Dave Anderson, director - convention centers/exhibit halls, announced
that Richard "Dick" Shaff, general manager of San Francisco’s Moscone
Center and regional vice president for SMG, has been selected as the
2011 recipient of the International Convention Center Conference’s
Lifetime Achievement award.
The award is presented to those
individuals recognized by their peers for their outstanding
contributions to both IAVM and the convention center industry.
Mr.
Shaff joins a small, select group of individuals so honored. Past
recipients have included Thomas Liegler, CFE, Don Jewell, CFE, Jimmie
Fore, Cliff Wallace, CFE and John Christison, CFE.
Mr.
Shaff began his career in 1965 as the assistant general manager of the
Long Beach (California) Convention Center. In 1981, he and his wife
Marilyn moved to San Francisco upon his appointment as general manager
of the Moscone Center for SMG, the world’s largest private operator of
public assembly venues.
Upon learning of his selection,
Mr. Shaff remarked, “I can think of no greater honor than to be
recognized by your peers for contributions you have made to the industry
you love so much. It is equally as much an honor to join the very
prestigious group of prior recipients all of whom I have had the
pleasure of working with over the past 45 years. This is a wonderful and
rewarding industry and profession.”
As a 45-year member
of IAVM, Mr. Shaff has served on numerous committees and as a member of
the Board of Directors. He was selected as Chairman of the IAVM
Foundation in 1988-89, served as President of the organization in
1994-95, and received the association’s highest honor, the Charles A.
McElravy Award, in 2002.
Mr. Shaff has been a member of
many industry related organizations such as ASAE, PCMA, and IAEE for
over 25 years. He is an ex-officio member of the San Francisco Travel
Association, a member of the San Francisco Chamber of commerce, a Board
member of the 5th and Mission Garage and a Trustee of the IATSE 16
Pension Plan. He was also listed as one of the most influential people
in the trade show industry by Tradeshow Week.
Reflecting
back on his years in the convention center business, Mr. Shaff stated,
“I have had the pleasure of working for three of the most influential
men in our industry, Win Hanssen, Denzil Skinner and Wes Westley, and I
hope that in some small way I have contributed to the future success of
those that have worked for me.”