Michel F. Sauers Named Recipient of IAVM's Prestigious Joseph J. Anzivino Distinguished Allied Award

COPPELL, Texas, Jan. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) is pleased to announce, Michel F. Sauers, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Comcast-Spectacor, as the recipient of the Joseph J. Anzivino Distinguished Allied Award. Sauers will be honored at the IAVM's VenueConnect 2012 in Ft. Lauderdale on the July 23.

"When I think of Mich Sauers, I am reminded of the incredible passion that he has for the Association. He is the spark behind the Foundation's VenueDataSource research project and has been a champion for all Allied members.  I am so pleased that he is the recipient of the Joseph J. Anzivino Distinguished Allied Award," said IAVM Chairman Randy L. Brown, CFE.

The Joseph J. Anzivino Distinguished Allied Award was initiated in 1991, to recognize those Allied Members who have made extraordinary contributions to the venue management industry. All candidates are nominated and voted on by the Allied membership and approved by the IAVM Board of Directors.

"When you think of great leaders, there is one thing that all of them have in common and that is the willingness to reach out and become a mentor to those that need guidance and direction.  From my first IAVM meeting, Mich has been the person I go to for guidance, leadership, knowledge, mentorship and an understanding of this business," said Jack Lucas, President of TicketsWest and Allied Director for IAVM.

IAVM President and CEO, Vicki Hawarden, CMP, said, "Mich has given so much to IAVM and continues to be the champion for the Foundation. His commitment to 'the big idea' – a challenge to the Association and the Foundation to create a project that would provide solid research and data for years to come – turned into VenueDataSource. Without Mich's focused leadership this reality would not have happened.  He is a true leader that continually keeps the focus on bringing the most value to our members."

Mr. Sauers joined IAVM in 1994 and has more than thirty years of experience in the facility management industry.  Sauers, founder of Global Spectrum's predecessor, Globe Facility Services, and former President and CEO of Global Spectrum, works closely with Global Spectrum to develop international business opportunities that also involve other companies owned by Comcast-Spectacor, including Ovations Food Services, New Era Tickets and Front Row Marketing Services.

He is the Past Chair of the International Association of Venue Managers Foundation (IAVMF). He has served as Vice Chair for the International Steering Committee and currently serves as Chairman of the Advisory Council for the IAVMF Foundation.

He has been a featured speaker at major conferences, including the National League of Cities, International City Managers Association, and the International Association of Convention Bureaus and most recently at the China Expo Forum for International Cooperation held in Guanzhou, China.

The International Association of Venue Managers is the world's largest professional association dedicated to issues relevant to the management of public assembly venues. Members of the association manage public venues such as amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, conference and convention centers/exhibit halls, performing arts centers, stadiums and university complexes; or provide products, services or attractions to support the industry. IAVM has more than 3,500 members worldwide. More information is available at www.iavm.org.

Contact: Kris Williams, CAE 
(972) 906-7441

SOURCE International Association of Venue Managers