Award
Ames, IA – Tammy Koolbeck, Executive Director of the VenuWorks-managed Stephens Auditorium in Ames, Iowa, was recently announced as the 2024 Charles A. McElravy award recipient by International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM).
Before being named the director of Stephens Auditorium, Koolbeck was a member of the senior corporate leadership team at VenuWorks. Prior to her corporate work, Koolbeck was Assistant Executive Director of Marketing and Programming for the U.S. Cellular Center Arena/Paramount Theatre and General Manager of the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena. Koolbeck started in the public assembly management field as the Director of Marketing for the Five Seasons Center and Paramount Theatre.
“I have had the immense pleasure of working with Tammy for over 25 years. She is an outstanding advocate for our industry. Her time, talent, and passion have benefited IAVM and our entire industry for many years. I am beyond proud to have her as part of the VenuWorks family and I cannot think of a more deserving person to receive this award,” said Steve Peters, VenuWorks President.
Koolbeck has been a member of IAVM since 2001. She served as the 2019-2020 Chair for the IAVM Board of Directors and is currently heavily involved in the Association’s federal and state advocacy efforts. In 2014 and in 2021, she was honored with IAVM’s Chairman Citation. She currently serves as Chair on IAVM’s Board of Regents, on the Industry Affairs and Governance Committees, and serves as a mentor.
“To join the list of McElravy honorees means a lot, as it’s nominated by IAVM members and awarded by the IAVM Board of Directors. This association has so many great volunteer leaders and members that I’ve had the opportunity to connect with and develop long-term relationships with over the years, and I am fortunate to be a part of this great community of peers. I’m definitely the recipient of many hours of shared wisdom and knowledge from others as passionate about this industry as I am, and I sincerely appreciate this recognition,” said Koolbeck.
Koolbeck will be presented with the award at VenueConnect 2024, IAVM’s Annual Conference and Trade Show, held in Portland, Oregon, in July.
About VenuWorks
VenuWorks provides customized management solutions for arenas, stadiums, theatres, and convention centers throughout the country with services that include operations, catering, and concessions, along with the booking and marketing of sports and entertainment events. www.venuworks.com
