Dean H. Phillips, CFE, IAVM president in 1981-82 and long-time executive director of the Indiana Convention Center and Hoosier Dome, passed away on November 30 at the age of 85.
Phillips was an Indianapolis native who received the public assembly venue industry’s prestigious Charles A. McElravy Award in 1986 and was part of the first class in 1976 to earn a Certified Facilities Executive (CFE) designation. He was also inducted into the Convention Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders along with numerous other awards and accomplishments in a storied career.
He was a friend to many in the industry who have mourned his loss.
“When I first started working for ARA Services at the Indianapolis Convention Center back in 1974, Dean was the client,” said Chris Bigelow, president of The Bigelow Companies. “I was just a trainee right out of college, but he always took the time to recognize me, ask how I was doing and where I wanted to go in the industry. He also enjoyed eating lunch in the kitchen with his staff, which was a great morale builder for the entire department.”
Another close friend with special memories was Don Sandefur, who came to know Phillips in the mid-1970s when Sandefur was employed with the Harlem Globetrotters. Sandefur remembers seeing Phillips at numerous District meetings during Phillips’ year as Association president.
“It was at these meetings that one really made solid contacts,” said Sandefur, now retired in Florida. “When I went to work for the Professional Golfers Association in the mid-1980s and ran a couple of golf expositions, I received a lot of input from Dean on dealing with convention centers, since my background was stadiums and arenas. He was a true gentleman on every occasion I had the pleasure of his presence.”
Cliff Wallace, CFE, Association president in 1984-85, said that, “Dean stands among the greatest of our IAVM past presidents. He was one of the most dedicated to aligning IAVM with the global venue industry long before venues outside North America were of interest to most in the IAVM. In that regard, he was an early ambassador for IAVM outside its traditional borders. Dean was one of the kindest, most courteous and genuinely thoughtful people I have known.”
Phillips graduated from Indiana University and achieved the rank of Sergeant-Major in the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lillie B. “Dak” Phillips; son, Brent (Lisa) and grandchildren, Austin and Hope.
Memorials may be made to St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 1416 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210, or the Indianapolis Zoo, 1200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46222.