You, as an IAVM member, are our most important asset. Without your commitment to the association and to the venue management industry, we wouldn’t be here. Because of your support, we are featuring member profiles in our I Am Venue Management series. If you are interested in participating in the I Am Venue Management series, please visit http://www.iavm.org/i-am-venue-management-share-your-story.
If I wasn’t doing this I’d be an: Interior designer. Or a novelist.
Most impressive person I’ve ever met: Professor Bob Perry from Cornell. I loved the time I spent with him both on campus and off. His mind was so brilliant, engaged, and sharp, and he always fascinated me with his “Big Bold ideas done in an elegant style.” Whenever I was with him I saw a million new ways to approach everything. Anything became possible.
I unwind by: Reading … everything around me. I read 22 magazines a month cover-to-cover, a couple books, and even billboards on my way to work. It’s an unwind for me but a curse for the staff who always get articles in their inbox from me.
On my desk right now is: Jars of candy … lots of jars of candy! If I buy it and see it, I don’t eat it. Odd, I know. But the best thing about it is that the staff stops to take it, and I get those few minutes to connect with people who might not wander in otherwise.
My favorite IAVM program/conference/event/session I ever attended was: Venue Management School changed everything. From then on, I knew this was a career for me, that I would love the industry, and that I would be a “lifer.” Now, I have the opportunity to teach there, and every year I return recharged having learned so much from the other teachers and students.
If I were on the other side of the seats, I’d be a: Dancer.
One trait an up-and-coming venue manager should have is: A take-a-risk attitude. Try new things to make our industry continuously develop, always strive to improve, and while you can try different venue types and cities. It will bring amazing experiences to your life and develop friends all over the world.
How do you plan to help elevate the profession? My three closest industry colleagues and I started a woman’s mentoring group a few years back. I hope to be able to keep helping the next generation to create the incredible bonds and resources I have been fortunate enough to enjoy.
I just became a Trustee for the Foundation this year. Knowing I am working to provide scholarships is one of the best ways I can think of to elevate our profession.
Where do you see new growth opportunities in the profession? Since I primarily focus on the convention industry, I see security being our new growth area. Unlike arenas where you can control who comes in with a ticket, we are an open space like a mall with a multitude of doors. Meeting planners are going to have to get their mind around securing events and meetings in a different way in the coming years.
How do you stay current with industry trends and developments? Attend conferences and continuously read on sites such as LinkedIn, IAVM and PCMA. I love the news articles PCMA sends every morning. With that said, connecting and sharing information and ideas with your colleagues is really a great way to explore trends and ideas that have both succeeded and failed.
Who are three people you’d invite to a dinner party and why? Steven Colbert, Oprah Winfrey, and Matthew McConaughey. The combination is inspiring, funny, and brilliant. Matthew has an amazing quirky mind, as well as a fascinating movie career. If I can have a fourth I throw in Michael Bublé for a little dinner music and Canadian perspective.
