Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in July 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.

Sarah Arkey, C.H. Johnson Consulting, Inc., Chicago, IL, United States
Wai-ying Au, Hong Kong Coliseum & Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Hong Kong, China
Ally Auble, Floreano Convention Center, Rochester, NY, United States
Michael Battles, Turner Construction Company, Reston, VA, United States
Clay Benning, Kirkegaard, Atlanta, GA, United States
Ted Boeckerman, Turner Construction Company, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Aidan Boyle, Assumption University, Worcester, MA, United States
Kadin Bradley, University of Oklahoma Athletics, Norman, OK, United States
Amanda Brooks, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ, United States
Jenna Brouillette, The Lerner Theatre, Elkhart, IN, United States
Schuyler Brown, Georgia International Convention Center/GICC, College Park, GA, United States
Bailey Burke, The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland, CO, United States
Emma Burns, Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA, United States
Lydia Campbell, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC, United States
Taylor Coats, Ball Arena, Denver, CO, United States
Jordan Cohen, Floreano Convention Center, Rochester, NY, United States
Kelvin Collier, Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock, AR, United States
Paul Corcoran, Cedar Mill Group, East Jindabyne, NSW, Australia
Ewen Craig, Cedar Mill Group, Morrisset, NSW, Australia
Nicky Crewe, Reliance Risk, Bondi Junction, NSW, Australia
Steve Crews, Certis Security Australia, Berrinba, QLD, Australia
Andrew Crombie, Suncorp Stadium – ASM Global Pty Ltd, Milton BC, QLD, Australia
Laura Curtain, Cricket Tasmania, Rosny Park, TAS, Australia
Walter Dalla Riva, Titan Carter Platform Systems, Ray, UT, United States
Ashley Davies, Davies Co., Surrey Hills, VIC, Australia
Kate Davies, Netball Queensland Limited, Upper Mount Gravat, QLD, Australia
Christopher Davis, Brisbane Metropolitan Touch Association, Camp Hill, QLD, Australia
Josh Day, SureVision, Gladesville, NSW, Australia
Kristen Day, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI, United States
Matt DeCicco, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ, United States
Christina DeCoppi, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Rachel Della Valle, University of Oklahoma Athletics, Norman, OK, United States
Paul Dellit, Bundaberg Regional Council, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
Brandy DeMil, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Boynton Beach, FL, United States
Kate Demonte, Navy Pier – OVG360, Chicago, IL, United States
Jess Dent, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Damien DePassey, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, VIC, Australia
Amanda Detyens, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC, United States
Shawn Dewey, Navy Pier – OVG360, Chicago, IL, United States
Gurmit Dhaliwal, Celayix Software, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Ayanna Dickens, Durham Convention Center, Apex, NC, United States
Remy Diclemente, Netball Queensland Limited, Upper Mount Gravat, QLD, Australia
Shannon Dillard, Auto-San LLC, Memphis, TN, United States
James Dipnall, City of Kingston, Mentone, VIC, United States
Clyde Drennen, Georgia International Convention Center/GICC, College Park, GA, United States
David Drescher, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
Jeremy Dueck, Keen Independent Research, Phoenix, AZ, United States
Karli Dungey, Dunedin Venues Management Ltd., Dunedin, New Zealand
Robert Dunkley, Gema Group, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Paul Dunphy, Bay Venues, Mount Maunganui, , New Zealand
James Edgar, Frenkel Partners, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Marcus Ellison, Reliance Risk, Zillmere, QLD, Australia
John Eschler, Floreano Convention Center, Rochester, NY, United States
Sam Eustice, Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Matthew Farr, Populous, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Daniel Farrar, VenuesLive Management Services (NSW) Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Grant Fenton, St John Ambulance Australia (VIC), Mount Waverley, VIC, Australia
Brandon Ferkel, Cullen Performance Hall, Houston, TX, United States
Chanaka Fonseka, Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin, NT, Australia
Brande ForrestRumpf, Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA, United States
Liz Francis, Thoroughbred Park – Canberra Racing Club, Mitchell, ACT, Australia
Chris Frangos, Western Melbourne Group, Gladstone Park, VIC, Australia
Shannon Fredrickson, Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, Wichita, KS, United States
Kurt Gagan, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, Leumeah, NSW, Australia
Melissa Gall, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Markets, NSW, Australia
Shelley Gardener, Marvel Stadium – Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Sarah Gardner, Northland Events Centre 2021 Trust (NECT 2021), Whangarei, New Zealand
Jessica Garred, Cairns Regional Council, Cairns, , Australia
Kerry Gassner, Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Cassie Gause, C&K Media Solutions, Escalon, CA, United States
Ashley Gavenlock, SureVision, Gladesville, NSW, Australia
Tim George, Victoria Racing Club, Flemington, VIC, Australia
Lisa Gibbs, The Fabulous Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO, United States
Michael Gilling, Hamilton City Council, Hamilton, New Zealand
Erin Glade, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT, United States
Taylah Godwin, Northern Territory Government, Darwin, NTe, Australia
Mel Goodman, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia
Scott Gould, Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns, QLD, Australia
Jared Goulden, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Markets, NSW, Australia
Mark Grabas, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Jasmin Gray, Georgia International Convention Center/GICC, College Park, GA, United States
Emilio Grijalva, Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, CA, United States
Michael Gucic, Certis Security Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Jamie Guppy, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, Geelong, VIC, Australia
Dave Haigh, SureVision, Gladesville, NSW, Australia
Chloe Hall, Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Edward Hall, Momentus Technologies, Chermside, QLD, Australia
Kailey Hall, VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Sophie Ham, Momentus Technologies, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Nicky Hansen, The Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Margaret River, WAu, Australia
Tina Harris-Ririnui, Bay Venues, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
Alan Hay, Ticketek Australia, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Darren Hayden, Xtract One, Toronto, ON, Canada
Anne-Marie Heath, Central Coast Arts Ltd, Wyong, NSW, Australia
Georgia Hendy, Queensland Performing Arts Centre, South Bank, QLD, Australia
Lily Hesen, Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock, AR, United States
Liam Hibbert, Queensland Cricket, Albion, QLD, Australia
Howard Hickman, Georgia International Convention Center/GICC, College Park, GA, United States
Lucy Hicks, Queensland Cricket, Albion, QLD, Australia
David Hill, GoZone WiFi, St Petersburg, FL, United States
Paul Hinton, Netball Queensland Limited, Nathan, QLD, Australia
Tim Ho, TEG, Ulu Tiram, Johor, Malaysia
Kristie Holmes, SureVision, Gladesville, NSW, Australia
Paul Hooper, Australian Sports Commission, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Renee Hordern, Stadiums Queensland, Wooloongabba, QLD, Australia
Vince Horn, Melbourne Sports Centres, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Mark Houghton, Arts Centre Melbourne, St Kilda Road, VIC, Australia
Josephine Hutton, NZICC – New Zealand International Convention Centre, Auckland,  New Zealand
Joe Jackson, Melbourne Sports Centres, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Jason Janes, Melbourne Sports Centres, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Ian Jenkins, Melbourne Sports Centres, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Chad Johnson, C.H. Johnson Consulting, Inc., Chicago, IL, United States
Samantha Johnson, Campbelltown City Council, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
Cheung Ka Chi, Hong Kong Coliseum & Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Kowloon, Hong Kong
James Kandiliotis, Victoria Racing Club, Flemington, VIC, Australia
Stephanie Karvelis, Netball Queensland Limited, Upper Mount Gravat, QLD, Australia
Yousef Kassis, Imperial Events Security Services, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Jono Kearney, Marvel Stadium – Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Joseph Kelly, Williams Center, Rutherford, NJ, United States
Rebecca Kelly, Venue Management Association, Beenleigh, QLD, Australia
Erica Kennedy, Logan City Council, Logan City DC, QLD, Australia
Steven Kernohan, Brisbane Racing Club Limited, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Kelly Kinsey, Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Prow Kirk, BAI Communications, Chatswood, NSW, Australia
Steve Knuth, Cedar Mill Group, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Eric Koncz, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ, United States
Jessica Krishnaswamy, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Markets, NSW, Australia
Anchal Kumar, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Markets, NSW, Australia
Luke Kuriga, Max-R, Sussex, WI, United States
Pauline Ladson, MDP Ladson Pty Ltd, Neerim South, VIC, Australia
Paul Lambess, Cedar Mill Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Kin Chung Leung, Hong Kong Coliseum & Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai,, , Hong Kong
Jessi Levine, Enterprise Center/Stifel Theatre, Saint Louis, MO, United States
Clark MacLean, University of Oklahoma Athletics, Norman, OK, United States
Eitan Magid, Popshap, South Hackensack, NJ, United States
Mark Maimone, Binbox Lockers, Sandy Springs, GA, United States
Rob Marbs, The Fabulous Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO, United States
Carter McAmis, University of Oklahoma Athletics, Norman, OK, United States
Steve McKee, Premier Drapery Cleaning, Wilmington, NC, United States
Phillip McLoughlin, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN, United States
Emmett McOsker, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Fran Meyer, Worldpay-FIS, Roswell, GA, United States
Frances Miller, Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority (LEPFA), Lansing, MI, United States
Herman Montero, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
Rajaa Muhammad-Harland, Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA, United States
Liza Murphy, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States
Mackenzie Myrkle, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC, United States
Tyson Norsworthy, Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock, AR, United States
Henry Overton, Navy Pier – OVG360, Chicago, IL, United States
Emily Owens, North Charleston Coliseum, North Charleston, SC, United States
Iris Owens, Georgia International Convention Center/GICC, College Park, GA, United States
Patrick Paolangeli, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States
Dodie Petagna, Xtract One, Toronto, ON, Canada
Rebecca Peter, The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland, CO, United States
Nick Reddy, Xtract One, Toronto, ON, Canada
Nakoto Rentz, Venue., Tampa, FL, United States
Fred Richardson, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States
Pascal Roc, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States
Abelardo Rodriguez-Aulet, Cox Business/Hospitality Network, Las Vegas, NV, United States
Teah Romano, The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland, CO, United States
Louise Romero, The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland, CO, United States
Brian Rush, Enterprise Center/Stifel Theatre, Saint Louis, MO, United States
Jennifer Samson Wielandt, Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, FL, United States
Aaron Sanford-Wetherell, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando, FL, United States
Gabriella Schuhmacher, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC, United States
Dody Sievers, Floreano Convention Center, Rochester, NY, United States
Kate Sofis, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, San Francisco, CA, United States
Mary Sullivan, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN, United States
Stephanie Tonrey, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC, United States
Laurel Trzeciakiewicz, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC, United States
Eric Wilder, Dallas Stars Hockey Club, Frisco, TX, United States
Kelly Woods, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC, United States
Ge Wyscarver, The Ranch Events Complex, Loveland, CO, United States

By Alexandra Serrano

Exhibition Place, Canada’s premier destination for conventions, exhibitions, events, and entertainment, will be returning to the 2023 Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEE) and launching its immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Tour of the Beanfield Centre.

Through this tour, meeting and event professionals will be able to immerse themselves in a “digital twin” of Beanfield Centre and its state-of-the-art facilities, renowned for thoughtful design and a distinctly modern approach that prioritizes digital connectivity. Beyond being able to explore the space virtually, planners will be able to navigate through various room layouts at the site. From theatre and banquet to classroom — these setups will allow planners to better envision how the venue’s versatile spaces can be used for events of all shapes and sizes.

The VR tour caters to the industry’s demand for digital connectivity and reflects Exhibition Place’s dedication to being at the forefront of innovation.

We’re excited to be one of the first venues in Canada to offer this leading-edge technology, enhancing the site visit experience for meeting planners. Similar to our debut of Wi-Fi 6 at the Beanfield Centre in 2022, this VR Tour responds to the need for enhanced digital connectivity across the meetings and events industry,” said Laura Purdy, CEM, CMM, General Manager, Exhibition Place.

Planners will be able to interact with this VR Tour for the first time at the Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEE) from August 15-16, 2023 at Exhibition Place’s Booth (#1010). Branded VR Viewers will also be available to take home and by request following the 2023 CMEExpo.

To learn more about Beanfield Centre’s offerings, click here.

Alexandra Serrano is Manager, Marketing and Communications, at Exhibition Place.

By Tammy Austin

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) Chief Administrative Officer Alita Caparotta was recognized as a “Power 20” honoree in a recent Tourism and Hospitality issue of New Orleans CityBusiness, a weekly business newspaper. A special section that publishes quarterly, each edition represents a different industry and features 20 of the most influential leaders in that industry.

Chosen for this honor through an anonymous nomination process, Caparotta has been instrumental in cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and enhancing the NOENMCC’s reputation and credibility. This is evident in both Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investor Services recently designating high ratings to the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority. Under Caparotta’s financial stewardship, the Convention Center maintained financial solvency and its staff throughout the pandemic and met operational and capital improvement program expenditures and refunded existing debt. In May 2022, as the travel and tourism industries began recovery, Caparotta led a cost-of-living adjustment for all Convention Center employees.

“Alita’s leadership and financial expertise, along with her strategic management acumen regarding stewardship of the Convention Center’s funds, are instrumental in our continued financial successes,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO. “Her laser-focus and unwavering dedication demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, ingenuity, and achievement. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”

Since joining the Convention Center staff as an accounting manager in 2000, Caparotta’s talent and discipline helped her progress through subsequent promotions. In her current role as Chief Administrative Officer, she manages several departments and oversees the financial aspects of the Convention Center’s ongoing $557 million Capital Improvement Plan.

Caparotta holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama and maintains her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designations. She holds memberships in several professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Louisiana State Society of Certified Public Accountants (LSSCPA), the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Women in Public Finance, and the International Women’s Forum.

Tammy Austin is with The Ehrhardt Group.

By Blair Cardinal

The Tulsa Public Facilities Authority (TPFA) awarded Oak View Group the venue management and food service contract for the premier sports and music venue BOK Center and the 275,000-square foot Cox Business Convention Center.

During a special meeting on July 28, TPFA unanimously voted to begin exclusive negotiations with OVG360 and OVG Hospitality to manage venue operations, booking, partnerships and sponsorships, and food and beverage operations at the two award-winning venues in the heart of Downtown Tulsa.

OVG will focus on creating momentum in three main areas: ensuring Tulsa is the top destination for major concerts in Oklahoma, continuing to grow the city’s national and regional convention business, and assisting the city and its stakeholders in the development of a full-service convention center hotel.

“The BOK Center and Convention Center are key economic drivers in our community, and their success is critical to Tulsa’s future vitality,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “As a thriving world-class city with world-class entertainment venues, we must always be focused on continuous improvement – not self-satisfied with the success of today but focused on being even better tomorrow. I have complete confidence in OVG and their ability to build upon the success we’ve enjoyed at the BOK Center and Convention Center over the last fifteen years.”

Oak View Group is no stranger to the Tulsa market. In fact, current OVG executives have nearly four decades of collective experience overseeing operations at BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center. John Bolton, senior vice president at OVG, opened BOK Center in 2008 and served as general manager of both the arena and convention center for six years; Jeff Nickler, senior vice president at OVG and general manager of Austin’s Moody Center, spent a decade in Tulsa booking many of the largest concerts in BOK Center history; Casey Sparks, vice president of OVG Austin, served as general manager of the two Tulsa venues for three years; and Joe Giordano, formerly assistant general manager at BOK Center, is now vice president leading OVG’s Arena, Stadium and Theater Alliances. These executives will serve on a special senior advisory council to support the transition at both venues.

“We know the potential of the Tulsa market, and we know BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center are centerpieces of that forward movement,” Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oak View Group, said. “Oak View Group has a number of leaders – John, Jeff, Casey, and Joe – who have deep roots and a profound respect for the market, coupled with long-time relationships with the City’s key stakeholders and among the community. OVG working in Tulsa will feel like coming home, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Food and beverage at the BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center will be authentically Tulsa. OVG will work with more local partners, introduce more local flavors, and implement the newest technology to optimize the fan and guest experience.

In addition to working with local and regional partners who have historically played a prominent role at BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center, OVG will also leverage relationships with national brands to develop new partnerships and sponsorship opportunities with companies that recognize the vitality of the Tulsa market.

Chris Granger, president of OVG360, said, “We’re proud the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority has selected Oak View Group as their partner to chart the course forward, build upon the BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center’s legacies, and take the venues to the next level. Tulsa has become a must-visit city and BOK Center a must-play tour stop. OVG will help solidify the arena’s place as one of the country’s top music destinations.”

“While thanking ASM Global for its excellent management over the past 15 years, we would like to welcome Oak View Group to Tulsa as the new management firm for the BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center,” Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, said. “With the BOK Center approaching its 15th birthday and the Cox Business Convention Center enjoying its recent $55 million renovation, these facilities continue to be recognized internationally as premier venues for concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and more. OVG has the kind of global resume that will elevate these two facilities even further.”

“OVG shares our passion for providing the most innovative and engaging opportunities for guests across the region,” Anna America, Chief of Culture and Recreation for the City of Tulsa, said. “While we are changing the management firm, we want to express our confidence and pride in the local staff here in Tulsa and hope to see most of those employees choose to stay here and continue as part of the new team.”

“The CBCC and BOK Center have been massive contributors to Tulsa’s rise as a world-class destination, as they have attracted visitors from all over the world for events like the Bassmaster Classic, NCAA DI Wrestling Championships and – most recently – the USA Gymnastics Championships,” Renee McKenney, senior vice president of tourism for the Tulsa Regional Chamber and president of Tulsa Regional Tourism, said. “Thank you to the ASM – Tulsa team for your consistent partnership, and for going above and beyond to host those incredibly valuable events. Our team is looking forward to working closely with OVG through the transition and beyond, and I am thankful for the thoughtful insights from everyone involved in ensuring the continued success of our city’s major event venues.”

Blair Cardinal is Vice President, Communications at Oak View Group.

By NBA.com

The San Antonio Spurs announced that they have reached an agreement in principle introducing Frost Bank as the new naming rights partner for their home arena, which will be known as the Frost Bank Center. The arena naming rights designation will celebrate Frost’s position as the Spurs longest-tenured partner and bank, with the relationship dating back 50 years.

“We believe in San Antonio – it’s our hometown. We want this relationship with the Spurs to demonstrate our unwavering sense of pride for San Antonio’s rich history and its bright future,” said Frost Chairman and CEO Phil Green. “The longevity and success of both the Spurs and Frost Bank are rooted in our shared values of integrity, caring and excellence. These values ultimately help strengthen and shape our entire community. For 50 years, we have been proud to be a sponsor and a partner with the Spurs. Por Vida. Go Spurs Go!”

Frost and the Spurs first joined forces in 1973 when Tom C. Frost provided the financing necessary to move the franchise to San Antonio. Throughout the 50-year partnership, Frost has been an integral part of Spurs history in many exciting ways, including as the team’s first-ever jersey patch partner from the 2018-19 through the 2021-22 seasons and partner for the soon-to-be-opened Frost Plaza at The Rock at La Cantera, which will serve as a hub for community events to bring Spurs fans together. Frost recently expanded its W. W. White Financial Center in the East Side area that is home to the Spurs arena. Through this expanded partnership, the Spurs are excited to support Frost’s mission of pioneering financial belonging in San Antonio and beyond by increasing financial access and knowledge.

“We’re so excited to bring together two of San Antonio’s most treasured brands in a new and meaningful way to represent our community,” said R.C. Buford, SS&E CEO. “Fifty years ago, our two organizations envisioned the potential of what a professional sports team could mean for our community, and it is only fitting that we’re joining efforts to welcome fans into the home of the San Antonio Spurs. Aligning the Frost and Spurs names in such a major way celebrates both our enduring presence in Texas and our shared commitment to communities we have the privilege of serving.”