accordance with IAVM policies and bylaws, the slate for the 2019-2020 Board of Directors is now available online. As in previous years, members will have an opportunity to cast their votes electronically in advance of VenueConnect in Chicago.

Members can read about the candidates online during their leisure in preparation of casting their votes.

The ballot box will open June 17, 2019 and will close on July 12, 2019.  In the interim, take advantage of the opportunity to read all about those individuals slated to lead the Association during the next year.

The International Association of Venue Managers has named Devon Carter as its new Membership Sales Specialist. Devon joined the Membership team in April, and is already making an impact on membership retention and acquisition. Prior to joining IAVM, he was with the Frisco RoughRiders, a Minor League Baseball team and Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, where he coordinated partnerships between the Frisco RoughRider’s Foundation and local charitable organizations, as well as organized community events.

“I am definitely a people person,” stated Devon, when asked why he chose to join IAVM. “I love working directly with people. When I saw who comprised the membership and researched what IAVM stands for, what this association does for its members, I was very intrigued.  I saw a lot of myself in the IAVM mission.”

Devon’s primary focus will be to generate new business and new members across all sectors, as well as help drive revenue growth.

“We are thrilled that Devon has joined IAVM,” said Gina Brydson, IAVM’s Director of Membership. “His sales background, great personality and charm, and initiative will help us achieve our goal of making IAVM even stronger in the years to come. He is already bringing in new members! We can’t wait for you to meet him. Please welcome him to the IAVM family if you haven’t done so already.”

“A lot of my prior professional accomplishments have revolved around getting communities involved and building relationships,” noted Devon. “My dream is to just be able to connect people in ways that they can grow professionally and personally, and to be someone who gives them the means to do so.”

Welcome to IAVM, Devon!

Devon can be reached at devon.carter@iavm.org

There’s still time to register for the Columbia (SC) Metropolitan Convention Center’s Emergency Preparedness and Risk Mitigation Safety Training on June 18. Maybe you’re still deciding, which is why we want to let you know FIVE reasons you should attend this summer’s training:

1. Receive your Trained Crowd Manager (TCM) certificate from IAVM.

It’s a great addition to your resume and proof that your organization is taking necessary steps to prepare for the risks that events face in today’s world.

2. Listen to industry experts, including IAVM Director of Education Mark Herrera.

As part of his duties, Mark teaches situational awareness-mindset training aimed at giving venues the tools to be more safe and secure. The training emphasizes on exceptional focus, performance, and control in extreme situations.

In addition, as the Director of Education for IAVM, Mark represents the Department of Homeland Security Office of Infrastructure Protection on the Public Assembly Facility Sub-Sector Council. As a representative, he works in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and the Protective Security Advisor to assure that information is provided to protect our public facility assemblies and all critical infrastructures.

3. Network with your peers and other security professionals.

Whether networking over lunch, during breaks, or after the training concludes, you will have the opportunity to meet individuals who do what you do in their respective communities. Swap business cards or contact information to keep the conversation going!

4. Bring back knowledge and information to share with your team.

There are plenty of challenges that face today’s meeting planners and security professionals from crowd management to active shooter risks. Be ready with the latest in industry best practices so you and your team are prepared.

5. Make a difference in the safety of your organization in case of emergency.

At the end of the day, we all just want to keep our events and communities safe, and we hope you will join us to learn more ways to do so.

To register, click here.

Lincoln Financial Group and the NFL Philadelphia Eagles have extended the venue’s naming rights agreement another 10 years for the stadium to remain Lincoln Financial Field. The partnership that started in 2002 is one of the longest naming rights relationships in the NFL and will now run through the 2032 season.

The “Linc” has served as home to the Eagles and Temple University’s college football team since it opened in August 2003. Under the new agreement, Lincoln Financial Group will have a more dynamic presence within the 69,176-capacity venue with new signage prominently featured in, around, and on top of the stadium.

“We are extremely proud to continue our partnership with the Philadelphia Eagles, which plays a strategic role in elevating awareness of our brand to a wide and diverse audience,” said Dennis Glass, president and CEO of Lincoln Financial Group. “Additionally, our team connection has always gone much deeper than just the name on the stadium, and so we look forward to creating even more positive outcomes together that will benefit the local community.”

The extension of the relationship ensures that Lincoln Financial Group and the Eagles will continue to partner on community programs such as the Eagles Eye Mobile and Eagles Glasses Lab, which provides underserved children throughout the Philadelphia region with access to eye exams, glasses, and follow-up care annually. To date, this program has helped thousands of students receive eye care that was previously unavailable to them.

In addition to the community partnerships that fund and facilitate the Eagles Eye Mobile and Eagles Glasses Lab, Lincoln Financial Group is a presenting sponsor of the 2019 Eagles Autism Challenge.

“Since the first day of our relationship in 2002, we’ve shared many great moments at Lincoln Financial Field, including three NFC Championships, a Snow Bowl, countless concerts, and important community events like the Eagles Autism Challenge,” said Eagles Chairman/CEO Jeffrey Lurie. “At the end of the day, relationships are what matter, so we are honored and appreciative to have an exceptional partner in Lincoln Financial who continues to demonstrate with this extension a shared commitment to our team, our fans, and the community.”

The Allen (TX) Event Center hosted the first Overwatch League home games in esports history. The Bud Light Homestand Weekend was held April 27-28 and attracted more than 9,000 people, the largest spectator crowd ever to watch a live regular season Overwatch League event. The weekend featured 100 of the world’s best esports players from eight international teams including the hometown Dallas Fuel.

“With teams coming in from across the globe including London, Paris, and Seoul, we knew that Allen Event Center would be in the international spotlight,” said Bill Herman, general manager of Allen Event Center. “Our staff began focusing on this event as soon as it was announced in December and put in countless hours to meet and exceed the high expectations of the league and the team.”

With a focus on communication and coordination, Allen Event Center staff worked closely with several event partners including
production companies, labor providers, television broadcast teams, game server and networking crews, and a pyrotechnics team.

“More coordination was required on this event than pretty much any other event we’ve done at Allen Event Center,” said Ross
Girouard, CVP, assistant general manager of Allen Event Center. “Our Event Leads stayed in constant communication with their
contacts at all the various organizations and agencies involved to make sure everything was covered and accounted for.”

To accommodate the event’s tech-savvy and mobile-driven fan base, Allen Event Center provided 10 times its usual internet
capacity to help with increased demands for streaming and social media connectivity.

The social buzz and economic impact of the event were felt throughout the city of Allen as fans patronized area restaurants, bars, and especially hotels, which saw a 25 percent occupancy pickup over the weekend.

More than a first-of-its-kind event, The Bud Light Homestand Weekend at Allen Event Center proved to be an experience to
remember.

“Working with the Dallas Fuel, Overwatch League and their partners was a fantastic experience,” said Girouard. “Their
professionalism and execution of their work is on par with professional leagues like the NFL or NBA and it showed in the event.”

“This was an incredible weekend on a number of levels,” said Geoff Moore, president of the Dallas Fuel. “We showcased this
region’s passion for esports and delivered a high-energy, unique debut among the storied Dallas sports franchises.”