Press Release

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kris Williams, CAE
July 24, 2011
972.538.1006
www.iavm.org

VICKI HAWARDEN NAMED NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO OF
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF VENUE MANAGERS

(COPPELL, TEXAS)– The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Board of Directors today announced the appointment of Vicki Hawarden, CMP as President and Chief Executive Officer. Hawarden replaces Dexter King, CFE, who announced his plans to retire in late 2010. The appointment becomes effective August 15, 2011. IAVM is the world's largest professional association dedicated to the issues relevant to the management of public assembly venues.

Hawarden brings to IAVM more than 20 years of association management experience. She most recently served as Vice President of Knowledge and Events with Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Her background also includes executive positions with the National Recreation and Park Association, American Association of Blood Banks, and International Association for Exhibition Management. During her four-year tenure at Meeting Professionals International, Hawarden managed the global training, exhibit, education, research, publishing and corporate social responsibility departments. She also led the team that rebranded and reinvented the "Professional Education Conference-North America" transforming it into a cutting edge and experimental conference called "MeetDifferent."

As President and CEO of IAVM, Hawarden will be instrumental in continuing the organization's international growth, strengthening its educational content and developing programs that resonate with young industry professionals.

"Vicki brings broad executive leadership, sound strategic vision and excellent tactical abilities to our organization," said Chairman John Siehl, CFE. "She has a solid track record of establishing strong alliances with diverse partners, and creating innovative programs and improvements that produce desired results."

"It is a privilege to be selected as IAVM's next President and CEO," said Hawarden. "Venue managers have such an incredible responsibility, not only to help nurture the vitality and economic health of their communities, but also to ensure the safety and security of their guests. In many cases, venues also serve as shelters or gathering points during times of crisis, so it's critical that IAVM provide its members with the right education and tools to do their jobs effectively. IAVM has a rich history of doing just that and one of my priorities is to extend IAVM's reach deeper into the venue management community."

Hawarden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and completed post graduate work in public relations. She is active in industry organizations and associations including the Convention Industry Council and the Professional Convention Management Association. In 2004, under her direction, The American Association of Blood Banks Meeting & TXPO was named by Trade Show Week Magazine one of the "Fastest 50" growing trade shoes in the U.S. And in 2010, she was one of the recipients of the MPI Chairman's Award for groundbreaking efforts to create globally accepted standards for the meeting and event industry.

Hawarden currently resides in Dallas, Texas and you can follow her on Twitter @vhawarden.

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The International Association of Venue Managers is the world's largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly venues. Members of the association manage public assembly venues 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. IAVM has more than 3,500 members worldwide. More information is available at www.IAVM.org.  

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