IAVM’s Foundation has once again partnered with Western Kentucky University to bring UpStart: Emerging Leaders Experience to VenueConnect in Nashville, TN August 7-9. The program is in its third year and will afford Young Professional and student attendees the opportunity to network and connect with experienced industry professionals throughout the three day conference.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are extremely pleased to be offering the third year of UpStart: Emerging Leaders Experience,” stated Bob Hunter, IAVM Foundation, Chair. “This program’s success is due in large part to Western Kentucky University, our founding partner and sponsor. We are grateful for their investment in these young professionals through their continued support of the program”
UpStart was designed by IAVM’s Foundation, IAVM and WKU as a means to provide professional development to future leaders of venue management by providing young professionals the chance to build relationships with current industry leaders, engage in transformative learning opportunities, and interact with other students and young professionals in a conference setting.
“WKU is honored to play an instrumental role in the program,” said Dr. Evie Oregon, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Master of Science in Intercollegiate Athletic Administration with the School of Kinesiology, Recreation, & Sport at Western Kentucky University (WKU). “We believe this program is a great opportunity for up and coming young professionals to learn and network. This program also gives a chance for well-seasoned professionals to give back and help the future leaders. I had the honor to be a part of the first two UpStart programs, and I believe this year will be the best yet.”
This year’s UpStart will be three days of content:
UpStart: Game Changer
Monday, August 7 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Room 201
Breakfast will be served before everyone’s favorite Game Changer session starts. Game Changer brings together Students and Young Professionals with Industry Leaders for fast paced (think speed networking) Q&A. Every 15 minutes you change to another table to ask more questions all the while learning from some of the industry’s best! Industry leaders who are participating this year are Jason Rittenberry, CFE President & CEO Kentucky Venues, Kim Stone, GM American Airlines Center, Michael Marion, CFE GM Verizon Arena, Bob Hunter, CFE Chief Project Development Officer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Air Canada Centre, Adina Erwin, CFE VP and COO Fox Theatre Atlanta, Kelly Shea Senior Booking Director FELD Entertainment and many more!
UpStart: Keynote Speaker
Tuesday, August 8 | 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM | Room 206
Come and learn about how to get into the industry and how to be one of the best in the industry from one of the best Paul Turner, CFE, CSSP, Senior Director of Event Operations AT&T Stadium. Paul will have the attendees learning and excited from the moment he starts with an interactive session. Taking away tips on how to be a leader and succeed in our industry attendees are sure to come out of the room armed with what it takes!
UpStart: Panel Discussion
Wednesday, August 9 | 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM | Room 206
A panel discussion will be led by past and current 30 | UNDER | 30 and Young Professional Industry leaders – Mac Campbell, CVP Deputy Director Baltimore Convention Center, Max Long, Event Coordinator Virginia Beach Convention Center, Ashley Keen, CVP Technical Director/Production Manager Mesa Arts Center and Annie Wilson Assistant Production Supervisor Portland’5 Center for the Arts. Come ready to ask questions during the 45 min session to those who were in your shoes not too long ago!
