The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has named Rocsean Spencer as Small Business Program Director. The Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority, the Convention Center’s governing board, created the position to promote the importance of diversity, inclusion, and small business development at the convention center. Spencer will be tasked with managing the Business Opportunity Program, and will serve as a liaison between the Authority, internal stakeholders, and the community.

Spencer comes to the convention center from the City of New Orleans, Office of Supplier Diversity. She served as Certification Officer, where she reviewed Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification applications and attended State and Local DBE (SLDBE) program outreach events. She was later promoted to Compliance Officer, where she managed a portfolio of $150 million of Public and Private Sector funds. In that role, she also supervised the DBE program, where she managed the SLDBE Certification Department as SLDBE Certification Coordinator.

Spencer recently earned certification as a Certified Compliance Administrator from the American Contract Compliance Association (ACCA) through Morgan State University in Baltimore.

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced the promotion of Senior Research Director Nancy Drapeau, PRC, to CEIR Vice President of Research. In addition to conducting trend studies and building research agenda each year in consultation with the CEIR Research Council, Drapeau’s duties have expanded to include a more active role in public speaking, webinar facilitation, and press interviews. She will also play a more active role in CEIR Index and CEIR Census initiatives.

“Nancy is a highly experienced research professional with a unique background of being familiar with the exhibitions industry from her previous job,” said CEIR CEO Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE. “Since Nancy’s arrival at CEIR in 2011, the exceptional quality of CEIR’s research products is evident as anyone who knows Nancy can attest to her passion for producing high-quality research reports. Over the past two years she has taken on new strategic responsibilities, and this promotion recognizes the work Nancy does on behalf of CEIR as well as the exhibitions and events industry.”

New studies to be launched in 2019 include a Sponsorship Practices Study, an Exhibition Performance Metrics Study and Industry Insights Series reports, in addition to the release of remaining reports in the Attendee ROI Playbook Series.

“I never take for granted the tremendous privilege and responsibility of serving the divergent information needs of stakeholders in the B2B exhibition industry,” said Drapeau. “What remains close to my heart is CEIR’s mission to provide objective research that helps stakeholders understand trends in this amazing industry to support their business success. I look forward to assuring this mission is fulfilled in this new role.”

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in January 2019. 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 http://www.iavm.org/i-am-venue-management-share-your-story to share your story and photo.

Caldwyn Abbott, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Jeremy Adams, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Wanda Adams, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Heath Adams, INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, KS
Joiel Alexander, Levy Restaurants, Chicago, IL
Brandi Allgier, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Olivia Ancell, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Michael Anthony, Palm Beach County Convention Center, West Palm Beach, FL
Gary Arlitz, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Jessica Armstrong, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Dyllan Avery-Smith, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Cody Ball, Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro, KY
Kevin Barnard, AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
Brenda Bazan, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Deniccia Bell, Verizon Arena, North Little Rock, AR
Max Benner, PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA
Alec Beyers, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Kallie Bilyeu, Missouri State University, Nixa, MO
Monica Blake, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Julia Blatchford, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Mike Boschert, Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, CO
Jane Bunkers, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Samantha Burger, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Brookelyn Burk, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Megan Busse, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Omar Castillo, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, San Francisco, CA
Rosalie Celestial, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Andrew Christensen, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Liz Collins, Fairgrounds Event Center, Hamburg, NY
Kamryn Combs, Missouri State University, Republic, MO
Sara Cook, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Eric Cornman, Stifel Theatre, Saint Louis, MO
Alyssa Cowell, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Shenequa Crockett, Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ
Pedro Cuevas, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Jordy Dale, Resch Center, Green Bay, WI
Nick Darby, State Farm Arena – Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta, GA
Brett Davidoff, Clutche Tech Inc, Houston, TX
Edward de la Garza, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Chris De Leon, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX
Michael Del Vecchio, Mayo Center for Performing Arts, Morristown, NJ
Christopher DeLoach, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC
Cortney Denbow, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Robby Derrington, Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro, KY
Matthew DeWalt, Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro, KY
Cody Dierkes, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Charlotte Dunworth, Emerald Coast Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Steve Dwyer, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Erik Eisenberg, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Aaron Elder, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Chris Elliston, ParkHub.com, Dallas, TX
Emily Emilien, Landers Center, Southaven, MS
Kymberly Epperson, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Brook Falkenstein, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
William Falls, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Janet Fukuhara, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles, CA
Susan Garbett, The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
Martha Garza, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
James Gemma, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Sydney Gibson, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Nick Gillett, Levy Restaurants, Chicago, IL
Hali Gillingham, Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
John Gillis, Verizon Arena, North Little Rock, AR
Phillip Ginocchio, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Shane Glatz, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Kevin Gober, State Farm Arena – Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta, GA
Jeffrey Goddard, State Farm Arena – Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta, GA
Matt Gradala, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Sasha Gwin, State Farm Arena – Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta, GA
Brianna Hall, Iowa State Center, Ames, IA
Grant Hall, Ohio University, Cambridge, OH
Matthew Hankins, Harvester Performance Center, Rocky Mount, VA
Alex Hargis, Coppell Performing Arts Center, Coppell, TX
Melissa Harkavy, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Kaylyn Harter, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Ethan Harting, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Leon Hawkins, SDCCU Stadium, San Diego, CA
Jennifer Hickey, Missouri State University, Clever, MO
Jacalyn Hill, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Todd Holloman, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Karen Hopp, Miller High Life Theatre, Milwaukee, WI
Reid Horton, Verizon Arena, North Little Rock, AR
Allie Hudson, TaxSlayer Center, Moline, IL
Aline Ibanes, Emerald Coast Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Rachel Johnson, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Charles Johnson, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Hans Juergens, Argus Event Staffing LLC, Denver, CO
Carrie Keck, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Mark Kinsey, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Erickson Krieger, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Pierre Landaiche, Memphis Sports Hall of Fame, Memphis, TN
Monica Landry, CAJUNDOME, Lafayette, LA
Michael Lecavalier, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Theresa Lloyd, Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
Courtney Lockmiller, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Don Logan, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Isaac Long, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Logan Long, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Fausto Lopez, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Deborah Lowell, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA
Peter Loza, David H. Koch Theater, New York, NY
Patrick Lynch, Levy Restaurants, Chicago, IL
Monti MacMillan, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA
Cassie Makinson, Boise Centre, Boise, ID
Christophe Malsang, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Bailey Martin, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Shay Matyja, Verizon Arena, North Little Rock, AR
Ryan McGillicuddy, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Molly McWilliams, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA
Todd Medley, Arts and Venues Denver, Denver, CO
Kyle Mercury, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles, CA
Daniel Mohan, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Vivian Montejano, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Scott Montes, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Eric Morgan, State Farm Arena – Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta, GA
Katherine Morton, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
John Mosley, Arts and Venues Denver, Denver, CO
Raymond Mullin, Revolution Hall, Portland, OR
Jeannette Murrietta, Arts and Venues Denver, Denver, CO
Tariana Navas-Nieves, Arts and Venues Denver, Denver, CO
Robert Nicklin, Levy Restaurants, Chicago, IL
Ethan Niemann, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Maddison O’Hayer, EMSEAL Joint Systems, Ltd., Westborough, MA
Ashley Oppermann, Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS
Katelyn Orenchuk, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Rufus Organ, Andy Frain Services, Memphis, TN
Richard Osuagwu, Earth Networks, Germantown, MD
William Overly, WeServe, Las Vegas, NV
Doug Parr, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Patrick Pavao, SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose, CA
Ashley Paxton, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Patrick Perez, AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX
Julie Pomerantz, Arts and Venues Denver, Denver, CO
Rafael Ramirez, Chicagoland Speedway/Route 66 Raceway, New Lenox, IL
Gilbert Ramos, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Erik Rasmussen, Grobstein Teeple, LLP, Woodland Hills, CA
Carlo Rebello, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Lane Reid, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Matthew Reisner, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Shareka Rhodes, Verizon Arena, North Little Rock, AR
Ali Ribordy, Boise Centre, Boise, ID
Alexander Richards, Viejas Arena at San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Mary Rollins, Weber County Ice Sheet, Ogden, UT
Rachel Rosas, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Claudia Rubio, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
Adam Rush, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Mariah Saffa, Budweiser Events Center, Loveland, CO
Madison Saulsbury, Verizon Arena, North Little Rock, AR
Sarah Schmitz, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Brandon Scholfield, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Aaron Schwartzbord, Patron Technology, New York, NY
Gianna Seeney, State Farm Arena – Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta, GA
Vallory Smeltser, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Ali Stark, TaxSlayer Center, Moline, IL
Mark Steffen, Carolina Performing Arts, Chapel Hill, NC
Siobhan Steiermann, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Geoffrey Stiles, State Farm Arena – Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta, GA
Todd Stoudenmire, T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
Andrea Strong, Venue Management/UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
Analisa Terrell, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Zach Thompson, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Carly Tribout, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Nick Vacchio, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
Austin Van Treuren, University of Delaware Athletics, Newark, DE
Madison Vickers, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Isaiah Villarreal, Missouri State University, Branson, MO
Haley Voss, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Kendall Vowels, Missouri State University, Joplin, MO
Ben Walker, Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton, OH
Nola Warnica, Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, Brandon, MB, Canada
Amanda Watson, University of Central Florida, St. Cloud, FL
Jason Weber, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Stephanie Weston, Emerald Coast Convention Center, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Kyara Williams, Irving Convention Center, Irving, TX
Dylan Williams, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Bri Wills, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles, CA
Brian Winslow, Las Vegas Ballpark, Las Vegas, NV
Kelly Wolf, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Andrew Worthington, Lynnwood Convention Center, Lake Stevens, WA
Mark Woytisek, Foodbuy, Charlotte, NC
Yingying Xu, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Brock Yocum, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO

You, as an IAVM member, are our most important asset. Without your commitment to the association and to the venue management industry, we wouldn’t be here. Because of your support, we are featuring member profiles in our I Am Venue Management series. If you are interested in participating in the I Am Venue Management series, please visit http://www.iavm.org/i-am-venue-management-share-your-story.

IF I WASN’T DOING THIS, I’D BE: Sitting on a beach with a tropical drink. But seriously, I would be a teacher.

MOST IMPRESSIVE PERSON I’VE EVER MET: Dr. Maya Angelou. Not just impressive, but an amazing woman! This industry has afforded me so many opportunities, but when I met Dr. Angelou at an event, I melted in her presence. She was engaging, graceful, and kind. Her book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” remains one of my favorites.

I UNWIND BY: Cooking, because it allows me to relax and focus, especially if I am preparing a new recipe. But I also like to watch old movies and vintage sitcoms such as The Andy Griffith Show.

ON MY DESK RIGHT NOW IS: Two monitors, iPad, phones, a handful of red grapes (trying to eat healthy snacks), work/project related documents, my notebook (I carry it everywhere), and a greeting card with words of inspiration sent from a client.

MY FAVORITE IAVM PROGRAM/CONFERENCE/EVENT/SESSIION I EVER ATTENDED WAS: So many come to mind, but a turning point for me was the 2017 VC in Nashville and the Diversity Reception led by Robyn Williams. What an amazing fundraising event! I made new industry friends that day and came away with a renewed sense of commitment to IAVM.

IF I WERE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SEATS, I’D BE A: Door greeter or usher. This is an awesome way to meet new people. I would get to smile all day.

ONE TRAIT AN UP-AND-COMING VENUE MANAGER SHOULD HAVE: Be humble.

ONE UP-AND-COMING VENUE STAR IN THE ARENA INDUSTRY IS: Shawn Brown at the Verizon Arena. I am just growing my relationship with Shawn, but I find him to be responsive and ready to jump in and lend a helping hand at a moment’s notice.

ONE OF MY GOALS FOR THIS YEAR IS TO: Continue to provide excellence to my clients, direct reports, and company in every way, to grow our business, and to have a positive impact.

HOW DO YOU PLAN TO HELP ELEVATE THE PROFESSION? By remaining enthusiastic, supportive, committed, and engaged with IAVM and the industry as a whole. I will join others to ensure that all are represented as we tackle Diversity and Inclusiveness as an organization and our conference programming is reflected as such.

WHERE DO YOU SEE NEW GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN THE PROFESSION? There are two areas that I believe will continue to impact our industry and our venues: technology (infrastructure) and security. I think there will be a growing need to personalize the attendee experience all the way up to securing our venues.

HOW DO YOU STAY CURRENT WITH INDUSTRY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS? I read industry publications, staying in touch with other industry friends, attending conferences such as IAVM and IAEE. I also enjoy reading the daily digest from PCMA. Lastly, I follow some industry organizations on LinkedIn and Twitter.

WHO ARE THREE PEOPLE YOU’D INVITE TO A DINNER PARTY AND WHY? Oprah Winfrey, Stephen Covey, and Martha Stewart. There is so much to learn from all of them, and this dinner would likely go on for hours. I selected Oprah, simply because she is a phenomenal woman, inspirational, and transformative; Stephen Covey wrote a book that helped to shape me as an upcoming leader; lastly, Martha Stewart because she has so much to offer, especially as a business leader.

This year’s Academy for Venue Safety & Securty (AVSS), March 10-14, will feature a joint panel discussion for Year 1 and Year 2 students that will focus on current topics in venue & event safety and security.  The panel will feature experts Dr. Tamara D. Herold, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Graduate Director at UNLV, Kelly Wilson, Department of Homeland Security Protective Security Advisor (PSA), Special Agent in Charge Daron Borst, FBI, San Diego, and Akmal Ali, Principal for Catalyst Partners.

“From terror groups calling for attacks on venues and artists, to security concerns involving domestic extremism and lone actors, there are a wide variety of threats and risks venues must consider in today’s operating environment,” stated Andy Jabbour, AVSS faculty member/panel moderator and the Founder of Gate 15. “With an all-star panel of private and public sector security professionals, our AVSS 2019 Joint Session Panel Discussion will address these challenges and actions leaders can take at their venues to help prevent incidents and mitigate their potential impacts.”

Through this panel discussion, AVSS attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the current topics and concerns facing venues and events today, as well how to address and be better prepared for some of the emerging security issues they may face in the future. In the discussion, panelists will discuss venue threats and risks, incident response, security expectations and preparedness, developing challenges and considerations, as well as other issues and ideas attendees can consider as they return to their venues.

“Safety and Security of America’s Soft Targets and Crowded Spaces is a priority initiative for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency,” said Kelly Wilson, PSA with the Department of Homeland Security. “As a protective security advisor and member of the community, it is important to me that we can enjoy our community’s event venues and know that through public-private sector partnerships, we are all working to make these events safer.”

If you haven’t already registered to join us in San Diego for AVSS 2019, there are still a few spots available.  Click here to learn more or to register!