Capital Region MU Healthcare Auditorium

VenuWorks is pleased to announce the appointment of Rich Thompson as Executive Director of the Capital Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater, Jefferson City’s premier outdoor entertainment destination. This transition marks an exciting new chapter as the venue prepares for its 5th operational season under the management of VenuWorks, a nationally recognized leader in venue management. Thompson will officially begin his role on February 17, 2025.

Rich Thompson brings a wealth of experience to Jefferson City, currently serving as Sales and Marketing Manager at the VenuWorks-managed Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, IA. A proven professional with deep expertise in event management and audience engagement, Thompson is uniquely prepared to lead the Amphitheater into a new era of growth and success.

“We are delighted to welcome Rich Thompson as the new Executive Director of the Capital Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater,” said Steve Peters, Founder and CEO of VenuWorks. “Rich’s extensive experience in event planning, sponsorship development, and audience engagement makes him the ideal leader to continue building on the Amphitheater’s success. His vision and energy will not only enhance the venue’s reputation as a premier destination for live entertainment but also strengthen its role as a vital cultural and economic asset for the Jefferson City community. We’re excited for the bright future ahead under his leadership.”

Thompson is equally enthusiastic about the opportunity. “I am thrilled to join the dynamic team at the Capital Region Amphitheater,” he said. “This venue has established itself as an exceptional space for live entertainment and community events, and I’m eager to work alongside partners, sponsors, park board and city leaders to continue its success story.”

Managed by VenuWorks since its opening in 2021, the Capital Region MU Healthcare Amphitheater has quickly become a cultural and economic asset for the Jefferson City area. Nestled in a picturesque riverside setting, the Amphitheater features 600 reserved seats and space for 2,400 general admission patrons. Its expansive programming includes national touring acts, community gatherings, and civic events, all of which have contributed to its growing reputation.

VenuWorks’ Impact on Jefferson City

Over the past four seasons, VenuWorks has played an integral role in elevating the Amphitheater’s profile. Highlights from 2024 alone reinforce its value to the local community:

• Economic Impact: The venue generated a significant $715,000 in economic activity, benefiting local businesses from hotels to restaurants.
• Attendance: Nearly 22,000 attendees enjoyed a diverse slate of concerts, festivals, and special events in 2024.
• Community Engagement: VenuWorks has fostered relationships with local organizations, such as Vet Tix, through which 120 tickets were donated to veterans in 2024. The Amphitheater also hosted important community events like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the Cole County Drug Treatment Court Graduation.
• Event Excellence: The Amphitheater was recognized with 1st place in the Best of Jefferson City awards for live music and 2nd place for live theatre/live entertainment in 2024, cementing its position as a top entertainment venue.

Additionally, the venue’s robust marketing strategy, valued sponsorships, and partnerships with local businesses have strengthened its connection to Jefferson City’s residents and visitors. Sponsors like Capital Region MU Healthcare and Central Bank, among others, have been instrumental in enhancing the fan experience and ensuring the venue’s sustainability.

World-Class Entertainment

VenuWorks has consistently delivered a stellar array of artists and acts to the Amphitheater. Headliners in recent years have included nationally known performers such as Chris Janson, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Everclear, while community events like JC Parks KidsFest have welcomed thousands of attendees. These efforts affirm the Amphitheater’s mission to provide world-class cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities for the region.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming 2025 season promises to be another remarkable chapter in the Amphitheater’s storied history. Under Thompson’s leadership and with the continued support of VenuWorks, the Capital Region Amphitheater is poised to deepen its impact—entertaining, enriching, and engaging the Jefferson City community for years to come.

For more information about upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.crmuamphitheater.com.

Mentor Connector Spring Cycle Begins Soon – Apply Now!
 
Are you ready to accelerate your career growth and build lasting professional relationships? IAVM’s Mentor Connector Spring Cycle is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect opportunity to take your career to the next level.
 
The Mentor Connector Program is designed to connect up-and-coming venue professionals with experienced leaders in the industry. Whether you’re a young professional looking for guidance or a seasoned expert interested in sharing your expertise, this program is for you.

Why Participate?

• For Mentees: Gain insights and advice from leaders who have navigated the challenges of our industry. Learn about best practices, career advancement, and how to succeed in today’s evolving venue management environment. Apply now to be a Mentee!
• For Mentors: Contribute to the growth of the next generation of venue professionals. Share your knowledge, make a meaningful impact, and expand your own leadership skills through mentoring. Apply now to be a Mentor.

SearchWide Global announced the onboarding of three new team members, each bringing profound expertise and innovative skills to further drive organizational success. Effective January 13, 2025, Carmen Rodgers, Chris Bates, and Danielle Loney joined SearchWide Global.

Carmen Rodgers, Executive Recruiter

Carmen Rodgers steps into the role of Executive Recruiter for the Experiential, Tradeshows, Events & Venues division. With over two decades of experience in recruiting and talent management, Carmen is known for her imaginative talent acquisition strategies and inclusive hiring practices. Her tenure as Talent Acquisition Director at EssenceMediacom with their bespoke agency Media Futures Group and pivotal roles at Colossal Media, Freeman, and Wyndham Hotels underscore her ability to innovate recruitment processes. As an expansion of her professional achievements, Carmen is a passionate singer/musician and has been writing and recording music for over 20 years.

“Carmen’s creative insights and extensive experience in recruitment will significantly enrich our team’s capabilities and strategic direction. We are thrilled to have her on board,” said Andrea Christopherson, Global Head of Experiential, Tradeshows, Events & Venues.

Chris Bates, Executive Recruiter

Chris Bates joins SearchWide Connect as an Executive Recruiter, providing noteworthy expertise in sourcing and recruiting talent across many sectors. His previous work at Magnit included collaborating with renowned global brands such as Disney and Netflix, highlighting his strategic acumen in high-volume staffing. Equipped with an MBA, Chris’s prior achievement in building partnerships at HRU Technical Resources proves his capability to enhance recruitment strategies and maintain crucial industry relationships.

“Chris’s strategic approach to talent acquisition will enhance our recruitment strategies and business partnerships. He will play a key role in providing exceptional candidates at a faster pace than traditional retained executive search services,” said Wendy Moran, Global Head of SearchWide Connect.

Danielle Loney, Project Coordinator

Danielle Loney takes on the role of Project Coordinator within the Marketing & Experience team, primarily supporting SearchWide Connect. With a solid foundation of over ten years in customer-facing roles, Danielle excels in managing diverse projects and fostering team collaboration. Her leadership at Pasco Kids First and success as an Account Executive at SurveyMonkey illustrate her ability to exceed organizational goals. Holding a master’s degree in Developmental Disabilities and certifications in Project Management and Sales Development, Danielle is set to drive projects to successful outcomes with her innovative strategies and collaborative spirit.

“We are excited to welcome Danielle to our team. Her exceptional project management skills and strategic insight are assets that promise to drive innovative outcomes for our projects,” said Cambria Jones, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer at SearchWide Global.

“The addition of Carmen, Chris, and Danielle to our team reflects our commitment to excellence and leadership. Their extensive expertise will undoubtedly bolster our growth as we celebrate 25 years in business,” stated Mike Gamble, Chairman and CEO of SearchWide Global.

TheatreDNA Town Hall. Photo provided by TheatreDNA.

TheatreDNA announced it has acquired Victor Gotesman Performing Arts Planning, one of the nation’s top research and consulting firms for feasibility studies and business planning in the cultural arts market. With this acquisition, TheatreDNA can better provide a full-service experience for venue owners and operators, pairing feasibility research and strategic business development alongside performance space planning and design, the firm’s legacy service offering.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this new milestone for our firm,” said Michael Ferguson, Co-founder of TheatreDNA. “We have a longstanding history of working with Victor Gotesman on feasibility studies and have enjoyed his collaborative spirit in helping communities develop cultural spaces. With this new partnership, we can better serve our clients at any stage in their venue’s lifecycle.”

The acquisition of VGPAP will allow TheatreDNA to expand its current offerings of feasibility studies and organizational assessment projects. Service capabilities will now include market analysis, utilization planning, community engagement, operational reviews, financial forecasting, strategic business planning, and feasibility studies, among others. The team leading this expansion includes TheatreDNA Co-Founder Benton Delinger ASTC, veteran theatre consultant who recently led venue operations for the opening of India’s first commercial performing arts center, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai; Alex Hargis CMP/CVP, a former venue management executive at the Coppell Arts Center and the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, Texas; and Victor Gotesman.

“We believe the best consulting teams have experience in three key areas: designing performance spaces, building cultural facilities, and understanding the day-to-day operations that come with running them,” said Benton Delinger. “There’s no one that knows this to be truer than Victor, whose contribution to the performing arts industry is unparalleled. We are grateful for his continued support as we look to build upon his legacy of work.”

“I have been in this business for a long time – working with Michael and Benton – and I’m happy to see it come full circle with this new partnership,” said Victor Gotesman, founder of VGPAP. “I am thankful for having the opportunity to help guide the next generation of consultants and to witness how TheatreDNA can build upon this body of work.”

Highlighted projects previously conducted by the two firms include: City of Mission Viejo (CA) feasibility study; the City of Hoover (AL) feasibility study; Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (New York, NY) redevelopment masterplan; Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (Cerritos, CA) business operations and management; the Colburn School (Los Angeles, CA) expansion feasibility and operational planning; City of Denver (CO) – Arts & Venues operational planning; and the Regional Kansas City Arts Center (KS) feasibility study.

The acquisition, occurring this year, will coincide with TheatreDNA’s 10th anniversary as a firm.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has promoted Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP, to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In this role, Williams will continue overseeing the development and execution of strategies to drive growth and attract high-profile events. As CCO, Williams will work closely with all aspects of sales, marketing, event services and operations to optimize the Convention Center’s stance as a key destination for any event.

Formerly the Convention Center’s Senior Director of Sales and Event Services, Williams was appointed interim CCO in November 2024 when former CCO Tim Hemphill announced his transition into a part-time executive advisor role after 17 years with the Convention Center, now to serve as the Acting Chief Communications Officer.

“I am pleased to officially welcome Elaine as the Convention Center’s new Chief Commercial Officer,” said Alita Caparotta, Convention Center Interim President and CEO. “With over 25 years of experience at the Convention Center, Elaine comes to the CCO role with an impressive track record of intelligent leadership, operational excellence, sales insight and events expertise.”

Williams began her career at the NOENMCC in 1996 as a sales manager for Aramark. After joining the Convention Center’s sales team in 2007 as a national sales manager, she was promoted to director of sales in 2013. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, one of the largest associations in the events industry, Elaine is on the Board of Governors for the International Association of Venue Managers’ Senior Executive Symposium.

Concurrently with her extensive career at the Convention Center, Williams cemented herself as a respected industry leader. She was awarded the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Events Industry Council, earned a Certification in Exhibition Management (CEM), completed her CEM-AP (Advanced Professional) and is currently pursuing a Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation by the International Association of Venue Managers. In 2022, Williams was nominated for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Supplier of the Year award. Most recently in 2024, Williams was elected to the Board of Directors for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Venue Professionals by Eventex and named one of New Orleans CityBusiness’ Women of the Year.

“As someone who has had the privilege of being part of this incredible team for many years, I am deeply honored to step permanently into this role of Chief Commercial Officer,” said Williams. “I look forward to building on our legacy of excellence and collaborating with our community, clients and partners to ensure the Convention Center remains a leader for events, innovation and growth.”