VenueConnect Through the Eyes of Students

More than 30 students from all over the U.S. were in Baltimore, Maryland, for IAVM’s 90th VenueConnect. We asked them to share their experiences with us. Here are some responses.

“Interning at VennueConnect 2015 was a great experience that will last a lifetime. The UpStart session tailored to young professionals gave me tools to help with my resume and LinkedIn profile, while giving me pointers on what to do when starting my career in venue management. IAVM seems very excited for the next generation of venue managers to come into the industry. The working professionals love the industry they are a part of and don’t want to see it fail, so they try to help the young professionals to grow, continuing the advancement of the industry. Everyone I met at the conference and trade show was very appreciative of the interns and was willing to talk about the industry and the association.”—Anthony Espinoza, Johnson & Wales University

“IAVM’s VenueConnect in Baltimore can be summed up in one word: enlightening…Many key points were stressed throughout the weekend, but none more so than to bringing value to your network. Shaking hands and making connections is only the first step. What makes those handshakes worthwhile is when you take the next step and allow them to grow into relationships. As young professionals, our relationships are going to be our best asset moving forward. It’s up to us to determine how strong those connections to others will be.”—Jarren Nixon, Western Kentucky University

“The entire conference was a great experience from start to finish. The UpStart program was an incredible opportunity to learn from several people with years of experience. The trade show provided countless opportunities to network and learn from managers from everywhere. Also, helping out during the Legacy Project provided a chance to give back to the community and feed several families. Overall, VenueConnect gave me a chance to grow in the industry and improve my skills.”—Jabari Earl, University of Texas at San Antonio

“I was scared of ‘networking.’ I am a very shy person, and introducing as well as promoting myself isn’t a strong point of mine. I gained confidence in myself and what I do as well as learned more about this industry and what it takes to be a successful part of it. Though we are graduate students, they treated us like we were the most important people there. Whatever career path I choose to take in my future, this weekend has taught me how to be professional, be productive, and to make sure I always have fun and enjoy whatever I do.”—Erin Keith, Western Kentucky University

“Being a student intern at VenueConnect was one of the best experiences I have had as a college student for my future career. IAVM is such a helpful and uplifting organization that puts a lot of time into helping young professionals succeed in the venue management industry. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I loved the people that I met and plan on staying in contact with them throughout my career. I learned a lot and got great exposure to an industry I am passionate about. One of my favorite experiences is how inspired I got after mingling with other students like myself at the Young Professionals Mixer. I felt connected and educated leaving Baltimore and look forward to my next experience at an IAVM event.”—Irina Tuluca, Missouri State University

“Exploring Baltimore and learning new things about our industry was an experience I won’t forget. The highlight of the trip for me was networking with professionals, getting to know them, and most importantly, knowing that they are willing to help us anyway they can.”—Keisha Ray, Western Kentucky University

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet amazing professionals from around the world. I even met a couple people who work for the same university that I will be working for this fall. These connections made will be extremely beneficial as I start my career, and I’m grateful for everyone involved in the process for making this event happen.”—Kevin Holcombe, Georgetown University

“VenueConnect was my second internship with IAVM. The experience I had reminded me of my time at my first internship at the Academy for Venue Safety & Security in Dallas earlier this year—exciting, full of great opportunities to learn and network, and a very valuable experience to be a part of. Before VC15, I heard it was a bigger event than the other IAVM conferences, and since this year was the 90th anniversary of VenueConnect, it was just that—bigger, better, and a hit with the attendees, speakers, trade show, interns, and a handful more…if anyone in the venue industry is providing the best with conferences, opportunities to network, knowledge and information, and everything in between, it’s IAVM and they’re doing it right.”—Aaron Dimatulac, Missouri State University

“This trip was one of the most influential and reassuring events that I have ever been to. It took my thought process and perception of the event and facility management industry to a whole new horizon of what all there is that you can get involved with and pursue. One of the big things that hit home for me was being able to meet and network with top industry professionals and hearing their stories of how they ended up in the positions that they are in was amazing. It was also great to be reassured by industry leaders that I am on the right path and to keep pursuing my dreams. To have them genuinely say keep in contact and they would help out with as much as they can truly spoke wonders. I can honestly say that before this conference I had no idea exactly what career path I exactly wanted to take after graduation, but after I can confidently say that I believe that the event and facility management industry is where I see my future heading. So for me, I would have to say that the 2015 IAVM cConference was a ‘Game Changer.’”—Houston Croney, Western Kentucky University

“I really enjoyed meeting and networking with the current venue professionals as well as building relationships with the future of the venue industry with all of the young professionals and interns. There were lots of takeaways from VenueConnect, but the biggest thing I learned is that you are never alone. You build a network of people that are always there to help you when the times get rough or if you have a problem you can’t figure out. Along with what I learned, there were many things that stood out. Overall I really enjoyed VC15 and will hold on to the knowledge and relationships I built with everyone I met. Hopefully, you will see me as a member at the conference in the future.”—Brandon Kress, University of Montana

“From the very first speaker at the UpStart program, I was intrigued with what all the professionals had to say. They have so much experience within the world of venue management, and I felt like I learned a lot from them. Also, the round-table discussion with top executives within the venue business was one of my favorite parts about the conference. They helped me realize how important it is to be a leader and not just a manager of your staff. I was already well aware of this, but hearing it from people that are high within a huge organization only confirmed what I need to continue to work towards.”—David Christian, Western Kentucky University

“I absolutely loved my experience at VenueConnect. Each person that I met was more willing to reach out and help more than the previous person that I talked to. I loved getting to hear each person’s different background and story during the Game Changer session. That was definitely my favorite part about the conference. I also feel that I made connections and friendships that will last for years to come, even though we only connected for a short time at the conference.”—Mikal Daskivich, Penn State University

“Having the privilege to be part of VenueConnect as an intern was extremely rewarding, and I can’t thank IAVM enough for the the opportunity. Not only is EVERYONE approachable but they are also willing to share insight on the industry. VC15 introduced a new session called UpStart that allowed young professionals to sit in on important information on what we should be doing to make ourselves more competitive candidates and improving ourselves. My favorite part had to have been the Game Changer, being able to sit down with the individuals I look up to and hear their stories was something I would have never thought I would be able to do. I made valuable connections at VC15, especially with the interns. We clicked, so well we felt like family by the end. I can’t wait to attend the next conference and be reunited with these wonderful people.”—Ashley Molina, University of Florida

“I was granted the opportunity to connect with people from all around the U.S. who are making an impact on the industry and giving young professionals like myself an opportunity to learn and understand what it takes to be successful in this business. Throughout the time at the conference, we had the chance to sit in on numerous sessions; however, one of my favorite sessions was called UpStart. This session focused on young professionals’ development, included speakers that talked about how we can make ourselves more marketable using LinkedIn and other social media.”—Sherrice Dubose, Western Kentucky University

“VenueConnect was a great experience with it being my second IAVM event. I was able to interact with the organization’s members and see how everyone contributes to this ever-growing industry. Experienced advice, endless networking, and industry professionals were at the tip of my fingers. IAVM provides the best in educational and professional opportunities for individuals who are looking to advance in the venue management industry as well as the entertainment industry as a whole. Thanks to the Foundation Board of Trustees for your vision of furthering young professionals’ goals and aspirations in this industry. Also thanks to Jason LoRusso, Sarah Rogers, Greg Wolfe, and Jessie Khoury for all you did for us interns during the conference!”—Miah Moore, Missouri State University

(Image: Orange Photography)