Jill Schinberg, Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky, will be presenting “From Intentions to Metrics: Mapping IAVM Membership Diversity” at VenueConnect24.

An ‘expat’ from a 20+ year career in venue management, Jill has worked for music promoters, agents, international festivals, and performing arts centers in various capacities. She researches arts management consulting, programming as an artistic practice, and workplace equity issues while teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in Leadership and Management, Arts Programming, and Arts Entrepreneurship. Jill is also a founder of Demographic Trends, a startup dedicated to collecting and analyzing demographic data for organizations in the arts, culture, and entertainment industries.

Read on for our Q&A with Schinberg.

What can VC24 attendees expect to learn at your session?
The purpose of this session is to share the baseline data from the first demographic survey conducted in 2023. The survey collected self-reported demographic data from members of the association. The results show a snapshot of the demographic makeup of the members of IAVM which may or may not be indicative of the industry as a whole. It will be of particular interest to folks who completed the survey, but anyone who is interested in diversity, equity, and inclusion will likely be curious about the results. 

What is the best advice you’ve received?
If you’re asked to do a self-evaluation of any kind (e.g. in advance of a performance review meeting, tenure dossier, etc.), think of it like an acknowledgement–maybe even a celebration–of what you’ve accomplished. You might impress yourself.

What’s the last book you read?
Entitled: Discriminating Tastes and the Expansion of the Arts by Jennifer C. Lena

Please join us at VC24 for this session!

• From Intentions to Metrics: Mapping IAVM Membership Diversity
• Monday, July 29  |  5:00 – 5:25 PM
• Room: Exhibit Floor Education Theater

Not yet registered? Visit venueconnect.iavm.org today!

Tampa, FL – Straz Center President and CEO Greg Holland has announced the retirement of Lorrin Shepard as chief operating officer of Tampa’s David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts.

Shepard joined what was the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center in 1990 as production manager, after previously serving in similar capacities at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, Tenn., and at Vanderbilt University. In 1992, he was named vice president of operations and assumed responsibility for the daily operations of the facility. In 2001, Shepard was named executive vice president and general manager and in 2005 was named chief operating officer. 

During his expansive tenure, Shepard has overseen all aspects of The Straz Center’s general programs and services including the advancement of the organization’s strategic mission and the administration of ticketing, guest services, production services, security and safety, facilities, retail and food and beverage.

Early in his tenure, Shepard orchestrated and implemented the decision to bring food and beverage service in house, resulting in a substantial increase in annual gross revenue.

In 2004, he managed the construction and opening of the $8 million Dr. Pallavi Patel Performing Arts Conservatory and is currently serving as the project manager for $100 million Master Plan renovation, which will dramatically expand public and educational spaces and enhance the aesthetic character of the Tampa arts district. After his retirement, Shepard will continue as a consultant on the Master Plan – a project he has been spearheading since 2008.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shepard provided key leadership in the development and implementation of COVID protocols for the Straz Center and for the performing arts venue industry nationwide, serving as the lead editor of the Performing Arts Center Consortium’s Guide to Reopening Theatrical Venues, released in June 2020.

He has served as performing arts sector chief for the International Association of Venue Managers and serves on multiple local committees which consider matters relating to Tampa’s urban design and infrastructure.

Shepard holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts with a concentration in theater production from Indiana’s Earlham College. 

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts is one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country. The 335,000 square-foot Straz Center provides an environment for a wide variety of world-class events. It boasts one of the nation’s leading Broadway series and is nationally respected for producing grand opera, as well as presenting a wide variety of concerts, performances, and events. In a typical season, more than 600,000 patrons attend 1,500+ events at the Straz Center. The Straz is also home to the Patel Conservatory which annually serves nearly 65,000 students with a variety of educational activities and classes, Opera Tampa and its resident theater company, Jobsite Theater.

We are thrilled to unveil the IAVM Foundation’s 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2024! This prestigious program recognizes the most promising young professionals in the venue management industry, celebrating their exceptional achievements and future potential.

Meet the Innovators, Leaders, and Visionaries

The Class of 2024 comprises dynamic individuals who have demonstrated remarkable dedication, innovation, and leadership in their respective fields. These rising stars are setting new standards and driving positive change within the industry. From event coordination to facility management, their diverse talents and relentless passion are shaping the future of venue management.

The Class of 2024 Honorees:

• Keyanna Alexander, House Manager, ASU Gammage
• Khamari Alexander, Assistant Facility Operations Manager, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority/Charlotte Convention Center
• Timothy Bizub, Manager, Event Operations, Prudential Center, HBSE
• Andy Burke, Manager, Event Security, Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena
• Ellie Chambers, Senior Manager, Team Member and Fan Experience, New Meadowlands Stadium Company / MetLife Stadium
• Maegan Collins, Marketing Coordinator, F&M Bank Arena
• Brandt Daniels, Assistant General Manager, Lakefront Arena
• Derrik Emerick, Manager- Patron Services, Dayton Live
• Megan Escobar, Event Manager, ASM – Paycom Center
• Ryan Fink, Event Manager, OVG360 / Donald L Tucker Civic Center
• Christina Fitzgerald, Event Services Manager, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
• Anne Gierach, Event Manager, PMI Entertainment Group / Resch Complex
• Hayley Gray, Accounting Manager, Moody Center
• Annika Heine, Assistant Manager – People & Culture, Oak View Group – Acrisure Arena
• Zenik Hite, Event Manager, Raleigh Convention Center
• Lily Johnson, Manager, Event Services, Chase Center, Golden State Warriors / Chase Center
• Miranda Korniloff, Sr. Convention Services Manager, George R. Brown Convention Center
• Ethan Lang, Director of Facilities & Engineering, Baltimore Convention Center
• Kyra Libuser, Manager, Conversion Calendar, SoFi Stadium & Hollywood Park
• Alina Milauskas, Sr. Manager, Event Services, Florida Panthers / Amerant Bank Arena
• Victoria Mitchell, Director, Engineering & Capital Projects, San Diego Convention Center Corporation
• Emma Miziolek, Event & Meeting Coordinator, Exhibition Place
• Madisen Pool, Patron Services Manager – Front of House, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
• Hayden Schrag, Premium Seating Manager, ASM Global / INTRUST Bank Arena
• Ross Schwartz, Marketing Coordinator, Anaheim Arena Management LLC/ Honda Center
• Nicholas Searcy, Event Coordinator, Hampton Coliseum
• Amanda Verdadero, Production Manager, Kia Forum
• Madison Vickers, Booking Coordinator, ASM Global – Allegiant Stadium
• Claire Wiens, Event Manager, INTRUST Bank Arena / ASM Global
• Stacia Winters, Assistant General Manager, OVG 360 – Grand Junction Convention Center, Avalon Theatre, and the Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park

30|UNDER|30 is made possible thanks to the ongoing support of Momentus Technologies and IAVM Foundation donors. The Class of 2024 honorees will receive full complimentary registration to VenueConnect 2024 in Portland, OR, as well as three nights’ accommodations at one of the conference host hotels. Honorees will be recognized throughout VC24.

We invite you to join us in congratulating the Class of 2024 30|UNDER|30 honorees. Their hard work, creativity, and vision are not only inspiring but also vital to the continued growth and innovation in venue management.

Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, is no stranger to leading organizations to new heights. His expertise spans across strategic membership management, operational excellence, and diversity advocacy. His proven track record through his previous roles as Executive Director/CEO of American Mensa and Executive Director of Membership and Technology for ARMA International showcases his passion for driving association success and fostering inclusive cultures, making him the perfect fit for IAVM.

“What intrigued me most was knowing that IAVM supports professionals running venues that create meaningful experiences for their clients and patrons,” noted Trevor, when asked what propelled his decision to make the move to IAVM. “That purpose is what drew me in, but it was the conversations with the members of the search committee that sealed the deal. I saw these individuals’ passion and drive for IAVM and the industry. That passion resonated with me, and I began seeing the opportunities my experiences could bring. At this point, I knew IAVM was the right organization for me, and this was the right time for me to make that move. I’m leaving Mensa in a good place, and they are ready for their next leader, who can bring a different skill set to aid them going forward.”

Trevor’s message to you, IAVM’s members, is clear: he is here to listen, engage, and support. “I think any of the members I have had the privilege to serve in my prior rolls would say that one of my greatest strengths in leading is my ability to listen to people and bring everyone together around a common goal,” Trevor stated. “My approach is to ask clarifying questions to better understand where they are coming from and align their ideas and efforts for organizational success. Not only do I listen, but I also provide context and background to aid them in their endeavors.” 

Recognizing that our collective strength lies in our shared experiences and insights, Trevor emphasized the importance of member input and collaboration. He is dedicated to fostering a vibrant community, where every member’s voice is heard.

“I’m a passionate and energetic individual who thrives on making an impact on those around me. My leadership style is characterized by a strong work ethic, a healthy dose of competition, and a focus on creating positive and memorable experiences. I’m always willing to lend a hand, offer an opinion, and jump right in to help wherever I can.”

Want to know more about Trevor?  We invite you to watch his welcome video…his enthusiasm and vision are truly inspiring.

Be sure to also join us at VenueConnect 2024, where you will have an opportunity to meet and hear from him directly! Let’s work together to shape the future of venue management!

Thank you for being a vital part of the IAVM community.

IAVM’s 99th VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show is in Portland, Oregon this year – a vibrant city full of good food, coffee, and iconic sights.

As part of VC24, attendees can register to attend the Willamette Valley Vineyard tour or join us for venue tours throughout the city.

If you find you have time outside of the conference to explore our host city, we’ve found great options nearby. Read on to discover what you can look forward to near the Oregon Convention Center (OCC).

Getting Around

There’s plenty to do within walking distance of the OCC. However, Portland does have the following public transportation options:

• Metropolitan Area Express (MAX) Light Rail
  IAVM is providing all VC24 attendees with [#] passes for the MAX Light Rail to help with your travel while in town.
• Portland Streetcar
• Biketown Bike-Share

Food and Coffee

According to WalletHub, Portland is both the second-best foodie city AND coffee city in the US.

With hundreds of coffee shops to choose from, there are tons of great options to enjoy your favorite cup of joe. In fact, travelportland.com has a plan mapped out for a Portland Coffee Crawl to maximize your caffeine intake experience!

Visitors also have their pick of restaurants, farmer’s markets, and food carts. (Note: This helpful map shows restaurants near the OCC.) Below is just a small sample of their offerings.

• Award-Winning Dining
  OX Restaurant (5-min ride) boasts a James Beard award-winning chef.
• Food Cart Pod
  Lil’ America (at Fracture Brewing) (4-min ride) is your stop for the Portland food cart experience.
• Farmer’s Market
  Take the MAX Light Rail to the Skidmore Fountain station to visit the Portland Saturday Market.

Bookstores

One of the top 10 literary cities in the world, Portland has an impressive amount of bookstores to peruse.

• Powell’s City of Books
  With over a million books housed in an entire city block, it is the largest independent bookstore in the world.
• Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts
• Rose City Book Pub
• Floating World Comics

Attractions

• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
  Planetarium, science playground, movies, and exhibits
• Lan Su Chinese Garden
  An authentic Ming Dynasty-style Garden in Portland’s Chinatown district
• Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park
  River views, family fun, and hiking opportunities
• Portland Aerial Tram
  Views of Portland from 500 feet above the city
• Washington Park
  Oregon Zoo, International Rose Test Garden, museums, and more

No matter your interest, Portland is sure to have something for you. We look forward to seeing you there at VenueConnect24!

Not yet registered? Visit venueconnect.iavm.org to learn more and sign up!