A big part of the joy of receiving the Joseph P. Anzivino Award from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) in Chicago was sharing the stage with some very important people. Mike McGee, who received IAVM’s top honor, the Charles A. McElravy Award, that same day, has always been a supporter and friend. Presenters for Mike included Russ Simons, Venue Solutions Group, and Alan Freeman, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, both of whom worked for Mike at the Houston Summit and who I’ve known about as long as I’ve known Mike. Donna Dowless, who presented my award, worked for Mike in Lakeland, Fla., and was one of the first women honored with our Venues Today Women of Influence Awards.
Going into that day, I believed this was the final stop on my 2019 Awards Tour, the Triple Crown of industry awards, which started with the inaugural Impact Award from INTIX and continued with the Gigi Award from EAMC.
But no.
I’ve since received a call from Dr. Matt Brown at the University of South Carolina, Columbia, asking me to accept the Sport, Entertainment & Venues Tomorrow (SEVT) Lifetime Achievement Award in November. I’m thrilled. For 10 years, I was involved in selecting the individuals who received this award. Now I’m seeing it from the other side, and I get it.
Only the people willing to give back to this industry in time and travel to inspire and, when possible, help others understand the business…only those people accept these awards. I’m honored to give back. Join me in Columbia, S.C., Nov. 21. SEVT is a great event.
My mother always wanted me to be a teacher and now, I truly believe education is my calling.
