EDMONTON — The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has recognized three Shaw Conference Centre employees for their leadership in the venue management industry, it was announced Aug. 18. General manager Lisanne Lewis and client service manager Manfred Kalk have both received industry designations, and marketing and communications manager Imran Gill has been named to the IAVM 30 Under 30 class of 2016.

Lisanne Lewis.
Lewis has obtained her Certified Facilities Executive (CFE) designation, the highest designation in the venue management industry. She joins a group of 289 venue managers around the world that are recognized as experts in their profession. Lewis has been with the Shaw Conference Centre since 2011, and has extensive experience in venue management, arenas, exhibitions and major event production.
Kalk is among the first venue industry professionals to receive the Certified Venue Professional (CVP) designation. The mid-senior level designation recognizes the depth of his professional experience and commitment to the venue management industry. Kalk has served in a variety of roles at the convention centre over nine years and has managed some of Edmonton’s largest events, including Red Bull Crashed Ice. He also continues to share his knowledge with future leaders as a sessional instructor at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and NorQuest College.
Gill is one of only two Canadians named to the IAVM 30 Under 30 class of 2016. This award formally recognizes him as an emerging leader for the next generation of venue managers. Gill’s experience includes arenas, convention centres, festivals, international sporting events and major event production.
“The leadership of Lisanne, Manfred and Imran helps serve Edmonton’s reputation as a preferred meetings, conventions and events destination,” said Brad Ferguson, president and CEO, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. “I congratulate them on their outstanding achievements.”
Representing public assembly venues from around the globe, IAVM’s 5,400 active members include managers and senior executives from auditoriums, arenas, convention centres, exhibit halls, stadiums, performing arts centres, university complexes, racetracks and amphitheatres.
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