 September
2001
In his President’s Message in the September/October 2001 issue of
Facility Manager magazine, Lionel Dubay comments that “Your new
Board of Directors has made a solid decision in the hiring of Dexter
King, CFE, as our new executive director. Dexter brings a wide range
of experience and extensive knowledge of the industry to us and I
have no doubt that with his leadership we will move IAAM closer to
achieving our vision of being the acknowledged leader.”
September 11, 2001
King’s first day in his new position is on September 4, 2001.
Exactly one week later America is attacked by terrorists as
airplanes are fl own into the World Trade Center towers in New York
and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Yet another plane crashes into
a field in Pennsylvania before it can reach Washington, D.C. Dubay
appoints Immediate Past President Frank Poe to serve as chair of the
newly created Safety & Security Task Force (SSTF) and Larry Perkins
as vice chair to develop and publish through IAAM a set of best
practices in security, safety, terrorism and crisis management.
The Arena Management Conference is taking place at the
time in Miami, Florida, and from there King says, “In the midst of
this tragedy, there has emerged a resilient human spirit that wants
to overcome and to resurrect something out of the ashes. We in
public assembly management cannot underestimate our role in helping
make this resurrection complete.”
November 2001
A record 386 attendees come to San Diego for the International Crowd
Management Conference, a meeting that has been revamped to address
safety and security following the 9/11 attacks. May 2002 The IAAM
Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary by supporting the new
Leadership Institute held May 16-19 in San Diego and which would
draw 72 registrants.
June 2002
IAAM holds its first audio conference on the Internet on June 27.
This leap into virtual education addressed venue security after
September 11 and was based on the work of the IAAM Safety and
Security Task Force.
June/July 2002
King and IAAM officers Lionel Dubay, Joe Floreano and Frank Poe meet
with representatives of the Association Internationale des Palais de
Congres (AIPC) and European Arenas Association (EAA) during the June
28-July 3 AIPC annual conference to discuss partnering with the two
associations on a European school for public assembly venue
managers.
January 2003
The inaugural International Stadium Management Conference takes
place January 9-11 in Phoenix and attracts 169 attendees.
July 2003
The IAAM News newsletter goes electronic and is e-mailed the 1st and
15th of each month to members.
September 2003
The Safety and Security Task Force (SSTF) transitions into the Life
Safety Council (LSC).
November 2003
IAAM participates at the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks in
a multimedia presentation about “Preparedness Training in the U.S.”
February 2004
IAAM announces an inaugural Academy for Venue Safety & Security will
debut
August 22-26 of that year.
August 2004
The IAAM Board of Directors unanimously approves the creation of
District 8 to encompass all European countries and to focus on the
specific needs of public assembly venues in Europe
October 2004
King along with CEO’s of five leading industry associations meet and
form an alliance and working partnership to benefit the respective
members of IAAM, International Festivals and Events Association,
Outdoor Amusement Business Association, International Association of
Amusement Parks and Attractions and International Association of
Fairs and Expositions.
June 2005
The Public Assembly Facility Management School (PAFMS) Board of
Regents presents the first Public Assembly Facility Management
School – Graduate Institute to take place in June 2006.
August 2005
Facility Manager magazine is a winner in the Award of Excellence
categories for Most Improved Magazines & Journals and Best Redesigns
in the 17th Annual APEX Awards for Publication Excellence.
September 2005
Hurricane Katrina makes a direct strike on the Gulf Coast and
batters New Orleans and the Mississippi coastline.
October 2005
The IAAM Foundation is awarded a $750,000 grant from the Department
of Homeland Security to strengthen educational opportunities for
emergency preparedness training for public assembly facility
managers.
April 2006
IAAM Europe holds its first annual meeting in Vienna, Austria from
April 19-21.
July 2006
The volunteer leadership of IAAM and the Destination Marketing
Association International (DMAI) establishes the DMAI-IAAM Liaison
Group to serve as the universal voice to facilitate partnership,
provide joint advocacy and identify common objectives for
destination marketing organizations and convention facilities.
August 2006
IAAM releases IAAM Mega Shelter Best Practice Guidelines for
Planning, Activation and Operation to address the salient needs that
arose during the Hurricane Katrina experience.
September 2006
IAAM Chapters—community-based grassroots initiatives designed to
foster career development and provide networking opportunities for
new and existing public assembly venue professionals—continue to
grow.
March 2007
The American Red Cross and IAAM develop a partnership stating that
both organizations with representation in every state will work
cooperatively with local officials to establish procedures and
protocols to open “mega shelters” during a disaster.
May 2007
The IAAM Foundation celebrates its 25th year.
June 2007
IAAM partners with Lulu.com, an online marketplace for digital
content on demand, to meet membership needs, facilitate global
expansion and to encourage other managers to become published
authors.
July 2007
IAAM and the Venue Management Association (Asia & Pacific) Ltd. form
an affiliation agreement to establish an alliance between the two
groups to support international growth and membership benefits. VMA
members receive full membership benefits with IAAM and the agreement
aligns the two largest public venue management associations.
August 2007
The Membership, Management and Governance Initiative Study Group (MMGI)
meets at IAAM World Headquarters. The 24 veteran industry
practitioners met to look at the future of the association and its
role within the industry and to the membership it serves.
September 2007
IAAM Europe introduces the European Academy for Venue Management (EAVM)
to be held September 2-7 in Innsbruck, Austria.
January 2008
The Diversification Committee develops the IAAM Mentor Program.
May 2008
IAAM participates in a public/media affairs exercise sponsored by
the Department of Homeland Security Office of Public Affairs and the
Office of Infrastructure Protection.
December 2008
Twenty percent of IAAM members give a record total of $119,625 to
fund IAAM Foundation grants and programs for the upcoming year.
May 2009
The free social networking and micro-blogging service Twitter comes
to the association at http://twitter.com/IAAMWHQ.
July 2009
A Memorandum of Understanding is signed on July 27 by King, Eric Gao
and John Siehl to announce the formation of IAAM China.
July 2009
The first IAAM Sustainability Showcase debuts on the trade show
floor of the Annual Conference & Trade Show in Boston.
July
2009
IAAM membership and governance categories have new names following
the passing of new association bylaws at the annual conference.
September 2009
The 2nd edition of Public Assembly Facility Management: Principles
and Practices, a college textbook and reference guide for venue
managers, becomes available for the fall semester for professors and
students involved in the sports management academia.
September 2009
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security awards a $250,000 grant to
the IAAM Foundation to increase emergency preparedness in venues.
February 2010
VenueConnect becomes the new name for the Annual Conference & Trade
Show and takes effect beginning in Houston in July.
February 2010
IAAM announces the Venue Excellence Awards to be awarded at
VenueConnect to recognize one each of convention centers, stadiums,
arenas and performing arts centers which demonstrate excellence in
the management and operation of public assembly venues.
April 2010
IAAM takes part in the Convention Industry Council’s Meeting
Industry Economic Impact study to determine the economic
significance of meetings in the United States.
April 2010
Facility Manager introduces FMquickview, an easy-to-use electronic
magazine the reader uses by clicking to move from page to page.
June 2010
IAAM VenueNet debuts and allows members around the world to
communicate and collaborate in real time.
July 2010
Membership votes to approve the association’s name change from
International Association of Assembly Managers to the International
Association of Venue Managers to better direct the brand and
identify the industry.
July 2010
The Young Professional category is added to the IAVM membership.
October 2010
The Board of Regents votes during its mid-year meeting to change the
name of the Public Assembly Facility Management School (PAFMS) to
the Venue Management School (VMS) to refl ect the new name change of
the association to IAVM.
January 2011
IAVM collaborates with the Destination Marketing Association
International (DMAI) to produce a new study called Destination 2020
that will comprehensively review and address current operational
issues affecting convention-centric destinations.
May 2011
A Memorandum of Understanding is signed by IAVM and the IAVM
Foundation
for VenueDataSource, the association’s data collection, reporting
and benchmarking tool.
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The
Driving Force Behind IAVM
The Association’s last 10
volunteer leaders
share their memories of working with Dexter King
Ten
industry leaders have served as presidents and beginning with Shura
Lindgren-Garnett the new title of chair and worked alongside
retiring IAVM President and CEO Dexter King during his decade
leading the Association. Each of the 10 was given an opportunity to
comment on their special memories and wishes for King as he
transitions into the next phase of his life and career following his
September 4 retirement from the helm of IAVM
I would like to extend a special ‘Thank You” to Dexter for the
outstanding job he has done as our Executive Director (now President
& CEO) for the past 10 years. Our Association has greatly benefited
as a result of his dedication, hard work and leadership. Dexter has
unselfishly given to us of his time, life’s focus and talent as an
active member and as our chief administrator for over 35 years which
is unparalleled in our Association’s history. Most of all Dexter,
“Thank You” for your friendship; it’s valued and appreciated more
than you know. Mahatma Ghandi said, “You must be the change you wish
to see in the world.” During Dexter’s 35 years with IAVM and
especially over these past 10 years as our executive director, he
has spent countless hours analyzing our programs and structure,
strategically planning for our future, and being a sounding board
and mentor to our leaders. Dexter King, CFE, has never lacked for
new ideas or a paradigm shift. He is a “change agent” with a great
deal of energy who has helped bring IAVM to a whole new level from
when he started as executive director back in 2001. We are going to
miss his
leadership, love and passion for IAVM. Let’s hope he stays involved
as a volunteer! Dexter, congratulations and best wishes on
your upcoming retirement! I hope you have an opportunity to build
some wonderful memories with your family, especially those grandkids
of yours.
— Lionel J. Dubay, 2001-02
Ten years have flown by, and your time as our Executive Director has
come to an end. I am proud to have been a part of the group who
voted to bring you on. Under the leadership of then-president Frank
Poe, he and I had to convince Lionel that you were the right person
for this job (just kidding!). With your strong leadership skills you
lead us all through some very tough financial times. Together we
grew not only professionally, but more importantly as friends. We
have a friendship that will last until our time has ended. Your
visit to Rochester when I was honored meant a great deal to me. To
have you in my home with my family, made that day even more special.
You have always been there f or
all of the members, a strong point of true leadership. So, as you
now move on, please relax and take the time to enjoy those many
grandchildren and write a book or two. Please know my thoughts and
prayers are with you, as I am sure yours are always with me. So
cowboy, until we meet again. God bless, my friend.
— Joe Floreano, CFE, 2002-03
I have many personal insights on Dexter since he joined us at a
very challenging time with the crushing weight of the servicing
costs associated with financing the WHQ. This was combined with
relatively no financial return on this key asset. It was also a time
of declining attendance at schools and specialty conferences, and a
fractious Foundation Board of Trustees was alienated by “allocated”
spatial and program costs at a time for them of declining revenues
and increasing program support payment expectations. Also, it was a
period when there was stagnant growth and some dissatisfaction among
Allied members. All in all, it was a difficult time. What I recall
most vividly was Dexter’s positive outlook and confidence in the
value of our Association and its relevance to the industry and to
our many members. I was strongly in favor of putting a cap on a
number of
programs to stabilize our financial position. I was also in favor of
winding down some
others that had lost some traction in a sunset approach to planning
and production. Dexter was adamant that a number of those programs
required continued funding and they have come full circle in
subsequent years.
— Mike
Kelly, CFE, 2003-04
Dexter King is one of the most generous human beings I know. Having
known him for many years, and having firsthand knowledge of his
selfless and tireless efforts on behalf of our industry and our
Association, he literally lives and breathes our business and it i s
at his core. From venue manager to “going through the chairs” to
association executive, he has been a devoted advocate of IAVM. He’s
had a tremendous impact on the direction, viability and growth of
our Association and without a doubt he is leaving IAVM better than
he found it. Thank you Dexter!
— Jimmy Earl, CFE, 2004-05
For
the International Association of Venue Managers, Dexter G. King,
CFE, was the right person at the right time. He has dedicated his
life, his passion, and his dreams for the betterment of this
Association and our industry. The IAVM achieved several of the
elusive “next levels” under his leadership. He established
milestones in Education, Membership, International growth, and
professionalism for IAVM. Although he has already been recognized
extensively throughout the Association: Certified Facilities
Executive (CFE), President, McElravy Award Recipient, Chief
Executive Officer, to name a few, the history of IAVM will reflect
favorably on the massive impact that Dexter has had on this
Association. His leadership and accomplishments will stand along
with those of Lincoln Dickey, Joseph Grieb, and Charles McElravy. To
judge Dexter only by his work accomplishments would be tremendously
unfair and shortsighted. He continues to be a friend to everyone he
meets, as well as a mentor to many. He lives a life of strong fait h
in God, and is the consummate gentleman. I am glad I had the
opportunity to work with and alongside Dexter in many capacities
within IAVM. I am even more proud to call him MY FRIEND FOR LIFE.
Rest easy my friend, you have been carrying a huge load for a long
time, let the rest of us carry you for a while.
— David B. Ross, CFE, 2005-06
Dexter is a Leader’s Leader, but yet, he has such an elegant way
about him that have people gravitating to him. He can teach without
teaching and speak without speaking .
You walk away inspired and full of confidence, aware that you are on
the right track and knowing that what you are doing will “Make a
Difference.” Dexter has had a profound impact on our industry and
leaves with a legacy that will be hard to match. Mr. President,
emeritus, Godspeed...
— Larry Perkins, CFE, 2006-07
I
don’t remember when I met Dexter. It just seems like I have always
known him, kind of like the way you have always known a brother. But
I remember exactly the day we became fast friends. It was during the
first year of the facility management school at Oglebay Park. Four
intrepid, if inept, golfers set out to conquer the magnificent golf
course on the park grounds: Dexter King, Frank Russo, Bob Mayer and
myself. Three hours later we were on the eighth hole when a park
ranger came along in a golf cart to investigate what was causing the
entire golf course to back up all the way to the clubhouse. Our
collective alarm was articulated in the inimitable words of one of
our brave band of brothers: “Cheez it Boo Boo, here comes the
Ranger!” From that humble experience in Wheeling over 25 years ago
to destinations around the world, it has been my privilege and
pleasure to sh are
many experiences with Dexter. He is always the consummate
professional - informed, prepared and ready to share his expertise
and experience with anyone wishing to ask him for help. Most
importantly to me, he is my friend. Enjoy the next phase of your
life, Dexter. You will be missed at IAVM.
—Steve Peters, CFE, 2007-08
I did
a lot of traveling with Dexter during my presidency. You really get
to know a person when you’re spending endless hours on a plane,
eating, sleeping and talking together. I taught him how to eat with
chopsticks and we both ate fried scorpions together. (Yep, tastes
like chicken.) He shared Roger’s and my anniversary dinner in Prague
and an apartment in Vienna. He’d hang out in bead stores with me and
go wine tasting with me. I hadn’t been on a horse since I was a kid
and he took me riding one afternoon during an AVSS break. He was my
supporter, my advisor and such a good friend during that time. He
was the king of power point presentations and was constantly
tweaking and changing our presentations. I’d finally have to say,
“Dexter, enough! I need to know NOW w hat
this presentation is going to look like.” Everywhere we went, Dexter
would ask people what their name is—flight attendants, restaurant
servers, taxi drivers, hotel concierges, EVERYONE! He cares about
people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Dexter exemplifies
the servant leader. We would all do well to model him in this
regard.
— Robyn Williams, CFE, 2008-09
Dexter has been my friend, colleague, mentor
and advisor (both spiritual and
professional) since I first met him at his Presidential Reception in
Pittsburgh, PA in 1993. We have gone camping together (yes I really
did camp and we have the photos to
prove it), traveling together, shopping together and to church
together. He joined
me for Thanksgiving and gave the prayer at mine and Tim’s wedding
reception. I can’t think of another individual in this organization
with whom I have shared as many
lasting memories. Dexter, you have led this industry, organization
and its members to our highest successes. You have given of
yourself, shared of yourself and proven yourself. Thank you for
everything you have given to IAVM professionally and for everything
you have given to me personally.
— Shura Lindgren-Garnett, CFE, 2009-10
There
really are no words to describe Dexter’s commitment and dedication
to IAVM. His
introspective, continual look into the industry is second to none,
and he has served the
Association during a decade of challenge and change. Dexter is a
dear and trusted friend and I am confident that he will find the
coming years both rewarding and blessed. Dexter, my friend, I wish
you well.
— John Siehl, CFE, 2010-11
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