(Wichita, Kan.) – The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has recognized INTRUST Bank Arena as a Top 3 finalist for the 2014 Venue Excellence Award. The awards were presented in Portland, Ore., July 28 at VenueConnect, IAVM's 89th annual conference and trade show.
In 2013, INTRUST Bank Arena was named the IAVM Venue Excellence Award Winner. Receiving a Top 3 finalist nod the very next year is an achievement unprecedented by other arenas. 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: service to the community, teambuilding/professional development, safety and security, and operational excellence. The criteria used to evaluate the venues are at the core of IAVM’s mission, and are key components to the success and vitality of the venue industry. A committee of industry leaders chose the finalists for each venue type, and winners were approved by the IAVM Board of Directors.
“Congratulations to INTRUST Bank Arena and the SMG Wichita team for this unprecedented recognition, again being recognized as one of the best arenas in the world by IAVM,” commented SMG Senior Vice President, Entertainment, Jim McCue. “With a diverse event lineup, ranging from George Strait to James Taylor to Cher, they are having another amazing year in 2014.”
Sedgwick County Commission Chairman Dave Unruh added, “Congratulations to SMG and everyone at INTRUST Bank Arena who worked for this honor. We at Sedgwick County are proud to be your partners, working together to bring elite entertainment opportunities to our community. Keep up the good work!”
“This recognition is a testament to the passion, energy and dedication that our staff puts into making INTRUST Bank Arena a top notch facility each and every day,” said SMG General Manager, A.J. Boleski. “This award is unique and prestigious in that it recognizes venues not based on ticket sales, rather solely on our ability to demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues. We are honored to be recognized as a finalist in the arena category.”
