The Venue Management Association (VMA) proudly celebrated Anthony Duffy AVM, Managing Director of Thinking Outside, as the recipient of the prestigious Tim Worton Award at last week’s Venue Management School & Leadership Institute Graduation Dinner.
Established in 2022, the Tim Worton Award recognises VMA Members who have made a significant contribution to the educational outcomes of the Association or the broader venue management profession in the Asia-Pacific region.
Tim Worton CVE, the award’s namesake and inaugural recipient, was on hand to personally present the honour to Anthony, acknowledging his transformative impact on the VMA’s educational initiatives and his enduring commitment to advancing the venue management profession.
Tim said, “It is an honour to present the Tim Worton Award to Anthony Duffy AVM, a close friend and colleague, whose passion and dedication to advancing the education and professional development of venue managers has had a profound impact on the VMA and VMS. His leadership and contributions continue to shape the future of the industry, and his tireless efforts in building and nurturing educational programs have made a lasting difference in the lives of so many venue professionals across the Asia-Pacific region.”
Anthony’s remarkable contributions to the VMA span over two decades and include key leadership roles such as:
- VMS Instructor (2000–present)
- LI Instructor (2013–present)
- VMS Chair (2011–2014)
- LI Dean (2016–2020)
Anthony played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Leadership Institute, working alongside Tim Worton to create a program that has since become a cornerstone of professional development for senior venue managers. His vision, resilience, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the VMA’s educational framework.
In 2015, Anthony (along with Tim Worton CVE) became one of only four Australians to be awarded the coveted IAVM’s “Chairman’s Citation”, recognising his commitment to the development of education in the industry, primarily through the establishment of the LI.
In addition to his roles as an instructor and leader, Anthony’s contributions include:
- Serving on the VMS Committee (1999-2020)
- Serving as the Professional Development Committee Board representative (2020–2023)
- Participating as a US Exchange Instructor (2010)
- Completing the IAVM Graduate Institute program (2013)
- Achieving his AVM Accreditation in 2013
His efforts have not only enriched the professional growth of countless individuals but have also shaped the future of the venue management industry.
On receiving the award Anthony said, “I am truly grateful to receive the Tim Worton Award and excited that Tim was able to present it to me on the night. Tim’s leadership has been a guiding force throughout my career, and I will always remember meeting him whilst a student at the school in 1997, now proud to call him a great friend. This award is a reflection of the incredible work by so many within the VMA community, and I am honoured to have contributed to the growth and development of our industry. I am excited to continue working alongside such dedicated professionals to advance venue management education in the years to come.”
The VMA extends its heartfelt congratulations to Anthony Duffy on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for his unwavering dedication to the Association and the industry.