Recognize Grand River Center for 2026 EXHIBITOR Magazine Centers of Excellence AwardCity of Dubuque
City Council
PRESENTATIONS
#1.
Copyrighted
January 20, 2026
ITEM TITLE: Recognize Grand River Center for 2026 EXHIBITOR
Magazine Centers of Excellence Award
SUMMARY: Grand River Center and Oak View Group (OVG 360) staff will
be recognized for their recent Special Award in EXHIBITOR
Magazine's 2026 Centers of Excellence Awards.
SUGGUESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
1. MVM Memo
2. Memo 26-1-20 MVM GRC Recognized with EXHIBITOR Magazine Special Award
Page 119 of 1459
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TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Recognize Grand River Center 2026 EXHIBITOR Magazine Centers of
Excellence Award
DATE: January 14, 2026
Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Kalcevich is submitting information for the City
Council to recognize Grand River Center and Oak View Group (OVG 360) staff for the
recent Special Award in the EXHIBITOR Magazine's 2026 Centers of Excellence
Award. Matthew Kalcevich and Ryan Bonifas, Oak View Group Grand River Center and
Five Flags Civic Center, General Manager will both be in attendance.
Mic ael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:sv
Attachment
cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney
Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager
Matthew Kalcevich, Parks and Recreation Director
Ryan Bonifas, Grand River Center and Five Flags Civic Center, General
Manager
Page 120 of 1459
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TO: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Matthew K. Kalcevich, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT: Recognize Grand River Center 2026 EXHIBITOR Magazine Centers of
Excellence Award
DATE: January 13, 2025
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memo is to request time for the City Council to recognize Grand
River Center and Oak View Group (OVG 360) staff for the recent Special Award in the
EXHIBITOR Magazine's 2026 Centers of Excellence Award.
BACKGROUND
Oak View Group, operators of the Grand River Center, has been recognized with a
Special Award in the 2026 Centers of Excellence Awards, presented by EXHIBITOR
Magazine. The Grand River Center was named Best Convention Center (Less Than
100,000 Square Feet of Exhibit Space), earning the top honor among three finalists in
the category.
This list of finalists included convention centers from:
• Grand River Center
• Albany Capital Center
• Overland Park Center
The other Special Award winners, based on exhibit hall square footage, were
McCormick Place, the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, and the
Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Being included alongside these other facilities highlights the exceptional quality, service,
and performance of the Grand River Center. These finalists for "Best Convention Center
(Less Than 100,000 Sq. Ft.)", reflecting strong client feedback, high exhibitor
satisfaction, and operational excellence.
This recognition showcases the Grand River Center's excellence across five key areas:
facility functionality, event service and execution, location, upgrades and sustainability
Page 121 of 1459
initiatives. This recognition reflects the Grand River Center's ongoing focus on providing
outstanding service and delivering successful events of all sizes. The venue hosts a
wide range of events, including conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings, sporting
events like cheer, dance, MMA, etc., weddings, and community gatherings, making it a
trusted and flexible space for organizers and attendees.
The Grand River Center uses modern amenities, adaptable event spaces, and an
experienced on -site team, while playing an important role in supporting local tourism
and contributing to the economic impact of Dubuque and the surrounding tri-state area.
The Grand River Center has had a strong year, due to the success of its on -site edible
garden and microgreens program. The produce grown through these sustainability
efforts is regularly incorporated into event menus, adding a fresh element to the guest
experience. With several new projects coming up, the Grand River Center looks forward
to continuing this momentum. Receiving this award highlights the Center's commitment
to growth, innovation, and serving the Dubuque community, with even more to come.
Being recognized with this award only furthers to motivate the Grand River Center team
to continue setting higher standards and creating unforgettable experiences for every
client and guest. This honor reflects their team's unwavering dedication to excellence
and their ongoing commitment to providing an unparalleled event experience along the
scenic Mississippi River.
ACTION REQUESTED
I respectfully request time for the City Council to recognize Grand River Center and
OVG staff for this recent award.
cc: Ryan Bonifas, Grand River Center and Five Flags Civic Center, General Manager
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