• Be a current IAVM member (including Allied)
• Be a current volunteer during the preceding August – present
• Leadership & Initiative: Have shown initiative and leadership in one’s efforts in that current year.
  • What this means: The nominee has demonstrated a proactive, self-directed approach to their volunteer role. They don’t wait to be asked — they identify needs, step up, and inspire others to follow. This may be formal leadership (e.g., chairing a committee) or informal leadership (e.g., rallying peers around a new idea or solving a recurring challenge).
  • Sample evidence nominators might provide:
    • Chaired or co-chaired a committee, task force, or event
    • Launched a new program, resource, or process within their chapter, sector, or committee
    • Mentored other volunteers or emerging professionals
    • Stepped into a leadership gap during a transition or challenge
• Commitment to Volunteerism Have a significant depth of involvement with the association and/or venue management industry
  • What this means: The nominee has demonstrated sustained, meaningful involvement with IAVM and/or the venue management industry — not just a single moment, but a pattern of showing up and giving back. Depth of involvement matters more than the number of roles held.
  • Sample evidence nominators might provide:
    • Years of service and specific roles held within IAVM (chapter, regional, national level)
    • Participation in conferences, educational sessions, or industry events as a volunteer contributor
    • Involvement in industry outreach, DEI efforts, workforce development, or community initiatives connected to IAVM’s mission
    • Continued engagement even during periods of personal or professional challenge
• Impact & Contribution Have made an impactful difference to the association and/or venue management industry
  • What this means: The nominee’s volunteer work has produced a meaningful, tangible difference — for the association, its members, the industry, or the communities venues serve. Impact can be broad (industry-wide) or deep (transformational within a specific chapter or committee). Both are equally valued.
  • Sample evidence nominators might provide:
    • A program, initiative, or resource the nominee created or significantly advanced
    • Measurable outcomes (e.g., increased member engagement, cost savings, new partnerships, improved processes)
    • Testimonials or recognition from peers, staff, or industry colleagues
    • Contributions to IAVM publications, educational content, or professional development programming
• Collaboration & Professionalism: Works effectively with peers, staff, and members to foster a positive, inclusive environment
  • What this means: The nominee works effectively and respectfully with others — peers, IAVM staff, and members across diverse backgrounds and perspectives. They model the kind of collegial, inclusive culture that makes IAVM a strong community. Professionalism here means conduct that reflects well on the association and elevates those around them.
  • Sample evidence nominators might provide:
    • Examples of cross-committee, cross-sector, or cross-chapter collaboration
    • Efforts to include or elevate underrepresented voices within volunteer work
    • Recognition by peers or staff for their positive presence and professional conduct
    • How they handle disagreement or challenge with grace and constructiveness
• Exhibits IAVM Values of Integrity, Service, Safety, Education, Advocacy, and People First.
  • What this means: The nominee’s work and conduct reflect IAVM’s core values of Integrity, Service, Safety, Education, Advocacy, and People First — not just in what they accomplish, but in how they show up. Nominators should speak to specific values most evident in the nominee’s work; they do not need to address all six.
  • Sample evidence nominators might provide:
    • Integrity: Held to ethical standards when it was difficult; transparent and accountable in their work.
    • Service: Gives generously of their time and expertise without expectation of recognition.
    • Safety: Champions a safe environment for venue staff, event-goers, or the broader industry.
    • Education: Shares knowledge, develops others, or advances industry learning.
    • Advocacy: Speaks up for the profession, the association, or the people it serves.
    • People First: Prioritizes the well-being and dignity of colleagues, members, and communities.

Eligible Work:

• All work that will be considered for this award is during the period of August 2025-present. This is not a “lifetime volunteerism” award but is intended to highlight incredible work completed by an IAVM member during this specific timeframe.

Submission Deadline: All nominations must be submitted by April 13, 2026.

Other info:

• There will be one winner for this award
• All nominees will be notified of their nomination and asked to fill out a brief set of questions to further expand on their volunteerism

As individuals are nominated, they will be sent a brief set of questions that must be responded to by May 8, 2026.