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: Sitting on a beach with a tropical drink. But seriously, I would be a teacher.
MOST IMPRESSIVE PERSON I’VE EVER MET: Dr. Maya Angelou. Not just impressive, but an amazing woman! This industry has afforded me so many opportunities, but when I met Dr. Angelou at an event, I melted in her presence. She was engaging, graceful, and kind. Her book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” remains one of my favorites.
I UNWIND BY: Cooking, because it allows me to relax and focus, especially if I am preparing a new recipe. But I also like to watch old movies and vintage sitcoms such as The Andy Griffith Show.
ON MY DESK RIGHT NOW IS: Two monitors, iPad, phones, a handful of red grapes (trying to eat healthy snacks), work/project related documents, my notebook (I carry it everywhere), and a greeting card with words of inspiration sent from a client.
MY FAVORITE IAVM PROGRAM/CONFERENCE/EVENT/SESSIION I EVER ATTENDED WAS: So many come to mind, but a turning point for me was the 2017 VC in Nashville and the Diversity Reception led by Robyn Williams. What an amazing fundraising event! I made new industry friends that day and came away with a renewed sense of commitment to IAVM.
IF I WERE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SEATS, I’D BE A: Door greeter or usher. This is an awesome way to meet new people. I would get to smile all day.
ONE TRAIT AN UP-AND-COMING VENUE MANAGER SHOULD HAVE: Be humble.
ONE UP-AND-COMING VENUE STAR IN THE ARENA INDUSTRY IS: Shawn Brown at the Verizon Arena. I am just growing my relationship with Shawn, but I find him to be responsive and ready to jump in and lend a helping hand at a moment’s notice.
ONE OF MY GOALS FOR THIS YEAR IS TO: Continue to provide excellence to my clients, direct reports, and company in every way, to grow our business, and to have a positive impact.
HOW DO YOU PLAN TO HELP ELEVATE THE PROFESSION? By remaining enthusiastic, supportive, committed, and engaged with IAVM and the industry as a whole. I will join others to ensure that all are represented as we tackle Diversity and Inclusiveness as an organization and our conference programming is reflected as such.
WHERE DO YOU SEE NEW GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PROFESSION? There are two areas that I believe will continue to impact our industry and our venues: technology (infrastructure) and security. I think there will be a growing need to personalize the attendee experience all the way up to securing our venues.
HOW DO YOU STAY CURRENT WITH INDUSTRY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS? I read industry publications, staying in touch with other industry friends, attending conferences such as IAVM and IAEE. I also enjoy reading the daily digest from PCMA. Lastly, I follow some industry organizations on LinkedIn and Twitter.
WHO ARE THREE PEOPLE YOU’D INVITE TO A DINNER PARTY AND WHY? Oprah Winfrey, Stephen Covey, and Martha Stewart. There is so much to learn from all of them, and this dinner would likely go on for hours. I selected Oprah, simply because she is a phenomenal woman, inspirational, and transformative; Stephen Covey wrote a book that helped to shape me as an upcoming leader; lastly, Martha Stewart because she has so much to offer, especially as a business leader.
