IAVM Strategic Framework

In January 2025, the IAVM Board of Directors came together for a one-day retreat to define a clear vision for the organization's future. Through thoughtful discussion and collaboration, they outlined key priorities and long-term goals to guide their strategic direction.

As a result of the retreat, four central areas of focus emerged:

Advocacy and Influence

IAVM is recognized as the leading experts in the event venue industry.

Innovation and Research

IAVM supports, empowers, and facilitates innovation and provides research and data to inform and improve strategic-thinking and decision-making.

Awareness and Engagement

IAVM ensures all opportunities for engagement are accessible and meet members where they are.

Pathways of Professional Development

IAVM develops learning opportunities for every stage of a member's career

Advocacy and Influence

Goal Statement

We are recognized as the leading experts in the event venue industry.

Indicators of Success

  • We are sought out when expertise is needed.
  • We are recognized as a premier industry organization.
  • We positively shape and influence the legislative and regulatory environment.

Strategies

  • The brand equity of IAVM certifications is strong.
  • Build relationships with organizations, government, and media.
  • Create channels for two-way communication with members.
  • Elevate public visibility.

Tactics

  • Set annual advocacy priorities.
  • Provide resources for individual members to be advocates for the industry.
  • Define IAVM’s international scope and engagement beyond US borders.

Awareness and Engagement

Goal Statement

We ensure all opportunities for engagement are accessible and meet members where they are.

Indicators of Success

  • Our resources support our membership model.
  • Members feel heard, acknowledged, and supported in their professional lives.

Strategies

  • Create a level of consistency across the organization to positively impact the member experience.
  • Define what engagement means in a way that is easily understood throughout IAVM.
  • Increase awareness of the pathways of effective two-way communication between members and the association.

Tactics

Define the membership model.

Innovation and Research

Goal Statement

We support, empower, and facilitate innovation and provide research and data to inform and improve strategic-thinking and decision-making.

Indicators of Success

  • We are a thought-leader in innovative trends and inspire and motivate members to be future-thinking.
  • Members adopt and promote innovative trends and behaviors.
  • Members are able to find and leverage the information they need to address the challenges they are facing.
  • Non-members reach out to us for subject-matter expertise.

Strategies

  • Create ways to bring awareness of innovative trends to members.
  • Leverage influencer networks.
  • Encourage crowd-sourcing and interaction between members.

Tactics

  • Provide access to a catalogue of existing and new research and information that is relevant, ever-evolving, and trusted.
  • Solicit testimonials to determine successful or failed innovation.
  • Curate a group of industry influencers.

Pathways of Professional Development

Goal Statement

We develop learning opportunities for every stage of a member’s career.

Indicators of Success

  • Every member has awareness and access to the opportunities available to them.
  • We see elevated levels of consumption.
  • Members are broadening their skillsets across multiple disciplines along their desired career path.

Strategies

  • Illustrate defined pathways for members to develop at every stage of their careers and provide opportunities for following those pathways.
  • Establish credentials and certifications for individuals to demonstrate their professional growth.
  • Increase participation in LMS offerings.

Tactics

  • Develop competency levels for each role and career pathway.
  • Partner with other organizations to create building blocks (i.e. points) for the certifications.