INTRUST Bank Arena Named 2023 IAVM Venue Excellence Award Winner
The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has awarded INTRUST Bank Arena the 2023 Venue Excellence Award. The award was announced today at the IAVM VenueConnect Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa. during the Venue Industry Awards Luncheon. This marks the third time INTRUST Bank Arena is being recognized with the Venue Excellence Award.
The Venue Excellence Awards recognize five IAVM venues across all sectors within membership. Award applicants must demonstrate distinction in the management and operations of a public assembly venue including: operational excellence, safety and security, team building/professional development and service to the community. A committee of IAVM members chooses the finalists, and winners are approved by the IAVM Board of Directors.
Due to a tie, this year there are six venues being awarded. Being honored alongside INTRUST Bank Arena, the 2023 Venue Excellence Award winners also include Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Orlando, Fla.), Baltimore Convention Center (Baltimore, Md.), BC Place Stadium (Vancouver), New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (New Orleans, La.) and Schottenstein Center/Nationwide Arena (Columbus, Ohio).
Highlights from INTRUST Bank Arena’s Venue Excellence Award submission include providing several public services throughout the pandemic, such as operating as a PPE warehouse to package and distribute PPE kits for Sedgwick County, serving as a COVID testing site and vaccine clinic and also functioning as an early voting location in the Fall of 2020. Additionally, as live events returned from COVID, INTRUST Bank Arena reimagined the guest experience in innovative ways, including implementing a cashless experience for guests, enhancing overall security and expediting the entry process by introducing new walk-through metal detectors and a clear bag policy,and adding new amenities and increased points of sale on the food and beverage side to increase customer satisfaction.
“The team at INTRUST Bank Arena should be incredibly proud of themselves, as it is an honor to be recognized by such a prestigious organization as the IAVM,” said Tony Cima, senior vice president, stadiums and arenas, for ASM Global. “The team has proven time and time again that they have a tremendous ability to think creatively and execute strategically to accomplish their goals, and the industry is clearly taking notice of their efforts. We are excited to see the continued success of this arena for years to come.”
Sedgwick County Commission Chairman Pete Meitzner added, “For the third time, INTRUST Bank Arena’s hard work and positive customer experiences is noted through receiving this award. We are proud to have this arena in our region serving our residents a good time. Congratulations!”
“To be a 2023 Venue Excellence Award Winner is a testament to the tenacity and resilience of each of our INTRUST Bank Arena team members,” commented Tyler Slanovec, assistant general manager, ASM Global “The COVID pandemic was an unfathomable time for our industry and in 2021 & 2022, we came back stronger than ever and were able to celebrate our best performing year since our Grand Opening. The continued support and reinvestment into the facility from Sedgwick County has allowed us to remain at the cutting edge of new technology and initiatives and ensure the highest level of guest satisfaction event after event.”