Performing Arts Centers were the venue of choice for Stephen Ray (Steve) Martin, and he delighted in bringing that community together through IAVM. He served as chair of the Performing Arts Sector Committee from 1999 to 2004, leaving his mark on that group’s close camaraderie and educational focus.

Born July 3, 1955, Martin died Jan. 20, 2025, at the age of 69, in Salem, Ore., where he started his career of “enjoying retirement” in 2017. He is one who considered IAVM “family,” and benefited from mentors and mentoring his entire professional career.

Steve Martin, left, at the opening of Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1982, with Kirk Metzger, CVE, and Richard Cotton.

He managed the Historic Elsinore Theatre in Salem from 2005-2016. He started his PAC career at Pikes Peak Centre in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he worked from 1982-2005.

He joined IAVM in 1989 and attended just about every conference from 1997 through 2014. Martin was among the founders and organizers of IAVM’s Performing Arts Facility Administrators Seminar (PAFAS), which morphed into the annual Performing Arts Managers Conference (PAMC).

“During Steve’s long career in the performing arts, he was both a technical director and venue manager,” noted longtime friend Larry Henley, CVE, UNLV, highlighting Martin’s diverse skills.

Kirk Metzger, CVE, first met Martin in the fall of 1974 when he enrolled in the new theatre graduate program at UNLV. Martin was an undergraduate, a theatre major.

“We worked numerous plays together, for probably three years, until Steve graduated and went off to teach theatre at Centre College in Danville, Ky.,” Metzger shared in an email. “Prior to his graduation, I had been appointed to open and manage the university’s new 2,000-seat concert hall. All my stagehands were theatre undergrads including Steve and Larry Henley. Somewhere during that period Steve met (his wife-to-be) Tina. We knew that Tina was the one for Steve, because she endured the five-hour drive through the desert to Southern California without air conditioning. Steve thought using AC would adversely affect his gas mileage, so he drove with the windows open.” 

In 1982, when Metzger moved to Colorado Springs to be the executive of the new Pikes Peak Center, a 2,000-seat opera house, he needed an operations director. “I hired Steve as a known, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and dedicated theatre person. Steve brought Larry Henley to our operation as a lighting designer and stagehand.” Henley later returned to UNLV to run the concert hall.

When Metzger left Colorado Springs to open the Woodlands Pavilion (AKA Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion) in suburban Houston, Martin was appointed director at Pikes Peak Center

When Martin retired, “he concentrated on his golf game eventually achieving a handicap of, I think, seven,” Metzger related grudgingly, having played longer but apparently not as well.

Their daughters were the same age, and many an IAVM conference found them together. “I recall an IAVM conference where Steve’s daughter Allison and my Kelsey were seven-year-old trade show rats scarfing up all the food being offered.” (Metzger’s now-grown daughter, Kelsey Covart, is the COO of a VenuWorks-managed facility in suburban Minneapolis and was in the first class of IAVM’s 30-under-30. “When Kelsey joined the business, I told her that venue management was much different than free Dipp’n’ Dots on the trade show floor—she didn’t listen,” Metzger added.)

Martin gave back to IAVM in numerous ways, serving on the board of directors from 2004-2006, and joining the Professional Development Committee, the Technologies Task Force, the VenueConnect Planning Committee, and the Business Development Task Force, besides his ongoing role with Performing Arts.

He is survived by wife Tina and daughter Allison.

Social media and the industry trades filled up Thursday, Jan. 23, with accolades and fond memories of talent agent extraordinaire Scott Pang.

The former ICM agent died of a heart attack on Jan. 23. He was 69.

Doug Logan, of Ogden Corp. and MLS fame, who says Scott was his first Facebook friend, was quick to post this tribute:

“A sweet and gentle talent agent. Sounds like an oxymoron, but with this guy it was not.

Knew him at William Morris. Knew him when he was with the Globetrotters/Ice Capades. Knew him at ICM. A funny man, always cheerful. Absolute straight shooter; an honorable man in an industry that is not always that way.”

Scott Pang, left and promoter Darin Lashinsky at IEBA in Nashville in 2013.

Those sentiments were noted over and over again as hundreds of Pang’s friends and colleagues reacted to the unexpected news. Pang was a regular over the years at most industry events, often serving as a panelist and/or host at IAVM’s VenueConnect. He was practically the unofficial mayor of the International Entertainment Buyers Assn., serving on their board, and if you attended Pollstar Live!, you were sure to see him holding court.

Pang joined International Creative Management Partners in 1994 and remained there for more than 26 years. During the pandemic, he left to work independently with his clients.

He started in the business as a music agent at William Morris Agency in 1980, after graduating from UC San Diego in 1977. He was lured away after 10 years to become head of touring for Ice Capades and the Harlem Globetrotters from 1990-1994.

One of his Fair industry colleagues, Launa Rabago, posted of Facebook how “Scott and I ventured bringing rap and hip hop along with some R&B into the Fair world, breaking stigma, shattering attendance records and seeing new demographics with such acts as Kid Ink, YG, Juicy J, Jeremich, Nelly, Salt N Pepa, Boyz II Men, and many many more.”

Billboard magazine cited his work with Usher, Lauryn Hill, the Beach Boys and more while at William Morris.

Tommy Scallen, formerly of Ice Capades, related one of his favorite Scott Pang stories to Rex W. Post, as that group of former co-workers, and longtime Pang friends, shared the news of his untimely passing. Pang was Aretha Franklin’s agent for years. When she died, he flew to Detroit to attend her funeral. The funeral featured performances by Stevie Wonder, Ariana Grande, Faith Hill, Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson, and more. Speakers included former President Bill Clinton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson. It was a very big deal, but Pang had miscalculated and booked a flight home for 6 p.m. He had to leave before the procession to the graveside and, like all Pang stories, he laughed at and with himself.

He is survived by his wife Greta, and four children – Tommy, twins Andrew and Lily, and Katie. Lily probably said it best about a booking agent who shown with light and love. Her post on Facebook:

“The man who made a friend everywhere he went, loved Chinese food, and cracked the funniest jokes. To the first man I ever loved, it was and will forever be an honor being your daughter till we meet again.”

The Ford Wyoming Center proudly announces the appointment of Jake Crumb as its new General Manager. With a career spanning over a decade in venue management and a passion for creating unforgettable live event experiences, Jake brings a wealth of expertise to this vital leadership role.

Raised in New Hampshire, Jake has held various senior positions, including Regional Director of Operations, General Manager, and Director of Events. His impressive resume includes overseeing event operations at prestigious venues such as the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine, and spearheading the successful openings of the Colonial Theatre in Laconia, New Hampshire, and the Nashua Center for the Arts in Nashua, New Hampshire.

Jake holds a Master’s in Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina, a Bachelor’s in Theatre, and an Associate’s in Business from the University of New Hampshire. His combination of formal education and hands-on industry experience uniquely positions him to lead the Ford Wyoming Center into an exciting new chapter.

“What motivates me most is bringing people together to share memorable experiences,” said Jake. “I’m thrilled to join the passionate team at the Ford Wyoming Center and look forward to collaborating with the Casper community to deliver exceptional live events.”
Rick Hontz, Senior Vice President of OVG, expressed his excitement about Jake’s appointment:

“Jake’s extensive background in venue management and his proven ability to deliver exceptional guest experiences make him the perfect fit for the Ford Wyoming Center. His leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our presence in Casper and continue to elevate the venue as a premier destination for live entertainment and community events. We’re excited to see the positive impact he’ll bring to the team and the local community.”

Outside of work, Jake enjoys exploring new places, trying new foods, and spending time with his dog and family on the lake. He also has a passion for woodworking, DIY projects, painting, and the arts.

As General Manager, Jake will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Ford Wyoming Center, ensuring it continues to serve as a premier venue for live entertainment and community events in Casper and beyond.

The Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority (LEPFA) is proud to announce the promotion of Tristan Wright to president and chief executive officer. The LEPFA board approved Wright’s contract at its January meeting.

With more than 20 years of experience with LEPFA, Wright has held roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as interim president and CEO, executive vice president, and vice president of operations. Her tenure reflects a deep commitment to both the organization and the Greater Lansing community.

“Tristan’s long history with LEPFA has given her an in-depth understanding of our organization and the needs of the community,” said Maureen McNulty Saxton, chairwoman of the LEPFA board. “Coupled with her industry experience, rapport with the staff and her organizational skills, she is uniquely positioned to guide LEPFA into an exciting new chapter of growth and success.”

A seasoned professional in the non-profit management industry, Wright is certified in venue safety and security by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). She is a graduate of IAVM’s Venue Management School, a professional development program that educates individuals on managing public assembly venues such as stadiums, arenas, convention centers, and performing arts centers. The program provides in-depth training on operations, safety, and leadership.

Wright took on the interim role in 2024 following the departure of Scott Keith, who dedicated 23 years to the organization, including 14 years as LEPFA’s president and CEO.

“Our venues and events play a vital role in uniting people, fostering memorable experiences, and enriching the spirit of our community,” said Wright. “Having worked closely with Scott Keith, I’ve gained a deep appreciation for the foundation we established together. I’m excited to expand on that legacy by exploring new opportunities to enhance our impact and further strengthen Lansing as a hub for connection and growth.”

An active member of the Lansing community, Wrights has served on the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan since 2009 where she is currently vice chair. She has been on the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors since 2014, and is a past member of Choose Lansing’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion Committee.

Wright graduated from Central Michigan University with a master’s degree in general administration and a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation leisure services administration. A native of Amherst/Buffalo, New York, she attended CMU on a field hockey scholarship.

The Events Industry Council is pleased to announce that the Baltimore Convention Center, one of the East Coast’s premier event venues, has achieved SILVER level certification to the EIC Sustainable Event Standards. This certification reflects the center’s ongoing commitment to implementing sustainability initiatives that focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental design.

“The SILVER certification underscores our commitment to leadership in sustainable event practices,” said Mac Campbell, Executive Director for the Baltimore Convention Center. From reducing waste to enhancing energy efficiency, this milestone reflects our dedication to creating exceptional guest experiences while safeguarding the environment. We’re proud to be recognized for our efforts and look forward to continuing to set the standard for sustainable venues in the region.”

The EIC Sustainable Event Standards have been created through a global collaborative process with participation from subject matter experts in all sectors. They provide a framework for collaboration, and a strong focus on guidance and metrics so that event professionals, at all stages of their sustainability journey, have the support needed to implement and measure sustainable practices. The standards specify performance criteria in the areas of organizational management, marketing, communications and engagement, climate action, water management, materials and circularity, supply chain management, diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility, and social impact. To date, more than 300 professionals have participated in the review of the standards. The venue standard is one of several comprehensive standards for environmentally sustainable events.

“This accomplishment by the Baltimore Convention Center showcases how venues can lead with purpose and innovation,” said Amy Calvert, President and CEO of the Events Industry Council. “Their certification is a testament to their forward-thinking approach to sustainability and their ability to align operational excellence with meaningful environmental and social impact. It serves as an inspiring model for venues worldwide.”

The Alliance for Audited Media, a not-for-profit auditing organization, performed the independent third-party certification of the center’s compliance with the venue standard.

“The Baltimore Convention Center’s certification to the EIC’s rigorous standards demonstrates their continued commitment to sustainability and environmental leadership,” said Richard Murphy, CEO of the Alliance for Audited Media. “We applaud their efforts and achievement.”