The IAVM Foundation is Proud to Announce the 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2016

The International Association of Venue Managers Foundation (IAVMF) has selected the 2016 recipients for its 30|UNDER|30 program. This program is made possible thanks to co-founding program partners SearchWide and Ungerboeck Software Systems, along with IAVM Foundation donors.

As part of the Build an Amazing Future campaign focused on students, young professionals, and mid-level venue management, the 30|UNDER|30 program is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the venue management industry by recognizing emerging leaders – and their talents – which help accelerate the industry and carry it into the future.

“IAVM and the IAVM Foundation continues to build an amazing future for young professionals in the venue management industry and the 30|UNDER|30 program continues to help lead those efforts,” said Mark Gnatovic, senior vice president of SearchWide and a Foundation Trustee. “The program selection process is not easy and each candidate has to be nominated and then submit a video application that is reviewed and scored by select industry leaders and Trustees. Those that earn the right to be recognized, truly earn the right. It’s inspiring and gratifying to see how creative and passionate these young professionals are. It will be fascinating to watch them as they develop into the future leaders of our industry.”

In its second year, this program focuses on identifying and developing the top talent in the venue management industry, 30 years of age and under, through increased access and exposure to industry networking and thought leadership. The 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2016 will convene for the first time at VenueConnect, IAVM’s annual conference and trade show, July 23-26, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They will also be provided opportunities for continued education for professional growth in the venue industry to help them become better, more productive employees.

Award recipients will receive full complimentary registration to VenueConnect, an $850 travel stipend and a one-year complimentary Young Professional IAVM Membership. In addition to over $2,000 in benefits, the 30|UNDER|30 recipients will be recognized at the Venue Industry Awards Luncheon at VenueConnect on Monday, July 25.

“On behalf of the IAVM Foundation’s Board of Trustees and committed donors, we are honored to announce the 30|UNDER|30 class of 2016,” said Mark Duryea, vice president of North American Routing & Tours for Feld Entertainment and the Foundation Chair. “We ARE building amazing futures for some of the top rising stars in the industry!”

Meet the IAVM Foundation’s 30|UNDER|30 class of 2016:

• Priscilla Almeida, Director of Event Services, Rose Quarter/Rip City Management, LLC
• David Bennett, Event & Facility Operations Manager, KSU Sports + Entertainment Park and Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University
• Brooke Bockelman, Booking Manager, Jerome Schottenstein Center at Ohio State University
• Ben Bosse, Director of Event Services, Nashville Predators/Bridgestone Arena
• Nick Byer, Director of Events, Donald L. Tucker Civic Center at Florida State University/Spectra by Comcast-Spectacor
• Meghan Doyle, Director of Marketing, BOK Center/SMG
• Maggie Gendernalik, Marketing & Box Office Manager, KSU Sports + Entertainment Park and Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University
• Imran Gill, Marketing & Communications Manager, Shaw Conference Centre
• Daniel Hare, Front of House Manager, Kings Theatre
• Emily Herr, Event Services Coordinator, Buffalo Bills/Ralph Wilson Stadium
• Michael Hilburn, Senior Manager, Ballpark Event Operations, Seattle Mariners/Safeco Field
• Aaron Hurt, Director of Operations, Butler Arts Center at Butler University
• Carly Johnston, Director of Marketing & Sales, Pensacola Bay Center/SMG
• Tara Krause, Food & Beverage Manager, Swiftel Center/VenuWorks
• Kristina Lankow, Sales & Marketing Manager, Swiftel Center/VenuWorks
• Todd Liermann, Manager of Complex Show Operations, The National Western Complex
• Max Long, Patron Services Manager, Denver Performing Arts Complex
• Corey Margolis, Assistant General Manager, Budweiser Gardens/Spectra by Comcast-Spectacor
• Matt McClain, Event Services Manager, Broadmoor World Arena & Pikes Peak Center
• Sarah Minnick, Senior Event Services Coordinator, Alamodome
• Christine Pileckas, Director of Sales & Marketing, INTRUST Bank Arena/SMG
• Rick Powell, Operations Manager, Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall/Spectra by Comcast-Spectacor
• Jenna Ricupero, Director of Catering Sales, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and Global Center for Health Innovation/Levy Restaurants
• Micheal Robinson II, Event Coordinator, Curtis Culwell Center
• Mike Santa, CVP, General Manager, Indiana University Auditorium
• Brian Smith, Special Events Manager, BOK Center/SMG
• Allie Thomas, Event Services Coordinator, Cox Business Center/SMG
• Sara Waltemire, Event Services Manager, Meydenbauer Center
• Hayley Ward, Front of House Manager, AT&T Performing Arts Center
• Michelle Witkins, Account Executive, The Baltimore Convention Center