Grand River Center Award and Certification RecognitionCopyrighted
October 21, 2024
City of Dubuque PRESENTATIONS # 4.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Grand River Center Award and Certification Recognition
SUMMARY: The Grand River Center and OVG staff will be recognized for
receiving the 2024 Northstar Stella Award and the KultureCity
Certification.
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
2. Staff Memo
3. Certification
4. Awa rd
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THE CITY OF
DUBE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Recognize Grand River Center Award and Certification
DATE: October 15, 2024
Dubuque
AI WIN av
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Leisure Services Director Marie Ware is sharing information to recognize Grand River
Center and OVG staff for the recent award and certification.
v
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Marie Ware, Leisure Services Director
Ryan Bonifas, Grand River Center General Manager
Jared Charland, Project and Facilities Manager
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THE CITY OF
DUB E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Director
SUBJECT: Recognize Grand River Center Award and Certification
DATE: October 15, 2024
INTRODUCTION
Dubuque
2007*2012-2013
2017*2019
The purpose of this memo to request time for the City Council to recognize Grand River
Center and Oak View Group (OVG 360) staff for the recent award and certification.
DISCUSSION
KultureCity Certification
OVG 360 partnered with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization
and accessibility for individuals with sensory
needs. KultureCity's Sensory Inclusive
program has gained widespread acceptance
among venues, stadiums and cultural
institutions nationwide. The initiative aims to
create welcoming environments for individuals
with sensory sensitivities by providing
comprehensive training to staff, equipping
venues with sensory tools, and offering
resources to support guests with sensory
needs. This initiative and certification further
the City's focus on becoming an equitable
community of choice and equity goals.
Grand River Center and OVG became
KultureCity certified in September of 2024.
dedicated to inclusivity
KultureCity,
Northstar Stella Award
Grand River Center won the 2024 Northstar Stella Award, earning the gold medal for
Best Convention Center in the Midwest. Receiving this award showcases OVG 360's
commitment to excellence, reflecting the team's dedication and the exceptional
experiences they provide during each event.
The Stella Awards honor excellence across key industry segments: hotels, convention
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and conference centers, airlines, cruise lines, DMOs/CVBs and DMCs. This year's
winners, selected from more than 8,000 votes and 1,000 nominations, exemplify overall
excellence, superior food and beverage offerings, professionalism of staff,
sustainability initiatives, and other critical aspects of the meetings and events
experience.
Reviewing the award winners from across the country, Grand River Center joined an
elite group of Convention Centers. nttps://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/The-Stella-
Awards/Best-Convention-Center-2024 Their gold award is the top award given to only
one center in the Midwest. Receiving the 2024 Northstar Stella Award for Best
Convention Center in the Midwest is a true reflection of OVG's unwavering commitment
to excellence. This recognition underscores their dedication to providing outstanding
experiences for clients and guests. The Grand River Center is proud to be counted
among the top venues in the region and remains committed to upholding the highest
standards in service, hospitality, and event execution.
The 2024 Northstar Stella Award for Best Convention Center in the Midwest was
announced October 1, 2024.
We celebrate the certification and award recently received.
ACTION REQUESTED
I respectfully request time for the City Council to recognize Grand River Center and
OVG staff for the recent award and certification.
cc: Ryan Bonifas, Grand River Center General Manager
Jared Charland, Project and Facilities Manager
2
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Marie Ware
From: Rachel Jacobson <Rachel.Jacobson@oakviewgroup.com>
Sent: Friday, September 13, 2024 3:07 PM
To: Rachel Jacobson
Cc: Rachel Jacobson
Subject: Oak View Group Secures KultureCity Certification at the Grand River Center
This sender is trusted.
Oak View Group Secures KultureCity Certification at the
Grand River Center
* CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO PHOTOS *
(DUBUQUE, IA— September 13, 2024) Oak View Group, operators of the Grand River Center, are partnering with
KultureCity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with
sensory needs. This significant milestone underscores our commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility
for all guests.
KultureCity's Sensory Inclusive program has gained widespread acceptance among venues, stadiums, cultural
institutions, and nationwide. The initiative aims to create welcoming environments for individuals with sensory
sensitivities by providing comprehensive training to staff, equipping venues with sensory tools, and offering
resources to support guests with sensory needs.
"Oak View Group's goal, along with our partners at the City of Dubuque, have always aimed to make guests feel
welcome at the Grand River Center. We are proud to partner with KultureCity to receive specialized training and
resources, enhancing our ability to accommodate guests with special sensitivities." Said Oak View Group's Ryan
Bonifas, General Manager of the Grand River Center.
The Grand River Center's entire team has successfully completed the certification process. This achievement
reflects our ongoing dedication to enhancing the guest experience by ensuring our venue is accessible to all
individuals, regardless of their sensory needs. Our team has undergone extensive training to recognize and assist
guests with sensory sensitivities, and we have incorporated sensory tools and resources throughout our facility.
Our sensory bags include noise -canceling headphones, sunglasses, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted
lap pads, all designed to support guests who might feel overwhelmed by their surroundings.
"Congratulations to the Grand River Center staff and OVG for achieving this certification," said Dubuque Mayor
Brad Cavanagh. "The City is proud to partner with an organization committed to being inclusive and accessible to
all and grateful they have made this investment in training to be a welcoming venue."
Before visiting the Grand River Center, families can download the free KultureCity App to explore the sensory
features and their locations. The app also provides a social story to preview what to expect during their visit. With
this app, everyone can stay informed and prepared, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
About Oak View Group
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Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality
services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world -class -owned venues and a client roster of arenas,
stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim
Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under
development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedln,
and X.
CONTACT:
Ryan Bonifas, General Manager
Grand River Center
563.239.9734
Ryan.Bonifas@oakviewgroup.com
z
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Marie Ware
From: Rachel Jacobson <Rachel.Jacobson@oakviewgroup.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 11:04 AM
To: Rachel Jacobson
Subject: Grand River Center Winner of the 2024 Stella Award - Best Convention Center in the
Midwest
i
This sender is trusted.
®VG
GRAND RIVER CENTER OAK VIEW GROUP
Grand River Center Winner of the 2024 Stella Awards, Recognizing Excellence in the
Meeting Industry
* CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO PHOTOS *
(DUBUQUE, IA — October 1, 2024) Oak View Group, operators of the Grand River Center, are proud to announce
that the Grand River Center won the 2024 Northstar Stella Award, earning the gold medal for Best Convention
Center in the Midwest. Receiving this award showcases our commitment to excellence, reflecting our team's
dedication and the exceptional experiences we provide during each event.
The Stella Awards honor excellence across key industry segments: hotels, convention and conference centers,
airlines, cruise lines, DMOs/CVBs and DMCs. This year's winners, selected from more than 8,000 votes and 1,000
nominations, exemplify overall excellence, superior food and beverage offerings, professionalism of staff,
sustainability initiatives, and other critical aspects of the meetings and events experience.
"I am truly humbled to accept this distinguished Stella Award on behalf of our remarkable team," said General
Manager Ryan Bonifas. "To be acknowledged among so many outstanding convention centers speaks volumes
about the dedication and effort our team invests in creating memorable experiences for our guests every day. This
achievement would not have been possible without the steadfast support of Oak View Group, the City of Dubuque,
and Travel Dubuque. We are inspired by this recognition and will continue striving to enhance our service and
venue management."
Receiving the 2024 Northstar Stella Award for Best Convention Center in the Midwest is a true reflection of the
Grand River Center team's unwavering commitment to excellence. This recognition underscores their dedication
to providing outstanding experiences for clients and guests. The Grand River Center is proud to be counted among
the top venues in the region and remains committed to upholding the highest standards in service, hospitality, and
event execution. This award not only honors our accomplishments but also motivates us to continually elevate the
q ua lity of futu re events.
"The Stella Award from Northstar Meetings Group recognizes excellence, and for over 20 years, the Grand River
Center has consistently exemplified this standard. The venue is repeatedly chosen by meeting planners, some of
whom have been returning for two decades. Whether it's hosting winter sports teams, local businesses, or various
events, the Grand River Center's combination of stunning facilities and exceptional service from the Oak View
Group makes it the premier meeting destination in the Midwest, "Said Keith Rahe, President & CEO of Travel
Dubuque.
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The Grand River Center has also been honored as a top destination for meetings and conventions by Facilities and
Destinations magazine, receiving the prestigious Prime Site Award. This annual award recognizes the top
convention and exposition centers in the U.S., highlighting venues that excel in highly competitive meeting
markets, as chosen by clients.
About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality
services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world -class -owned venues and a client roster of arenas,
stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim
Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under
development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedln,
and X.
CONTACT:
Ryan Bonifas, General Manager
Grand River Center
563.239.9734
Ryan. Bonifas(c)oakviewgroup.com
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