IAVM Headquarters, Coppell, TX – (August 19, 2022) – Eight venue
industry professionals received their Certified Venue Executive (CVE)
designation from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
in July 2022. CVE applicants are rated on their experience and
accomplishments in public venue management and must successfully
complete a comprehensive written essay, written examination, and oral
examination that tests general knowledge of the public venue management
profession. The CVE designation demonstrates that a venue executive: is
a skilled manager is committed to the industry and is pledged to
continued professional growth and development. Managers who earn the CVE
designation are recognized, by those inside and outside the industry, as
experts in their profession.
IAVM’s Board Chair, Eric D. Hart, said, “Since 1976 this prestigious
program has served as a distinction for those in venue management. I
would like to offer my most sincere congratulations to each of these
individuals. There is no doubt that their hard work and leadership are
to be admired within the industry.”
Andrea Smalls who has been with the Georgia International Convention
Center since 1993 is among the 8 venue management professionals to be
awarded a CVE this year.
“With over 29 years in the industry, the Georgia International
Convention Center is extremely lucky to have such a dedicated, highly
trained and well-regarded individual in a leadership role” says
Mercedes Miller, Executive Director.
The CVE designation is an indication of demonstrated skill in
leadership, activity in community affairs, and expertise in management of
public venues. The elite group of 317 now includes the following newly
awarded CVEs to its honor roll:
· Andrea Smalls, CVE, Georgia International Convention Center
(College Park, GA)
· Ernest Philip (Phil) Ashurst, CVE, the University of Louisiana at
Lafayette (Lafayette, LA)
· Stacey Church, CVE, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
(Dallas, TX)
· Scott G. Keith, CVE, Lansing Center (Lansing, MI)
· Steve Mackenzie, CVE, Ungerboeck (O’Fallon, MO)
· Christopher G. Post, CVE, Amarillo Civic Center Complex
(Amarillo, TX)
· Anna Rosburg, CVE, Alerus Center (Grand Forks, ND)
· Anne Wheat, CVE, Pier 57 @ Google (New York, NY)
The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) currently has
over 6,700 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
centers, 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 the venue
professionals around the world. Committed to international membership
growth and development, IAVM is the preeminent source for all public
assembly venue-related research, information, services, and life-safety
issues worldwide.
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About the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC)
Georgia’s second-largest convention center, the Georgia International
Convention Center (GICC), is uniquely positioned to offer guests and
clients unprecedented convenience. As the world’s only convention center
directly connected to a major airport, this modern facility embodies the
grace and efficiency of flight itself. The GICC is also home to three
new LEED-certified convention hotels; the Atlanta Airport Marriott
Gateway, the Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway, and the Springhill
Suites Atlanta Airport Gateway. Equipped with a wide range of
cutting-edge facilities, including a 9,800 square-foot Culinary Arts
Center and Georgia’s largest ballroom at 40,000 square feet, this event
space provides solutions tailored to each convention’s unique needs. The
GICC has also successfully achieved GBAC Star Facility Accreditation and
is committed to protecting the health and safety of all attendees at
every event.
