Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in June 2023. 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.

Kate Abbott, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, VIC, Australia
Cameron Adam, SwiftPOS, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Nick Addison, Adelaide Oval SMA, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
Louise Adlard, MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy, TAS, Australia
Helen Alai-Stowers, Platform 4 Group (P4G), Auckland, New Zealand
Alejandro Almeida Lopez, Palacio De Convenciones Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico
Ben Anderson, Arts Centre Melbourne, St Kilda Road, VIC, Australia
Mike Anderson, Netball Queensland Limited, Nathan, QLD, Australia
Matt Andrewartha, MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy, TAS, Australia
Daniel Andrews, Australian Football League, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Gerardo Apin, Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
David Ashford, HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD, Australia
Meagan Ashurst, University of Houston, Houston, TX
Ricardo Avendano, Expo Tam, Reynosa, Tamps, Mexico
Susan Banks, Certis Security Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Rebecca Barker, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, Geelong, VIC, Australia
Chris Barling, MI Global Partners, North Sydney, NSW, Australia
Adam Barnes, Reliance Risk, Balnarring, VIC, Australia
Mario Barriga, Centro Internacional De Convenciones De Puerto Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Emily Bartlett, Melbourne Cricket Club, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Mac Beaverstock, First National Bank Arena, State University, AR
Rachel Beck, Netball Queensland Limited, Nathan,QLD, Australia
Ashley Behrens, Southern Aluminum, Magnolia, AR
Patrice Belcher, Bay Venues, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Michelle Bell, HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD, Australia
William Bell, Zaftech Lighting, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Paula Benmayor, VenuesLive Management Services, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia
Lindsay Berckman, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Dionn Bichel, Brisbane Racing Club Limited, Hamilton Central, QLD, Australia
Warren Black, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Paola Blancas, Cancun, International Convention Center, Cancun, Mexico
Danielle Bleazby, Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Teale Blessington, Netball Queensland Limited, Upper Mount Gravat, QLD, Australia
Jared Bodary, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Nicole Bouchier, Meesys Pty Ltd, Burnley, VIC, Australia
Jax Bowman, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Anchorage, AK
Damien Boyle, Monash University Performing Arts Centres, Monash University, VIC, Australia
Hannah Boyle, Melbourne Cricket Club, East Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Patrick Boyle, Melbourne Racing Club, Caulfield East, VIC, Australia
Mychael Breedlove, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Samantha Brennan, Finley Stadium, First Horizon Pavilion, Chattanooga, TN
Mike Brew, Riverside Theatres, Parammatta, NSW, Australia
Amanda Brewer, MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy, TAS, Australia
Gillian Brewster, Melbourne Sports Centres, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Tully Briggs, Netball Queensland Limited, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Jillian Bright, VenuesLive Management Services (NSW) Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Chad Brimley, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Jess Brow, Victoria Racing Club, Flemington,VIC, Australia
Don Brown, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, Columbus, OH
Matt Bruskotter, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN
Jeffrey Buchanan, Sunshine Coast Council, Bokarina, QLD, Australia
Cristian Buenrostro, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Nathan Bungey, Marvel Stadium – Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Chris Bupp, Levy Restaurants, Houston, TX
Chelsea Burdon, MyState Bank Arena, Glenorchy, TAS, Australia
Sue Burnet, Reliance Risk, Gladesville, NSW, Australia
Ashley Butler, Quayclean Australia Pty Ltd, Tullamarine, VIC, Australia
Matt C, Melbourne Sports Centres, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Mauricio Cacho, Centro Expositor Puebla, Puebla,
Charlotte Cailleaux, Momentus Technologies, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Renee Camfferman, Adelaide Venue Management, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Lauren Camilleri, Victoria Racing Club, Flemington, VIC, Australia
Bert Campana, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Tim Carey, Gold Coast Football Club, Carrara, QLD, Australia
Anna Carroll, HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD, Australia
Luana Casilli, HBF Stadium, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Victor Castillo, Cintermex Convention Center, Monterrey, Mexico
Monique Catley, San Mateo County Event Center and Fair, San Mateo, CA
Jamie Centofanti, ONE VISUAL, Thornleigh, NSW, Australia
Steph Champion, MAP Co, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Angela Child, Adelaide Oval SMA, North Adelaide, SA, Australia
Donna Childs, TVS, Atlanta, GA
Tahlia Clark, Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia
Jada Collins, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Matt Colton, TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Thomas Connolly, HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD, Australia
Louis Constantine, Melbourne Sports Centres, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Adriana Conway, EventPro Software – Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Alsy Cooper, Royal Caribbean Group, Sydney,NSW, Australia
Matt Cooper, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Nicole Cowdell, Sandy Amphitheater, Sandy, UT
Michelle Coy-Davis, Eclipse Staffing and Security, Indianapolis, IN
Andie Cuttiford, Levy Restaurants, Portland, OR
Salvador de Anda, Foro 13 Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
Caroline de Graaf, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, TN
Johnathan Dempsey, Dothan Civic Center & Opera House, Dothan, AL
Tanya Derksen, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Justin DeSantis, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Carin DeVier, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Mauricio Diaz Montalvo, Yucatán Siglo XXI Convention Centre, Mérida, Yuc, Mexico
Elizabeth Dreeson, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, San Francisco, CA
Nolan Ducharme, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Megan Duffy, Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Alicia Duran, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX
Jordan Edmonds, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, Columbus, OH
Armando Espinosa, Cintermex Convention Center, Monterrey, Mexico
Karla Estrada, Baja California Center, Tijuana, Mexico
Katie Evans, Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
Laura Flaherty, Music City Center, Nashville, TN
Joseph Futral, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC
Andrea Garcia, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA
Jose Gil, El Paso Live, El Paso, TX
Mark Giles, Legends, Frisco, TX
Elijah Gill, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Mike Ginty, Joffe Emergency Services, Santa Monica, CA
Brenda Gomez, Expo Y Foro Imperial/Mundo Imperial/SMG México, Acapulco de Juarez, Mexico
Geronimo Gonzalez, WTC Veracruz, Boca del Rio, Mexico
Travis Grafe-Cline, Omaha Performing Arts, Omaha, NE
Samuel Guerrero, Bryce Jordan Center | Penn State University, University Park, PA
Christopher Hamilton, Levy Restaurants, Houston, TX
Kevin Harp, Dallas Stars Hockey Club, Frisco, TX
Angela Hassell, City of Temple, Texas, Temple, TX
Nancy Hautala, Meany Center for the Performing Arts, Seattle, WA
James Heller, USAE, Inc., Bethesda, MD
Mike Hernandez, City of McAllen: Convention Center/Performing Arts Center, McAllen, TX
Jason Herr, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Anchorage, AK
Brian Hetrick, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Elena Hurtado, Expo Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Thomas Jakobic, Erie Events, Erie, PA
Chris Joffe, Joffe Emergency Services, Santa Monica, CA
Carli Jordan, Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND
Kayla Joyce, NRG Park, Houston, TX
Tim Judge, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Erin Keeling, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Anchorage, AK
Milla Khano, San Mateo County Event Center and Fair, San Mateo, CA
Dixon Kirkland, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Tom Klep, Erie Events, Erie, PA
Kristina Kourkoulos, The Projects Group, Tampa, FL
Rob Kurz, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Korey Lamb, Weber State University, Ogden, UT
Michael Lance, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Anchorage, AK
Ethan Lang, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
Sam Lankie, CAPS Payroll, Los Angeles, CA
Levi Leitma, Full Sail University, Winter Park, FL
Simon Liu, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Chris Lobo, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Emma Logan, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, San Francisco, CA
Sarah Macer, The Lerner Theatre, Elkhart, IN
Robert Mahon, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC
John Marsh, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Marcus McAlpin, Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center, Louisville, KY
Chelsea McDermott, Canadian Tire Centre, Kanata, ON, Canada
Kimberly McGoldrick, Tempe Center for the Arts, Tempe, AZ
Dave McManus, Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, Raleigh, NC
Alix Mees, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver, CO
Derek Menchinger, Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo, MI
Gustavo Mendoza, Centro De Convenciones Y Exposiciones De Morelia, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico
Ricardo Mier Reyes, Centro Internacional de Congresos de Yucatan, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Richard Morales, Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX
Brandon Murphy, First National Bank Arena, State University, AR
Caitlin Nowland, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Adam Noyes, Proof of the Pudding, Atlanta,GA
Emmanuel Orduno, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
Luis Emilio Ortiz de la Pena, Campeche XXI International Convention and Exhibition Center, Campeche, Mexico
Sarah Ouellet, Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, Wichita, KS
Ethan Padgett, Ferst Center for the Arts (Georgia Tech), Atlanta, GA
Maggie Parks, Dayton Live, Dayton, OH
Brady Pearce, Hattiesburg Convention Commission, Hattiesburg, MS
Michael Pearson, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Juan Perez Perez, Centro Cultural y de Convenciones de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Sheneka Perrymond, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Elizabeth Peterson, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Eric Pettis, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Portland, OR
Veronica Pheils, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA
Sonia Pina, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA
Camilo Pinzon, Calgary Stampede, Calgary, AB, Canada
Ryan Place, Jerome Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH
Shane Porter, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Anchorage ,AK
Ray Proctor, DISA Global Solutions, Houston, TX
Remington Purnell, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Anchorage, AK
Hope Quarles, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, Anchorage, AK
Patrick Renna, Proof of the Pudding, Atlanta, GA
Gustavo Renteral Lagunes, WTC Veracruz, Boca del Rio, Mexico
David Robbinson, Erie Events, Erie, PA
Christen Robinson, Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
David Rogers, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Gonzalo Rosell Ramirez, Centro Internacional de Congresos de Yucatan, Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
Keith Runk, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
Lorena Safa Serrato, Centro de Convenciones Torreón, Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico
Allyson Samms, City of Kitchener, Kitchener, ON, Canada
Paul Sanelli, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON, Canada
Kyle Schackne, TIAA Bank Field & Daily’s Place, Jacksonville, FL
Cody Schaefer, Southern Aluminum, Magnolia, AR
Regina Schapp, Juneau Arts & Humanities Council, Juneau, AK
Phillip Schmiedl, David H. Koch Theater, New York, NY
Jasmin Silva, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
Katherine Smale, Stormont Vail Events Center, Topeka, KS
Chad Smidt, Tyson Events Center – Oak View Group, Sioux City, IA
Jeff Smith, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles, CA
Victor Manuel Soler Sobrino, Centro de Convenciones San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Joe Solway, Arup, New York, NY
Guadalupe Soto, Centro Cultural y de Convenciones de Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
G. Keith Still, University of Suffolk, Burton-in-Kendal, United Kingdom
Randy Sylvester, Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Spokane, WA
Michelle Taboada Barragán, Centro de Convenciones Torreón, Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico
Kalie Taylor, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver, CO
Joy Tenjeras, Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority (LEPFA), Lansing, MI
Crystal Tew, TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Alison Thurlow, Erie Events, Erie, PA
Jennifer Tompos, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Jeff Townsend, Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo, MI
Eric Van Dervort, Saenger Theatre Pensacola, Pensacola, FL
Yatziry Arahi Vitales Medina, Centro de Convenciones San Luis Potosi, San Luis Potosi, Mexico
Tammy Ward, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Dirk Weaverling, Midland Horseshoe Arena / Pavilion / Amphitheater, Midland, TX
Evan Wentzel, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Kelsi Weston, Omaha Performing Arts, Omaha, NE
Sarah Wietecha, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Beth Wilkinson, Erie Events, Erie, PA
Darrell Willms, Proof of the Pudding, Atlanta, GA
Stacia Winters, Grand Junction Convention Center, Grand Junction, CO
Ben Witte, Proof of the Pudding, Atlanta, GA
Josh Wittmier, Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
Emily Woodard, Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority (LEPFA), Lansing, MI
Andrew Young, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
David Zack, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN

By R.V. Baugus

IAVM member Jill Schinberg, Associate Professor in the Department of Arts Administration at the University of Kentucky, is leading a longitudinal study for IAVM that will provide data for future work on comparative analyses of sectors and regions within the IAVM membership as well as correlative data between demographic variables.

Schinberg has also been working closely with the Diversity and Inclusive Leadership Committee in brainstorming the various components for this voluntary survey that IAVM members are strongly encouraged to take. Schinberg took some time to talk about the study and expectations that will come from it.

DESCRIBE WHAT THE STUDY IS.

This study aims to research the demographic makeup of IAVM members over several years. The most common demographic variables most of us encounter in various surveys usually include age, gender, and race or ethnicity. But identity is more complex than those three characteristics. We are also interested in IAVM members’ education and income levels, religious beliefs, native language(s), sexual orientation, disability status, and parental or caregiver responsibilities. Once we’ve collected enough data, we will have a better understanding of who the members of the association are and ultimately, how IAVM can serve them better. The study will officially launch at VC23 in Pittsburgh.

WHY IS THE STUDY BEING CONDUCTED?

IAVM has been conscientious in its efforts to be more inclusive and there are some great examples of that including the creation of the Diversity and Inclusive Leadership Committee (DILC), revisions to the board governance policies, and the distribution of diversity scholarships. Yet, there is currently no systematic way of knowing if initiatives like these have had any effect on the diversity of the membership base. So, by tracking demographic characteristics over time, we will be able to show how our association is becoming more inclusive (or not). Further, if the data show that there are obvious disparities or exclusions, IAVM can use this information to implement targeted initiatives and we‘ll be able to see whether they are effective as the longitudinal study continues.

WHEN WILL THE RESULTS BE KNOWN AND HOW WILL THEY BE SHARED?

The survey will occur once every three years over a twelve-year period. Data collection will end in September each year the survey is conducted. We will share a summary of each survey with IAVM members, and our analysis of the data and its implications will be published in academic journals. We are also prepared to offer webinars or conference sessions to discuss and answer questions about what we’re learning from the data if the board, programming committees, or members request it. Actually, this seems like a good time to say that everything about this study is anonymous. So, if you choose to participate (and we hope you do) your personal data will not be identifiable or shared–not even to the researchers.

HOW WILL IAVM MEMBERS BENEFIT?

According to the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California-Berkeley, “Diversity enhances creativity. It encourages the search for novel information and perspectives, leading to better decision making and problem solving.” In addition to the positive effects a diverse population can have in life and work, a more diverse IAVM member base is the first hurdle to a more inclusive association. And for our colleagues who might be members of historically underrepresented communities, a more inclusive association helps to reinforce the message that they belong.

You can help ensure that IAVM measures up to this task by taking the survey. Come see us in the IAVM education booth at VenueConnect for more information. Take the survey now by clicking here.

Long-time industry manager George Michael “Mike” Abington passed away on April 23. He was 73.

Mike was a true pioneer in the field of stadium management. Graduating from Northeast Louisiana State University in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in Radio/TV Management, Mike went on to Spartanburg, South Carolina. Following the wedding to Kathryn Myrick Abington, the pair moved to Hampton, Virginia, where Mike ran the Hampton Coliseum. Headed to the big leagues, they next ended up in Pontiac, Michigan, to serve as Stadium Director, where the Detroit Lions and the Detroit Pistons played their NFL and NBA games.

In 1992, Mike got the brilliant idea that he wanted to host the first indoor World Cup Soccer playoffs at his home stadium. This idea was met with disbelief and criticism. Over the next two years, he engineered a new type of stadium grass with Michigan State University and visited nine countries across the world to learn everything he could about soccer. 1994 dawned on the very first indoor FIFA World Cup Soccer playoff tournament, and Michael Abington, overnight, become a legend in his field.

Mike was also a former director of the Alamodome in San Antonio, where he made countless friends in the city as well as on staff.

“I know he worked with a lot of folks over his time in the industry, including Mike McGee,” said Kent Meredith, executive director of United Supermarkets Arena at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. “I was fortunate to work with him from 1994-1999 while I was at the Alamodome.”

In addition to his professional achievements, Mike was an avid photographer and loved the outdoors. He had a special fondness for fishing, and his passion for the land his family grew up on was infectious.

Mike was blessed to have Kathryn M. Abington by his side, who preceded him in death, and together they raised a daughter, Elizabeth Claire. His grandchildren, Charlotte-Joy Corinne Abington, Isobel Grace Abington Toms, and Harper Lucille Tunstall Abington were a constant source of joy and inspiration for him. Survived also by sister Michele Abington-Cooper, her son Raymond Cooper and wife Katherine, mother-in-law Ada J. Myrick, brother-in-law Tom Myrick Jr. and wife Carol, and numerous nieces, nephews, and greats.

Mike’s name will forever remain synonymous with the development of the grass that could be transplanted from outdoor to indoor, which revolutionized the World Cup soccer world.

As we look back on Mike’s life and the love he shared, we will always remember him as a true leader, a devoted friend, and a loving family man.

By Kara Nelson

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s Small and Emerging Business (SEB) Program has a new Program Manager and recently launched a new mentor-protégé pilot program. As a major economic driver for the region, the Convention Center works year-round to create opportunities to help Louisiana’s small and emerging businesses (SEB) and disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE) succeed.

The Convention Center recently appointed LaToya Martin as Manager of the SEB program. In her new role, Martin manages SEB and DBE initiatives designed to help promote diverse and small businesses’ access to Convention Center opportunities.

“LaToya’s leadership is proving vital to the Convention Center’s ongoing mission to give SEBs and DBEs more and easier access to opportunities, a goal that reflects the policy direction of our governing body, the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority,” said Convention Center President Michael J. Sawaya. “Since the SEB program launched in 2019, 1,300 certified vendors have registered, and more than $40 million has been awarded to area SEBs and DBEs. We are working to not just continue but accelerate that progress.”

Martin came to the Convention Center from the City of New Orleans, Office of Supplier Diversity. She served as compliance officer for two years and was later promoted to senior compliance officer. In that role, she trained and supervised a staff of four compliance officers and managed a portfolio of $700 million dollars of public and private sector funds.

After receiving a B.A. in Sociology from the University of New Orleans, Martin earned her Contract Compliance Administrator Certification from American Contract Compliance Association and Morgan State University for Continuing and Professional Studies.

Martin stepped into her new role after the SEB program’s former Director Rocsean Spencer was promoted to become the NOENMCC’s Chief Diversity Officer, the nation’s first person to hold this position at a Convention Center.

In other news, the Convention Center’s SEB/DBE program recently launched a new mentor-protégé pilot program, MoMentor. Since its May 17th kickoff, the program has begun matching mid- to large-sized “mentor” firms with emerging and/or disadvantaged “protégé” businesses. The pairs will work together to develop and improve participation in the Convention Center’s SEB/DBE contracts and subcontracts, establish long-term business relationships, and strengthen subcontracting opportunities through Convention Center incentives.

“It is hard to overstate the outsize impact the right mentor can make, especially for a small business,” Sawaya said. “Like our SEBConnected App, our plan is that the MoMentor program will help emerging and disadvantaged business owners learn from the larger companies, getting granular insight on planning and best practices for doing business with the Convention Center as well as other public institutions. We consider it a privilege to play a part in facilitating lasting connections that will help advance the success stories of local small businesses.”

To date, the NOENMCC has identified four companies for the MoMentor pilot: Airware Transportation & Logistics; Nano, LLC; Balthazar Electriks and B Interior Design Studio. The program began with an orientation class on May 17th and will continue with one-on-one sessions and cohort workshops. There are no fees to participate in the mentor-protégé program.

Kara Nelson is with The Ehrhardt Group.

By Erin Jepson, CVP, CMP

The Lynnwood (WA) Event Center announced the rebranding of its in-house audio/visual service provider, Offbeat Audio/Visual. This strategic move accentuates the distinctive offerings and elevates the market presence of the venue’s audio/visual services. By adopting the Offbeat Audio/Visual brand, the Lynnwood Event Center aims to enhance its competitive advantage by showcasing its unique capabilities, fostering a new level of creativity and innovation in event experiences.

With a rich history of delivering exceptional services, Offbeat Audio/Visual will leverage its newly defined identity to explore new opportunities and broaden its reach within the industry. The rebranding will allow the team to do business under a name that is distinctive and memorable, setting them apart from other audio/visual providers in the market.

Offbeat Audio/Visual will continue to offer a comprehensive range of cutting-edge audio, visual, and lighting services, designed to transform events into unforgettable experiences. Through this rebranding initiative, the Lynnwood Event Center reinforces its dedication to exceeding client expectations and maintaining its position as a leader in the event services industry.

The Lynnwood Event Center is owned by the Lynnwood Public Facilities District, and operated by OVG360, a division of Oak View Group.

Erin Jepson, CVP, CMP is General Manager of the Lynnwood Event Center.