VenuWorks, a leading provider in venue management, proudly announces the creation of a pioneering executive position—National Director for Operations, Production, and Safety (OPS)—to support its ongoing commitment to operational excellence and safety across its venues nationwide.

Scott Smith, an industry expert with over 20 years of experience in venue management, has been appointed as the inaugural National Director of OPS. With a proven track record in event operations and leadership, Smith previously served as Director of Operations at the award-winning Swiftel Center. During his tenure, he successfully managed a diverse range of events, from concerts and conventions to sporting events, and led a team that earned national recognition.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to be part of a great team. I look forward to assisting with all aspects of operations in the facilities that we serve. We will work to deliver an exceptional customer experience and provide employees the tools for operational success,” said Smith. His extensive background includes strategic oversight of safety/risk management, production management, and operational efficiency.

Steve Peters, CEO of VenuWorks, shared his enthusiasm for the new appointment, stating, “The National Director for OPS position reflects our unwavering commitment to elevating safety standards and operational excellence. Scott’s appointment marks a pivotal moment in our journey to further empower our teams and partners.”

Scott Smith’s responsibilities will include collaborating with local operations leaders to ensure compliance with OSHA and other regulatory standards, managing facility infrastructure, developing standard operating procedures, and enhancing risk management strategies. His leadership and expertise are further affirmed by his certifications in safety and security, alongside his recognition as a Venue Excellence Award team member.

“Scott brings a unique blend of strategic vision and practical expertise that will significantly bolster our efforts in ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our patrons, staff, and clients at every VenuWorks managed facility,” noted Mike Silva, Chief Operating Officer of VenuWorks.

The appointment of Smith as National Director for OPS sets a foundation for a more integrated and cohesive approach to venue management. The role is geared toward providing a consistent and elevated standard of safety and operational efficiency across all VenuWorks locations, benefiting venue managers, safety professionals, clients, and communities alike.

For more information on VenuWorks and its management services, please visit www.venuworks.com.

Music Forward, a national non-profit organization and Live Nation’s charity arm, proudly recognizes National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating its federally recognized apprenticeship program — the first of its kind nationally that focuses specifically on music and live entertainment. Apprenticeships bolster Music Forward’s mission to pave the way for the next generation of industry talent by helping young leaders transition from music enthusiasts into seasoned professionals via competitive training, professional development, on-the-job training, and mentorship and coaching. This innovative program is revolutionizing how young people from underrepresented communities gain the skills, experience, and mentorship they need to thrive in one of the most dynamic industries in the world.

The journey to this first-ever registered apprenticeship in music and live entertainment began pre-pandemic via Music Forward harnessing its connections at the California Department of Education, community-based organizations, arts media and entertainment industry leaders BRIC Foundation (BRIC), Entertainment Equity Alliance (EEA) and Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) coming together to assess the role of workforce stakeholders in supporting a thriving and diverse arts and entertainment industry. This process led to the realization that registered apprenticeships are a vital part of preparing the next generation of industry professionals. 

“This historic apprenticeship program bridges training, education, and high-skill, high-wage jobs in music and live entertainment, addressing challenges around building an inclusive industry and cultivating its long-term sustainability,” explains Music Forward Foundation Executive Director Nurit Smith. “With support from our employer partners, we are providing paid, hands-on experience to kick-start careers and drive economic mobility. This initiative is a critical addition to our work, our youth, and the industry we serve.” 

These career paths are being built in partnership with high schools in the Centinela Valley Union High, Compton Unified and Los Angeles Unified school districts along with the California Department of Education’s Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) and Career Technical Education (CTE) industry sector schools plus Compton College – who are all teaching essential workplace skills, training students on creative processes and industry-standard technology and emulating professional environments to create authentic learning experiences for students. From San Francisco to San Diego, Music Forward works to reach young professionals, giving them the tools they need to launch successful careers in the music and live entertainment industries. Since its launch, Music Forward has received over 200 applicants interested in apprenticeships. Of those applicants, 92% are BIPOC and 61% female – ensuring the program supports underrepresented voices. 

Music Forward’s competency-based apprenticeship program’s rigorous structure requires at least 1,080 on-the-job paid training hours coupled with mentorship and supplemental learning. It provides a vast breadth of apprenticeship opportunities in different pathways including Marketing, Special Events, Music Supervision and Talent booking as well as technicians in Lighting, Audio and Video (A/V) and production roles such as Grip/Rigger, Stagehand and Audio Engineering. Music Forward has partnered with entertainment industry heavyweights Live Nation, Wasserman, Bigger Hammer, Show Imaging, BRIC, Bulldog Event Group and others to provide a robust selection of apprenticeship placements where young emerging professionals receive training and experience to ensure they are poised for success. As the apprenticeship program grows, Music Forward seeks to bring in additional industry employer partners to continue expanding opportunities and build a bigger future together for young talent. 

Music Forward’s current apprenticeship program participants are Gabriel Escalante & Kaije Rood at Show Imaging as Warehouse Techs, Chloe Colligan and Troy White at Wasserman in Talent Coordination and Marketing respectively, Emily San Vicente at BRIC Foundation in Marketing and Breanna Flores at Music Forward in Special Events.

“My experience has been incredible,” raves Wasserman apprentice Troy White. “My team has taught me tour marketing from the ground up, and my main takeaway is that being detail-oriented is the key to success in the agency space, no matter what department you are in, along with ambition!” 

Wasserman apprentice Chloe Colligan enthuses, “The experience has been really amazing, and I am so grateful for this opportunity! I think the main takeaway for me is seeing how the music industry operates first-hand, and it honestly surpassed my expectations.” 

Ensuring a strong foundation and necessary resources, Music Forward’s apprenticeship program has received remarkable government support including being the recipient of a $500,000 California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship (COYA) grants, one of the only dedicated to careers in the creative economy. 

Governor Gavin Newsom’s dedication to Music Forward’s apprenticeship program is exemplified by his statement: “California is committed to helping disadvantaged youth prepare for high-quality careers. Through our nation-leading career education efforts, we’re boosting apprenticeships throughout the state and across industries to help young people launch into the right career for them.”

Along with the COYA grant, Music Forward has secured nearly $1M in multi-year support for this initiative from the Irvine Foundation, the South Bay Workforce Investment Board, California Workforce Development Board and High Road Training Partnerships. These funds will allow for youth and employer incentives, education stipends, mentoring and training for careers in the creative economy. 

National Apprenticeship Week: November 17-23, 2024, is a nationwide celebration where employers, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and Federal, State, and local government agencies host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for strengthening our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry needs, creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into good jobs, and advancing racial and gender equity. National Apprenticeship Week gives registered apprenticeship sponsors the opportunity to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices in their community. To learn more about Music Forward Foundation’s apprenticeship program, visit HERE.

What is AVSS?

IAVM’s Academy for Venue Safety & Security uses courses and classroom experiences, combined with practical exercises and hands-on activities to support your growth as a professional in the venue industry.

Gain valuable resources that will benefit your organization and receive a toolkit of reference materials, including a personalized “Action Plan” to apply your new learning right away.

Is AVSS for me?

Designed to support individuals at any stage of their careers, AVSS students come from diverse professional backgrounds, including venue managers, event planners, public safety professionals, industry and business leaders, government agencies, educators, and more.

AVSS Learning Outcomes from Year 1:

• Enhance understanding of the venue and event safety, as well as the security ecosystem
• Recognize core principles of adequate safety and security planning
• Develop skills to communicate safety and security plans, procedures, and concerns effectively to internal staff and key stakeholders while fostering a networked community

AVSS Learning Outcomes from Year 2:

• Demonstrate and apply comprehensive knowledge of the venue and event safety and security ecosystem
• Integrate foundational principles of safety and security planning seamlessly within your organization
• Exhibit proficiency in communicating, implementing, and managing safety and security plans in both daily operations and emergency situations
• Identify valuable resources for ongoing professional development while staying informed on emerging safety and security issues and trends

Who are the AVSS 2025 Instructors?

• Peter Ashwin, MSc, F.ISRM, MSyI
  Principal – Event Risk Management Solutions (ERMS)
• David Born, CPP, CSSP
  Senior Director, Business Services – Prevent Advisors / Oak View Group
• Bryan Frieders
  Director of Health and Safety – Redrock Entertainment Services
• Andy Jabbour
  Managing Director – Gate 15
• Alex Keen
  Principal – Keen Independent Research
• Joe Levy, CVE
  Assistant General Manager – Barclays Center
• Wayne Middleton, CVE
  Principal Consultant – Reliance Risk
• Joey Sampson, JD
  Partner – McCathern, Shokouhi, Evans
• Harriet Thomas
  Director of Talent Development and Communications – GWCCA

Where is AVSS 2025?

Registration includes 5 nights at the host hotel, Omni Houston Hotel (4 Riverway Drive, Houston, TX 77056). IAVM will make your hotel reservation for arrival on Sunday, March 16 and departure on Friday, March 21.

Attendees should plan to arrive in time for the first session at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. AVSS concludes with the graduation dinner on Thursday night, attendees may plan to depart any time on Friday.

Want to Elevate Your Brand at the Industry’s Premier Safety & Security Event?

Become a valued sponsor at AVSS 2025 and connect with top professionals in venue safety and security management. This premier event gathers experts, decision-makers, and influencers committed to advancing safety standards across public assembly venues. Sponsorship at AVSS 2025 is your chance to:

• Showcase your brand to a dedicated audience of safety and security professionals.
• Gain exclusive exposure through branding opportunities on-site and across event materials.
• Network directly with industry leaders and engage in conversations that drive your business forward.
• Align your brand with IAVM’s dedication to advancing safety standards in public assembly spaces.

Contact us at sales@iavm.org or view the AVSS 2025 Prospectus to learn more!

Ready to register?

Visit avss.iavm.org today!

7-0 Vote by Orange County Commission Allocates $400 Million to Stadium and $226 Million to Arena

Yesterday afternoon, Orange County Commissioners unanimously approved an agreement with the City of Orlando that will provide funding to update and enhance Camping World Stadium and Kia Center, two of the city’s major economic engines, ensuring both venues remain competitive for years to come. The vote follows approval of the agreement by Orlando City Council on November 11. Funding for the $626 million agreement is generated by future tourist tax revenues by way of a 6% surcharge on hotel rooms and short-term lodging within Orange County.

Camping World Stadium, owned and operated by the City of Orlando, will receive $400 million to remove and rebuild the stadium’s upper terrace decks, now nearly 35 years old. It will also help expand the stadium’s capacity up to 65,000 seats. Originally built in 1936, the iconic stadium has grown and evolved throughout the ensuing decades, including a $207.7 million reconstruction in 2014 and $60 million in additional upgrades in 2021. This latest upgrade will effectively provide a completely brand new stadium since 2014. Camping World Stadium has experienced a significant return on investment, drawing high-profile events including Wrestlemania 33, NFL Pro Bowl Games (4x), Monster Jam World Finals, international soccer friendlies and big-name concerts including Rolling Stones, Bad Bunny, Garth Brooks, Pink and the annual three-day EDC Orlando. In 2022 alone, these large-scale events generated a local economic impact of $632 million. Beyond rebuilding the stadium’s upper decks, an adjacent 100,000 square foot multi-purpose community space, projected to host over 100 mid-sized events annually, will be added.

Kia Center will receive $226 million over 10 years that will substantially improve many public-facing areas and address capital replacements of infrastructure including mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems along with security and fire protection, elevators and escalators (vertical transportation) and updated technology. Additional areas within the scope include interior and exterior finishes, along with furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E). These replacements and modern enhancements will help the arena attract the biggest and best events while improving the fan experience. Since opening in 2010, Kia Center, which is also owned and operated by the City of Orlando, has created over 4,070 jobs, hosted nearly 3,000 events, welcomed more than 18 million guests and generated a $6.5 billion economic impact. The arena recently wrapped its busiest year ever, hosting a record-breaking 70 concerts, easily beating its previous record of 54.

“As a globally recognized city that attracts visitors from around the world, this pivotal agreement ensures that Camping World Stadium and Kia Center will maintain their state-of-the-art appeal, while driving economic growth and leaving a lasting-positive impact on residents, businesses and visitors alike,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

“We appreciate the support from Orange County and City of Orlando Commissioners. Our community venues play a vital role in not only enriching the quality of life here in Central Florida, but also supporting countless local businesses,” said Orlando Venues Chief Venues Officer Allen Johnson. “This funding will go a long way to protect our community’s beloved investments.”

In the remaining weeks of 2024, Kia Center will host several concerts including Battle of the Bands, Kany Garcia, Kacey Musgraves, Creed and Rod Wave along with several Orlando Magic and Orlando Solar Bears games. Having just hosted a capacity crowd for P!NK on Monday night, Camping World Stadium is now gearing up for the annual Florida Blue Florida Classic this Saturday, November 23, followed by its three annual bowl games in December: the StaffDNA Cure Bowl, Pop-Tarts Bowl and Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

Michele Swann, General Manager & CEO of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority, has announced that she will leave her leadership position effective December 31, 2024.

In her role with the Authority since 1995, Swann has been responsible for the administrative oversight and strategic growth of the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Galleria Specialty Shops and ArtsBridge Foundation. An announcement about a new General Manager and CEO will be made in early December.

“Michele deserves all the credit for her steady leadership and execution of the Authority’s vision – among other things – to  develop the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, create the ArtsBridge Foundation, launch the capital plan to construct the performing arts center, guide the operations through a pandemic and oversee the design and programming for the renovation and expansion of the Cobb Galleria Centre,” said Jerry Nix, Chairman of the Authority. “She has been a watchful steward of the Authority’s assets, and the longevity and tenure of her staff is a testament to her quiet, humble leadership.”

Connie Engel, Chairwoman of the Authority’s Personnel Committee, said, “I struggle adequately finding the right words, but we at the Authority (and moreover those of us in Cobb County) are extremely grateful to Michele for the dedication and heart she has put into everything she has done over the last 29 years, including the years spent integrating the Cobb Galleria campus and parking with the new Braves development. Her leadership has resulted in a successful partnership with the Atlanta Braves, Cobb County and other area stakeholders.”

A 40-year veteran of the venue management industry, Swann has opened, operated, and expanded a variety of facilities including convention centers, arenas and performing arts centers in Atlanta, College Park, Ga., Augusta, Ga., and Niagara Falls, N.Y.