Walton Arts Center, Walmart AMP earn national recognition in Chicago

The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) awarded Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville and the Walmart AMP in Rogers a 2019 Venue Excellence Award during the Venue Industry Award luncheon Wednesday (July 24) at the 94^th annual VenueConnect conference in Chicago.

The Venue Excellence Award annually recognizes five venues of any type that have demonstrated excellence and innovation in operation and management of public assembly venues within the last calendar year. 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.

The criteria for the award includes service to the community, team building/professional development, safety and security and operational excellence, according to a news release. 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.

“The Venue Excellence Award recognizes the commitment of our team to bring world-class performing arts experiences to Northwest Arkansas,” Walton Arts Center CEO Peter B. Lane said in the release. “I am proud of the positive impact that our venues and employees have on our community, and excited that we’ve been recognized with this prestigious national award.”

The four other 2019 Venue Excellence Award winners include: U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn.; State Farm Arena in Atlanta; Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu and Tacoma Venues & Events in Tacoma, Wash.