International Association of Venue Managers

International Association of Venite Managers is the world's leading professional association dedicated to the management of public assembly venues. Founded in 1924, it represents thousands of venue management professionals across a global network of facilities, including stadiums, arenas, theatres, convention centers, and performing arts centers. The association provides critical resources in professional development, industry advocacy, and the establishment of operational standards to ensure safety, efficiency, and excellence in venue management worldwide.

History

The organization was established in 1924 as the "International Association of Auditorium Managers" during a pivotal meeting at the Hotel LaSalle in Chicago, reflecting the early 20th-century boom in municipal auditorium construction. Key founding figures included managers from prominent facilities like the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium and the Omaha Civic Auditorium. Its evolution mirrored the growth of the entertainment industry and sports business, leading to a name change to the "International Association of Assembly Managers" in 1990 before adopting its current title in 2004. This shift acknowledged the expanding scope of venue types, from traditional theatres to massive NFL stadiums and complex convention centers like the McCormick Place in Chicago.

Organization and governance

Governed by a Board of directors elected from its membership, the association's strategic direction is set by volunteer leaders who are senior executives at major venues worldwide. Day-to-day operations are managed by a professional staff headquartered in Coppell, Texas, led by the President and CEO. The governance structure includes various committees and task forces, such as the Executive Committee and the Foundation Board, which oversee specific initiatives like the Venue Management School and scholarship programs. This structure ensures alignment with the needs of diverse venues, from the historic Radio City Music Hall to modern marvels like the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Membership and member services

Membership is categorized into several tiers, including Venue, Professional, Associate, and Student members, encompassing individuals from facilities like the Madison Square Garden and Sydney Opera House. Core services include access to a proprietary database of industry benchmarks, a comprehensive job board, and specialized insurance programs through partners like Aon. Members also benefit from exclusive research reports, legal advisories, and networking platforms that connect professionals from the O2 Arena in London to the Tokyo Dome in Japan. These resources are designed to address the unique challenges of operating high-profile venues that host events ranging from Broadway tours to FIFA World Cup matches.

Education and professional development

The association is renowned for its rigorous educational curriculum, anchored by the Venue Management School at Oglebay Resort in West Virginia and the Senior Executive Symposium. It offers the Certified Venue Executive credential, a prestigious certification that signifies mastery in the field. Additional programs include the Venue Management Institute and numerous workshops held in conjunction with major industry events like the VenueConnect conference. These programs often feature instructors and case studies from leading organizations such as ASM Global, Oak View Group, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, providing practical insights into crowd management, event security, and sustainable operations.

Industry advocacy and standards

The organization actively advocates on behalf of the venue industry before legislative bodies like the United States Congress and regulatory agencies including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It plays a crucial role in developing and promoting industry standards for areas such as life safety, accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and emergency preparedness. The association collaborates with entities like the National Fire Protection Association and the International Code Council to influence codes and best practices. Its advocacy efforts were particularly visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, where it worked with the White House and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on reopening guidelines for public venues.

Major events and programs

The flagship event is the annual VenueConnect conference, a major gathering that features educational sessions, a large trade show, and networking events, often hosted in cities like Orlando or Las Vegas. Other significant programs include the Women of Venue Management Summit and the annual Hall of Fame celebration, which honors legends like Bill Squires and institutions such as the Ryman Auditorium. The association also organizes the Venue Excellence Award, recognizing outstanding achievements in venue operation, and supports the IAVM Foundation, which funds research and scholarships for future leaders in the field.