The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Announces the 2012 Venue Excellence Awards

COPPELL, Texas, July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 2012 Venue Excellence Awards were presented in Fort Lauderdale, FL., July 23^rd at VenueConnect, IAVM's 87^th annual conference and trade show. These prestigious awards recognize venues such as stadiums, convention centers, arenas, performing arts centers, and academic institutions that demonstrate excellence in the following four criteria: service to the community, team building/professional development, safety and security, and operational excellence. The criteria used to evaluate the venues are at the core of IAVM's mission, and are key components to the success and vitality of the venue industry. A committee of industry leaders chose the finalist for each venue type, and winners were approved by the IAVM Board of Directors.

The 2012 Venue Excellence Award winners
Arenas – Sydney Entertainment Center
Convention Centers – Anaheim Convention Center
Performing Arts Centers – Mesa Arts Center
Stadiums – University of Phoenix Stadium
Venue Education – Indiana University

IAVM President and CEO, Vicki Hawarden was quoted as saying, "Each winning venue is a gem in our industry and we are thrilled to be able to recognize them. They inspire all of us to be leaders in our field." Representatives from each of the winning venues were on-hand to accept their award, including Rohit Maini, Assistant General Manager from the Sydney Entertainment Center (SEC), Sydney, Australia. The Sydney Entertainment Center's General Manager, Steve Romer, was "Thrilled that the SEC was named as the first international venue to win this major award" and went on to say, "for the SEC to be recognized by the peak international body is an absolute honor, not only for our 30-year-old iconic venue, but also for Sydney as one of the world's true global cities."

In its 87^th year, the Association's annual conference and trade show is considered to be one of the largest venue industry gatherings in the U.S. Approximately 1600 venue management professionals and exhibitors attended this year's conference. Next year's annual VenueConnect will take place July 27-30, 2013, in New Orleans, LA.

The 2012 Venue Excellence Awards luncheon was sponsored by Freeman. Venue Excellence Award, Arenas, sponsored by BOK Center; Venue Excellence Award, Convention Centers, sponsored by Vancouver Convention Centre; Venue Excellence Award, Performing Arts, sponsored by TicketsWest; Venue Education Award, sponsored by Northwood University.

The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) currently has over 3800 members worldwide. Founded in 1924 as the Auditorium Managers Association, IAVM is the world's largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly venues. Association members include venue managers from amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, convention centers/exhibit halls, performing arts venues, stadiums and university complexes. The International Association of Venue Managers, having significant influence in a global industry, is the acknowledged organization providing superlative leadership, cutting-edge innovation, advanced education, supportive advocacy, opportunities for networking and connection between venue professionals around the world. Committed to international membership growth and development, the IAVM is the preeminent source for all public assembly related research, information, services, and life-safety issues worldwide. To receive images or other information, contact Susan Ferraro, Marketing Communications Manager, at (972) 538-1011 or email to [email protected].

Susan Ferraro
Marketing Communications Manager
International Association of Venue Managers
(972) 538-1011
[email protected]

SOURCE International Association of Venue Managers