Swiftel Center Wins The International 2015 Venue Excellence Award
The Swiftel Center was awarded the 2015 Venue Excellence Award by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) at the Venue Industry Awards Luncheon in Baltimore in late July. This award is the highest honor given by IAVM, the world’s largest professional association dedicated to the management of public assembly venues.
“We are incredibly honored to receive the 2015 Venue Excellence Award from our peers who represent some of the best arenas in the world. Thanks to the city of Brookings, our building sponsors, our strong community fan-base, and VenuWorks for the continued support,” said Tom Richter, CFE, Executive Director. “The Swiftel Center truly is midwest hospitality at its best!”
The Venue Excellence Awards recognize excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues including arenas, convention centers, performing arts centers and stadiums. The award winner is determined by excellence in each of the following: operational excellence, teambuilding and professional development, safety and security, and service to the community. The Swiftel Center was acknowledged as the best of the best in the Arenas category.
Past arena award winners include:
- 2014: Orleans Arena; Las Vegas, NV
- 2013: INTRUST Bank Arena; Wichita, KS
- 2012: Sydney Entertainment Centre; Sydney, Australia
Richter and his entire staff, were present to accepted the award at the Venue Industry Awards Luncheon. The Swiftel Center employs 11 full-time staff members.
“We all were part of winning this award!” said Molly Nagelhout, Box Office Manager. “It was important and a great honor to be able to accept it together.”
The Swiftel Center was recognized at the awards luncheon for their many accomplishments including a simulated mass casualty exercise held at the facility in coordination with local emergency authorities, the annual “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign and a recent award received by the catering team for its dedication to fulfilling the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
A team-first attitude was reflected in the Swiftel Center’s Venue Excellence Award application: “We have an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ attitude. We are ready, willing and able to jump in to sell concessions, clean bathrooms, take tickets, or anything else necessary to get the job done.”
