Mentor Connector: Reflections & New Year’s Resolutions

As we celebrate this time of wonder and renewal, a warm feeling of gratitude fills our spirit and reflection upon the past year seems instinctive.

2017 was a particularly successful one for the Mentoring Committee and the Mentor Connector Program. Committee members wrote blogs, laughed a lot together at our booth at VenueConnect, and shared insights on The Venue Live Podcast. Past-participants and committee members are spreading the word, and it’s affirming to see the number of partnerships growing.

We are ever grateful to the small yet mighty IAVM committee who facilitate the Mentor Connector Program year-round with the dedicated support of IAVM Member Care Manager Summer Beday. As the program now has two year-long classes or “cycles” per year – one beginning in the spring and one in the fall – the work behind the scenes is excitingly self-perpetuating. The Mentoring Committee loves seeing new and returning Mentees, Mentors and Coaches each cycle.

I would like to recognize those IAVM members who took time out of an already demanding work schedule to focus on their own personal and professional growth as a “Mentee.” These brave members embrace opportunities for evolution and development. Of course, without the time, encouragement, and professionalism from our “Mentors,” there would be no one to help shape and cultivate the passion of fellow venue managers. I’d also like to tip my hat to the “Coaches,” who play a quieter supporting role in the process for multiple partnerships at a time.

Here are the IAVM Members who completed the Mentor Connector Program in 2017:

Are you looking for a 2018 New Year’s Resolution you will actually follow-through with? Participate in the MC Program! IAVM’s Mentor Connector Program is an excellent vehicle to enhance your venue management career. Both mentors and mentees benefit from participating in the program—mentors become better teachers and mentees benefit from the knowledge and direction they gain. The partnership introduces both individuals to a new network of colleagues.

Mentor Connector has no age limitations. You may want to learn about new safety & security technology, the latest techniques in ensuring the fan experience, advocacy laws that are applicable in your state or region, management & leadership trends, or navigating your way in to the industry—everyone can learn something from someone. If you’d like to learn more about the value of this free member benefit and fill out the application online, check out our webpage.

Congratulations to all who successfully completed the Mentor Connector Program in 2017.

We can’t wait to see who we meet in 2018!

Kathryn Carlson
Chair, IAVM Mentoring Committee