Tammy Koolbeck, Vice President of Venue Services for VenuWorks is holding her Gigi Award of Excellence, with Cliff Clinger (left), Marketing Director of the Nationwide Arena and President of Event and Arena Marketing Conference (EAMC), and Brandon Spevak, Director of VIP Services, Energy Solutions Arena and Vice President for Sponsorship, EAMC.

At the 27th Annual Event and Arena Marketing Conference (EAMC) at the (newly renovated) Hilton Anatole, in Dallas, Tammy Koolbeck, Vice President of Venue Services for VenuWorks (which recently changed its name from Compass Facility Management) was the recipient of the 2007 Gigi Award of Excellence. One of the most distinguished honors in Venue Marketing, the honor is bestowed annually on an individual who has have made noteworthy contributions made to the profession, event marketing and educating. The award has been given out annually since 1999.

"Tammy is an exceptional leader and organizer and without her passion for EAMC, the organization would not be what it is today," said Christy Ricketts, Director of Marketing, American Airlines Center, and incoming EAMC President. "As a woman, it is wonderful to have such a great role model in the arena industry."

In being named the 2007 "Gigi," Koolbeck was cited for her leadership and commitment to EAMC. She has been involved with the organization since 1997. Among her accomplishments was in 1999, when she led the efforts to formalize the Conference into a 501(c)6 “non-profit” organization. Among the EAMC positions she has held areTreasurer and Site Chair on the Board of Directors. In addition, she has gained a reputation for renewing the industry through her extensive mentoring of marketing professionals.

"Tammy is a rare mix of professional aptitude, energetic enthusiasm and boundless good humor,” said Steve Peters, President, VenuWorks.  "She is a joy to work with and we are blessed to have her on our team."