INTRUST Bank Arena Named 2018 IAVM Venue Excellence Award Winner

The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has awarded INTRUST Bank Arena the 2018 Venue Excellence Award. The award was announced today at the IAVM Venue Connect Conference in Toronto during the Venue Industry Awards Luncheon. This prestigious award is awarded annually to recognize five IAVM venues of any type within the membership which demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues. IAVM takes pride in its members and member venues that excel in providing their communities with a safe and enjoyable space for all types of events and educational opportunities. 

Being honored alongside INTRUST Bank Arena, the 2018 Venue Excellence Award winners also include Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Orlando, Fla.), Minneapolis Convention Center (Minneapolis), BOK Center (Tulsa, Okla.), Shaw Conference Center (Edmonton).

“IAVM members manage public venues all over the world, and we’re excited that INTRUST Bank Arena has proven to be one of the best. The professionals who manage the Arena are to be commended for this industry achievement, and Wichita is fortunate to have a phenomenal asset that serves its citizens and community.” Brad Mayne, CVE, President and CEO  

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.

“INTRUST Bank Arena has been a terrific facility and all of us at SMG are proud of the venue and send our congratulations for this significant accomplishment,” commented President and CEO of SMG, Wes Westley.

Sedgwick County Commission Chairman David Dennis added, “This is great news! INTRUST Bank Arena wouldn’t have been possible without the investment of our citizens. Congrats to the INTRUST Bank Arena team for their hard work and focus on customer experiences making this a world-class venue in our region.”

 “We are very proud and honored to be recognized as a top venue in the world based on IAVM’s Venue Excellence Award criteria,” said SMG Assistant General Manager, Chris Kibler. “Our team constantly strives to be industry leaders and are always looking for ways to enhance our guest experience. This award is truly a testament to the hard work and dedication that all of our employees have put into executing the SMG mission in Wichita.”