The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) was founded in 1924 and represents venues from around the globe. The organization has more than 5,000 active members, and its mission is to provide education and advocacy for professional public assembly venues worldwide.
Recently, IAVM recognized Shaw Conference Centre with a Venue Excellence Award for being one of North America’s top five performing public assembly venues, making Shaw Conference Centre the first Canadian venue to receive this award since 2012 (when the honour went to Vancouver Convention Centre). Shaw Conference Centre was awarded the Venue Excellence Award this year alongside: the BOK Center (arena), Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Intrust Bank Arena, and the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The Venue Excellence Award is given to five IAVM venues that demonstrate excellence in operations, team building, professional development, safety and security, and service to the community.
“This award is a testament to the world-class team we have in Edmonton that is committed to delivering a remarkable experience for our guests and community,” said Richard Wong, Shaw Conference Centre general manager. “As a mid-sized convention centre and a division of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, we’ve proven that we can punch above our weight and compete with some of the world’s largest venues. We’ve done this by showing that a venue can be more than a facility. It can be an incubator for business and an important part of the cultural fabric of a community.”
“IAVM members manage public venues all over the world, and we’re excited that the Shaw Conference Centre has proven to be one of the best. The professionals who manage the Centre are to be commended for this industry achievement, and Edmonton is fortunate to have a phenomenal asset that serves its citizens,” noted Brad Mayne, CVE, president & CEO, IAVM.
Earlier this year, Shaw Conference Centre was also recognized by Meetings Professional International, Edmonton Chapter as 2018 Venue of the Year. Another prestigious award was realized in 2008: the Human Rights Award for Excellence by the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights.
This year marks Shaw Conference Centre’s 35th anniversary. The facility is managed by Edmonton Economic Development Corporation and has a vision to be one of Canada’s top performing convention centres. The Centre notes, “Everything we do is dedicated towards pushing the limits of providing the very best experience an event planner or guest has ever had, anywhere. Our team of event experts is ready to create a REMARKABLE experience for you.”
To learn more about IVAM, visit IVAM.org or follow @IAVMWHQ on Twitter. To learn more about Shaw Conference Centre, visit shawconferencecentre.com online, @EdmontonSCC on Twitter, @ShawConferenceCentre on Facebook, and Shaw Conference Centre on Instagram, where you can share your memories using the hashtag #yegscc. Shaw Conference Centre also has a YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/user/ShawConferenceCentre).
