The first informal gathering of what was to become the Stadium Managers Association was held in Memphis, Tenn. in 1974. These active IAAM members wanted to establish a meeting that centered around stadium specific issues and was held at a time of year that was less busy for the stadiums.

The Seminar was organized by Bob Sigholtz, formerly with RFK Stadium, and met informally each year in late January, with sessions taught by attendees and limited outside functions. In 1986, the IAAM Board of Directors appointed Harry Renaud, BC Place, as the first official Stadiums Committee Chair. Rick Nafe, Jerry Bell, Gabe Paul, and Bill Wilson were also appointed to the committee. After the 1986 Seminar in New Orleans, Rick Nafe, Bill Wilson, Gabe Paul, Jerry Oliver, and Bill Turner started what we know today as the Stadium Managers Seminar.

The Stadium Managers Association is dedicated exclusively to stadium operations and promotes professional, efficient and state-of-the-art management of stadiums around the world. Our members are administrators and operations personnel from teams, colleges and universities, facility managers and public sports authorities, and suppliers to the industry. It is a member driven organization where stadium managers and vendors collaborate on issues and solutions that enhance the safety, profitability, and service of their facilities.

The Seminar continues to meet each year in late January or early February, usually directly following the Super Bowl.