Being chosen as the inaugural recipient of the Joe Floreano Scholarship for Venue Management School (VMS) was a tremendous honor. As a former VMS intern in 2012, it was a unique experience attending this year as a first-year student. While it was the second time I sat in the Year One classes, it felt like an entirely different experience. The classes were extremely informative and gave us a chance to participate in engaging discussions with our peers within the industry. At the sector and industry topic round tables, it was interesting to hear what issues other venue managers are facing and how they operate. Both programs gave me a chance to reflect on how my venue approaches different scenarios.

Networking was the greatest part of VMS. We were given many different opportunities to meet and interact with fellow venue managers. Whether it was at during lunch, socials, or outside of class, students and instructors formed friendships that are sure to last a lifetime! There is a wide variety of students who attend VMS ranging from different facility types to our allied partners. This ensures that everyone has an opportunity to meet someone from all parts of the industry.

The instructors are a vital part of VMS because of their knowledge and tenure. There is a diverse group of instructors with more than 100 years of experience in the industry and from a variety of venues. Students were able to connect with the instructor that they felt most comfortable with. Many mentor-mentee relationships are formed at VMS, making the program a valuable asset for students.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity given to me by the IAVM Foundation. I never thought I would attend VMS until the Joe Floreano Scholarship was created. The IAVM Foundation is providing opportunities to those who may not have the resources to attend IAVM’s conferences, schools, or professional development courses. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of these opportunities and apply for the various scholarships they have to offer. I am looking forward to my second year of VMS to reunite with my classmates as well as meet the new students of Year One and the Graduate Institute.

Shout out to Class 1B and our room dads, Jason Rittenberry, CFE, and Todd Hunt, CFE! It was a great first year!

The IAVM Foundation is proud to announce the Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship Program intern recipients for the 2015 VenueConnect conference, recognizing deserving individuals who demonstrate leadership, character, community involvement, and the potential to be future leaders in the venue management industry.

The Foundation also offers scholarships + internships to a variety of other IAVM conferences and schools, click here to learn more and to apply. Thanks to the support of committed donors, together we are Building Amazing Futures. Click here to learn more about the Foundation’s annual campaign.

Raymond Caraballo, Sport Management, Baldwin Wallace University

If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why? If I could be any superhero, I would be Batman. Growing up as a child, Batman was my favorite superhero, because he meant more than just himself. He had a passion for saving his beloved city of Gotham and stopped at nothing to ensure the safety of the citizens. I can relate to Batman in the sense that I work hard each and every day to represent my family and the great city of Cleveland, Ohio. Any time I do an assignment for my job, I always think about how it reflects on my boss and the company. While I always work hard on every task, I constantly remind myself that what I do is for the betterment of the event and others around me. I always work hard, like Batman, to ensure that a positive result is reached each and every time.

What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? My ultimate goal as a professional is to maintain a vice president role in a facility operations department. Specifically, I would like to maintain that role with an NBA venue. Learning from someone like Antony Bonavita, CFE, with the Cleveland Cavaliers has inspired me to reach that goal, because he instills every characteristic I aspire to be when I am older. Also, being in a vice president role would mean a lot because with that role, I can help produce a positive experience to not only the workers around me, but also to the fans at the venue/arena.

What is your favorite quote? “Any time you have an opportunity to make a difference in this world and you don’t, then you are wasting your time on Earth.” -Roberto Clemente

What #hashtag would best describe you? #Tenacity

 

Mikal Daskivich; Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management; Penn State University

Favorite team? The Pittsburgh Penguins.

Favorite sports or entertainment memory? My favorite entertainment memory was working six Garth Brooks shows at the Bryce Jordan Center over a two-weekend span while also running Movin’ On, Penn State’s annual spring music festival, at the same time.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would love to be a Tiger, because they’re such big, beautiful, and majestic creatures while also being extremely powerful. At the same time, they’re just a super-sized version of your pet cats.

What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? My ultimate dream job in the industry is to be an event and entertainment manager at a prestigious venue, such as Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, or Staples Center.

What is your favorite quote? “Believe deep down in your heart that you’re destined to do great things.” – Joe Paterno

 

Aaron Dimatulac, Entertainment Management, Missouri State University

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I haven’t thought of animal I’d love to be, but for my current job’s last Christmas party, we were all given “Spirit Animal” awards. I was awarded the Blue-footed Booby, for rarity, majesty, and secrecy.

What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? I have a few dream jobs and those are being the general manager of an arena, stadium, or amphitheater, maybe being the president of a record label, or being a guitar/backline technician for a full-time touring, major-label band.

What is your favorite quote? “Failure to plan is planning to fail.”

Do you have previous experience working with IAVM? What did you enjoy most? I was the intern for IAVM’s 2015 Academy for Venue Safety and Security (AVSS) in Dallas, Texas. It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I enjoyed the networking opportunities that came with the events. I started a handful of relationships at AVSS and cannot wait to network with many more industry professionals at VenueConnect.

@Twitter handle? @aaronkinskywlkr

 

Anthony Espinoza; Sports, Event, and Entertainment Management; Johnson & Wales University

Favorite musician or band? Of Monsters and Men.

Favorite sports or entertainment memory? Going to the first World Series game in Colorado. It wasn’t an exciting game, but just being there with a sold-out crowd during a World Series game was an amazing feeling.

What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? My dream job in the industry would to be a production manager for a large scale music festival. The logistics of large scale festivals fascinate me, while the building of different stages and areas for activities with the flow of thousands of people would be challenging.

What is your favorite quote? “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky. This quote forces me to take chances, while making me realize that the chances I don’t take will never change me for the better. The shots I take and miss will only make me stronger and force me to try harder so I can make the next shot when given the chance.

Favorite childhood snack? Handi-Snacks cheese and crackers.

 

Brandon Kress, Business Management, University of Montana

Favorite team? The Philadelphia Eagles.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A cheetah so I can run fast for once in my life.

If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why? Ironman so I could be a billionaire, playboy, philanthropist, and still fly around in a cool iron suite and fight crime.

Do you have previous experience working with IAVM? What did you enjoy most? Yes, I volunteered at VenueConnect last year. I enjoyed the networking opportunities and getting to know the other volunteers and interns who will be the next leaders in the industry.

What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? To run a sports venue, whether it be an arena or a stadium.

Favorite childhood snack? Scooby-Doo! Fruit Flavored Snacks.

 

Stacey Mielke, Sport Management & Business Administration, University of Florida

Favorite musician or band? Brad Paisley.

If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be a leopard, because they are stealth, observant, and quicker than the rest of their competition.

If you could switch places with someone for one day, who would it be and why? I would switch places with Bill Gates to prove that money doesn’t buy happiness.

What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? Ultimately, I want to work in international sports, hosting global events and international camps and use sports to bridge cultural and political gaps around the world.

What is your favorite quote? “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.” – C. S. Lewis

Favorite childhood snack? Rice Krispies Treats.

 

Ashley Molina, Sport Management, University of Florida

Favorite musician or band? Ryan Tedder.

Favorite sports or entertainment memory? I worked all week alongside 300 other student employees building a stage in “The Swamp” for the University of Florida’s homecoming pep rally. I was then able to perform on that same stage homecoming night next to my closest friends for over 500 people. The experience was unreal. The fun didn’t stop there—we then had to strike this massive stage over night to have the stadium ready for the homecoming football game the next day. The transformation was incredible.

If you could switch places with someone for one day, who would it be and why? If I could switch places with anyone it would have to be Misty Copeland. I’d love the opportunity to share the stage one more time as Juliet. To exemplify such grace and beauty that leave people in awe. To have the power to move those in the audience without saying one word. That is why I would want to switch places with Misty Copeland for a day.

What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? Director of operations within an multi-purpose sporting arena. I love the thought of having the power to build a team of competent, reliable people who share my passion for entertainment to work alongside me.

Favorite childhood snack? Dunkaroos.

What #hashtag would best describe you? #treatyoself

@Twitter handle? @swolina

 

Miah Moore, Entertainment Management, Missouri State University

Favorite sports or entertainment memory? Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) 2012. Held at the Las Vegas Speedway, it’s my favorite festival held in the U.S. I was able to see so many of my favorite composers and DJs. Seeing over 150k+ people in one venue all for the same purpose is amazing to me. You could feel the music before you walked into the track, and the environment they create is beyond imagination.

If you could switch places with someone for one day, who would it be and why? Pasquale Rotella. He is the creator and CEO of Insomniac Events, which is the producer of EDC and various other EDM festivals around the world. I’d want to see what his daily life is like and find out what he does to continue his success.

What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? My ultimate dream job is to be in the festival business working with large scale events throughout the world. Talent buying, site ops, and marketing are all key interests. My passion for music and creating experiences is what drives me to do what I do every day.

Do you have previous experience working with IAVM? What did you enjoy most?  Yes, I was an intern at Venue Management School in June 2015. I had the greatest experience with my time at this school because of the people who were present the entire week. The board of regents and students were very welcoming of all the interns and inspired me to keep working for whatever I wish to obtain with my future in entertainment.

@Twitter handle? @miahluzion

What #hashtag would best describe you? #AdventureTime

 

Jahmar Plummer, Hospitality and Event Management, Monroe Community College

Favorite Team? The Miami Heat.

What person in the venue management industry has inspired you most and why? Without a doubt it was and is Joseph A. Floreano. Joe selected me out of hundreds of part-time employees as an individual he saw potential in, even when I didn’t necessarily see that in myself. His support and guidance gave me the confidence to step up and meet this wonderful opportunity. Joe passed away this past September, but he continues to inspire and motivate me to continue on the path as not only a manager, but also as someone who can respect and be respected by others. He was a person of such wonderful wit, humor, and knowledge, and I have been so fortunate to benefit from his kindness and generosity.

Do you have previous experience working with IAVM? What did you enjoy most? I was able to be a student volunteer at last summer’s VenueConnect in Portland, Oregon, as well as a student intern at Venue Management School this year. I enjoyed the opportunities to network with so many wonderful people, including students, members, allied members, and exhibitors. The professional development programs were outstanding, and I felt that I learned so much in such a short time.

Favorite quote? “Don’t forget to smile!”

 

Irina Tuluca, Entertainment Management, Missouri State University

Favorite musician or band? Ed Sheeran.

Your favorite sports or entertainment memory? One time I woke at up 6 a.m. to watch Eminem perform at Lollapalooza at 9 p.m. that night. I got front row and spent the whole day not eating, drinking water, or using the restroom since 9 a.m. to keep my spot. Well worth it during the concert!

If you could switch places with someone for one day, who would it be and why? Teddy Roosevelt. Not only was he the youngest president, but he finished giving his speech with a bullet in his chest—that’s a guy worth learning a thing or two from.

What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? I would love to be an event planner for huge live events like an awards show or festivals that would involve a lot of work with venue managers and professionals in the entertainment industry. I love working with people, and to do it for a career would make working so much fun.

What is your favorite quote? “Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage, and something great will come of it.”

@Twitter handle? @irinatuluca

This week’s spotlight of recipients in the IAVM Foundation’s inaugural class of 30|UNDER|30 are asked, “What do you look to take away from VenueConnect?”

Whitney Bishop
Marketing Manager
SMG – Richmond Coliseum, Carpenter Theatre, Altria Theater
Richmond, Virginia

“I would be a first-time attendee. I haven’t been in a position to go previously because I’ve been overseas. Now that I’m back and new to the Richmond market,  I think it would be a great tool for me to meet a lot of people in and around the U.S.”

Sandi Carretero
Operations and Events Manager
SMG – McLane Stadium
Waco, Texas

“I think one of the most important things in this industry is to be able to network and really learn from others what they’re doing in every aspect of venue management so that you continue to be creative.”

Derrick Palms
Executive Director
Night Owl Productions/Kennesaw State University Sports + Entertainment Park
Kennesaw, Georgia

“This will be my second time attending VenueConnect. I look forward to learn more, taking back the best practices, to be able to advocate for our university, and to promote what we have here and try to get this model to more places so that students around the U.S. are able to grow in the industry.”

Nathaniel Porter
Senior Event Manager
SMG – BOK Center
Tulsa, Oklahoma

“The most beneficial aspect of VenueConnect is the educational opportunities. I hope to continue to grow and learn in this industry. I think the best setting for that is a place I can learn from other individuals in the industry.”

Did you miss our latest episode of The Venue? Never fear, you can listen to the above recording of it.

This latest edition featured guest host Joe Durr, director of event services for PORTLAND’5 Centers for the Arts. Together with Durr, we discuss such subjects as ideal outdoor row and aisle spacing, theatre houselights LED retrofits, staff plans for concerts (security, admissions, medical), service animals, volunteer recruitment materials, fountain drinks vs. bottles/cans, and Palcohol.

We also spoke with Paige Grisham, one of our student members at Missouri State University, about her article, “The Millennials and Their Dream Venue,” that she recently wrote for FM magazine.

Thank you to Joe and Paige for speaking with us, and thank you for listening. Our next episode will air live on Friday, July 24, at 2 p.m. (CST).

The IAVM Foundation, in partnership with Western Kentucky University (WKU), has developed a phenomenal program designed to provide unprecedented networking and education for students and young professionals beginning their careers in venue management. On Saturday, August 1, before the full VenueConnect conference begins, young professionals and students will learn career skills from venue industry leaders, make new connections with executives from major venues, and gain fresh professional development insights through a packed schedule of customized sessions and events.

“Have you seen the UpStart schedule?” asked Jason Rittenberry, CFE, chair of the IAVM Foundation, “This is the perfect opportunity for young talent looking for a launchpad into our industry. It is fantastic to see the IAVM Foundation bringing this new experience to VenueConnect, and WKU has been a great partner to help us build what I think is going to be a big hit.”

Recently added to the UpStart program is the opening keynote, Doug Sandler. Author of Nice Guys Finish First (all UpStart attendees are walking away with a copy of his book!), Sandler brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment world with thousands of clients. He’ll tackle the massive threat that not caring poses to companies and systems, and will dive into the art of building relationships with clients versus simply closing deals.

Other session highlights include “Thinking Outside the Box,” lead by Mark Gnatovic, senior vice president of SearchWide; “How Our Generation Can Use LinkedIn For Professional Branding,” lead by Whitney Harmel, director of sales for Brandobility; and “Advancing Your Career,” lead by Bryan Kaminski, senior manager of university recruiting and programs for Under Armour. Attendees will also participant in a new speed-networking program, “The Game Changer,” where they will get crucial face-to-face time and personal introductions to major venue industry leaders.

UpStart is free for students, young professionals, and faculty, and is made possible through the support of IAVM members, venue industry leaders, and other partners that have supported the IAVM Foundation’s Build An Amazing Future campaign.

WKU’s support of UpStart is instrumental in the program’s creation. We spoke with Dr. Evie Oregon, an assistant professor in sport management, to learn more about the university and its involvement in the program.

IAVM: Why did WKU decide to be involved in the UpStart program?
EO: WKU’s School of KRS recognizes that a professional network is imperative for our graduates. By partnering with IAVM in the UpStart program, we are not only helping to facilitate that network, but are also providing uninhibited access to current professionals in the field.

IAVM: What do you hope young professionals and students takeaway with them by participating in the program?
EO: Traditional classroom can only provide so much in terms of knowledge of the current industry. It is our hope that our students, and young professional in general, who attend the UpStart program will not only enhance their knowledge of the field, but also increase their professional network and obtain connections for career advancement and professional development.

IAVM: How do you see this program evolving?
EO: We would like to see that the program grows in the future and have far reaching effects on the careers of participants. It would be great to have the young professionals who are attending this inaugural event to one day be the keynotes who can say…it all began a few years ago with UpStart.

IAVM: What can WKU’s masters program provide to current professionals looking to continue their education?
EO: The Masters in Facility and Event Management at WKU is a 100 percent online program that allows current professional and those looking to enter the field a practical approach to learning more about the industry. The program courses are facilitated by highly experienced professionals who began their own careers in the field of recreation and sport facility management. The program model is flexible while at the same time providing course sequencing that insures a path to degree attainment.

Please check out the UpStart website to learn more about the program. Registrations for both UpStart and VenueConnect are still taking place, but rooms in the main conference hotels are filling quickly, so register soon and visit the VenueConnect travel page for current hotel options.