This week’s spotlight of recipients in the IAVM Foundation’s inaugural class of 30|UNDER|30 are asked, “As a future leader, what areas do you deem necessary for future success in this competitive industry?”
Kelsey Metzger Covart
Sales and Event Manager
Ames Center
Burnsville, Minnesota
“I think it’s important to keep up with the ever-changing trends as well as having a firm foundation of what built this industry. Things like VenueConnect—and other continuing education opportunities—are important, because it gives us a chance to work with the industry’s leading professionals and to network with our peers to see what works for them and other best practices. It’s also important to stay connected to the communities we serve, whether that is working with the convention and visitors bureau, the chamber of commerce, or just being involved in the community. This truly lets us see what the community wants in terms of programming and products. One also has to have a strong passion for this industry to succeed. It’s such a crazy, ever-changing industry that without a deep love for it one can’t be successful.”
Sari Feinstein
Events Supervisor
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
Santa Rosa, California
“A motivation to learn from those around you is necessary for future success in this competitive industry. Future leaders need the spark to continue to grow with the times, look at those venues around us, and learn from their successes and their downfalls. One venue does not have all the answers, and curiosity is essential.”
Nikki Lekhy
Program Associate
Cultural Tourism DC
Washington, D.C.
“We are a flexible and adaptable industry, and I think it’s necessary to use our comfort in change as an opportunity to change the role that we play in the communities we serve. Future success in this industry takes a willingness to try new things and to create opportunities that affect more than our own bottom line.”
Andrew Shreve
Assistant Box Office/Parking Manager
Global Spectrum – Greater Richmond Convention Center
Richmond, Virginia
“I believe one key to staying competitive is seeking out traditional and non-traditional marketing tactics, utilizing social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and maintaining user-friendly content. It’s a great way to promote an upcoming show, an upcoming convention, or even the venue itself.”
