By R.V. Baugus

Adina Erwin, CVE, wrapped up her productive year as IAVM Chair by passing the gavel to Kerry Painter, CVE, to for the most part conclude activities during VenueConnect.

Erwin recounted her most recent column in Venue Professional magazine in which she equated the role of chair to a four-person relay race.

“The role (of chair) is like running a relay race to emerge stronger out of the pandemic,” Erwin said. “Each leader has a different role. Coming out of the pandemic we were blessed to have four people who had a different role in the race but with the same objective — win the race.” Those four, of course, were Eric Hart, CVE, Tammy Koolbeck, CVE, Rip Rippetoe, CVE, and Painter.

“IAVM navigated this tough time in keeping its promises to its members,” Erwin said.

Painter took the stage and accepted the gavel from Erwin before beginning her remarks. “Our focus is continued sustainability of IAVM,” she said. “Instead of new themes, like the relay race it continues on.

“My word is ‘belonging,'” she added. “In collaboration with the CEO (Brad Mayne, CVE), my intention is to make the group members feel this organization is a benefit to them. This membership is your way in. We want to make sure this membership is beneficial to all.”

Painter talked about diversity initiatives and the work that consultant Zoe Moore and University of Kentucky’s Jill Schinberg is doing for IAVM in this area.

Finally, Painter talked about how IAVM has benefited her through the years.

“I know in my heart that I owe every job I have had to IAVM,’ she said. “All I know about running first-class venues has been due to IAVM.”

By R.V. Baugus

Experience counts. And when you add the combined years of industry experience for the newest-minted IAVM winners of the Charles A. McElravy Award, Joseph J. Anzivino Distinguished Allied Award, and IAVM Foundation Legacy Award, there are none better than iconic veterans Beth Wade, CVE, Richard Andersen, CVE, and Tom Cornwall, CVE, who respectively were honored on Wednesday morning during VenueConnect.

Cornwall took the stage first to accept the Foundation Legacy Award. The Retired member encouraged those in the large crowd to do what he did, begin donating to the Foundation with what you can and increase from there. Wise words from one who served as co-chair of the Foundation Silent Auction in 1997-98 and has supported the Foundation since the mid-1980’s.

“I learned early on that the Foundation doesn’t just exist,” Cornwall said. “It needs our help and support. I got in the habit of giving annually so programs could continue in developing new ideas. If you’re getting started, consider reaching in your pocket and giving $10 or $15 a month.”

Cornwall retired after a 44-year career and during the 2020 pandemic worked in Edmonton in the National Hockey League “bubble” during the Stanley Cup playoffs, where he “hibernated” for 92 days.
“I consider this my Stanley Cup,” Cornwall appropriately said.

Richard Andersen – speaking of appropriate – was introduced by Russ Simons, CVE as a “hybrid” who has served on both the Professional and Allied side of the industry. Along with his better half, Kim Bedier, CVE, who also introduced Andersen, the remarks from the honoree touched on many of the consistencies in his life that have enabled Andersen to become one of the industry’s most highly regarded and successful practitioners.

“So many people have come alongside me in my career,” Andersen said. “All of us have special ones in our life.”

Andersen asked the audience for 15 seconds of silence to reflect on those who have helped them in their lives and careers. “Whomever you were thinking of, imagine how pleased they are right now,” Andersen said.

“’Things’ didn’t make me any happier,” Andersen said. “I learned a long time ago to check my ego at the door, as Russ would say.”

Before finishing his introduction to Charles A. McElravy Award winner Beth Wade, Michael Marion, CVE, was compelled to share one story from a Region 5 story involving Wade, noting that she referred to him as “my best girlfriend in a macho kind of way.” (Note: Marion introduced Wade as “my best boyfriend in a girlie kind of way.”)

“I am extremely humbled,” Wade said. “I am extremely proud to have been an IAVM member since 1981. I have learned through the years that we have the ability to make change a reality.”

Wade stressed the importance of completing surveys when IAVM sends them. She also stressed the value of earning the CVP or CVE designation. “I encourage you to get certified to communicate your value of venue professionalism.”

“When I think about the true pluses of IAVM I know I can pick up the phone and call anyone in the world,” she continued. “It is what make us unique, special, and why IAVM was formed.”

Speaking of the Association’s formation, Wade talked about her days working in Memphis and about award namesake McElravy and his work in Memphis. Wade said that McElravy was one of the early creative agents of change in the industry.

“I found an IAVM book from 1925-75 with references to McElravy when he took his job at the civic center,” she said. “He laid pipes on the floor of the civic center to do ice shows.”

“My support for IAVM will not end when I go to the Arena in the sky” Wade concluded. “I would like for scholarships to be established to help members from tertiary markets be able to go to schools and programs.”

By R,V, Baugus

Prior to receiving the 2023 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award, Courtney Dyer, CVE, was described as a unicorn, that rarest of public assembly venue managers who worked in one local market – Virginia Beach, VA. Not only one market, but Dyer was even born in Virginia Beach. The retired IAVM member and long-time staple of Region 5 was feted for his achievements in a distinguished 48-year that began in 1972 at the Virginia Beach Civic Center.

Putting the years in perspective, Dyer noted during his acceptance remarks that he worked when “we used 12-foot poles to put letters on 20-foot marquee signs.”

Ah, those were the days, and on this particular Tuesday morning before a room full of peers who came to recognize and honor Dyer, this was quite the day for one of the industry’s finest.

“It has been since 2019 that I have been at an IAVM event,” Dyer said. “This is like old home with so many of you that I grew up with.”

Dyer spent a large portion of his acceptance remarks thanking many of his contemporaries with anecdotes about each. From Bill Holland (who is now a 52-year IAVM member) and counting others who are in the Who’s Who book in the industry including Cliff Wallace, Lionel Dubay, Shura Garnett, Peggy Daidakis, John Smith, and others, Dyer paid homage to those who helped shape his career.

He talked about his attendance at IAVM events that began with an Operations Manager meeting at the Richmond Coliseum and included what he called the “summer camp for adults in Wheeling, West Virginia (read: Venue Management School).”

Dyer went on to work at the Virginia Beach Pavilion and then opened the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Through the years, Dyer has been active in volunteering including the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad, Virginia Beach Health Clinic, and – imagine this – playing the role as one of the world’s thinnest Santa’s.

Through it all, Dyer’s passion for Region 5 was most evident. It has been a passion and service of love that he has had throughout his career.

Dyer also looked forward in acknowledging some of the new and emerging leaders within IAVM, naming Naz Sabripour, Mac Campbell, and one of his mentees in Virginia Beach, Bryan Miller.

Finally, Dyer shared a story from one of his high school reunions. The situation was that Dyer was concerned his class would not have enough attendance numbers to meet the contract with the hotel. But as the event drew closer, Dyer was relieved to find that the hotel wanted to work with his reunion at the numbers of those who came. No attrition here.

“The message is that we all need to give a little forgiveness,” Dyer said. “We need to make people want to do business with us.”

It is a lesson that Dyer learned well in Virginia Beach. It is a lesson he carries forth in his personal life when it comes to acceptance and forgiveness. It is why Courtney Dyer became the latest and most perfect honoree for the Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award.

By R.V. Baugus

It was an IAVM Foundation kind of night at the Leadership Dinner that was one of the first events to kick off VenueConnect in Pittsburgh. In a night that recognized 15 Past Presidents/Chairs among other announcements of incoming and outgoing IAVM Board leaders, Chair Adina Erwin, CVE, made it a night to especially remember those who have contributed roles on the IAVM Foundation through the years by selecting several deserving individuals to receive the Chair Citation, an honor especially bestowed by the current Chair to individuals who have made contributions to the association or industry. Erwin, of course, has served at the helm of the Foundation, so its role within IAVM is close to her heart.

As Erwin called the names of the nine Chair Citation recipients, she shared snippets of those individual’s roles through the years on the Foundation, including some who have served for 14 years. The Chair Citation is usually given at a smaller number, but Erwin was quick to point out that she would not be following the rules this year for such a deserving group. Perfect decision, Ms. Chair!
Congratulations to the following recipients of the 2023 Chair Citation:

 Bill “Sparky” Bavirsha, CVE
 Alexis Berggren
 Jim Brown, CVE
 Danny Bryant, CVP
 Gina Brydson
 Kayln Denniston
 Shelly Kleppsattel
 Angie Teel, CMP
 Jim Wynkoop, CVE

IAVM wishes to thank the beautiful PPG Paints Arena for their hospitality in hosting this year’s Leadership Dinner.

By Ashley Gravois

Jerry MacDonald, who has served as President and CEO of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion since 2003 and has transformed the venue into an internationally recognized cultural and entertainment destination, has announced that he will be stepping down in March 2024. Until then, he will remain in his current position to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership. The Pavilion’s Board of Directors will be launching a national search for his replacement in the coming months.

“The Pavilion is in a very strong position now — financially stable, with all the pieces in place for the future. I am so proud of all that we’ve accomplished collectively, building The Pavilion as a vital and beloved institution in The Woodlands and beyond as we fulfill our mission to engage and inspire the community through live entertainment,” said MacDonald. “It has been an honor to lead this organization for as long as I have and I look forward to seeing the venue continue to grow for many, many years to come.”

MacDonald presided over decades of growth and change at The Pavilion, including its full rebuild and expansion after Hurricane Ike devastated the venue in September 2008. Under MacDonald’s guidance, the venue undertook the most ambitious construction project in history. In an unbelievable 160 days, The Pavilion reopened its gates with Dave Matthews Band on the Main Stage and a new roof that had been expanded almost 2.5 times, increasing the number of covered seats to over 6,000. Years later, MacDonald shepherded the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic where he was able to maintain all full-time staff and emerge in solid financial shape. As a result, The Pavilion was able to continue its mission work, remain largely open and – perhaps most importantly – present a diverse and star-studded season.

The Pavilion has consistently earned a spot among the top ten amphitheaters in the world from leading industry publication, Pollstar, based on audience attendance. Most recently, The Pavilion ranked second in the top 100 amphitheaters in the world based on the number of tickets sold in 2022. Ranking in the top ten amphitheaters 18 times and in the top five amphitheaters 12 times, MacDonald has been at the helm of welcoming more than eight million guests to the venue and introducing them to the power of live entertainment.

In addition to driving economic development through many seasons of exemplary live entertainment, MacDonald’s leadership has made a significant impact on the infrastructure of the venue including the
building of The Pavilion’s Event Center with an indoor Ice Rink (making it the first venue of its kind to offer an ice rink on property), the rebuilding of the Woodforest Bank Club and a new Operations building featuring an extended loading dock. These new facilities, along with a wide variety of other capital improvement projects throughout the last two decades, not only have enhanced guest and artist experiences onsite but have provided an exceptional backdrop for future concerts and events.

“Jerry’s 20-year tenure at The Pavilion has seen remarkable achievement. His leadership and commitment have been hugely instrumental in making The Pavilion the incredible success it is today. From being $10 million in debt when he assumed his role, to funding an endowment that now tops $50 million, Jerry has been an outstanding steward of the organization,” said Roger Nicholson, Chairman of The Pavilion’s Board of Directors.

In addition to his storied career, MacDonald has forged strong relationships with the community, sponsors and key partners, most notably in his roles as a founding member of The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival, an ex officio Director of The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce and an honored member of George’s Coffee Club. which was founded in honor of George Mitchell.

When MacDonald arrived in March 2003, he brought with him over twenty years of senior management experience in operating a variety of entertainment venues. As vice president and general manager of Houston’s Summit/Compaq Center, he oversaw the 17,000-seat arena and managed the facility during its most profitable years. Prior to Compaq Center, Jerry was an instrumental part in the opening of three venues from the ground up – Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida; Miami Arena in Miami, Florida; and, The Pyramid and Mud Island in Memphis, Tennessee. Jerry served as vice president and general manager of The Pyramid and Mud Island, (1990-95), Miami Arena (1987-90), Ocean Center (1983-87) and Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Fla. (1976-83). Jerry also proudly served as general manager for two NBA arenas for the Miami Heat and the Houston Rockets. Jerry is a graduate of Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. He and his wife, Tricia, have two daughters, both graduates of The Woodlands High School and four grandchildren.

MacDonald’s 48-year career in the entertainment industry as well as his ongoing commitment to The Woodlands community will be honored in the coming months.

Ashley Gravois is Public Relations & Education Outreach Manager for The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.