Congratulations to the following IAVM members who successfully completed partnerships in IAVM’s Mentor Connector program from April 2014-March 2015. Experienced venue professionals were matched with individuals seeking to enhance their industry knowledge. Each team created a unique program tailored to sharpen skills, increase networking, and strengthen IAVM and its members. Well done, teams!
These members truly represent the breadth of IAVM—across venue types and geographic regions; from students, young professionals, allied members, and seasoned managers to board leaders and past-chairs. Mentees get more involved in IAVM while helping advance their careers and establish “…a relationship with someone to bounce ideas off of and get advice on tough issues.” Mentors not only “pay it forward” to the next generation (an oft’ heard comment), they reinforce their knowledge base and gain insight from another perspective. Coaches bring an industry veteran’s experience—many of them remark, “The benefits you receive in return are tenfold what you put into it.”
One of the mentees this past year—Johnny Walker, general manager of Norris-Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado—had this to say:
“Thank you to everyone involved for having this program! It has been a wonderful advancement of my knowledge of venue management and has benefited myself and my venue immensely…not many industries work so closely with each other like this, and I have truly been the recipient of a great culture.”
| Mentee | Mentor | Coach |
| Charly Banks / Will Rogers Memorial Center | Matthew Gibson, CFE / Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena | Jimmy D. Earl, CFE / Frank C. Erwin Center, University of Texas at Austin |
| Chrissy Biagiotti / Mizner Park Amphitheater | Allen Johnson, CPM, CFE / Orlando Venues | Terry Genovese, CFE / ASI Displays, Inc. |
| Bill Borenstein / MotorCity Casino Hotel | Brad Murphy, CFE / Adams Center University of Montana |
Terry Genovese, CFE / ASI Displays, Inc. |
| Shelley Ellis / Three Rivers Convention Center, Toyota Center, Toyota Arena | Andrea Smalls / Georgia International Convention Center | John Siehl, CFE / VenuWorks |
| Blake Smith / Clayton Arts Center, Maryville College | Bill McElrath, CFE / Des Moines Performing Arts | John Siehl, CFE / VenuWorks |
| Craig Spillman / Louisville Slugger Field | Rob Henson, CFE / Scope Arena | Kevin Twohig, CFE / Spokane Convention Center |
| David Thomas, CFM, LEED AP / Austin Convention Center Department | John Meyer, CFE / American Bank Center | Kevin Twohig, CFE / Spokane Convention Center |
| Melissa Van Hien / Stadium and Arena Event Services | Duane Morris, CFE / Brick Breeden Fieldhouse | Robyn Williams, CFE / Portland’5 Centers for the Arts |
| Johnny Walker / Norris-Penrose Event Center |
Dot Lischick, CFE / Colorado Springs World Arena and Pikes Peak Center |
Shura Garnett, CFE / St. Charles Convention Center |
| Jennifer Wirtz / St. Charles Convention Center | Rob Henson, CFE / Scope Arena | John Siehl, CFE / VenuWorks |
Congratulations again to these IAVM members…all leaders in the industry. Successful participants also qualified for points toward the Certified Facility Executive designation and continuing education.
As we say in the opera world: “Bravo! Encore!”
SEE YOU IN BALTIMORE! Look for us on the trade show floor at VenueConnect! Booth 244—just look for the logo!
Mentor Connector 12-month cycles begin every six months—in spring and fall. All current IAVM members are welcome to participate in this FREE member benefit—you need only to fill out a simple online application at www.iavm.org/mentor.
