Back to Facility Manager
Contents
Back to Home |
Did you hear the one about the IAAM member who was touring the super-secret
medical research center of a major international clinic, with the world’s
leading brain surgeon? “We are nearly to the point where we will be able to
transplant brains in people,” says the surgeon. “Of course not all brains
will cost the same. The more precious the brain, the more it will cost.” Our
IAAM colleague asked, “Which brain will be the most expensive?” The surgeon
thought for a moment and said, “The most expensive one, no doubt, will be
the assembly manager’s brain. Do you know how many of those folks you have
to round up to get an ounce of brains?”
Well, you don’t have to be an Einstein to realize that
one of the most important developments facing us IAAM members today is the
emergence of the concept that has come to be known as “sustainability.” As
we launch headlong into the 21st century, sustainability is going to become
a major issue for our industry. It is no longer enough to conserve. Today,
the three “R’s” are “Recycle, Reduce and Reuse.”
In recognition of the growing importance of “green”
facilities, a new IAAM Sustainability Task Force has been created with three
specific charges:
• To improve awareness of sustainability issues in all
sectors of the public assembly
industry
• To create opportunities for the exchange of ideas and
information in support of
sustainable facilities and best practices
• To develop practices and procedures that will support
sustainability efforts in public
assembly facilities around the world
The Sustainability Task Force is co-chaired by Gemma
Prosser from Birmingham, England, and Allyson Jackson from Salt Lake City.
If you want to know more about the Sustainability Task Force, or if you want
to be a part of this important new initiative, please contact me at
speters@venuworks.com.
Another thing you don’t have to be a genius to realize
is just how much we all owe to the IAAM committee members and volunteers who
make our programs run so well. What about that annual conference and trade
show in Salt Lake City? Was that a blow out event, or what! And if you
missed the Academy for Venue Safety & Security in Arlington, Texas, you
missed a real eye-opener of a school. It, too, was made possible by the hard
work of a dedicated group of IAAM volunteers, so be sure to say thank you
when you see these folks at the next IAAM event.
Joe Psuik is one of the hardest working and most
dedicated of those many volunteers. He was on the original Safety and
Security Task Force appointed right after 9/11, and he went on to be one of
the primary architects of the Academy for Venue Safety & Security. He
teaches with a passion that resembles a missionary zeal. One cannot help but
be moved by his total commitment to making our venues safe and secure.
Last but not least, thanks to all of you who responded
to the membership survey that was e-mailed shortly after the annual
conference. We had a whopping 25 percent response rate, which is a strong
number! With your help, we now know better than ever which IAAM services and
products you value most, and we have new insights into what services you
would like to see added. Watch for more information in the coming months as
the Mission, Membership and Governance Initiative Group uses your input to
shape new ideas for the future of IAAM.
Until next time, be well. And remember—together we can
make a world of difference!
Steven L. Peters, CFE IAAM President
Multitalented Steven L. Peters whipped
out this sketch of Joe Psuik, one of the
primary architects of the Academy for
Venue Safety & Security.
|
|
