Zakiya Smith-Dore’s career in venue management has been a powerful blend of leadership, service, and impact. Her journey since being honored with IAVM’s 30|UNDER|30 recognition has showcased not only her ability to lead through transition and change but also her commitment to building inclusive and resilient spaces within the performing arts community.

From 2021 to 2024, Zakiya served as the Assistant Director of Event Operations at San Diego Theatres, playing a key role in guiding the organization through the intricate process of reopening post-pandemic. Her leadership helped stabilize operations while re-engaging both staff and audiences. One of her most notable accomplishments was launching a volunteer program that grew to more than 300 participants within just two years—a testament to her belief in community-driven recovery and collaborative spirit.

In 2024, Zakiya took on a new challenge as the Director of Guest Services at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. There, she works alongside a highly respected leadership team to deliver exceptional experiences across four renowned venues. Energized by the mission, “Arts for Every Life®,” Zakiya infuses every aspect of guest interaction with care, intentionality, and a passion for hospitality. Her work is guided by the belief that each performance is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on guests’ lives.

Beyond her core roles, Zakiya continues to invest deeply in her own professional development and in giving back to the industry. She completed the Venue Management Leadership Institute in 2022 and has been a contributor to IAVM’s Venue Professional magazine. She also helped develop the industry’s Reopen and Recovery Manual, contributing critical insights to support collective learning during a challenging period. Her involvement extends to active committee service, peer mentoring, guest lecturing, and outreach to emerging professionals.

Zakiya’s philosophy is centered on growth, service, and lasting impact. She believes that true leadership is not only about what is achieved but about how others are empowered along the way. Whether leading guest services, mentoring colleagues, or engaging with the community, she brings her full self—empathetic, driven, and visionary—to every endeavor. Her career continues to evolve, but her values remain constant: inspire, serve, and build for the future.

Personal Quote:
“I believe leadership is about fostering an environment where others feel empowered to grow, contribute, and make an impact. It’s about creating spaces where people feel heard, valued, and inspired.” — Zakiya Smith-Dore

Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP, executive director of The Complex, Raleigh, N.C., was shocked when she learned of her newest honor—a Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be presented by Carrie Paolone, CVP, CVE, CMP, and incoming chair of IAVM’s Convention Center Committee, during VenueConnect in New Orleans.

It was very fitting that Paolone, who is AGM of the Niagara Falls (Ontario) Convention Center, was the one informing Painter that she had been named the 2025 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

Kerry Painter talks about the politics of expanding a venue at the Super Regional in Raleigh.

“She used to work for me when I opened the Niagara Falls center,” Painter said. “She started as my employee. She’s been there for years. I’ve watched her grow and move up. We’ve always stayed connected. Our kids were kind of the same age. So it was pretty cool when she got to call and tell me I had won.”

Historically, the Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award winner has been near or in retirement, which means Painter, who isn’t done yet, broke the mold.

“We wanted to allow her to enjoy her flowers now,” Paolone said. “She was going to win eventually; she scored so high.” Those scores are based on her years of service to the industry and participation in the association, which includes being Chair of IAVM from 2022-23. Best of all to Painter, this award comes from her peers.

“If I was to create a bingo card of things to accomplish, this wouldn’t have been on it. It was not on my radar as something to achieve. It’s just iconic, right? It’s the thing that means people remember the contribution you made,” Painter said. “It never occurred to me I could win. I was so shocked and surprised, and I screamed and I cried. That sounds silly, but, you know, it’s not one of those awards you applied for and your marketing department wrote a beautiful submission. It’s so much more meaningful because it’s from your colleagues.

While Painter is not ready to retire, she has accomplished enough to serve a lifetime. She has participated in expansion or construction of five buildings. “I do love opening buildings. I love the whole all of it, the adrenaline, the excitement,” Painter said.

Her experience includes venues in Raleigh; Tulsa, Okla.; Niagara Falls, Ont.; Slidell, La., and San Francisco.

She also loves developing something that represents a place that has its own personality, “then you leave and can look back at these cities and think, ‘I left that—I was part of the team that built that for future generations.’”

The build in Raleigh, where they are expanding the convention center and moving the Red Hat Amphitheater, brings that realization to life because the hotel has some triggers in the contract that happen in 50 years. “Our discussions are like ‘in 50 years, we will…’  and I think, wow, that’s the truth of this, right? These buildings are still here in 50 years, and you had a hand in doing it. You want to leave the right thing that will continue to grow and produce and get bigger. At the same time, it must be relevant now and the city needs to need it.”

Adam Cook, CVE; Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, and Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP, talk IAVM business.

Her first big project was City Hall in San Francisco. That venue was unique to Painter because, when she applied, she thought it was a theater, and quickly realized it was actually City Hall. It was meant to fulfill both roles, because San Francisco has ordinances that city buildings must be used to maximum effect. It was event/convention space nights and weekends, but at 9 a.m. it became City Hall. It was Painter’s first career foray out of her home state of Michigan, and it could be surreal, hosting a $250,000 wedding or a movie shoot at night, then making sure it was office-ready for 9 to 5.

Then she went to Louisiana to build the North Shore Harbor Center. She helped it grow from a pile of dirt compacting on swamp land to a convention center. “That was big for somebody who had never built a building.”

By Niagara Falls, her confidence and abilities had grown. The original plans for that convention center were literally drawn on a napkin, a “this is what it could be” moment. They imagined how it would fit on the land and where the loading dock would go. “Then I was off. I look back and think, wow, people trusted me to build a building, and I didn’t know any differently, and so I just borrowed ideas and knowledge.”

She asked for a lot of help from her cadre of friends and peers at IAVM, which she joined in 1997. She graduated from Venue Management School Years 1 and 2, in 1998 and 1999.

Since joining IAVM, which she begged to be part of, she has been giving back. She serves on the IAVM Foundation Board of Trustees, Board of Regents, Leadership Development & Nominating Committee and Region 5, which just hosted the Super Regional in Raleigh. The 100+ Women fundraising campaign for the Foundation is Painter’s brainchild.

She is also an instructor at Venue Management School and has taught at VMS Australia. Volunteerism is in her blood, including service at IAVM on the Venue Safety and Security Committee, the Foundation Task Force, the Audit Committee, the Awards Committee, VenueConnect Planning Committee and Venue eBooks Task Force, and that is just a partial list. Unbelievably, she’s just as active in her own community.

Though it’s probably not her last project, the Raleigh expansion is unique in that she has realized the full potential of her team. They are the age she was when she started building convention centers, and they can take it on. It’s also unusual in that she’s been in Raleigh five years and there’s no end in sight.

“I used my skills and asked questions, and they are me now. That’s how they get where I am. It’s really interesting to sit in the room and take my hands off the wheel a lot. It’s the first time I truly was conscious of it and watched it. I guess it is the legacy, right? It is the coming full circle.”

The IAVM Foundation is proud to announce the 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2025 – a remarkable group of young professionals who represent the future of the venue management industry.

These individuals were selected for their demonstrated leadership, passion for the industry, and commitment to making a lasting impact. This year’s honorees are shaping the next chapter of our industry!

Join us in celebrating their achievements and welcoming them into the IAVM community of innovators and changemakers.

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Meet the Future Leaders of the Venue Industry – The 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2025:

Alexandria Wright, Senior Event Manager, Angel Of The Winds Arena / Oak View Group
Allison Shapiro, Event Manager, Chase Center
Andrew Vecere, Manager, Event Operations, Prudential Center – HBSE
Ashley Gennaro, Arts and Culture Specialist – Venue Rentals, Tempe Center for the Arts
BaiLeigh McCarthy, General Manager, The Astro
Bridget Parish, Event Manager, Event Center at Archer/Laramie County Events
Bryanna Taylor, Guest Services Manager, Desert Diamond Arena
Catie Stewart, Senior Catering Sales Manager, Levy Restaurants at The Classic Center
Christian Soto, Maintenance Supervisor, San Diego Convention Center
Cullen Lampman, Marketing Specialist, Niagara Falls Convention Centre
David Green, Booking Manager, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena / ASM Global
Emily Anderson, Staffing, Engagement, and Marketing Manager, Kennesaw State University
Emily Bundy, Brand Manager, BOK Center / Arvest Convention Center
Eric Bofenkamp, Director of Guest Experience, Spectrum Center/Hornets Sports & Entertainment
Faith Dickson, Event Manager, Raleigh Convention Center
Jeremiah Van De Steeg, Director of Events & Production, Mayo Civic Center
Kaishin Lin, Senior Event Manager, Capital One Arena/Monumental Sports & Entertainment
Katherine Foster, Assistant Operations Manager, Mayo Performing Arts Center
Liz Arlian, Marketing Coordinator, First Interstate Arena at MetraPark
Madeline Mims, Creative Brand & Content Manager, Target Center – ASM Global
Marley West, Event Manager, BOK Center/Arvest Convention Center | Oak View Group
Payton Murphy, Ticket Operations Manager, Moody Center – Oak View Group
Rick Hernandez, Senior Event Manager, Oak View Group – Moody Center
Robert Mediano, Booking Specialist, AEG – Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theater, L.A. Live
Shannon D’Amore, Manager, Booking, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment – Prudential Center & White Eagle Hall
Shannon Duncan, Senior Guest Experience Manager, INTRUST Bank Arena
Sophia Scholz, Event Coordinator | Marketing & Premium Services, United Supermarkets Arena
Tara Snider, Event & Meeting Coordinator, Exhibition Place
Taylor Hickman, Event Manager, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Travis Ligon, Production Manager, Target Center – ASM Global

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We look forward to recognizing the Class of 2025 in person at VenueConnect 2025 in New Orleans, where they will be formally celebrated for their outstanding contributions and potential.

Congratulations to all of our honorees!

Trent Gray’s evolution from an emerging leader to a transformational figure in venue management is a story of perseverance, authenticity, and heart. Since being named to IAVM’s 30|UNDER|30 list in 2019, he has redefined success—not only through his rising career trajectory but also through his profound personal journey.

Trent’s professional ascent began as an Assistant Box Office Manager. Through commitment and innovation, he steadily rose to his current role as Director of Ticketing. Leading a high-performing team at a top-ranked venue, he is responsible for executing seamless ticketing strategies that enhance the guest experience while driving revenue. He has also earned his ADA Coordinator Certification and championed accessibility initiatives at his venue, ensuring inclusivity is embedded in every guest interaction.

He is now preparing to sit for his Certified Venue Professional (CVP) exam—a testament to his unwavering commitment to learning and industry excellence. But Trent’s accomplishments extend beyond the professional realm. Over the past few years, he has undergone a life-changing transformation, losing more than 230 pounds. This health journey has significantly impacted his mental resilience and outlook, giving him renewed energy and balance in both his work and life.

In addition to his work, Trent is a proud pet parent. He adopted a playful kitten named Raz, who joins his older cat, Dave, as a source of constant joy and companionship. For Trent, caring for his pets has brought grounding and perspective, reminding him of the value of small moments amid high-stakes responsibilities.

He credits IAVM with being an integral part of his professional development, especially the 30|UNDER|30 program, which introduced him to mentors and colleagues who continue to influence his approach. Today, he gives back to the community through peer mentorship and actively engages with IAVM’s educational offerings.

Whether improving ticketing operations, leading on accessibility, or embracing transformative change in his personal life, Trent Gray exemplifies what it means to evolve with intention. His story continues to inspire others to lead with authenticity, pursue balance, and strive for excellence on every front.

Personal Quote:
“Through my journey, I’ve realized that growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone. Life is about being true to yourself and using those experiences to build a better future.” — Trent Gray

The unexpected death of Kevin Bruder, CVE, Sunday, May 11, left a hole in the hearts of hockey and venue execs around the nation.

Kevin Bruder, CVE

Bruder, 56, died while enjoying the great Utah outdoors. He was at the peak of his career, serving as general manager of Maverik Center, West Valley City, Utah, for Centennial Management Group; president and CEO of the Utah Grizzlies, and chairman of the ECHL board of governors. His work associates posted fond memories on social media, lauding the culture of professionalism, inclusion and loyalty he fostered.

His greatest joy was his family. Survivors include his wife, Susan and four children: Allison, Emily, Joel and Christopher. His wife Susan posted that “on Sunday I lost my best friend, my heart, my person, while he was doing one of the things he loved—trail running/hiking by our home. We met at Iowa State University our sophomore year. Married on May 25, 1991, and went on to have four beautiful children.”

In the beginning, Bruder was a finance guy, joining Ogden Entertainment Services in 1992. Brad Mayne, CVE, recalls Bruder’s years at Ogden, where he set up the accounting machinations to operate Ogden’s vast venue management portfolio during this nearly five-year stint there.

“Kevin was always a quality guy,” Mayne said. “Even if you were having an argument with him, he kept his cool.” A memory that stands out when he recalls his years with Bruder at Ogden involved a legal action brought by the local hockey team against the financial manager and city at a Washington state arena. In Mayne’s opinion, the hockey team was already in breach of contract, but he did get some pushback from Ogden corporate about working with your customers. Bruder was sent in to do an audit and declared everything perfectly legitimate and above board on the venue’s part. The legal action was dropped, but the memory of Bruder’s great value system, truthfulness and objectivity lingered on,

Kevin Bruder, CVE, and Utah Grizzlies mascot Grizzbee present a fan with a jersey on Military Appreciation Night.

Mayne continued working with Bruder at IAVM, where Mayne became CEO and Bruder was a very active volunteer. Bruder joined IAVM in 1995 and served on several committees and the board of directors. One of his passions was his work with IAVM on the TEAM (Techniques of Effective Alcohol Management) Coalition. Bruder’s volunteerism included serving on the board of directors (2002-2003 and 2009-2011), and working with the Arena Sector Committee, Mentoring Committee, Industry Affairs Committee, Life Safety Council, and Certification Committee, among other jobs. He earned his Certified Venue Executive designation in 2018.

Meanwhile he was managing venues and sports teams. In 1997, he moved his family to Utah to become general manager of Maverik Center, then known as The E-Center. That venue

hosted hockey during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, a highlight of Bruder’s career. In 2005, he was named president and CEO of the Utah Grizzlies, and in 2021, he was elected Chairman of the ECHL Board of Governors.

Randy Mayne, assistant GM at Maverik Center (and Brad Mayne’s nephew), noted Bruder was a driving force for all things IAVM in the Utah chapter, which recently had a successful conference, and for all things TEAM Coalition-related. He was in Portland for the last VenueConnect. Bruder’s volunteerism also extended to Make-A-Wish Utah, Visit Salt Lake and more.

The staff at the 10,500-seat Maverik Center and related businesses, which numbers about 60 fulltime, met Monday to regroup and remember after Bruder’s passing and the overwhelming consensus was that he was more than a boss, he was a friend; he was humble, “and the culture we have inside the building is a testament to Kevin’s behavior. We opened the building in 1997. Our director of operations, our VP over on the Grizzlies side and I have all been here for 28 years. We just had a controller retire after 26 years. A lot of people have stuck around working for such a great individual,” Randy Mayne said. “It’s kind of unique in venue management. We have had other opportunities, but it has always come back to what Kevin has done for all of us personally, the foundation he built and the culture that we have inside the walls of the Maverik Center.”

Going forward, “we have some big shoes to fill, but we can do this collectively,” Randy Mayne told the staff. Mayne started as suite manager for the building when it first opened and has enjoyed rapid growth in the venue. Maverik Center is privately owned but is a public facility. Centennial Management Group ran the day-to-day operations and expanded to provide

Kevin and Susan Bruder

staffing for numerous buildings, including the University of Utah, Utah State, BYU, Salt Palace, and the Sundance Film Festival. “Kevin was an integral part of that and he gave us the opportunity and we ran with it.”

In the Grizzlies official statement, Bruder was said to be “deeply admired by his employees, many of whom worked alongside him for decades. He fostered a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and loyalty—marked by a strong sense of family. He led with integrity, humility, and consistency, always quick to celebrate the accomplishments of others and committed to promoting from within. He believed in people, and he created opportunities for countless careers to flourish under his mentorship.”

Kevin Bruder, who was born in Bloomington, Ill., in 1968, will be laid to rest at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah Tuesday, May 20.