Steve Peters, CEO of VenuWorks, announced the appointment of Daniel Kays as the new Executive Director of the Topeka (KS) Performing Arts Center (TPAC), effective Oct. 7.

“We are thrilled to welcome Daniel Kays to lead TPAC’s dedicated team. With his proven expertise in executive venue management, marketing, booking, and operations, we are confident he will be a transformative leader, driving TPAC and the Topeka community toward new creative heights,” Peters said.

Prior to this, Kays led the Bowlus Fine Arts Center in Iola, KS, for five seasons. His tenure at Bowlus was marked by resilience and innovation, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he ensured the continuation of live concerts while many other venues were silent.

Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Kays said, “My family and I are looking forward to moving into this incredible community and absorbing the rich history of Topeka. I’m honored to be chosen to lead TPAC and to join the incredible team that is in place.” He particularly noted the major campaign, GO TOPEKA, and downtown revitalization efforts as an enticement.

The Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is a private, independent not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, and contributes generously to organizations throughout Northeast Kansas.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in September 2024. Thank you for being a part of the association! Also, let us get to know you better by participating in the I Am Venue Management series. Please visit here to share your story and photo.

Nick Aubrey, Addition Financial Arena – OVG, Orlando, FL
Aliza Ayala, Kentucky Venues, Louisville, KY
Sammantha Banks, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
Morgan Barchan, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Amanda Barr, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Ryan Beatty, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Bailey Berhannan, Addition Financial Arena – OVG, Orlando, FL
Matt Boring, The Momentary, Bentonville, AR
Ali Brackett, Grand River Center, Dubuque, IA
Jason Bradshaw, Texas A&M Athletics, College Station, TX
Chad Cannady, University of Dayton Arena / Athletics, Dayton, OH
Marisela Castaneda, New York University, Brooklyn, NY
Frank Cilurso, 3DK9 Detection, Miami, FL
Matt Collin, Prevent Advisors, Denver, CO
Sean Cook, Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, CA
Katie Cooney, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Stephanie DeLano, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Jack Dowd, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Demetria Ferrouillet, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Dylan Fitzgerald, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Danielle Friedrich, ExtraMile Arena, Boise, ID
Jennifer Galindo, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
Brandon Garcia, Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
Chase Garrett, St. Charles Convention Center – OVG, Saint Charles, MO
Chris Gerstmyer, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Jackson Gill, North Carolina State University, Cary, NC
Cortney Goff, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Evan Gordon, Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA
Zach Harris, University of Dayton Arena / Athletics, Dayton, OH
Christian Henderson, Kentucky Performing Arts, Louisville, KY
Caleb Hoch, Jerome Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH
Cody Horn, Addition Financial Arena – OVG, Orlando, FL
Danny Klima, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Mandi Lawless, Town Toyota Center, Wenatchee, WA
Jamahn Lee, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, San Francisco, CA
Kaya Leija, Texas A&M Athletics, College Station, TX
Rachael Lembo, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Portland, OR
Sarah McDonald, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Elizabeth Mendoza, Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut, CA
Becca Michael, University of Dayton Arena / Athletics, Dayton, OH
Ben Nascenzi, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Shana Oliveira, Xtract One Detection Ltd., Toronto, ON, Canada
Hope Paccione, Addition Financial Arena – OVG, Orlando, FL
Barbie Patterson, Resch Center, Green Bay, WI
Enis Perez, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Alex Picozzi, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Stacy Pucillo, Xtract One Detection Ltd., Toronto, ON, Canada
Chris Ramos, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, San Francisco, CA
Angie Roberts, St. Charles Convention Center – OVG, Saint Charles, MO
Barb Robertson, Cheyenne Frontier Days, Cheyenne, WY
Jared Sano, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, UT
Jackson Short, Moody Center – OVG, Austin, TX
Jacob Silva, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Macee Smith, West Plains Civic Center, West Plains, MO
Hanna Smock, Moody Center – OVG, Austin, TX
Brian Solverson, Xtract One Detection Ltd., Toronto, ON, Canada
Brigid St. Leger, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG, Kingston, RI
Greg Tarbox, Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA
Nick Vecchio, The Fox Theatre – Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Kip Walker, Vanguard Elite Security, Topeka, KS
Mitise Watts, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, San Francisco, CA
Mynita White, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Reese Williams, Addition Financial Arena – OVG, Orlando, FL
Brian Williamson, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, San Francisco, CA

As Hurricane Helene swept across the region, the damage it left in its wake has been heartbreaking. From flooded homes to wrecked infrastructure to loss of life, the impacts are felt far and wide, affecting not just the communities we serve but also many of our own IAVM members.

At IAVM, we stand together during these times of crisis. The strength of our network has always been in our ability to support each other through challenges, and this moment is no different. Whether you’re dealing with property damage, displacement, or emotional stress, we want you to know that you are not alone, and we will do whatever we can to help.

A Call to Action: Let’s Help Each Other

How IAVM Members Can Help

For those fortunate enough to be in a position to assist, we encourage you to get involved. There are many ways to lend a hand:

• Reach Out to Affected Members: If you know a fellow member who may be impacted, a quick message or call can make all the difference. Let’s check in on each other.
• Contribute to Relief Efforts: The American Red Cross has more than 1,000 disaster responders working around the clock to get help to those in need. You can help by making a financial donation by visiting org,calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word HELENE to 90999. Financial donations for Hurricane Helene enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more about volunteer opportunities. Helene has also led to the cancellation of blood drives across the Southeast, causing more than 2,500 blood donations to go uncollected. Those outside the affected areas are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or using the Blood Donor App to help restock the shelves.
• Share Resources: If you have access to facilities, accommodations, or other helpful resources, consider offering them to displaced members. Our network can be a powerful force in providing shelter and aid.

Stay Connected

During disasters like this, communication is key. IAVM is dedicated to keeping our members informed and connected.  If you are an IAVM member affected by Hurricane Helene, please do not hesitate to reach out. Update us and keep your fellow IAVM members apprised on how we can help via VenueNet or at via email at amy.fitzpatrick@iavm.org. Please let us know how of how you and your venues may also be assisting your communities, so that we may share those stories with all of our members.

We’ve faced challenges before, and through mutual support, we’ve emerged stronger. Let’s support one another in every way we can.

Stay safe, stay connected, and remember: IAVM is here for you.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE (10/3/2024 at 10:30 AM CT) –

An IAVM member who has been in contact with individuals in western NC via amateur radio emergency service (ARES) has learned that there is a donation call for items and services through Anchor Baptist Church and Ministries in Pisgah Forest, NC.  They are a staging area for donations and have posted the items and services needed on their website at https://www.anchorbaptist.org/disaster-relief. 

As more donation needs and service needs are sent to us, we will update them here.

Congratulations to our members who were recognized at VenueConnect 2024 for having earned their Certified Venue Executive (CVE) and their Certified Venue Professional (CVP) certifications!

Certified Venue Executive (CVE)

Jason Blackwell, CVE
Parris Bradley, CVE
Matthew “Mac” Campbell, CVE
Jodi Cobalt, CVE
Michael Gatto, CVE
Blake Henry, CVE
Alikie Knight, CVE
Victor Landry, CVE
Jared Lillard, CVE
Jason Parker, CVE
Stephen H. Potter, CVE
Mariko Jade Rollins, CVE
Zach Rutledge, CVE
Tammy Sweeney, CVE
Brendon Wagner, CVE
Suzanne Whitaker, CVE

Certified Venue Professional (CVP)

Leila Aboujouda, CVP
Robyn Ali, CVP
Kerry Allen, CVP
Michaela Ashworth, CVP
Aaron Bayham, CVP
Mark Andrew Booy, CVP
Darin Cralle, CVP
Kayln Denniston, CVP
William G Flangas, CVP
Marisa C Flynn, CVP
Blake Groves, CVP
Alex Hargis, CVP
Danielle Higham, CVP
Joshua Hillman, CVP
Derek Hoffert, CVP
Kim Kettler, CVP
Nadia Maimon, CVP
Corey Margolis, CVP
Keaten McDonald, CVP
Brian McGrath, CVP
Dani O’Callahan, CVP
Kemper Owens, CVP
Derrick Palms, CVP
Bobbie Pritchard, CVP
Christopher J. Roden, CVP
Omar Ropele, CVP
Rod Saavedra, CVP
Krystine Saint Michael Bussiere, CVP
Kelly M. Schmidt, CVP
Cynthia Serrano, CVP
Grant Simmons, CVP
Dennis Emory Skerrett, CVP
Sunshine M. Smith, CVP
Jeff Steeg, CVP
Cami Stincer, CVP
Cody Thomas, CVP
Jouline Trotic, CVP
Dominick Washington, CVP
Ashton Wilson, CVP
Brian Wilson, CVP
Andrea Wright, CVP
Amanda DeWalt, CVP
Kevin Murphy, CVP
Raymond Pan, CVP
Mariko Jade Rollins, CVP
Andrea K. Runner, CVP
Barb Silin, CVP

Certified Venue Executive (CVE) Certification

CVE certification represents a definitive step toward achieving your career aspirations and leaving a legacy in the venue management industry.

Reasons to Earn Your CVE:

• Demonstrated Leadership Excellence
• Strategic Career Advancement
• Comprehensive Mastery of Industry Best Practices
• Prestigious Industry Recognition and Influence

Four Steps to CVE Certification:

1. Apply
2. Multiple Choice Exam
3. Written Exam
4. Oral Exam

Learn More

Certified Venue Professional (CVP) Certification

The CVP designation says three important things about an individual:

1. Capable professional
2. Committed to the industry
3. Pledged to continued professional growth and development

Venue professionals who earn the CVP designation are recognized, by those inside and outside the industry, as skilled in their profession.

Reasons to Earn Your CVP:

• Increased Marketability
• Growth
• Confidence

Two Steps to CVP Certification:

1. Apply
2. Written Exam

Learn More

Interested in Earning Your CVE and/or CVP?

Start the process today by visiting our website or emailing certification@iavm.org.

Barely three months after celebrating his Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation, Brendon Wagner, General Manager of the Waterloo (Iowa) Convention Center at Sullivan Brothers Plaza, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 2 at the age of 44.

His many friends at IAVM, including co-workers over the years at Oak View Group, Spectra and VenuWorks, were heartbroken upon learning the caring, creative and passionate professional died, apparently never awakening in his cabin while on a vacation cruise.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our esteemed General Manager, Brendon Wagner. Brendon joined the Waterloo Convention Center in January 2020, just as the facility transitioned to private management under Oak View Group. His tenure began amid the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic, yet he remained a steadfast and vital force throughout,” said Carrie Jackson, OVG District General Manager, in an email.

“As the city embarked on a significant renovation of the convention center, Brendon worked with the City, the construction team and the architectural design firm, ensuring the project’s success and the center’s transformation into the remarkable venue it is today. His dedication extended beyond his role as General Manager; he also served as a Board Member for Main Street Waterloo and he recently earned his CVE (Certified Venue Executive) designation from IAVM, reflecting his commitment to excellence in venue management.”

On his LinkedIn page, Wagner described himself as an “event industry professional with a passion for customer and client service using a solutions-based approach. A life-long learner, who seeks out opportunities to advance his knowledge, skills, and abilities to offer more to his employer and clients.”

Steve Peters, CVE, CEO, VenuWorks, couldn’t agree more. He recalled Wagner was a student volunteer working at the IAVM annual convention in 2006, the year Peters was president-elect. “He was assigned to be my assistant. All that week he never left my side. The next year when I was president he was back at my side, anticipating my every request with his impish smile and quiet demeanor. I knew then we needed him in our VenuWorks family.”

Gina Brydson, IAVM director of membership, remembers those early years when Wagner became a student member while attending Missouri State University. He embraced the association wide open to its potential, from interning to education (Venue Management School) to certification, fully participating as a volunteer and making a lot of friends along the way.

Wagner started his career in live entertainment on the amusement park side. He was a seasonal worker at Six Flags theme park in St. Louis, Mo., his go-to while attending Missouri State University, before signing up for advanced degrees at Webster University, and Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management.

He joined VenuWorks as operations manager at Duplin County Events Center, Kenansville, N.C., in 2007, then became their executive director at the Fairfield (Iowa) Arts and Convention Center. From 2009-2015 he was director of operations at RiverCenter/Adler Theatre in Davenport, Iowa, capping his nearly eight-year stint with VenuWorks. While in Davenport, Wagner also served as part of the opening team for the TDECU Stadium at the University of Houston in 2014.

“Once he came to work for us, he accepted some extremely difficult management assignments in several small towns that many young managers would have turned up their noses at,” Peters said. “In each case, Brendon jumped in with enthusiasm. Soon after he accepted the position in Waterloo, he came to visit our office in Ames, talking about his new job and the facility improvements that were planned. He made us all very proud.”

After leaving VenuWorks, Wagner spent two years as director of event management at St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission. Spectra, which was later merged with Oak View Group, brought him on board as director of event services in Owensboro, Ky., in late 2017.

He was named general manager of the Waterloo, Iowa, facility in December 2019, just in time for the challenges of a global pandemic. He rose to the occasion as always.

Greg O’Dell, president of venue management for OVG360 posted on Linked In: “Brendon was a great leader, teammate and friend to so many that had the privilege to know him … a rising star, gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers for Brendon’s family, and he will be terribly missed but never forgotten.”

Every member of the Peters family worked with Wagner during the time he was with VenuWorks. Randi Peters remembers that enthusiasm and thoughtfulness that made Wagner so beloved. “He was kind to others and eager to help when needed. He once stood in line a long time in Portland, Oregon at an IAVM conference years ago, just to bring back ‘voodoo donuts’ for us. Such a sweet act of kindness that was never forgotten by us,” she said.

Toby Peters, VenuWorks chief development officer, worked with Wagner in Davenport at RiverCenter and Adler Theatre. “He was always busy doing things behind the scenes, from updates around the venue for energy efficiency, to finding new approaches to staffing that had not been done at the venues before.”

And Lindsay Peters bonded with Wagner in Fairfield, early in his career. She was one of many colleagues that kept in touch with the rising venue star who showed such a passion for the industry and was always seeking improvement. Which is why he went for his CVE designation in 2024. Beth Wade, CVE, Berry Center, Houston, is on the IAVM Certification Committee and was honored to be part of his interview panel for this CVE designation. “He understood the value of certification and education,” she said.
On his LinkedIn page, Wagner confirmed that trait, saying he was a “life-long learner focused on developing not only job-related knowledge and skills, but also in developing a well-rounded base of knowledge…Professional development education has included completion of the Venue Management School, Venue Management School Graduate Institute, and Certified Building Operator Level 1.”

Wagner was born on May 10, 1980, to David and Janice Wagner in Saint Louis, Mo. After graduating from Kirkwood High School in 1999 he went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University and master’s degrees from Webster University and Temple University.

He is survived by his parents, his brother Michael & sister-in-law Genezareth, and sister Laurel & brother-in-law Joseph.

A memorial service was held at Bopp Chapel in Kirkwood, Mo., Sept. 22. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kirkwood High School Theater (KH Players).