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 I wasn’t doing this, I’d be a: teacher. I have grown up around teachers. I have a wide variety of family and friends that are all teachers. I would want to be an elementary school teacher, because I love kids and think that teachers can have such an important impact on kids’ lives. I am a better person today because of the teachers that I have had.
Most impressive person I’ve ever met: is Sarah Rogers. Not because of what Sarah has done or the accomplishments she has (which are incredible), but because of the person she is and the heart she has. Sarah has a way of caring about students and their futures. She has definitely had an influence on my life.
I unwind by: going to the gym or going for a run. My biggest stress relief after a crazy day is definitely running.
On my desk right now: are lots of sticky notes, papers, and a note pad with highlighted reminders.
My favorite IAVM conference I ever attended was: VenueConnect. Doug Sandler gave my favorite session called, “Nice People Finish First” at VC15. It was a powerful message that left you feeling like you can do better and be a better person.
One trait an up-and-coming venue manager should have is: a good work ethic. If I could give one piece of advice to anyone wanting to work in this industry, do the work you don’t want to do, because one day it will pay off. Be ready for long days and lots of hours. It won’t always be glamorous, but it will always have its benefits.
One of my goals for this year is to: implement an app so students at our university are able to redeem their sports tickets online or on their phones. This will help for tracking purposes and make life a lot easier for everyone involved.
How do you plan to help elevate the profession? In today’s era, technology is rapidly growing and becoming more diverse. I think the world of technology has so much to offer, and for those of us just starting out in the industry, I think it is important to get behind social media and truly understand the capabilities and endless possibilities it can have for a company.
Where do you see new growth opportunities in the profession? This profession has definitely expanded tremendously in the last decade. With my foot in the door, I hope to continue developing and learning from all those surrounded by me. Being that I have just started out, I don’t know where life will take me, but I full heartedly believe that possibilities are endless.
How do you stay current with industry trends and developments? I try and stay on top of all the industry trends by doing lots of research and reading lots of articles. Not all articles pertain to my current job or even my profession, but I feel like there is potential for growth by reading and learning for all avenues.
Who are three people you’d invite to a dinner party and why? I would invite my dad, because he has been my role model and my biggest supporter. I would also invite Holly Rowe, because my dream would be to work for ESPN. Finally, Aaron Rodgers, because what girl wouldn’t want to have dinner with Aaron Rodgers!
McKell Bennett is assistant marketing director for the Adam Center – University of Montana in Missoula, Montana.
