BOK Center Awarded 2011 Top Arena Venue Excellence Award

ulsa, OK – June 10, 2011 – The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has awarded the BOK Center the 2011 Venue Excellence Award.  This prestigious award is given annually to only one arena in the world and recognizes the best arena based on four criteria used to demonstrate the ways in which the venue has excelled in the management and operation of a public assembly venue.  The criteria for the award includes: Operational Excellence, Teambuilding/Professional Development, Safety and Security, and Service to the Community.

“The BOK Center and SMG, in receiving this award, put themselves at the pinnacle of venue management.  What the BOK Center has accomplished in just three short years is truly phenomenal,” said Dexter King, President and CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers.

“As the world leader in venue management we expect the best and I'm happy to say that our management team in Tulsa has accomplished this goal in an amazing fashion,” commented Wes Westley, President and CEO of SMG.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett added "The BOK Center under SMG's leadership has truly shown what a successful public/private partnership should look like.  We couldn't have accomplished or received the praise, recognition, and acclaim without SMG, I especially want to give praise and thanks to John Bolton, the General Manager of the BOK Center.  Our receipt of this prestigious award is due in large part to Mr. Bolton's leadership and vision."

In accepting the award, John Bolton, General Manager of the SMG-managed facility, noted “To be recognized as THE BEST takes an amazing team and I'm proud to say we have that team with SMG both here in Tulsa and in our corporate headquarters in Philadelphia.  This award recognizes the hundreds of part-time and full-time employees who work every day to ensure our guests have an amazing experience.”

About IAVM:
Founded in 1924, the International Association of Venue Managers, having significant influence in a global industry, is the acknowledged organization providing superlative leadership, cutting-edge innovation, advanced education, supportive advocacy, opportunities for networking and connection to other venue professionals around the world. Committed to international membership growth and development, the IAVM is the preeminent source for all public assembly related research, information, services, and life-safety issues worldwide. IAVM provides unprecedented member value and is endowed with unlimited opportunities to partner and embrace industry affiliations.

Picture (from L to R): Dexter King, Joe Romano, Mayor Dewey Bartlett and John Bolton.