Since being honored as an IAVM 30|UNDER|30 recipient in 2016, my career has been one of steady growth, evolving leadership, and deepened industry involvement. I have remained at Meydenbauer Center, progressing through four roles to my current position as Chief Operating Officer. In this role, I oversee the convention center division of our organization, ensuring that our venue continues to serve as a premier destination for meetings, events, and community gatherings. Leading large-scale operations and driving strategic initiatives has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m grateful for the experiences that have shaped me along the way.

IAVM has remained an integral part of my professional journey, far beyond the initial honor of 30|UNDER|30. The program not only introduced me to a phenomenal network of industry peers but also opened doors to invaluable opportunities that have helped me grow as a leader. Over the past nine years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in a variety of volunteer roles within the organization, which has allowed me to give back to the community that has given me so much.

Most recently, I completed my term as Region 4 Director and a member of the IAVM Board of Directors—an experience that further strengthened my commitment to the industry and reinforced the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and innovation in venue management. I continue to stay actively involved, currently serving on the Convention Center Committee and acting as the sponsorship chair for Region 4. These roles have allowed me to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field and contribute to the growth and evolution of our industry.

Outside of work, life has been just as rewarding. In late 2022, my husband and I welcomed our son, and he has been keeping me on my toes ever since! Chasing after an active two-year-old has given me a whole new perspective on energy management—both at home and in the workplace.

Looking back, winning the 30|UNDER|30 award was a defining moment that set the stage for so many of the opportunities and relationships that have shaped my career. As I continue to grow, both personally and professionally, I remain committed to elevating the industry, supporting the next generation of venue professionals, and helping create spaces where people come together to connect, collaborate, and celebrate.

The Raleigh Convention Center as part of Raleigh’s Complex of venues is pleased to announce the promotion of Ashely Auman, CEM-AP to Director of Sales.

As a 15-year sales veteran, Auman will take over the department at a strategic time as the center is presently in design meetings for its expansion. Auman has shown outstanding leadership and a strong dedication to the industry. Her experience and expertise have enhanced client partnerships and driven business growth that will increase with the facility’s expansion.

Ashley Auman, CEM-AP, promoted to new role beginning May 3

“She brings a spirit of collaboration and client-first focus which has helped us build enduring partnerships and return bookings. I look forward to the new groups she will bring as we expand and double our booking capacity,” commented Executive Director Kerry Painter.

Auman is an active member of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) and the North Carolina Sports Association (NCSA). She also holds the prestigious Certified in Exhibition Management Advanced Professional (CEM-AP) designation from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE).

“I’m excited to lead our talented sales team during this transformative period for the Raleigh Convention Center,” said Auman. “With our upcoming expansion, we have an incredible opportunity to showcase Raleigh as a premier destination for conventions and events of all sizes. I look forward to building on our success and creating new partnerships that will benefit our community and contribute to our city’s vibrant future.”

She will begin her new position on May 3.

The City of Miami Beach has renewed its contract with Oak View Group (OVG), a global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality, and integrated venue services, to continue managing the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) — South Florida’s largest and most prominent convention venue.

OVG has managed the MBCC for the past 12 years (formerly as Spectra until 2022), consistently elevating the venue’s profile as a premier global destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, and social events. In recognition of its innovation, service excellence, and technological capabilities, the MBCC was named “Best Convention Center in the U.S.” by Skift Meetings in 2024.

“The Miami Beach Convention Center plays a vital role in driving our tourism economy and is recognized globally as a premier destination for major events,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “Oak View Group’s professionalism and operational excellence give us great confidence in the future of this iconic city asset.”

Complementing the venue are six acres of green space at Pride Park and three acres at Collins Canal Park, both offering versatile event settings. Two new venues enhance the MBCC campus: Venu, an upscale private event and meeting space, and Rum Room, a 1920s-inspired restaurant featuring a tapas-style menu and exclusive South Florida rums. Looking ahead, the Grand Hyatt Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel, scheduled to open in 2027, will connect to MBCC via skybridge and usher in a new era for the enhanced property.

OVG has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, earning the Silver Certificate for Sustainability & Social Impact from the Events Industry Council in 2024. Under the renewed agreement, OVG will further enhance its green initiatives, implement advanced sustainability practices, conduct a facility condition assessment, and strengthen cybersecurity measures.

“This renewed partnership underscores our ongoing commitment to the City of Miami Beach,” said Greg O’Dell, President, Venue Management, Oak View Group. “We are proud to deliver exceptional customer experiences with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and continued facility improvements. We look forward to building on the MBCC’s success and deepening our community impact.”

The MBCC has hosted some of the world’s most prestigious events, including Art Basel Miami Beach, the Super Bowl LIV Fan Experience, the Miami International Boat Show, and the Adobe MAX Creativity Conference.

“This renewal reflects the dedication of our incredible teams, our partnership with the City of Miami Beach, and the ongoing collaboration with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau,” said Freddie Peterson, General Manager of the MBCC. “We remain committed to delivering exceptional events and unforgettable experiences while supporting the local economy.”

In addition to the MBCC, Oak View Group manages several properties across Florida including the Palm Beach County Convention Center, Donald L. Tucker Civic Center at Florida State University, Addition Financial Arena at the University of Central Florida and the Seminole Theatre in Homestead, FL.

The Baltimore Convention Center (BCC) is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report, detailing the organization’s progress in environmental responsibility, social impact, and sustainability initiatives. The report highlights key achievements over the past calendar year and reaffirms the Center’s commitment to sustainability.  

“Our 2024 sustainability outcomes are a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation,” said Mac Campbell, CVP, Executive Director of the Baltimore Convention Center. “By surpassing our diversion goals and integrating advanced energy monitoring solutions like SkySpark, we are now able to provide impact and data to our customers in ways few destinations can.” 

Baltimore Convention Center

Over the last year, the BCC has remained steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, continuously implementing innovative strategies to reduce environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. Guided by a comprehensive sustainability framework, the BCC prioritizes waste diversion, energy efficiency, water conservation, and local sourcing to minimize its carbon footprint. The Center set ambitious goals, including achieving higher waste diversion rates, expanding renewable energy integration, and maintaining its certification under the Events Industry Council Sustainable Event Standards. By leveraging advanced energy monitoring systems like SkySpark, fostering partnerships with local businesses, and enhancing community engagement through donation programs, the BCC set a new benchmark for the venue in 2024.

“We’re incredibly grateful for our clients who go the extra mile to plan their events with sustainability in mind,” continued Campbell. “Their thoughtful choices and shared commitment to the environment make a lasting impact—not just within these walls, but across our community and industry.” 

In 2024, the BCC achieved a 51.31% waste diversion rate, surpassing its original goal of 35%. The Center’s events generated 590.81 tons of waste, with 303.15 tons successfully diverted from landfills. Additionally, the Diversion by Donation program placed 95.27 tons of furniture, materials, and supplies into the hands of Baltimore region non-profits and reuse programs.  

Furthering its environmental impact, the Baltimore Convention Center prevented 52,413 plastic water bottles from entering landfills in 2024, adding to a cumulative total of 319,928 bottles saved since 2021. The Center also continues to support regional businesses by sourcing 60% of its culinary ingredients regionally, benefiting over 18 small businesses. In addition, the Alvéole Bee Program has expanded to house over 40,000 honeybees across two dedicated beehives, playing a critical role in urban pollination efforts.  

The Convention Center also achieved Silver-level certification under the Events Industry Council Sustainable Event Standards, demonstrating excellence in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable purchasing practices. Led by Director of Operations Tyler DeBella, the Center’s Green Team Council played an integral role in earning this recognition.   

“Our team’s dedication to sustainability has been truly inspiring,” said DeBella. “We are committed to pushing these initiatives even further and have set our sights on achieving a higher certification level in 2025.”  

As part of its long-term sustainability goals, the Center continues to integrate cutting-edge energy monitoring systems, enhance its water conservation efforts, and foster stronger partnerships with local sustainability organizations.  

The full 2024 Sustainability Report is available online, detailing all of the Convention Center’s sustainability efforts and future plans.  

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) announces Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP, Chief Commercial Officer, has been named to New Orleans CityBusiness’ prestigious “Power List: Tourism & Hospitality 2025.”
 
This quarterly feature by New Orleans CityBusiness highlights some of the most influential professionals in the New Orleans-area tourism and hospitality sector. Williams’ selection echoes her exceptional leadership, strategic vision and steadfast commitment to advancing both the local New Orleans economy and the broader events industry.
 
With a career spanning over 25 years, Williams has played a pivotal role in transforming the Convention Center into a top-tier destination for national and international events. Since beginning her tenure in 1996, she has held a variety of leadership roles, culminating in her current position as Chief Commercial Officer, where she oversees strategic initiatives focused on revenue generation, client engagement and long-term growth.
 

NOENMCC Chief Commercial Officer Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP

“This recognition is fully deserved. Elaine’s contributions to the Convention Center and the industry at large have been nothing short of transformative,” said Alita Caparotta, Interim President and CEO of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. “Her leadership, professionalism, and dedication to innovation make her an invaluable asset not only to our organization but to the entire New Orleans hospitality community.”
 
Williams has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named one of Eventex’s “100 Most Influential Venue Professionals” and one of New Orleans CityBusiness’ “Women of the Year” in 2024. She holds the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified in Exhibition Management–Advanced Professional (CEM-AP) credentials. She actively serves on the board of International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and is also on the Board of Governors for the International Association of Venue Managers’ Senior Executive Symposium. She is currently pursuing a Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation by the International Association of Venue Managers.
 
Williams extends her leadership beyond the workplace through community service and mentorship, currently serving on the 2025 Development/Marketing Committee for Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans and on the Advisory Board for the Warren Easton High School Academy of Hospitality and Tourism.
 
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized alongside so many talented leaders who are shaping the future of tourism in New Orleans,” said Williams. “This city has given me so much throughout my career, and I’m proud to continue contributing to its growth and vibrancy through the work we do at the Convention Center.”
 
New Orleans CityBusiness’ “Power List: Tourism & Hospitality 2025” is out now—honoring those helping to shape the next era of New Orleans’ tourism economy. Elaine Williams continues to lead at the forefront of industry evolution, solidifying her role as a dynamic force within the Convention Center and across the region.