From leading major event operations for an NFL team to being recognized as one of Hispanic Executive’s Leading Latinas in 2025, my career has been a dynamic journey of growth, leadership, and breaking barriers in the venue and event management industry.

My time with the Las Vegas Raiders has been an incredible chapter—beginning as Director of Event Operations in 2018 and advancing to Vice President of Events in 2022. Over these years, I’ve had the privilege of overseeing high-profile events, managing large-scale operations, and ensuring an unparalleled fan and guest experience at one of the most iconic venues in sports and entertainment. The fast-paced and ever-evolving nature of this industry has continually challenged me to innovate, lead with confidence, and set new standards for excellence in event management.

Before my time in Las Vegas, my passion for events and venue operations took shape through a variety of unique and impactful roles. In 2017, I was honored to receive the 6th Man of the Year Award in the Portland Trail Blazers Revenue Department, a recognition of my contributions to the team’s overall success. That same year, I had the opportunity to serve as Team Lead for the Upstream Music Fest + Summit, where I managed a team of 11 full-time Trail Blazers staff overseeing operations across 34 venues—an experience that reinforced my ability to lead complex, multi-venue events with precision and creativity.

In 2018, I applied my operational expertise to the development of two comprehensive operations manuals for Cinerama in Seattle, WA—establishing clear frameworks for efficiency, consistency, and excellence in venue management. These experiences laid the foundation for my continued growth in the industry, giving me the tools to take on larger challenges and leadership roles.

Most recently, I was deeply honored to be named one of Hispanic Executive’s Leading Latinas for 2025—an award that celebrates Latinas who are driving change, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations. Representation and leadership in this industry matter, and I am proud to be part of a movement that empowers diverse voices to lead and shape the future of live events and venue management.

Reflecting on my career, IAVM’s community and the 30|UNDER|30 program have played an essential role in my professional development, providing access to invaluable mentorship, industry insights, and opportunities to connect with like-minded leaders. The relationships and knowledge I’ve gained through this network have helped me grow as a leader and continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in event operations.

As I look ahead, I remain committed to elevating the industry, fostering emerging talent, and championing innovation in event management. The journey so far has been remarkable, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

In a groundbreaking move for sustainability in the live event space, Trade Show News Network (TSNN), the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), and Honeycomb Strategies have announced the launch of Venue Sustainalytics—a first-of-its-kind sustainability benchmarking and data intelligence platform purpose-built for venues and event organizers.

Launching officially on Earth Day, April 22, the announcement marks the start of a powerful new collaboration that aims to bring consistency, visibility, and accountability to sustainability efforts across convention centers, stadiums, arenas, performing art centers, and other live event spaces.

“This initiative is a game changer for both venues and event organizers,” said Lindsay Arell, CEO of Honeycomb Strategies. “It delivers consistent, reliable data that helps track environmental impact, benchmark progress, and guide smarter, more sustainable decisions. By standardizing how we measure and report, we not only create transparency but also unlock insights that drive meaningful progress across the live events industry.”

A Platform Built for Progress

The Venue Sustainalytics platform will:

• Offer a user-friendly online dashboard to track environmental performance
• Establish a standardized framework for data collection and reporting
• Produce an annual industry benchmarking report highlighting trends and leaders
• Provide educational resources such as toolkits, webinars, and case studies
• Celebrate excellence through a recognition and awards program

“Event organizers are eager to take action on sustainability, but the industry has lacked a consistent way to compare venues—until now,” said Danica Tormohlen, VP of Group Content, Meetings, Travel & Sports, for Informa Connect, which publishes TSNN. “By launching this data-driven resource with the first-ever industry benchmarking report, this partnership solves that gap and helps event organizers who want to align strategy with impact.”

A United Industry Effort

Each partner brings unique strengths to the collaboration:

• TSNN, the industry’s leading media platform, will drive awareness and
  recognition through editorial coverage and integration into the TSNN Awards.
• IAVM, as the association partner, will leverage its vast venue network to increase participation and incorporate benchmarking insights into member education and strategy.
• Honeycomb Strategies, a recognized sustainability consultancy, will lead the
  platform’s development, data analysis, and knowledge-sharing.

“Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s essential. Venue Sustainalytics empowers our members with the data, tools, and industry insights they will need to lead with purpose and transparency,” said Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, IAVM President & CEO. “This collaboration brings the industry together in a unified effort to drive meaningful progress, and we’re proud to support our venues in setting a higher standard for environmental responsibility.

A Long-Term Commitment

The program launches later this spring with a data collection phase running through the end of 2025. The first industry benchmarking report is expected to be released in early 2026, along with the recognition of top-performing venues through dedicated case studies and awards.

Since being recognized as an IAVM 30|UNDER|30 honoree in 2016, the trajectory of my career and personal life has been one of continuous growth, challenge, and fulfillment. Professionally, I have embraced new opportunities at every turn, earning three promotions within my organization and taking on increasing leadership responsibilities. Along this journey, I achieved my Certified Venue Professional (CVP) designation and am now in the process of applying for the prestigious Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation—milestones that reflect my commitment to excellence in the industry.

My passion for IAVM has only deepened over the years. I was honored to serve as chair of the Universities Committee for three years, followed by a full two-year term on the Board of Directors. Today, I continue to give back to the industry by serving on the Strategic Leadership and Resource Committee, helping to shape the future of venue management. My dedication to lifelong learning has also led me to earn a Hospitality and Tourism Management Certificate from Florida Atlantic University and complete the Inclusive Excellence Cohort Program at Kennesaw State University.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been fostering the next generation of venue professionals through the Night Owl program, which provides hands-on industry experience for hundreds of students each year. I recently expanded this initiative by developing the Night Owl Mentor Program, which pairs student leaders with full-time staff for personal and professional development, and launching the Night Owl Leadership Development Program, designed to bridge the gap between staff member and leader. In 2024, I was deeply honored to receive the Creative Solutions Award for Kennesaw State University’s Administration and Finance Division, recognizing the innovative programs and initiatives I have had the privilege to lead.

This past year alone has been filled with incredible professional milestones. I had the opportunity to manage the largest hard-ticket concert in our venue’s history, play a key role in our football program’s transition from FCS to FBS, and host the Argentina National Soccer Team for a week of training sessions leading up to the 2024 COPA America Tournament. Each of these experiences has reinforced my passion for the industry and the impact that well-managed venues can have on communities.

Beyond my professional journey, life has been just as exciting. Since receiving the 30|UNDER|30 award, I’ve had the joy of adopting an incredible golden retriever, Noodle; marrying my amazing wife, Greta; and, in 2024, experiencing the most transformative milestone of all—welcoming our first son, George. Becoming a parent has given me a renewed appreciation for balance, perspective, and the value of meaningful work.

On top of everything, I’ve developed a passion for running, completing five half-marathons, two full marathons, and the Walt Disney World Dopey Challenge since 2023. I’m currently training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October 2025 and the WDW Goofy Challenge in January 2026—pushing myself in new ways outside of my career.

Winning the IAVM 30|UNDER|30 award was a defining moment that opened doors, introduced me to an invaluable network of industry professionals, and reinforced my commitment to making a lasting impact in venue management. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities, connections, and experiences that have followed, and I look forward to continuing to grow, take on new challenges, and contribute to the industry that has given me so much.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in March 2025. 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.

D’eante Allen, Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center, Tallahassee, FL
Bryce Alley, Blacktown International Sportspark, Blacktown, NSW, Australia
Ryan Anderson, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Haily Augustin, BC Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Benny Ayala, Fairplex, Pomona, CA
Nikolas Banner, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Felicia Barnes, Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center, Tallahassee, FL
Krystal Baugh, City of Gold Coast – Major Sporting Venues, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Russell Bedford, HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD, Australia
Nikita Biahliak, Federal Way Performing Arts and Event Center, Federal Way, WA
Lietza Brass, Austin Theatre Alliance, Austin, TX
Austin Brown, FatCats Entertainment, Pleasant Grove, UT
Felicia Brown, VVA LLC Project & Cost Managers, Boston, MA
Melinda Burgess, High Point Theatre, High Point, NC
Nadine Callaghan, Luna Park Venues, Milson Point, NSW, Australia
Jennifer Campbell, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Donna Cannatella, Chesapeake Conference Center, Chesapeake, VA
Kam Canova, Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
Guy Carney, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL
Jamie Childers, The Classic Center, Athens, GA
Andrew Choe, The Classic Center, Athens, GA
Timothy Clark, Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center, Tallahassee, FL
Jordan Coleman, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), Charlotte, NC
Gary Conyard, VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Lucinda Cook, Metro Trains Sydney, Tallawong, NSW, Australia
Ashley Cooke, Future Food, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Darren Cooper, Live Nation Australia Venues Pty, Cremorne, VIC, Australia
Briar Crossan, HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD, Australia
Kendall Cummings, NRG Stadium – Houston Texans, Houston, TX
Veronica Cybulski, City of Kingston, Cheltenham, VIC, Australia
Melvin D’Melo, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada
Yashi Dadhich, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Dawn Delaney, Halifax Convention Centre/Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
Simon DeMott, The Classic Center, Athens, GA
Toni Dennis, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL
Chris Dignan, HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD, Australia
Ben Doncon, Compass Group Australia, McMahons Point, NSW, Australia
Alex Dycus, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, TN
Todd Ellis, Victoria Racing Club, Flemington, VIC, Australia
Jack Eno, Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI
Mark Ensor, City of Gold Coast – Major Sporting Venues, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Marcy Faulkner, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL
Joseph Ferlo, The Grand Oshkosh, Inc., Oshkosh, WI
Abby Finger, NRG Park, Houston, TX
Nigel Ford, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Caleb Forrester, The Classic Center, Athens, GA
Andrew Frolo, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
Maya Gal, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Nicholas Galindo, Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
Rich Gallus, St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center, St. Cloud, MN
Ashley Gladney, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), Charoltte, NC
Brice Goff, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Marilyn Gonzalez, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Matthew Gonzalez, YouTube Theater, Inglewood, CA
Joseph Goodman, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, VIC, Australia
J.T. Hannan, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Ian Harris, Monash University Performing Arts Centres, Clayton, VIC, Australia
Sara Hattis, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Courtney Hefner, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City, KS
Scarlett Henson, The Classic Center, Athens, GA
Jon Hickerson, Omaha Performing Arts, Omaha, NE
Helen Hill, HBF Stadium – VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Brandon Hobbs, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Jennifer Hobler, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Gareth Horner, City of Gold Coast – Major Sporting Venues, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Erica Jenkins, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, TN
Daria Katrich, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Christie Kerr, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Edward Kincheon, Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center, Tallahassee, FL
Amy King, VVA LLC Project & Cost Managers, New York, NY
Cameron Knowles, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Evan Kramer, Durham County Memorial Stadium, Durham, NC
Ruth Larkin, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas – OVG, Dallas, TX
David Law, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Donald Lee, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Nicole Leigh, Cal Performances, Berkeley, CA
Darryl Lodge, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Braeden Long, Great American Ball Park – Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati, OH
Cateatra Mallard, Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center, Tallahassee, FL
Christina Mayo, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Savannah McComb, Rose Quarter, Portland, OR
Alex Mcrae, Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI
Shana Miatke, Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong, VIC, Australia
Danielle Milanette, US Naval Academy Alumni Association, Annapolis, MD
Aimee Miller, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas – OVG, Dallas, TX
Lulu Mistry, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
JaeLeigh Mittelstaed, Crowd Cushion, Navesink, NJ
Malory Monson, America First Field, Sandy, UT
Kevin Murray, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Pierce Nicholson, Chifley Square Business & Event Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Harvey Olivio, Grand Wayne Center, Fort Wayne, IN
Ronnie Osborne, Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Jason Oxenham, Hordern Pavilion, Paddington, NSW, Australia
Aaron Palmer, City of Gold Coast – Major Sporting Venues, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Jay Parker, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL, United States
Natalie Paterson, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Cindy Penning, UC San Diego University Centers, La Jolla, CA
Kristina Perrenoud, Neal S. Blaisdell Center Department of Enterprise Services, Honolulu, HI
Natalie Peterman, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC
Gerred Pogge, Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center, Tallahassee, FL
Holland Powell, New York University, New York, NY
Richard Purcell, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Shane Rawson, Stack-Cup Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Ricardo Raygoza, YouTube Theater, Inglewood, CA
Omar Rico, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Amanda Riddle, Palais Theatre, St Kilda South, VIC, Australia
Brian Riffe, Rose Quarter, Portland, OR
Darren Ring, MI Global Partners, North Sydney, NSW, Australia
Luis Rivera, First Star Solutions, Fleming Island, FL
Brittany Rosenthal, Fairplex, Pomona, CA
Katelyn Roth, Gas South District, Duluth, GA
Jackson Rutt, NRG Stadium – Houston Texans, Houston, TX
Kenneth Sanchez, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Hannah Sasaki, Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
Robyn Savage, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Danielle Scheidler, Fairplex, Pomona, CA
Kyle Schnitzer, The Classic Center, Athens, GA
Ken Scott, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL
Heather Seutter, Commonwealth Stadium, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Akumar Shah, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Bradley Siciliano, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Tara Siler, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Maggie Silvey, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, TN
Jana Simpson, HBF Stadium – VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Pamela Smith, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada
Jennifer Spoor, Red Oak Municipal Center – City of Red Oak, Red Oak, TX
Hope St. Germain, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, TN
Kayla St. Martin, Edmonton Convention Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Anna Stemsrud, SDSU Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Brookings, SD
Samantha Thompson, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
Ming Tian, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Tim Timberlake, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, TN
Paul Trewhella, Midland Center for the Arts, Midland, MI
Rachelle Tuten, Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City, UT
Kaila Vakil, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
Cole Waesche, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Alex Walker, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Carly Ward, City of Gold Coast – Major Sporting Venues, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Avery Whells, Eccles Theater, Salt Lake City, UT
Shauna Wilton, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Danielle Winiarski, Buffalo Convention Center, Buffalo, NY
Dawn Wiscombe, Levy Restaurants, Chicago, IL
Kaitlyn Wood, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Sheretha Yarber, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL
Aggie Zalewska, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada

Bob Stefanski spent his professional career in the food and beverage industry, entering the venue side of concessions and catering at Pine Knob Music Theater, Clarkston, Mich., in 1980.

He spent the next 24 years with Ogden/Aramark. He passed away March 14, at the age of 70, in Detroit, where he and his wife Susie had retired after he spent another 10 years with Olympia Entertainment.

Word spread through the live event hospitality industry slowly, though there was no official obituary or planned memorial. Susie said Bob did not want a fuss.

But friends fuss, so John Lamkin told Chris Bigelow who told me, followed by several phone calls that included Jim Rozes, all retired or soon to retire food service historians and alumni.

The business in the 80s and 90s was shaped by some big personalities, and Stefanski was one of them. He started at the prestigious Pine Knob as GM and quickly moved up to district manager for Ogden. His trajectory was steady to regional manager, then area manager. By the time John Lamkin joined Ogden, Stefanski was area manager and his territory included the Louisiana Superdome, where Lamkin worked.

Bob and Susie Stefanski at IAAM in Reno, Nev., in 2004. (Photo by Venues Today)

When Ogden hired Fred Ordower and Doug Logan and started looking at venue management as well as food and drink, Stefanski was moved to the West Coast to handle Ogden Food Services. There he worked closely with venue managers like Brad Mayne, CVE, who was opening Arrowhead Pond (now the Honda Center) in Anaheim, Calif., Lamkin recalled.

Mayne recalls that when Ogden Entertainment decided to pursue private management as well as food and beverage for venues, Mayne was promoted to sell that service in the Western region. He often traveled with Stefanski to pitch Ogden as a one stop shop to venue owners. “Bob was an incredible individual. He was driven to grow the number of venues we had and was very strategic in how he did that. I trusted him. He took care of people,” Mayne recalled.

Mayne left Ogden in 1998, but he was there for the beginnings of ideas like Tinseltown, an experiential food and drink outlet that was envisioned as part and parcel with a venue destination. Stefanski worked hard to make Tinseltown work.

Rozes also worked with Stefanski while he was on the West Coast. “He was a good guy to work for,” Rozes noted. “He was responsible for building Ogden’s West Coast business,” including securing the Staples Center (now crypto.com Arena) contract in Los Angeles.

“He worked hard. He was always trying to acquire new business,” Rozes said, adding it wasn’t just traditional live entertainment venues. Stefanski was up for any challenge, including options like Tinseltown in Anaheim. Guests dressed up like they were attending the Academy Awards. “It was an interactive dining experience. It’s no longer there, of course,” he said. But it was indicative of Stefanski’s willingness to take chances.

In 2000, when the feds approved a $236 million acquisition of Ogden by Aramark, Stefanski was an SVP at Ogden. The transition was smooth. He became a VP for Aramark’s Sports & Entertainment division and continued to find business and service existing accounts.

Bob and Susie Stefanski were in attendance at almost every district (now region) meeting of IAAM (now IAVM), as well as the national convention, now VenueConnect. Lamkin especially remembers some good times at District 3 and District 5. Lamkin and his wife, Elaine, were often in the company of the Stefanskis, even on adventures like a trip to Hong Kong for Ogden that resulted in a visit to Macau when it was a two-casino town. Ogden had far-reaching tentacles and even operated food and drink at the airport in Hong Kong.

“He was a character. He made friends with people very easily,” Lamkin said