This past weekend the Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) hosted the 2020 SPORTY Awards, airing on WKMG-TV News 6, and presented its “Executive of the Year” top honor to Allen Johnson, chief venues officer of Orlando Venues. The award recognizes a sports business professional whose hard work, determination and passion has contributed substantially to make Orlando one the country’s premier sports destinations. First introduced in 2011, it is the highest voting honor bestowed by the GO Sports board of directors.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award, particularly among such a worthy group of finalists in this category,” said Orlando Venues Chief Venues Officer Allen Johnson. “This award epitomizes the accomplishments of a true team effort and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Johnson, who has spent more than 30 years in the venue management industry, serves as Chief Venues Officer of the City of Orlando's Venues Department, which includes the Amway Center, Camping World Stadium, Tinker Field, Harry P. Leu Gardens and the Mennello Museum of American Art. His continual efforts to fortify Orlando's position as one of the country's top sports destinations are reflected in hosting many of the most notable sporting events in the world. Among them: four consecutive years of the NFL Pro Bowl, the Monster Jam World Finals, Wrestlemania 24 & 33, NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championships, Copa América Centenario and many more. Furthermore, Johnson, along with GO Sports and other key Central Florida leaders, are actively vying to host 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in Orlando.

Johnson is a member of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Board, a past Chairman and Trustee of the IAVM Foundation Board and serves on the Arenas Committee. Additionally, he serves on the boards of the Downtown Orlando Partnership, Florida Citrus Sports, University of Central Florida DeVos Sports Business Management Program and the Victim Service Center of Central Florida. He is past president and a board member of the Florida Venue Managers Association where he is currently chair of the Legislative Committee, Site Selection Committee and Nominating Committee. Johnson also serves on the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force. In 2019, he received the “Downtowner of the Year” award from the Downtown Orlando Partnership.