In accordance with IAVM policies and bylaws, the slate for the 2025-2026 Board of Directors is now available online. As in previous years, members will have an opportunity to cast their votes electronically.

Members can read about the candidates online during their leisure in preparation of casting their votes.

The ballot box will open June 30, 2025 and will close on July 18, 2025.  In the interim take advantage of the opportunity to read all about those individuals slated to lead the Association during the next year.

The New York Convention Center Operating Corporation (NYCCOC) announced today that Ronnie Burt has joined the leadership team at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as the new Chief Revenue Officer.

In his new role, Burt will be tasked with developing and executing strategies to drive revenue growth and attract high-profile events. In line with the Center’s vision, mission, and core values, the CRO holds a pivotal responsibility in shaping crucial decisions and guiding strategies across marketing, sales, and the development of the guest experience.

“Throughout my career, I have been blessed to work in major markets around the country, but there is no place like New York,” said Burt. “I am excited to bring my years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industries to the Javits Center and find new ways to elevate the brand and the customer experience. With the incredible team already in place at the Javits Center, I am confident we can drive new revenue growth and meet our mission to serve as a catalyst for the economic development of New York.”

Burt is a seasoned hospitality executive with over 25 years of experience in casino, hotel, convention center, destination marketing, and consulting sectors. He has served in senior leadership roles in sales, marketing, and organizational management in major markets across the country, including Washington DC, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Atlantic City, NJ. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Oak View Group. Burt has been actively involved with several professional industry associations, including the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners (NCBMP), and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). He has also served on the Board of Directors for Destinations International, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, the Boys and Girls Club of Atlantic City, and the Stockton University Hospitality & Tourism School of Business Advisory Board.

“I’m proud to welcome Ronnie as the newest member of our Executive Team,” said Joyce Leveston, Chief Executive Officer of the Javits Center. “His wealth of knowledge and dynamic leadership will bring Javits Center to new heights as we tout ourselves as the place the world gathers and innovation thrives.”

IAVM proudly announces the nomination of Matt Hollander, CVE, as Second Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term. If elected, Hollander will join the Board’s senior leadership team and begin a four-year officer rotation, ultimately serving as Chair of the Board for the 2027-2028 term.

Hollander currently serves as the General Manager of the Greenville Convention Center in South Carolina, where he works under Oak View Group. With more than 35 years of industry experience across convention centers, arenas, theaters, and amphitheaters, he brings a well-rounded and deeply informed perspective to IAVM’s leadership.

“Matt is a true servant leader with an exceptional breadth of experience,” said Adam Cook, CVE, Chair of the IAVM Board of Directors. “He has been a dedicated contributor to IAVM for decades, and his steady leadership, collaborative spirit, and deep understanding of the industry make him a natural fit for this role. I’m excited to see the impact he’ll have on our continued progress.”

A member of IAVM since 1992 and a Certified Venue Executive since 2009, Hollander has contributed significantly to the association. His extensive volunteer service includes roles as Region 1 Director, Chair of the Convention Center Committee, member of the Audit Committee, and member of the VenueConnect Planning Committee. He currently serves as Chair of the IAVM Certification Board and is an active member of the Industry Affairs Committee.

“Matt embodies the very best of IAVM’s mission to educate, advocate for, and inspire venue professionals,” said Trevor A. Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, President & CEO of IAVM. “His leadership style is rooted in integrity and inclusion, and his commitment to our industry will no doubt benefit our members and the broader public assembly community.”

With a proven track record of thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to the advancement of public assembly venues, Hollander is well-positioned to help lead IAVM through a dynamic and pivotal period. His nomination reflects both the confidence of his peers and the association’s ongoing commitment to fostering experienced, forward-thinking leaders who champion the needs of IAVM’s diverse membership.

“I am both honored and humbled to have this opportunity to serve as a part of IAVM’s senior board leadership,” stated Hollander. “Since I joined IAVM (then IAAM) in 1992, the association has played a pivotal role in my professional development and industry education. I have met some of the most dedicated and committed industry leaders through IAVM, and I am honored to call so many of them my friends.”

IAVM members will vote electronically in July on Hollander’s nomination, and if elected, will take office after IAVM’s VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show, July 28-31, in New Orleans, LA.

Roger A. Dixon, President & CEO, Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA)

Serving 25 years as President and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) in Omaha, Neb., has been a dream job, but it’s time for Roger Dixon to retire.

He’s targeting December but is open to whatever happens. “I’ve been talking to the Authority board about this for a year,” Dixon said. The board just announced that the search firm, Shelli Herman & Associates, is seeking his replacement.

Timing now depends on that successor and “how much interaction they do or don’t want. My office is not that big,” Dixon said. “I’ll be a resource if they need me to be. I’ll take phone calls, but I don’t want to be on the payroll where I have to get up every morning and check my emails and text messages. There’s an outside chance whoever they bring in won’t want my involvement; I’m fine with that, too.”

Dixon, who joined IAVM in 1978, started in the business in 1976 in Louisville, Ky. He then moved to the Knight Center in Miami, St. Louis Arena, and the Spectrum in Philadelphia, before returning to St. Louis to finish construction and manage what is now the Enterprise Center. After some consulting work with Carl Hirsch, Stafford Sports, on the Riverfront Coliseum project in Cincinnati, he got the call from Omaha.

In his two-and-a-half decades at the helm of MECA, Dixon has overseen the design and completion of three major projects totaling $747 million: the CHI Health Center Omaha, Charles Schwab Field Omaha, and, most recently, The RiverFront, a multi-faceted downtown park. Under Dixon’s leadership, the three MECA-run properties have not only welcomed more than 32 million people through their doors, but they have also generated over $2 billion in economic impact for the Omaha community.  

“On behalf of the MECA Board of Directors, I would like to thank Roger for his years of dedication to the construction, activation, and success of three incredible properties in Omaha that have come to define the north downtown area,” said MECA Chairwoman Diane Duren. “His leadership, diligence, and vision have helped stimulate remarkable economic growth and activity in the community over the last two-plus decades.” 

The latest project Dixon has shepherded at MECA is a $200-million, 90,000-square-foot expansion of the CHI Health Center’s convention center, which is expected to be completed in summer 2027. MECA facilities regularly host top concerts and coveted sporting events, such as the Men’s College World Series, volleyball and basketball NCAA Championships, and four consecutive Olympic team trials for USA Swimming.

He never envisioned this career trajectory when he started out in the business at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, working as usher supervisor for industry legend Dean Justice and his right-hand man, Jim Abel.

“When I was at SIU, I was in charge of group sales for a mid-week Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus stand. We had the record for most group sales for a mid-week play for Ringling. That’s what sold me,” Dixon said.

He has always enjoyed IAVM for the camaraderie, the education, and the shopping. He’s furnished all his arenas and convention centers through contacts at the IAVM trade show.

His advice to future CEOs now working their way up at IAVM? Patience number one; nothing happens overnight. “Get involved in the community—understand the power brokers and politics in the community. You can’t necessarily be a voice, but you can be an advocate. And support your team. You have to let people do their jobs.”

Age is a huge factor in his decision to retire, he affirmed, noting he is turning 75 this month. “I want to travel, hang out and not worry about emails, texts, and phone calls. I want to enjoy life. We’ll stay in Omaha, at least in the warmer months.”

Since being named to IAVM’s 30|UNDER|30, Maddie Heywood has continued to build a meaningful and inspiring career grounded in adaptability, creativity, and leadership. Over the past few years, her professional journey has taken significant strides, marked by a bold career move, a well-earned promotion, and continued investment in education.

After starting as an Event Manager at the Utah Valley Convention Center, Maddie made the pivotal decision in 2022 to transition to Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. While the Convention Center provided a strong foundation and valuable experience, the move to Thanksgiving Point opened doors to a new kind of opportunity—one that allowed for more creative exploration, hands-on leadership, and strategic influence. Embracing this shift, she quickly became a key contributor to the team and was promoted to Director of Event Operations.

In this expanded leadership role, she now oversees a dynamic calendar of public and private events across Thanksgiving Point’s unique blend of museums, gardens, and venues. The complexity and variety of the operation require both logistical savvy and imaginative thinking—a challenge she has embraced fully. The new role has also offered the chance to shape and mentor a team, guiding others while continuing to learn and evolve as a leader.

The commitment to growth doesn’t stop at the workplace. As a proud attendee of Venue Management School, she completed her first year of study and is preparing to return this summer for the second and final year. Beyond the coursework, the opportunity to connect with peers from across the industry has proven just as valuable. She describes the experience as both a learning milestone and a source of meaningful community. “Attending VMS was not only educational but inspiring. It reminded me that we all share similar challenges and triumphs in this field, and there is so much to learn from one another.”

Reflecting on the past few years, she describes the time as transformative: filled with challenges, growth, and discovery. The jump from manager to director in just a few years is a testament to her tenacity and talent. Whether leading a team, bringing events to life, or continuing her professional education, she remains committed to excellence in every detail.