VCCash is now available for a limited time only!

Don’t miss your opportunity to purchase VCCash and secure your chance to attend VenueConnect 2019 in Chicago at the same low price of VC18’s Early Bird Rate!

Why purchase VCCash?

• Purchasing your VCCashnow will allow you to use your current year’s professional development dollars, but wait to use them later when registration for VenueConnect2019 in Chicago opens mid-February.
• VCCashis available now for the same low price of last year’s early bird rate, helping you to avoid the increases in conference costs at VC19.
• Once VC19 registration is open, you will register via a custom link that IAVM will provide to you, and your VCCashwill be applied to pay for your upcoming conference experience.

 
VCCash is available only until January 31, 2019, so don’t miss out! 

**This special offer is only available to IAVM members, and cannot be used for any other event. Limited to one VCCash voucher per member. 

PURCHASE YOUR VCCASH NOW!

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in November 2018. 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.

Masae Aitoku, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Stage Electrician/Herbst, San Francisco, CA
Americo Alers, Irving Arts Center, Security Officer, Irving, TX
Samantha Allen, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Green Room Manager, San Francisco, CA
Maureen Andersen, The International Ticketing Association (INTIX), President & CEO, Indianapolis, IN
Mario Arrotta, Oilers Entertainment Group Canada Corp., Manager, Security Operations, Edmonton, AB, Canada
John Aspholm, Irving Arts Center, Sr. Theatre Technician, Irving, TX
Chris Bailey, Irving Arts Center, Security Manager, Irving, TX
Steven Balocco, EventPro Software – Australia, Solutions Consultant, Milsons Point, NSW, Australia
Tanya Bannyan, OC Fair & Event Center, Event Coordinator, Costa Mesa, CA
Randall Barnes, Case Western Reserve University, Executive Director, Cleveland, OH
Peter Barton, Duke Energy Convention Center, Sales Manager, Cincinnati, OH
Tandon Berry, Western Kentucky University, Student, Atlanta, GA
Alexander Biggs, Western Kentucky University, Student, Bowling Green, KY
Kevin Brown, Orlando Venues, Booking Division Manager, Orlando, FL
William Brumfield, Western Kentucky University, Student, Crossville, TN
Nathanael Burke, Seaside Civic and Convention Center, Event Coordinator, Seaside, OR
Larry Burns, Duke Energy Convention Center, Assistant Security Manager, Cincinnati, OH
Joclynne Bynoe, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Event Services Manager, Boston, MA
Chris Chelko, Anaheim Convention Center, Event Manager, Anaheim, CA
Emily Chiappazzi, Duke Energy Convention Center, Sales Manager, Cincinnati, OH
Renuka Christoph, Music City Center, Director of Communications, Nashville, TN
Scott Christopher, The Fox Theatre – Atlanta, Director of Operations, Atlanta, GA
Elizabeth Clark, PS Furniture, Vice President Marketing, Mequon, WI
Drew Clevenger, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Hospitality Services Assistant Manager, Fort Worth, TX
Charles Coffey, University of Florida, Student, Gainesville, FL
Tony Cordeiro, Shaw Conference Centre, Director, Sales, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Jeff Coyne, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, House Manager, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA
Khori Currie, Encana Events Centre, Events Manager/Box Office Manager, Dawson Creek, BC, Canada
Jamye Divila, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, House Manager, Opera House, San Francisco, CA
Kathy DuBose, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Vice President & CEO, Fort Worth, TX
Brandon Elms, The Projects Group, President, Fort Worth, TX
Will Eubanks, Walton Arts Center/Walmart AMP, Production Administrator, Fayetteville, AR
Sean Farnan, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, IT Manager, San Francisco, CA
Vallie Finaly, Palmerston North City Council, Venues and Events Coordinator, Palmerston North,
Hillary Gentry, Duke Energy Convention Center, Event Manager, Cincinnati, OH
Nick Goddard, Shaw Conference Centre, Senior Manager Event Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Marnie Gomes, Shaw Conference Centre, Assistant General Manager, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Jake Griesenauer, Ungerboeck Software International, Product Manager, O’Fallon, MO
Hannah Guinn, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Contracts and Scheduling Manager, Fort Worth, TX
Trevor Hahn, Alerus Center, Operations Supervisor, Grand Forks, ND
Mike Hamrin, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Assistant Director of Safety and Risk Management, Fort Worth, TX
Jeffrey Harding, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, House Manager, Herbst Theatre, San Francisco, CA
Kevin Hatcher, Alerus Center, Concessions Manager, Grand Forks, ND
Todd Hawkins, Irving Arts Center, Executive Director, Irving, TX
Arthur Hill, Prime Electrical & Exhibition Services, Vice President, Chicago, IL
Kevin Hill, Chesapeake Energy Arena, Controller, Oklahoma City, OK
Erin Holderman, Western Kentucky University, Student, Bowling Green, KY
Michelle Hopewell, Duke Energy Convention Center, Regional Director Marketing, Cincinnati, OH
Kelsi Jones, Western Kentucky University, Student, Oakwood, GA
Dorian Jordan, Western Kentucky University, Student, Frankfort, KY
Roger Keim, d&b audiotechnik, Marketing Manager US & CA, Asheville, NC
Kevin Kelly, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Building and Grounds Superintendent, San Francisco, CA
Kevin Kendro, Irving Arts Center, Archivist, Irving, TX
Dione Kennedy, Performing Arts Fort Worth, President & CEO, Fort Worth, TX
Michael Kim, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Acting Security Director, San Francisco, CA
Chad Knecht, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Senior Director, Building Security & Safety, Indianapolis, IN
Jenn Landry, Irving Arts Center, Museum Director, Irving, TX
Matt Larsen, Orlando Venues, Operations Manager, Orlando, FL
Detris Lawrence, Georgia World Congress Center, Event Coordinator, Atlanta, GA
Kima Lee, Austin Convention Center, Facility Services Specialist, Austin, TX
Roderick Mack, Western Kentucky University, Student, Tallahassee, FL
Mirjam Maggio, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Hospitality Services Assistant Manager, Fort Worth, TX
Mevisha Maistry, Shaw Conference Centre, SCC Marketing & Communications, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Kellie Masters, Western Kentucky University, Student, Kent, WA
Keith Mays, University of South Carolina, Student, Lexington, KY
Heather McDaniel, Anaheim Convention Center, Parking Supervisor, Anaheim, CA
Paula McElheney, UTA Special Event Facilities, Director of Booking and Contracts, Arlington, TX
Mark McGreal, Western Kentucky University, Student, Battle Creek, MI
Christopher McIlvain, Austin Convention Center, Director of Safety & Security, Austin, TX
David McKay, Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Marvel Stadium, Facilities Coordinator, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Amber McWhinnie, Shaw Conference Centre, Director, Guest Experience and Security, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Daniel Meggers, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Assistant Production Manager, Amarillo, TX
Rosie Meng, Irving Arts Center, Assistant Exec Director Administration, Irving, TX
Anthony Moreno, Irving Arts Center, Sr. Maintenance Mechanic, Irving, TX
Mackenzie Morris, Western Kentucky University, Student, Owensboro, KY
Heather Murphy, Anaheim Convention Center, Event Manager, Anaheim, CA
Elizabeth Murray, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Managing Director, San Francisco, CA
Christopher Muyo, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Budget Director, San Francisco, CA
Susan Norman, Fort Smith Convention Center, Event Coordinator, Fort Smith, AR
Patrycja Obokowicz, Credit Union 1 Arena, Arena Facilities Supervisor, Chicago, IL
Shannel Ortega, Georgia World Congress Center, Event Coordinator, Atlanta, GA
Justin Perrin, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Special Events & Hospitality Services Assistant, Fort Worth, TX
Devon Perry, Berry Center, Event Coordinator, Houston, TX
Carrie Petroski, Tavares Pavilion on the Lake, Pavilion Manager, Tavares, FL
Derek Piekarczyk, Alerus Center, Operations Supervisor, Grand Forks, ND
Woodrow Plunkett, Slim Furniture, Owner, West Chester, OH
St John Pound, University of Tasmania Stadium, Admin Officer, Launceston, TAS, Australia
Lindsay Powell, Western Kentucky University, Student, Cincinnati, OH
Nathan Prenger, KAABOO LLC, Senior Vice President, Operations, Leawood, KS
Milland Reed, Walter E Washington Convention Center, Manager, Security Services, Washington, DC
Dave Reedy, Irving Arts Center, Technical Theatre Coordinator, Irving, TX
Rich Regan, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Vice President, Chicago, IL
Delores Reyes, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Event Supervisor, Amarillo, TX
Carey Rogers, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Assistant Director of Building Services, Fort Worth, TX
Katie Root, St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Development & Client Services Manager, St. Augustine, FL
Ruben Rosas, Irving Arts Center, Sr. Theatre Technician, Irving, TX
Mikaela Ryan, Duke University Athletics, Assistant Director of Game Operations, Durham, NC
Heather Sanregret, Shaw Conference Centre, Manager, Marketing & Communications, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Kerri Schell, Shaw Conference Centre, Director, Event Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Lynn Schoug, Shaw Conference Centre, Manager, Safety & Security, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Zubair Serang, Anaheim Convention Center, Event Manager, Anaheim, CA
Tim Shafer, Detex Corporation, Marketing Manager, New Braunfels, TX
Sarah Skyles, St. Charles Convention Center, Executive Assistant, St. Charles, MO
Lia Smith, Duke Energy Convention Center, Event Manager, Cincinnati, OH
Stephanie Smith, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Booking Administrator, San Francisco, CA
Lorinda Smith, Walton Arts Center/Walmart AMP, Assistant to VP of Operations, Fayetteville, AR
Diane Solem, City of Ocean Shores, Sales & Marketing Manager, Ocean Shores, WA
Alycia Sparkman, Austin Convention Center, Division Manager, Events & Exhibitor Services, Austin, TX
Kaitlyn Spinney, Alerus Center, Director of Conference Sales and Marketing, Grand Forks, ND
Krystine St. Michael Bussiere, The Baltimore Convention Center, Director of Sales, Services and Marketing, Baltimore, MD
Kevin Stark, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Event Solutions Manager, New York, NY
Jaime Tamsin, INTRUST Bank Arena, Event Manager, Wichita, KS
Crystal Taylor, Weber State University, Manager, Ogden, UT
Andrea Taylor, Walter E Washington Convention Center, Senior Event Manager, Washington, DC
Dwayne Tidwell, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Director of Building Services, Fort Worth, TX
Iris Tovar, Irving Arts Center, Booking Coordinator, Irving, TX
Tim Tunks, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Stage Electrician/Wilsey Center, San Francisco, CA
Courtney Urquhart, Walter E Washington Convention Center, Senior Event Manager, Washington, DC
Michael Vela, HKS Architects, Principal, Office Director, Salt Lake City, UT
Gil Viveiros, Shaw Conference Centre, Sr. Sales & Client Service Manager, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Dionne Walker, Walter E Washington Convention Center, Acting Assistant Manager, Support Services, Washington, DC
Stephanie Walker, Chesapeake Energy Arena, Acct Manager, Oklahoma City, OK
Sharon Walton, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Marketing & Special Events Manager, San Francisco, CA
William Weatherholt, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Assistant Production Manager, Amarillo, TX
Jorrit Weerman, Parking Network, CEO, Maastricht, Netherlands
Katrina White, Austin Convention Center, Facility Services Specialist, Austin, TX
Greg Wilhelm, Raymond E. Maritz Theater, Theater Production Manager, Fenton, MO
Jen Williams, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Event Supervisor, Amarillo, TX
Mark Williams, Hot Springs Convention Center & Bank of the Ozarks Arena, CTO, Hot Springs, AR
Jason Wise, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Director of Programming, Communications, and Sales, Fort Worth, TX
Richard Wong, Shaw Conference Centre, General Manager, Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Ben Zarhoud, Los Angeles Convention Center, Vice President Finance, Los Angeles, CA

Having been in this industry for at least 5 decades, I must share my personal feelings of commitment to the entertainment and sport industry that has been so good to me.  We live in a fast-paced world, but as the leaders of an older demographic, we have a responsibility to give back.  I personally give to the Foundation to create opportunity for a solid future for the industry through continuing education. 

I know I have worked through the glory days of Rock and Roll, and the business is changing.  I do find it hard to change some aspects of my personal approach, but the one thing that I know for sure, and it was reiterated as I grew by one of the finest women I have known, Mom, we are keepers of the future.  It is our duty and responsibility to lead the way, to give back and to show the next generations that philanthropy is not just a big word, but a duty, a charge to maintain the established industry we love.  I do that personally, by giving of my time, and quite frankly my money.  My life is good, I am comfortable, and through it all I hope I have shared my ethic of giving as a mentor, friend and seasoned leader. 

I give, because my very first boss said, when I asked as I started as an usher, “Just do the right thing”.  Please join me in paying it forward, do the right thing by donating to the IAVM Foundation.

It’s YOUR Foundation. It’s YOUR Future. Invest Now!

John Siehl, CVE
Chief Operating Officer
VenuWorks

The San Diego City Council approved the appointments of Carlos Cota and Allan Farwell to serve on the San Diego Convention Center Corporation Board of Directors, effective Tuesday, December 4, 2018.

Cota and Farwell join a board that will be chaired in 2019 by Xema Jacobson. Her officers include Jaymie Bradford as Vice Chair of the Board, Carol Kim will serve as the Board’s Secretary and Elvin Lai becomes Treasurer.

“Allan and Carlos are great additions to our Board,” said Jacobson. “As Chair, I am looking forward to working with the Board and the Convention Center staff as we approach our 30th Anniversary. One of our main goals is to find solutions for the needs of our customers who want to grow with the San Diego Convention Center.”

Jacobson, a San Diego native, has a rich history with the tourism industry as well as the Convention Center itself. She was involved in both the construction of the facility, its 2001 expansion and the future of the Center.

The San Diego Convention Center Board of Directors sets policy for the public benefit corporation that was created by the City of San Diego to exclusively manage, market and operate the 2.6 million-square-foot waterfront facility.

Cota is an International Representative and Trustee for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) with over 25 years experience in the Entertainment and Convention Industries.

He began his career as a stagehand in 1990 while still pursuing his studies. He entered the IATSE #122 apprenticeship employed at a variety of venues around the City including the then newly-completed San Diego Convention Center. After quickly achieving journeyman status, he began traveling nationally with many of the industry’s top conventions. This experience allowed him the opportunity to work in and compare services provided at nearly every major convention facility throughout the United States and Canada and bring back those experiences to share with the local workforce.

Following his time working in the field, he served 13 years as Business Agent for IATSE Local 122, with responsibilities covering oversight of day-to-day operations, contract negotiation and administration, budgeting, training, and education. During his tenure as Business Agent, the Local’s membership and contract portfolio grew exponentially. He was also responsible for establishing the organization’s Training Trust Fund.

He’s served as an Executive Board Member for the IATSE District 2, covering California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii, Executive Board Member for the San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, AFL-CIO and spent eight years as an Advisory Board Member for the College, Career & Technical Education (CCTE) program for the San Diego Unified School District.

Farwell brings 40 years of hospitality experience to the Convention Center’s Board of Directors. He served as General Manager at several Hyatt properties from 1990 to 2018, including Maui, Chicago, Washington, Orange County, Indian Wells, and most recently, La Jolla, where he retired from. While in Maui, his hotel was a champion of sustainability, bringing his hotel to a LEED EBOM status, meaning the building was constructed before LEED certification standards.

He remains active in the industry, serving as a Board Member on the San Diego Hotel Motel Association, the former San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, and is Past Chairman of the Palm Springs Visitor and Convention Bureau, as well as the California Hotel and Lodging Association.

Article courtesy of San Diego Convention Center.  Click here to see their original post.

Henderson Engineers announced Carlo Sechi as a new senior leader in the firm’s Houston office. Sechi will serve as an associate and senior program manager, concentrating on expanding Henderson’s presence in Houston. He brings more than 23 years of experience, including nearly nine years as a partner and director of higher education with DBR Engineering Consultants, Inc./JonesDBR in Houston.

“Carlo’s addition to our Houston office takes us to the next level,” said Tom Simmons, director of operations for Henderson’s Houston office. “For more than two decades, he has been a respected leader in the Houston engineering market. His experience is a great fit for our team and will help us continue to propel our office forward. We are happy to have Carlo on board.”

Sechi holds vast higher education, corporate, hospitality, venue, and healthcare engineering experience. He has worked on recognizable projects such as NRG Stadium, Marriott Marquis Houston, and the entire Corps of Cadets Dorm and Quad renovation at Texas A&M University, his alma mater.

“I’m thrilled to join Henderson because of its reputation for quality work and innovative thinking,” Sechi said. “I’ve been proud to call Houston home and have always admired Henderson. Their portfolio of nationwide work, focus on technical quality, and great culture was exactly the type of company I wanted to join. I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity.”

Sechi previously worked for DBR Engineering Consultants, Inc./Jones DBR in Houston for 12 years. He was promoted to partner in 2009 and named as their director of higher education in 2010. He also worked as a mechanical engineer for Shah Smith & Associates, Inc. and served as a sales engineer for The Trane Company.