Press Release

 

For Immediate Release

June 22, 2006
 
Contact: Kim Cook
(972) 906-7441
www.iaam.org


IAAM 81st Annual Conference & Trade Show To Highlight Trade Show and Education In San Antonio, TX

Coppell, TX—The International Association of Assembly Managers—the leading association for managers of public assembly facilities including arenas, convention centers, performing arts centers, and stadiums—will host its 81st Annual Conference & Trade Show August 4-8, 2006 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX. Conference activities will begin August 4 with the annual IAAM Foundation Friday Golf Tournament and the 7th Annual University Venue Management Conference. The trade show will open Saturday, August 5 with daily hours through Monday, August 7th. Conference educational sessions begin Saturday, highlighted by keynote speaker and co-host of ABCNEWS’ Good Morning America, Robin Roberts

The Annual Conference & Trade Show is an important event for the business affairs of IAAM. At the Inaugural Luncheon on Monday afternoon, David B. Ross, CFE, Director of the Show Me Center at Southeast Missouri State University will pass the role of IAAM President to Larry B. Perkins, CFE, CMP, CPP, Assistant General Manager of the RBC Center in Raleigh, NC. During the luncheon, special awards will also be given to recognize members for their service to IAAM. J. Scott Williams, CFE, General Manager of the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT, will be presented with the Charles A. McElravy Award, the highest honor bestowed by IAAM.

The Trade Show will contain more than 300 exhibiting companies that provide products and services relative to the public assembly facility industry. In addition, for the second year, the trade show will again be combined with the National Association of Concessionaires trade show, providing a wide range of exhibitors and attendees. The educational offerings at IAAM’s annual conference provide training in a broad range of issues that impact the venue management industry. The third annual Agency Forum will provide a focus on touring in the country music industry. Other session highlights include The Leadership Institute: Mentor/Protégé Relationships, Leveraging Diversity: Releasing the Power of Your Workforce, Communication Crazymakers with speaker Anne Murray, and how to Finesse the Press with Dallas television reporter Jeff Crilley.

Special emergency preparedness and security sessions are also on the agenda. A presentation of the Best Practices for Mega-Shelter Management by Greg Davis, Director of the CAJUNDOME in Lafayette, LA will highlight the work done by facility managers in response to the creation of mega-shelters. Also, sessions and computer labs on the Vulnerability Identification Self-Assessment Tool (ViSAT) will provide an in-depth look at the Department of Homeland Security tool created to assist venue managers with their emergency planning.

Social events are on the agenda as well. The Foundation Friday Golf Tournament at the Westin La Cantera Resort San Antonio provides key networking opportunities, while providing support for the IAAM Foundation which funds research and education for the public assembly facility industry. The President’s Gala will take place Friday evening at the Marriott Rivercenter. IAAM Fun Night will be Monday, August 7th at Sunset Station.

Full conference information and a schedule of events are available at www.iaam.org.

The International Association of Assembly Managers is the world's largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly facilities. Members of the association manage public assembly facilities such as amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, convention centers/exhibit halls, performing arts venues, stadiums and university complexes; or provide products, services or attractions to support the industry. IAAM has more than 3,200 members worldwide. More information is available at www.iaam.org.

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