IAVM is pleased to announce the nomination of Stacey Church, CVE, for Second Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. Church will become a senior officer and serve a four-year term, taking on the Chair position in 2026-2027.

Church currently serves as the General Manager at Fair Park in Dallas, TX. Covering 277-acres just east of downtown Dallas, Fair Park’s cultural, historical, and entertainment venues play host to visitors from around the world every day of the year.

“Stacey has been an active leader in IAVM for years and is exceptionally capable of working in a collaborative manner, creating the vision and goals for our more than 7,700 venue professionals,” stated Brad Mayne, CVE, IAVM President and CEO.

Church has previously served on IAVM’s Board of Directors from 2021-2023 as the Director of the Convention Centers. She is currently serving as the Assistant Director for IAVM Region 6 and is on the Board of Governors and Strategic Leadership & Resources Committee.

“Stacey is going to do a wonderful job representing IAVM,” said Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP, Chair of IAVM’s Board of Directors. “Her passion for furthering and lifting all those around her will be a great asset as we develop our next generation of venue managers. She has been an unwavering volunteer throughout the years, and we are lucky to have her moving into the 2nd Vice Chair officer position.”

Prior to taking the GM position at Dallas Fair Park, Church served as the Assistant General Manager at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

“I am honored to assume the role of 2nd Vice Chair on behalf of our members,” noted Church. “As a longstanding member, I am eager to contribute and collaborate with the leadership team to strengthen and expand pivotal projects within the Association. Focusing on enhancing certification and educational offerings, fostering member and volunteer involvement, and ensuring financial resilience are fundamental for the future prosperity of IAVM.”

IAVM members will vote electronically in June on Church’s nomination, and if elected, she will take office in July during IAVM’s VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show, July 28 – July 31, in Portland, OR.

Kim Bedier, CVE, former chairman of IAVM and current dean of the Leadership Institute at VMS, is leaving Honda Center and OCVIBE, Anaheim, Calif., where she has been SVP and General Manager, effective May 3.

The announcement was made public while Bedier was assisting her husband, Richard Andersen, CVE, as keynotes at IAVM’s Region 7 meeting, appropriately themed “Breaking New Ground,” in Phoenix April 14-16. They taught there on team building. Two weeks earlier, they had taught life/work balance at Region 6 in Oklahoma City April 1-4. Bedier will be teaching again at VMS in June.

As questions boiled up throughout the industry about the why and what now of Bedier’s exit, she steadfastly insisted she had finally decided to “take my own advice for a change. I’ve never taken any time off and jumped from job to job. This industry isn’t easy. Now I have a new mantra – Self-care is not selfish. You don’t even do that for yourself. You do it for the people around you.”

Researching and putting together their life-work integration presentation “really solidified my decision and choice,” Bedier told Venue Professional. She is not, however, advising everyone to quit their jobs. “I’ve learned, especially from the younger generation, they have a better perspective. They want to make sure they have life-life as well as work-life. I wish I’d learned it sooner.”

Now, she is in a unique position. “I can do this and not everybody can. I’ve been given a bit of a gift, and I’m going to take it and make the most of it and figure out what I want to be when I grow up,” she said with a chuckle.

Besides continuing to do some work with her husband, though she’s not committing to that as a full-time job as of now, she intends to remain open. “I’ve always identified myself through my job. It’s not a crisis of identity, but it will be a mental shift, which is a good thing. I get to be whoever I am authentically… I don’t necessarily want to have a building again, but who knows? It’s all I’ve ever done. I want to stay open to opportunity, and it’s nice to have that luxury.”

She is proud of what has been accomplished at the 30-year-old Honda Center over the past three years. “It needed a little bit of reinvention. It’s going to get some incredible renovation [a $4B mixed-use development project, to be complete in 2032] coming up. But, also, just reestablishing it in people’s hearts and minds as a great venue to play and really making sure people understood it’s not in LA. Orange County is a strong, standalone market. We’re seeing things now like four Usher shows at the new Intuit Dome [Los Angeles] and Honda Center has two.”

On the other hand, she will also remember forever arriving in Anaheim during the pandemic when Honda Center was literally a testing site. One of her worst experiences was the last event before total shutdown – Disney on Ice. “It was horrible testing all those poor little toddlers [for Covid], and everyone was crying and mad at us.” One should not forget the pandemic and the toll it took on industry talent.

When teaching at Region 7, she noted, “It’s amazing how excited people are for me…Everybody is a bit tired I think.”

Kim Bedier, CVE, with Gwen Stefani at Honda Centers 30th anniversary concert this past September. From left, the arena’s Erika Muir and Tom Alexander, Stefani and Bedier.

She has been on the ground floor of planning a couple of new venues that will come on board at OCVIBE, including a 5,700-seat concert hall concept, to open in 2026, and a 2,000-cap club. “We’ve literally been able to influence from the ground up as operators. How often do you get that golden opportunity?”

“It will be exciting to watch those come to fruition and not have to do the work,” she said.

As to who will do that work, she noted there are some great people on the team left behind, including Tom Alexander, who she brought in from her former venue in Tacoma, and Bill Dwight from Live Nation who Alexander recruited to help book shows.

When Bedier arrived in Anaheim, she initially answered to Tim Ryan. When he left, she reported to Morell Marean, Chief Operating Officer of OC Sports and Entertainment. The current plan is to re-assign report-to’s on the organizational chart when she leaves.

“We appreciate the many contributions which Kim has made to our organization,” Marean said in a press release. “Her work has enhanced our guest service experience, reshaped our programming and concert business, and assisted in the strengthening of our team through the acquisition of key talent. Kim will certainly be missed, and we wish her all the best in her next chapter.”

Bedier came to Anaheim from Tacoma, Wash., where she worked for the city managing all sports and entertainment venues, including the Tacoma Dome, convention centers, theaters, and ball parks. “I wanted to know about all the venue types,” she said of that gig, which spanned the years 2012-2021.

Before that, she managed the under-construction arena in Everett, Wash., now known as Angel of the Winds Arena, for Global Spectrum. “It was fun to be part of an opening and create a strong team.” As is her modus operandi, she took some of that team with her to Tacoma.

It’s a special thrill to be part of a new building or major renovation project. She got a taste of that on a grand scale in Toronto, where she was on the team that transitioned from Maple Leaf Garden to the new Scotiabank Centre (then known as Air Canada Centre).

That was Bedier’s second grand opening, having started in the early 90’s when Grande Prairie in Northern Alberta recruited her, while working in recreation for the city and officed in the community ice rink, to open and manage the Crystal Centre (now Bonnetts Energy Centre) to host junior hockey and the upcoming Canada Winter Games. That building opened in 1995, the same year Bedier joined IAVM.

How has IAVM impacted her life and career?

“My career and my life are intertwined with IAVM: the incredible support I have received along the way, the phone calls and questions answered, the opportunities presented. More than anything, I value the deep relationships formed. Ultimately, it is the IAVM universe that connected me with the love of my life, Richard Andersen. I clearly owe a lot to this organization.”

We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 100+ Women of IAVM VenueConnect 2024 Scholarships!

Not only have we selected the recipients for the 100+ Women of IAVM Scholarship, but we’re also excited to kick off our annual fundraiser to support the remarkable initiatives of 100+ Women of IAVM.

Please join us in congratulating the following scholarship winners:

Sara Litster – HR Manager, ExtraMile Arena – Boise State University
“I have worked really hard my whole life to make a difference for women. So honored to receive this scholarship!”

Sarah Rhoades – Senior Event Manager, OVG Tulsa
“100+ Women of IAVM provides space and opportunity in the industry that was lacking, and I am thrilled to receive the VenueConnect 2024 scholarship.”

Donlisa Scott – Office Manager, Tacoma Venues & Events
“I am delighted to be a recipient of the 100+ Women of IAVM scholarship and for the opportunity to be highlighted as a woman in this industry. It signifies not just individual achievement but collective empowerment and support for women in venue management.”

Tiana Smith – Staffing and Student Engagement Coordinator, Kennesaw State University
“Thank you to all who donated to make this opportunity possible. I am excited to attend VenueConnect as a recipient of this scholarship. I love being a woman!”

Jouline Trotic, CMP – Senior Event Manager, Oregon Convention Center
“I am beyond excited to have been chosen for this scholarship and look forward to help in being a voice for women in our industry. As a mom in this industry, I understand how difficult it can be. Working odd days and hours and sometimes missing family moments. It is important that we support each other.”

As an organization dedicated to empowering women in venue management, we rely on the generosity and support of individuals like you to fuel our initiatives throughout the year. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.

Join us in our mission by making a donation to support 100+ Women of IAVM. Your generosity will directly impact the lives and careers of women in our industry, helping to create a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant community for all.

Together, we can continue to impact change, as well as empower and elevate women in venue management!

CLICK HERE to donate to the 100+ Women of IAVM Campaign.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in March 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.

Murray Abeles, The Public Theater/NY Shakespeare Festival, New York, NY
Max Adler, The Dollar Loan Center, Henderson, NV
Robb Allen, Hennepin Theatre Trust, Minneapolis, MN
Alexander Allotta, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Luis Avalos, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Nancy Bach, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Julie Balingit, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Michelle Barsky, Marin Center, San Rafael, CA
Isabella Bennett, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Matt Bicknese, The Dollar Loan Center, Henderson, NV
Deaynn Brausen, University of Minnesota – Athletics, Minneapolis, MN
Dave Brzenchek, Hussey Seating Company, North Berwick, ME
Melanie Capunay, 22nd DAA/Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA
Frank Cardillo, Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
Brayden Carpenter, FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Brittany Castaneda, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Ryan Collier, StageRight Corporation, Clare, MI
Waunta Collier, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Keith Conrad, 3G Productions, Las Vegas, NV
Jeremiah Cooper, Gas South District, Duluth, GA
Jerrod Cring, 3G Productions, Las Vegas, NV
Wes Crisanti, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Ben Cross, ESa, Nashville, TN
Jay Curiel, 3G Productions, Las Vegas, NV
Tegan Dalley, Venues Otautahi, Christchurch,
Laura Danielsson, City Recital Hall, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Harry Daviess, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
Kayla DeForest, America’s Center, Saint Louis, MO
Leah Delasse, Seattle Convention Center (SCC), Seattle, WA
Brian Deveaux, Hussey Seating Company, North Berwick, ME
Jason Di Leo, Meridian Centre, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
David Duncan, America’s Center, Saint Louis, MO
Seth Edmonds, Tacoma Venues & Events, Tacoma, WA
Robert Edwards, Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre, Mableton, GA
Lucy Eisenmenger, Elasco Products, Huntington Beach, CA
Cruz Enriquez, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX
Joseph Famme, Brigham Young University, Draper, UT
Ethan Farrow, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City, KS
Anthony Ferreira, The Dollar Loan Center, Henderson, NV
Amelia Filimoehala, The Dollar Loan Center, Henderson, NV
Claire Fisher, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Tyler Fly, Finley Stadium, First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga, TN
Jermicha Fomby, FedExForum, Memphis, TN
James Frey, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Shana Frierson, America’s Center, Saint Louis, MO
Carol Gagnon, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Jerome Gerber, BEST Crowd Management, Coon Rapids, MN
Annette Gomez, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Elizabet Gomez, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Kristy Gonzalez, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Andres Granja, Utah Valley Convention Center, Provo, UT
Kate Gray, Hussey Seating Company, North Berwick, ME
Ryan Gueningsman, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Kamila Guerra, Hussey Seating Company, North Berwick, ME
Crystal Guerrero, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Steve Guzman, The Dollar Loan Center, Henderson, NV
Allison Haubold, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX
Drew Heck, Jerome Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH
Albert Hernandez, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio, TX
Kirk Hover, 3G Productions, Las Vegas, NV
Ashley Jacobsen, Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
Ryan Jensen, The Fairgrounds Nashville, Nashville, TN
Danielle Jones, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA
Rachel Jones, NRG Park, Houston, TX
Ben Karnish, University of Minnesota – Athletics, Minneapolis, MN
Kristin Kauth, The Dollar Loan Center, Henderson, NV
Caroline Kelly, University of Minnesota – Athletics, Minneapolis, MN
Reanna Kettle, Dow Event Center, Saginaw, MI
Hossam Khalil, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Kindra Knutson, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN
Nerissa Kok, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Taylor Kurtik, The Dollar Loan Center, Henderson, NV
Matt LaFaunge, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Mylene Lamoureux, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Josh Latzko, Jerome Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH
Jenny Lee, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Estefania Lemus, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Mike Locust, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Jacob Lutz, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
Natan Mallory, Gas South District, Duluth, GA
Michelle Martinez-LaVetter, PETCO Park | San Diego Padres, San Diego, CA
Allan McDaniel, The Dollar Loan Center, Henderson, NV
Hunter McHaffey, American Airlines Center/Center Operating Company, Dallas, TX
Stephanie McKenna, The Momentary, Bentonville, AR
Adriana Mendoza, Pro Em, Phoenix, AZ
Cathy Michaud, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Madeline Mims, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Lee Mink, Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA
Marcus Mizelle, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra – Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, IN
Fernando Moinelo, Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot, San Juan, PR
Hussain Naqi, NRG Park, Houston, TX
Lefvia Negron Rodriguez, Coliseo de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot, San Juan, PR
Mitch Newhouse, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Sarina Nieves, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark, NJ
Sam Nolden, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Mark O’Connor, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Sean O’Leary, Hussey Seating Company, North Berwick, ME
Gary Olivier, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX
Andrew Palumbo, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Ken Paul, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, Columbus, OH
Derek Prox, Hussey Seating Company, North Berwick, ME
Justin Puls, The Dollar Loan Center, Henderson, NV
DeMeSHee Pye, Tacoma Venues & Events, Tacoma, WA
M B Ashik Rahman, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Maria Rainsdon, Grand Junction Events – OVG360, Grand Junction, CO
Jon Rawley, Jerome Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH
Mike Reichert, Axis Northwest LLC, Renton, WA
Wes Russell, Hussey Seating Company, North Berwick, ME
Joy Schorr, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Dennyse Sewell, Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, Reno, NV
Sondra Smith, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas, NV
Nicolas Somoano, NRG Park, Houston, TX
Andrew Stakes, Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, San Antonio, TX
Mary Steidinger, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Corey Stoner, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Todd Stoudenmire, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas, NV
Justin Strickland, Appalachian State University, Whitakers, NC
Elmer Strollis, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
Alex Terranova, Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI
Kathryn Thomas, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra – Hilbert Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, IN
David Torres, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Jalen Upshaw, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Todd Vigil, Hussey Seating Company, North Berwick, ME
Jenny Weber, Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
Mike Wilson, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Acworth, GA
Matthew Wolford, Carnegie Hall, New York, NY
Gabriel Wright, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC
Latoya Wright, Jerome Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH
Denise Zoglmann, Parker Arts, Parker, CO

IAVM’s Membership Committee created this recruitment campaign years ago to encourage volunteer leaders to refer one new member to join the association. Alexis Berggren, Chair, Membership Committee had this to say, “What a milestone for IAVM’s 100th anniversary if JustOne recruits 100 new members!” It is proven that our members make the difference in encouraging colleagues, employees, suppliers, interns, stakeholders, and more to join the organization that solely benefits the venue industry.

Who makes up the IAVM Leadership? Boards, Committees, and Task Forces.

Why is this endeavor important? As you spread the word about the importance of joining, our membership grows and becomes more diverse, which encourages new ideas and smart business practices. Your referral might become the next trailblazer in the industry.

GOAL: Our objective is that all 400+ volunteer leaders will add just one new member to our network. We are hoping for 100% participation.

RECOGNITION: The board, committee, task force, and individual that refers the most members will be recognized at VenueConnect in Portland.

SAVINGS: Instruct your referral to use the following promotion code, JUSTONE. Applicants that apply as Professional  or Allied members can save the $150.00 one-time initiation fee.*

For you to receive credit for your referral, ask your applicant to list you as a reference.

With JustOne, you can encourage someone to realize their potential, get involved in IAVM, and have access to important resources that will aid in their professional success. Refer your JUSTONE new member today. Contact membership@iavm.org if you have any questions.

The campaign kicks off now and runs through June 30, 2024.

*Some membership types do not have an initiation fee; the dues will not be discounted.