Mac Campbell succeeded 28-year executive director Peggy Daidakis, the first woman to lead a convention center in the country.

Mac Campbell is walking to the Baltimore Convention Center lobby, finishing up a business conversation before meeting a guest.

Next, another colleague needs to speak with him. They step outside for a chat.

“Mac is always busy,” says the receptionist.

Campbell, executive director of the Baltimore Convention Center, oversees an operation that draws nearly 500,000 people a year to the city and surrounding areas. They bring in $10-12 million a year in revenue for the state through taxes, all of which goes to the general fund that can be used anywhere in Maryland.

“It’s an exciting environment. Every day is different. We get to be the face of this destination to so many people,” he said.

The convention center often houses multiple events simultaneously. Sometimes one convention is in full swing while another is moving in and another moving out. Sometimes they are all there together.

In early August, the FBI, a Chinese Volleyball group and emergency call center operators all overlapped.

“What I love about my job is you can have the tattoo artists, fish scientists and cheerleaders all in the building at the same time,” Campbell said. 

With constantly changing conventions, exhibitors often leave things behind that the convention center staff rehomes. Leftover food is sent to charities such as the Maryland Food Bank. Food that can’t be saved goes to Carriage House Farms in Baltimore County to feed their pigs. Plants and furniture left behind are donated to nonprofits.

Campbell is overseeing a $33 million renovation to the center, its first major upgrade since 1996. Among things customers might notice are new floors, digital signage and improved bathrooms.

“We are tackling the largest amount of capital reinvestment in this building since the mid-90s,” Campbell said. “That’s something we’re really excited about. That’s no small feat for us.”

In addition to facility upgrades, Campbell has implemented a data-driven event management system. In 2018, he put into place a separate system to track utility use by meeting room, an attractive feature for customers concerned with their carbon footprints.

Campbell sees the convention center as an introduction to visitors for what Baltimore has to offer. They carry products from the locally owned Matriarch Coffee, showcase mural artists on the center’s exterior and are in talks for “a major art institution” to loan them art.

They also help fill restaurants that have lost customers when workers began to telecommute. Atlas Restaurant Group told Campbell that they see more than a20% increase in revenue during conventions.

The center’s impact isn’t strictly within city lines. Its events fill rooms in hotels reaching out to Columbia, Campbell said. Most attendees arrive by air, passing through Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, making purchases there, renting cars or hiring transportation. 

Campbell follows 28-year executive director Peggy Daidakis, the first woman to lead a convention center in the country. He worked under her in several roles, including as deputy director. She mentored him and impressed the importance of engaging people throughout the state so they understand why the convention center is important to them.

“I never dreamed I’d be able to have this opportunity, following in the footsteps of someone I admire so much,” Campbell said.

From the Baltimore Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/baltimore/news/2025/09/11/power-10-mac-campbell-convention-center.html

Total Includes $328.2 Million In Total Economic Impact And $101.1 Million In Earned Media Value

Temple University Sports Industry Research Center has released an economic impact study finding that NBA All-Star 2025 generated $429.3 million in total event value for the San Francisco Bay Area economy, including $328.2 million in total economic impact and $101.1 million in earned media value. The study measured economic activity from the 142,881 NBA All-Star 2025 event attendees.

For an infographic highlighting the report, CLICK HERE.

NBA All-Star 2025 took place across the San Francisco Bay Area from Friday, February 14, through Sunday, February 16. The 74th NBA All-Star Game took Place at Chase Center on Sunday, February 16, where Warriors guard Stephen Curry was awarded his second career Kobe Bryant All-Star MVP trophy. 

“Bringing global events like NBA All-Star to the San Francisco Bay Area was one of our main priorities when building Chase Center and Thrive City,” said Golden State President & Chief Operating Officer Brandon Schneider. “This economic impact report confirms what we witnessed throughout the weekend: the NBA and the Bay Area community showing up in a big way to create lasting memories while providing substantial impact to local businesses.”

“San Francisco shined bright during NBA All-Star 2025, as a city that knows how to host world-class events safely and successfully,” said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. “The impressive economic impact numbers show how these events power our comeback and prove, once again, that San Francisco is a city on the rise.”

Highlights of the report include:

The $328.2 million in total economic impact generated from NBA All-Star 2025 includes over $210 million in direct spending, generated from tourism and corporate production services retained in the San Francisco Bay Area, and more than $117M in indirect and induced spending, which account for additional spending as a result of those new revenues.

Over $101.1 million in earned media value was generated for the San Francisco Bay Area driven by a total media reach of more than 28 billion.

The 142,881 NBA All-Star event attendees traveled to the San Francisco Bay Area from 40 states and 44 countries, with non-local spending accounting for 22% of economic impact.

84% of attendees stated they would recommend the San Francisco Bay Area as a travel destination, and 47% of attendees reported that their perception of the region improved after attending NBA All-Star 2025.

Over 1,700 local jobs were created, supported, or expanded due to NBA All-Star 2025 in the San Francisco Bay Area.

A total of 56,270 individuals were impacted by community programming throughout NBA All-Star 2025, and more than 200 local businesses engaged in the NBA Explorers program in the months leading up to the event.

More than $250,000 in cash prizes were awarded to emerging companies and entrepreneurs that serve the San Francisco Bay Area as part of the NBA Foundation’s All-Star Pitch Competition. 

NBA All-Star 2025 was hosted in collaboration with the Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC), the region’s first long-term sports entity dedicated to uniting the Bay Area through sport by building pride, connecting communities, and reenergizing the region.

The impact of NBA All-Star 2025, released by Temple University Sports Industry Research Center, is derived from direct spending and tourism that injects new money into the San Francisco Bay Area economy from hosting NBA All-Star. Direct spending includes production cost information provided by non-local companies inclusive of all expenses related to the execution of the event and non-local attendees reporting their spending on accommodations, food & beverage, retail, and entertainment. Subsequent indirect and induced benefits from this direct spending include local corporate and business activity, tax revenue generation for the city, increased media exposure, and destination branding to promote future tourism

For more information on the Golden State Warriors, please visit warriors.com.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in August 2025. 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.

Christopher Adamec, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
Kate Alexander, Placemaking NSW, The Rocks, NSW, Australia
Daniel Aquino, Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX
Blanca Avalos, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Reba Bagazinski, Huntington Place, Detroit, MI
Maria Benites, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Joe Berkelmans, Alloyfold, Bayswater, VIC, Australia
Matt Bilderback, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Jacqui Boelter, Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center, Arlington, TX
Janeen Bond, Branson Convention Center – ASM Global, Branson, MO
Jesse Bowyer, Telstra, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Ryan Briones, Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Carol Brown, Branson Convention Center – ASM Global, Branson, MO
Ian Buchanan, University of California – Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Emily Bundy, OVG Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Karym Burlow, Netball SA, Hilton Plaza, SA, Australia
Alex Butler, 24/7 Software, Kedron, QLD, Australia
Katie Buxton, Australian Sports Commission, Belconnen, ACT, Australia
Kelly Cabrera, The Royal National Agricultural & Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA), Albion, QLD, Australia
Greg Cannell, Legends/ASM Global, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Mackenzie Carnes, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, TN
Kelly Carr, Floreano Convention Center, Rochester, NY
Andre Carrao, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Savannah Challinor, Avant Mutual, Queen Victoria Building, NSW, Australia
Jude Chauvin, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
Carley Chicas, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, Ridgedale, MO
Amy Cornale, National Rugby League, Moore Park, NSW, Australia
Jago Coyle, The Royal National Agricultural & Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA), Albion, QLD, Australia
Richard Dana, Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX
Faith Dickson, Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, Raleigh, NC
Vincent Dixon, Georgia International Convention Center/GICC, College Park, GA
Rami El Shammas, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
David Elliott, Bendigo Stadium Ltd, Bendigo, VIC, Australia
Shirley Epperson, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh, PA
Chelanne Evans, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Rebecca Farrell, National Rugby League, Moore Park, NSW, Australia
Baylee Feese, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, Ridgedale, MO
Steven Garcia, Midland County Horseshoe, Midland, TX
Renee Gaumond, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Alex Goldsack, Terraplas, Land O Lakes, FL
Seth Greenberg, Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, Pelham, AL
Angela Guhl, Credit Union of Texas Event Center, Allen, TX
Aaron Gunderson, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Ayleah Hall, Belmont University, Goodlettsville, TN
Cameron Hall, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Adam Hamm, Lower.com Field, Columbus, OH
Evan Helgesen, Sentry Event Services, Inc., Wilkes-Barre, PA
Ronnie Hickman, Savannah Convention Center, Savannah, GA
Leslie Hill-King, AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas, TX
Tyler Jo Holmes, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Diann Jackson, Georgia International Convention Center/GICC, College Park, GA
Tyler James, Kentucky Performing Arts, Louisville, KY
Mark Jerls, Ford Center at The Star, Frisco, TX
Matt Jones, Savannah Convention Center, Savannah, GA
Kara Kotko, Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA
Monica Kurzejeski, Albany Convention Center Authority, Albany, NY
Tristan Layne, Georgia International Convention Center/GICC, College Park, GA
Hannah Leitner, Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
Valerie Leslie, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Trevor Lichterman, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Danielle Litrenta, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego, CA
Darryl Lloyd, Georgia International Convention Center/GICC, College Park, GA
Miranda Loupas, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Sammy Martin, Chaifetz Arena – OVG, Saint Louis, MO
Terrencia McBeath, Curtis Culwell Center, Garland, TX
Matt McCook, Walton Arts Center | Walmart AMP, Fayetteville, AR
Jesse Mertens, Resch Center, Green Bay, WI
Leonardo Montanez-Cantu, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Roger Montiel, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Danielle Moore, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, Ridgedale, MO
Amy Moorehouse, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, Ridgedale, MO
Maihaya Moreno, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Yahir Nava, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Jennie Noskoff, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Lorin O’Grady, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Erin O’Hara-Vedolich, Huntington Place, Detroit, MI
Elizabeth Olivas, Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX
Melanie Ortiz, Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX
Tim Pappas, Dowd Center Theatre, Monroe, NC
Gianna Pare, Snapdragon Stadium – OVG, San Diego, CA
Ryan Patsy, Erie Events, Erie, PA
Derek Praeger, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
Namoni Pugh, Hampton Coliseum, Hampton, VA
Emily Pulver, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Jacqueline Purcell, Alvarado dormakaba Group, Chino, CA
John Purdie, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Robert Ramirez, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
Olivia Ramos, Hilliard Center, Corpus Christi, TX
Katherine Reeves, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, Ridgedale, MO
Ashley Rieser, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh, PA
Travis Roberts, Ensemble Arts Philly, Philadelphia, PA
Coleton Robinson, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
David Robinson, Huntington Place, Detroit, MI
Samantha Sabbara, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Adreinne Schnabel, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Don Simon, Georgia International Convention Center/GICC, College Park, GA
Eric Smith, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Ryan Smith, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
Toby Smith, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas – OVG, Dallas, TX
Allison Sowder, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Kalen Sowul, Peace Center, Greenville, SC
Staci Stover, Savannah Convention Center, Savannah, GA
Darius Strickland, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Pete Tamayo, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, Ridgedale, MO
Stephanie Thomas, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC
Julian Torres, South San Francisco Conference Center, South San Francisco, CA
Amanda Trevino, Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, Ridgedale, MO
Carlos Trujillo, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Ricki VanDuvall, Georgia International Convention Center/GICC, College Park, GA
Teresa VirgenTorres, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Casey Walker, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Jarad Whitehead, Savannah Convention Center, Savannah, GA
Brian Wilson, Terraplas, Land O Lakes, FL
Joe Wilson, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Natasha Wilson, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Mason Woodruff, Branson Convention Center – ASM Global, Branson, MO
Rylan Zale, Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA

Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2025 Mentor Connector program. Whether you’re looking to share your expertise or grow your career, this program provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with leaders and rising stars in the venue management industry.

Why Join the Mentor Connector Program?

• Mentors: We Need Your Help! Share your knowledge, give back to the community, and help shape the future of our industry.
• Mentees: Receive guidance from experienced professionals, gain insights into career development, and expand your network.

Don’t miss this chance to engage in a mutually rewarding experience! The deadline for both mentor and mentee applications is September 30.

Click here for more information.

*Mentor Connector is a member only benefit. Not a member, and want to join? It’s easy! Click here to join IAVM now!

Joyce Leveston, CMM, CVP, CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, was named to City & State New York’s 2025 Manhattan Power 100.

Joyce Leveston, CMM, CVP, CEO of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, was named to City & State New York’s 2025 Manhattan Power 100 for the work she has done to bring convention business back to New York City. Leveston joined the Javits Center in March as the organization’s first woman CEO.

Before moving to New York this year, she was director of convention services and event management at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center/Events DC. Her career path also includes the Miami Beach Convention Center, the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, and the San Diego Convention Center.

City & State New York’s write-up on Leveston follows:

“The convention center business has faced difficult headwinds since the COVID-19 pandemic, but Joyce Leveston has sought to make Javits Center an appealing attraction for the nation’s most prestigious conferences and trade shows. Leveston came aboard as Javits’ first woman CEO in March after stints with convention centers in Boston, Washington, D.C., Houston, San Diego and Miami Beach. She sent out an employee pulse survey to get feedback and recently led a reorganization with new positions. Javits has since hosted the Fancy Food Show, International Auto Show and IBEW Local 3’s 125th anniversary.”

Besides Leveston, individuals in event and venue management on the Manhattan Power 100 list included: James Dolan, Executive Chair and CEO, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.; Michael Hershman, CEO, Soloviev Group, who has submitted his bid with Mohegan for an $11-billion casino complex just south of the United Nations Headquarters; Jonathan Boulware, President and CEO, South Street Seaport Museum; Seth Pinsky, CEO, 92NY, who led a rebrand and $200-million restoration of the famed Upper East Side cultural center ahead of a series of performances for its 150th anniversary celebration, including the modernization of the Arnhold Center and Buttenwieser Hall; and a trio from Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts — Mariko Silver, President and CEO; Shanta Thake, Chief Artistic Officer and Executive Vice President; and Leah Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications, Marketing and Advocacy Officer.

According to their website, “City & State is a media organization dedicated to covering New York’s local and state politics and policy,” and “City & State’s Manhattan Power 100 highlights these and dozens of other local movers and shakers in the world of New York politics and government. The list, written and researched in partnership with journalist Aaron Short, features public officials, real estate titans, health care executives, higher education leaders, prominent advocates and activists, and influential figures from every corner of the borough.”