ICCC awards industry veteran with Lifetime Achievement Award

Dave Anderson, director of the International Association for Venue Managers (IAVM) Convention Centers/Exhibit Halls Committee, has announced that Richard Shaff, general manager of San Francisco’s Moscone Center and regional vice president for SMG, is the 2011 recipient of the International Convention Center Conference’s (ICCC) Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is presented to individuals recognized by their peers for outstanding contributions to both IAVM and the convention center industry. Shaff joins a small, select group of individuals.

Shaff began his career in 1965 as the assistant general manager of the Long Beach (Calif.) Convention Center. In 1981, he and his wife Marilyn moved to San Francisco upon his appointment as general manager of the Moscone Center for SMG, the world’s largest private operator of public venues.

“I can think of no greater honor than to be recognized by your peers for contributions you have made to the industry you love so much,” said Shaff. “It is equally as much an honor to join the very prestigious group of prior recipients all of whom I have had the pleasure of working with over the past 45 years. This is a wonderful and rewarding industry and profession.”

As a 45-year member of IAVM, Shaff has served on numerous committees and as a member of the Board of Directors. He was selected as chairman of the IAVM Foundation in 1988-89, served as president of the organization in 1994-95, and received the association’s highest honor, the Charles A. McElravy Award, in 2002.

Shaff has been a member of many industry-related organizations such as American Society of Association Executives, Professional Convention Management Association and International Association of Exhibitions and Events for more than 25 years. He is an ex-officio member of the San Francisco Travel Association, a member of the San Francisco Chamber of commerce, a Board member of the 5th and Mission Garage and a Trustee of the IATSE 16 Pension Plan. He was also listed as one of the most influential people in the trade show industry by Tradeshow Week.

“I have had the pleasure of working for three of the most influential men in our industry, Win Hanssen, Denzil Skinner and Wes Westley; and I hope that in some small way I have contributed to the future success of those that have worked for me,” said Shaff.