Vbase’s Chief Executive named Venue Professional of the Year
Vbase’s Chief Executive, Darren Burden has won Venue Professional of the Year at the 2018 Venue Management Association
(VMA) Awards, which were held at a gala dinner in Auckland on Tuesday 22 May.
This is the first time a New Zealander has won the prestigious award. Burden was one of three finalists, competing
against contenders from Optus Stadium in Perth and Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.
The Venue Management Association is the peak body for venue industry professionals in Australia, New Zealand and South
East Asia with over 700 members from very diverse venue sectors. Previous winners of the Venue Professional of the Year
include executives from venues such as the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, and Qudos Bank
Arena in Sydney
“I am extremely honoured to be recognised by industry colleagues from across the Asia Pacific region with this award,”
Burden says. “This award is not just about me. It speaks volumes about the fantastic team at Vbase and I think it’s
wonderful for us to get recognition at an international level.”
Vbase board chair Tim Scandrett says the board is extremely proud of its Chief Executive’s award.
“The award backs up the national awards Vbase has won previously and to now be recognised on the international stage as
this country’s premier venue company is outstanding.”
“This latest recognition of the work undertaken by Vbase will assist us when working with our national and international
clients and promoters in bringing more first class events to Christchurch,” says Mr Scandrett.
Vbase manages Christchurch’s premier venues including Horncastle Arena, AMI Stadium, Hagley Oval, The Air Force Museum
of New Zealand and the Christchurch Town Hall which is currently undergoing redevelopment.
Aside from managing venues, Burden has been involved in a number of venue developments including being instrumental in
the development of Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin and last year providing consulting services to the government of New
South Wales on the new Western Sydney Stadium.
At the end of 2016, Burden was named ‘Venue Executive of the Year’ and ‘Supreme Venue Person of the Year’ by the
Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ) at their annual awards.
ENDS.