Recognize Grand River Center for Consecutive Stella AwardsCopyrighted
October 20, 2025
City of Dubuque PRESENTATIONS # 1.
City Council
ITEM TITLE: Recognize Grand River Center for Consecutive Stella Awards
SUMMARY: Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Kalcevich will
recognize the Grand River Center and Oak View Group
(OVG 360) staff for the recent Northstar Stella award for a
second consecutive year.
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
2. Staff Memo
3. Grand River Center Stella Award Media Release
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THE C
DUj!BQTE
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Recognize Grand River Center for Consecutive Stella Awards
DATE: October 14, 2025
Dubuque
AIFAWca Ciq
ni
I
2007-2012.2013
2017*2019
Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Kalcevich will recognize the Grand River Center
and Oak View Group (OVG 360) staff for the recent Northstar Stella award for a second
consecutive year.
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Matthew Kalcevich, Parks and Recreation Director
Marie L. Ware, Acting Project and Facilities Manager
Jared Charland, Project and Facilities Manager
Ryan Bonifas, Grand River Center and Five Flags Civic Center General Manager
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THE CITY OF
DiUB
E
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
AII.lmeriea City
xni x.a�cnx: ita i 3
II
2007,2012.2013
2017*201s
TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Matthew K. Kalcevich, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT: Recognize Grand River Center Stella Award for Back -to -Back Awards
DATE: October 13, 2025
INTRODUCTION
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 Northstar Stella award for a
second consecutive year.
DISCUSSION
Grand River Center won the 2025 Northstar Stella Award, earning the gold medal for
Best Convention Center in the Midwest for a second consecutive year. 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
and conference centers, airlines, cruise lines, DMOs/CVBs and DMCs. This year's
winners, selected from 1,000 nominations in 16 categories, 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. Click this link to view - Stella Awards 2025: Best
Convention Center I Northstar Meetings Group. The gold award is the top award given
to only one center in the Midwest. Receiving the 2025 Northstar Stella Award for Best
Convention Center in the Midwest for a second year 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 2025 Northstar Stella Award for Best Convention Center in the Midwest was
announced October 1, 2025.
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We celebrate this award recently received and the extra special award of receiving it
two years in a row.
ACTION REQUESTED
I respectfully request time for the City Council to recognize Grand River Center and
OVG staff for the recent award.
Prepared by: Marie L. Ware, Acting Project and Facilities Manager
cc: Ryan Bonifas, Grand River Center and Five Flags Civic Center General Manager
Jared Charland, Project and Facilities Manager
I
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*VG�
OAKVIEWGROUP GRANDRIVERC:I'_MIT
Grand River Center Wins 2025 Stella Award Back -to -Back
Best Convention Center in the Midwest
* CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO PHOTOS *
(DUBUQUE, IA — October 6, 2025) Oak View Group, operators of the Grand River Center, are
proud to announce that the Grand River Center won the 2025 Northstar Stella Award for the
second consecutive year in a row, earning the gold medal for Best Convention Center in the
Midwest. This recognition highlights the Grand River Center's unmatched standard of service
and hospitality. The award reflects the dedication of the entire team and the exceptional event
experiences consistently delivered to clients and guests.
The Stella Awards recognize excellence across the meetings and events industry, celebrating
top performers in hotels, convention centers, conference venues, airlines, cruise lines,
DMOs/CVBs, and DMCs. This year's honorees were chosen from more than 8,000 votes and
1,000 nominations, standing out for their commitment to excellence in service, culinary
offerings, staff professionalism, sustainability, and overall event experiences.
"Winning the Stella Award two years in a row is a reflection of consistency and commitment we
have built here in Dubuque," said General Manager Ryan Bonifas. "This back-to-back
recognition would not be possible without our dedicated team and the overall support of Oak
View Group, the City of Dubuque, and Travel Dubuque. We look forward to continuing to raise
the standard for guest experiences at the Grand River Center."
Earning the 2025 Northstar Stella Award for Best Convention Center in the Midwest for the
second consecutive year is a powerful testament to the Grand River Center team's consistent
drive to excellence. This recognition highlights our dedication to delivering exceptional
experiences for every client and guest. This honor reflects the strength of our team, whose
commitment to excellence shines through in every event. From tailored event planning and
exceptional culinary offerings to advanced technology, sustainability efforts, and seamless guest
service, the Grand River Center consistently delivers experiences that exceed expectations. As
one of the premier venues in the region, the Grand River Center takes pride in setting the
benchmark for service, hospitality, and event execution. This back-to-back honor not only
celebrates past achievements but also drives the team to continually elevate the quality of future
events.
"Winning this award two years in a row speaks volumes about the Grand River Center team and
the care they put into every event. The facility continues to be a cornerstone of our community,
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driving economic impact and establishing Dubuque as a premier destination for conventions
throughout the Midwest. We're fortunate to have an asset like this in Dubuque." Said Keith
Rahe, President & CEO of Travel Dubuque.
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:
Rachel Clisch, Director of Sales & Marketing
Grand River Center
563-239-9301
Rachel.Clisch@oakviewgroup.com
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