By R.V. Baugus
The “Open” sign hangs proud and boldly around this year’s VenueConnect in Phoenix. Unlike 2020 in Long Beach (virtual only) and 2021 in Atlanta (open with restrictions), the Valley of the Sun is ready to host IAVM in 2022.
The always popular “A Day at the Theater” under the leadership of the Performing Arts Committee is back with excitement and anticipation building for it well in advance of the Tuesday, July 19 “day” from 10 am – 3 pm at the Herberger Theater Center.
In collaboration with The Shalleck Collaborative, the Performing Arts Committee welcomes attendees to a day that will include conversations about how PACs are building back stronger, a chance to make new friends and reconnect with old ones and reignite the joy in performing arts work.
The committee is grateful to the generous sponsors of “A Day at the Theater” including The Shalleck Collaborative, Threshold, AMS Planning & Research, LMN, Wenger and the hosts at the Herberger Theater Center.
So, tell us again committee members, why you are excited about “A Day at the Theater” and the upcoming VenueConnect?
Nine out of ten venue management professionals recommend “A Day at the Theater” as the industry’s antidote after a long, ugly shut down due to a pandemic. Come learn and get re-energized by the industry’s best and brightest! –Allan Vella
I am so excited about the in-person, hands-on material at “A Day at the Theater!” I am attending because the curriculum will give me the opportunity to connect with my fellow Performing Arts colleagues in a fun way! –Ashley Keen, CVP
VenueConnect consistently provides a space for me to connect with and be inspired by those in the industry doing incredible work. From being able to ask questions that have plagued me to learning about the newest technologies and trends in the performing arts industry, I always come away rejuvenated, inspired, and better prepared than I was before attending. –Bridget Benton, MFA
I am excited about “A Day at the Theater” because it feels new and fresh. I think it will be fun to have the PAC first day of the conference in a space that feels familiar and comfortable. My hope is that by being in an environment many of us are used to, it will spur us to exchange stories and ideas with each other. I am sure it will be a bunch of “I wish we had,” “How do you think they would make X show work in this space?” conversation starters. –Eric Slaughter
I’m going to “A Day at the Theater” at VenueConnect to connect with my friends and colleagues in the Performing Arts world. Getting to visit with everyone to hear about their experiences and engage with each other to tackle the challenges of our sector is something I look forward to every year. –Graeme Bice
I am SOOOOO excited to be returning to VenueConnect and to Phoenix! I have missed being with my IAVM peeps IN PERSON. I’m looking forward to visiting many of the Valley theaters in which I was involved over the years and getting back to communing with IAVM friends over dinner and drinks in the fabulous Phoenix restaurants. (Priorities, donchaknow!) –Jack Hagler, FASTC
The thought of spending “A Day at the Theater” as part of VenueConnect this year creates a sense of calm and normalcy within me that I have been so missing these past few years. I can’t wait to spend quality face time with my treasured colleagues and reignite my memories of years past and make new ones too with this amazing community of theater professionals. COME ONE COME ALL! –Jason Blackwell, CFM
This year’s “A Day at the Theater” will provide a place for our sector to gather together to (re)connect, learn, and have joyful moments together. I can’t wait to see you there! –Jodi Cobalt, Chair
This year’s VenueConnect promises to be a great opportunity to dig into some topics that are of particular importance to performing arts managers, both the technical side and the “soft” human side. I’m looking forward to connecting with people and finding those moments to just touch base and talk about what’s on our minds. –Kimberly Corbett Oates, ASTC
Can’t wait to be back together in person for VC and specifically for our day in the theater! Our team always comes away from performing arts sector meetings with new ideas and new connections; it’s an inspiring and collaborative way to reignite our passion for the industry. –Laura Sweet, MA
I’m heading to VenueConnect to CONNECT with my fellow Performing Art Center colleagues. Holding the “Day at the Theater” on day one is the perfect opportunity to immediately find and connect with theater people. I’m proud to be overseeing Boot Camp, PAC’s longstanding hands-on workshops. I hope you’ll join us for five rotating sessions where you’ll get to practice running a spotlight, pick up a needle and thread as you learn a quick stitch to repair a ripped drape, saddle up to a mic as you try to audio describe a performance, or perhaps stand in the spotlight as you learn a magic trick. Making a return is fan favorite Ethics, where you can join a lively discussion on a handful of sticky venue dilemmas. The Day at the Theater is bound to be a day filled with education, but moreover a day filled with laughs, hugs, and the connection we’ve all missed these past few years. –Sara Beatty, CVP
I’ve always said that if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. Our “Day at the Theater” allows us to connect with the best and brightest in the industry to learn best practices and brainstorm new ideas while having a lot of fun! –Trampas Brown, CVP, FMP
I’m so excited to see everyone in person and learn firsthand how they are coming back stronger! I always leave VenueConnect feeling inspired, brimming with ideas, and reconnected to why I love this industry. –V Fairchild
I’m excited to help reconnect and see how everyone, their organization and their venue’s mission and are being rebuilt for the comeback. — Adam Shalleck
