Andrea Smalls From The Georgia International Convention Center Earns Designation As Certified Venue Executive

Andrea Smalls
Director of Event Operations, Georgia International Convention Center

Andrea Smalls, from the Georgia International Convention Center, is among eight to earn designation as Certified Venue Executive from the international association of venue managers.  Eight venue industry professionals received their Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) in July 2022. CVE applicants are rated on their experience and accomplishments in public venue management and must successfully complete a comprehensive written essay, written examination and oral examination that tests general knowledge of the public venue management profession. The CVE designation demonstrates that a venue executive is a skilled manager, is committed to the industry and is pledged to continued professional growth and development. Managers who earn the CVE designation are recognized, by those inside and outside the industry, as experts in their profession.

IAVM’s Board Chair, Eric D. Hart, said, “Since 1976 this prestigious program has served as a distinction for those in venue management. I would like to offer my most sincere congratulations to each of these individuals. There is no doubt that their hard work and leadership are to be admired within the industry.”

Andrea Smalls who has been with the Georgia International Convention Center since 1993 is among the 8 venue management professionals to be awarded a CVE this year.

“With over 29 years in the industry, the Georgia International Convention Center is extremely lucky to have such a dedicated, highly trained and well-regarded individual in a leadership role,” says Mercedes Miller, executive director.

The CVE designation is an indication of demonstrated skill in leadership, activity in community affairs and expertise in management of public venues. The elite group of 317 now includes the following newly awarded CVEs to its honor roll:

• Andrea Smalls, CVE, Georgia International Convention Center (College Park, GA)
• Ernest Philip (Phil) Ashurst, CVE, University of Louisiana at Lafayette (Lafayette, LA)
• Stacey Church, CVE, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center (Dallas, TX)
• Scott G. Keith, CVE, Lansing Center (Lansing, MI)
• Steve Mackenzie, CVE, Ungerboeck (O’Fallon, MO)
• Christopher G. Post, CVE, Amarillo Civic Center Complex (Amarillo, TX)
• Anna Rosburg, CVE, Alerus Center (Grand Forks, ND)
• Anne Wheat, CVE, Pier 57 @ Google (New York, NY)

The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) currently has over 6,700 members worldwide. Founded in 1924 as the Auditorium Managers Association, IAVM is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly venues. Association members include venue managers from amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, convention centers/exhibit halls, performing arts centers, stadiums and university complexes. The International Association of Venue Managers, having significant influence in a global industry, is the acknowledged organization providing superlative leadership, cutting-edge innovation, advanced education, supportive advocacy, opportunities for networking and connection between venue professionals around the world. Committed to international membership growth and development, IAVM is the preeminent source for all public assembly venue-related research, information, services, and life-safety issues worldwide. For more information on the  International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), visit https://iavm.org.

For more information on the Georgia International Convention Center, visit https://www.gicc.com.