SearchWide Global announced the onboarding of three new team members, each bringing profound expertise and innovative skills to further drive organizational success. Effective January 13, 2025, Carmen Rodgers, Chris Bates, and Danielle Loney joined SearchWide Global.

Carmen Rodgers, Executive Recruiter

Carmen Rodgers steps into the role of Executive Recruiter for the Experiential, Tradeshows, Events & Venues division. With over two decades of experience in recruiting and talent management, Carmen is known for her imaginative talent acquisition strategies and inclusive hiring practices. Her tenure as Talent Acquisition Director at EssenceMediacom with their bespoke agency Media Futures Group and pivotal roles at Colossal Media, Freeman, and Wyndham Hotels underscore her ability to innovate recruitment processes. As an expansion of her professional achievements, Carmen is a passionate singer/musician and has been writing and recording music for over 20 years.

“Carmen’s creative insights and extensive experience in recruitment will significantly enrich our team’s capabilities and strategic direction. We are thrilled to have her on board,” said Andrea Christopherson, Global Head of Experiential, Tradeshows, Events & Venues.

Chris Bates, Executive Recruiter

Chris Bates joins SearchWide Connect as an Executive Recruiter, providing noteworthy expertise in sourcing and recruiting talent across many sectors. His previous work at Magnit included collaborating with renowned global brands such as Disney and Netflix, highlighting his strategic acumen in high-volume staffing. Equipped with an MBA, Chris’s prior achievement in building partnerships at HRU Technical Resources proves his capability to enhance recruitment strategies and maintain crucial industry relationships.

“Chris’s strategic approach to talent acquisition will enhance our recruitment strategies and business partnerships. He will play a key role in providing exceptional candidates at a faster pace than traditional retained executive search services,” said Wendy Moran, Global Head of SearchWide Connect.

Danielle Loney, Project Coordinator

Danielle Loney takes on the role of Project Coordinator within the Marketing & Experience team, primarily supporting SearchWide Connect. With a solid foundation of over ten years in customer-facing roles, Danielle excels in managing diverse projects and fostering team collaboration. Her leadership at Pasco Kids First and success as an Account Executive at SurveyMonkey illustrate her ability to exceed organizational goals. Holding a master’s degree in Developmental Disabilities and certifications in Project Management and Sales Development, Danielle is set to drive projects to successful outcomes with her innovative strategies and collaborative spirit.

“We are excited to welcome Danielle to our team. Her exceptional project management skills and strategic insight are assets that promise to drive innovative outcomes for our projects,” said Cambria Jones, Chief Marketing & Experience Officer at SearchWide Global.

“The addition of Carmen, Chris, and Danielle to our team reflects our commitment to excellence and leadership. Their extensive expertise will undoubtedly bolster our growth as we celebrate 25 years in business,” stated Mike Gamble, Chairman and CEO of SearchWide Global.

TheatreDNA Town Hall. Photo provided by TheatreDNA.

TheatreDNA announced it has acquired Victor Gotesman Performing Arts Planning, one of the nation’s top research and consulting firms for feasibility studies and business planning in the cultural arts market. With this acquisition, TheatreDNA can better provide a full-service experience for venue owners and operators, pairing feasibility research and strategic business development alongside performance space planning and design, the firm’s legacy service offering.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this new milestone for our firm,” said Michael Ferguson, Co-founder of TheatreDNA. “We have a longstanding history of working with Victor Gotesman on feasibility studies and have enjoyed his collaborative spirit in helping communities develop cultural spaces. With this new partnership, we can better serve our clients at any stage in their venue’s lifecycle.”

The acquisition of VGPAP will allow TheatreDNA to expand its current offerings of feasibility studies and organizational assessment projects. Service capabilities will now include market analysis, utilization planning, community engagement, operational reviews, financial forecasting, strategic business planning, and feasibility studies, among others. The team leading this expansion includes TheatreDNA Co-Founder Benton Delinger ASTC, veteran theatre consultant who recently led venue operations for the opening of India’s first commercial performing arts center, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai; Alex Hargis CMP/CVP, a former venue management executive at the Coppell Arts Center and the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, Texas; and Victor Gotesman.

“We believe the best consulting teams have experience in three key areas: designing performance spaces, building cultural facilities, and understanding the day-to-day operations that come with running them,” said Benton Delinger. “There’s no one that knows this to be truer than Victor, whose contribution to the performing arts industry is unparalleled. We are grateful for his continued support as we look to build upon his legacy of work.”

“I have been in this business for a long time – working with Michael and Benton – and I’m happy to see it come full circle with this new partnership,” said Victor Gotesman, founder of VGPAP. “I am thankful for having the opportunity to help guide the next generation of consultants and to witness how TheatreDNA can build upon this body of work.”

Highlighted projects previously conducted by the two firms include: City of Mission Viejo (CA) feasibility study; the City of Hoover (AL) feasibility study; Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (New York, NY) redevelopment masterplan; Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (Cerritos, CA) business operations and management; the Colburn School (Los Angeles, CA) expansion feasibility and operational planning; City of Denver (CO) – Arts & Venues operational planning; and the Regional Kansas City Arts Center (KS) feasibility study.

The acquisition, occurring this year, will coincide with TheatreDNA’s 10th anniversary as a firm.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) has promoted Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP, to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In this role, Williams will continue overseeing the development and execution of strategies to drive growth and attract high-profile events. As CCO, Williams will work closely with all aspects of sales, marketing, event services and operations to optimize the Convention Center’s stance as a key destination for any event.

Formerly the Convention Center’s Senior Director of Sales and Event Services, Williams was appointed interim CCO in November 2024 when former CCO Tim Hemphill announced his transition into a part-time executive advisor role after 17 years with the Convention Center, now to serve as the Acting Chief Communications Officer.

“I am pleased to officially welcome Elaine as the Convention Center’s new Chief Commercial Officer,” said Alita Caparotta, Convention Center Interim President and CEO. “With over 25 years of experience at the Convention Center, Elaine comes to the CCO role with an impressive track record of intelligent leadership, operational excellence, sales insight and events expertise.”

Williams began her career at the NOENMCC in 1996 as a sales manager for Aramark. After joining the Convention Center’s sales team in 2007 as a national sales manager, she was promoted to director of sales in 2013. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, one of the largest associations in the events industry, Elaine is on the Board of Governors for the International Association of Venue Managers’ Senior Executive Symposium.

Concurrently with her extensive career at the Convention Center, Williams cemented herself as a respected industry leader. She was awarded the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Events Industry Council, earned a Certification in Exhibition Management (CEM), completed her CEM-AP (Advanced Professional) and is currently pursuing a Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation by the International Association of Venue Managers. In 2022, Williams was nominated for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Supplier of the Year award. Most recently in 2024, Williams was elected to the Board of Directors for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential Venue Professionals by Eventex and named one of New Orleans CityBusiness’ Women of the Year.

“As someone who has had the privilege of being part of this incredible team for many years, I am deeply honored to step permanently into this role of Chief Commercial Officer,” said Williams. “I look forward to building on our legacy of excellence and collaborating with our community, clients and partners to ensure the Convention Center remains a leader for events, innovation and growth.”

For 100 years, IAVM has provided its members with the resources, education, and connections needed to thrive. As we look toward the future, we remain focused on delivering the highest level of service and value.

After last year’s review of the dues structure, the Membership Committee recommended that the association should offset the ever-changing costs of doing business by strategically adding a modest dues increase in the coming years.

To ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our members and maintain the exceptional benefits you rely on, we will be implementing an increase for the next fiscal year. The new dues’ structure allows us to enhance and expand our offerings while upholding the standard of excellence you expect from your association.

The new pricing will go into effect on April 1, 2025:

• Allied – $690 to $710
• Allied Extra – $520 to $535
• Allied Group
  • Tier 1 (five members) – $2,100 to $2,165
  • Tier 2 (ten members) – $4,400 to $4,620
• Professional – $520 to $535
• Young Professional – $250 – no change
• Professional Group
  • Tier 1 (five members) – $2,260 to $2,330
  • Tier 2 (ten members) – $3,025 to $3,115
  • Tier 3 (twenty members) – $3,625 to $3,800 (an average of $190 per member)
• Faculty – $190 – no change
• Student – $75 – no change
• Retired – $75 – no change

The changes reflect a 3% increase, except for Professional Group Membership – Tier 3 and Allied Group Membership -Tier 2, both of which received a 5% increase.

We will be sharing more details in the coming months about the new and exciting benefits and opportunities that you will experience. We value and appreciate your continued support.

If you have any questions, contact membership@iavm.org or call: 972.906.7441.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in January 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.

Mark Adler, VenuesLive Management Services (NSW) Pty Ltd, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia
Azza Akkad, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA
Nitin Akune, Kingston Arts, Moorabbin, VIC, Australia
Sandy Albrecht, Cvent, Tysons, VA
Trey Altman, Tampa Sports Authority, Tampa, FL
Raechel Andrews, Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
Bria Arrington, Wilmington Convention Center – ASM Global, Wilmington, NC
Jennifer Babin, Columbus Civic Center, Columbus, GA
Alaura Bailey, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, Bristol, VA
Craig Barkdull, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN
Heather-Jayne Battye, Netball Queensland Limited, Upper Mount Gravat, QLD, Australia
Bobby Beck, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, Bristol, VA
Matthew Besheer, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City, KS
Austin Boehm, Overland Park Convention Center – OVG, Overland Park, KS
Stirling Bogie, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Rebecca Boland, RAC Arena, West Perth, WAu, Australia
Jenni Booth, Opal Specialty Packaging, Rocklea, QLD, Australia
Anthony Bordon, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Gemma Bordonaro, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Emilie Bott, Dixie Convention Center, St George, UT
Lauren Boye, Sottile Theatre – College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
Kayla Brassy, Alerus Center – OVG, Grand Forks, ND
Zac Broad, Ticketek Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Kaylee Buckingham, Alerus Center – OVG, Grand Forks, ND
Sam Buckley, Marvel Stadium – Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Malcolm Buffington, Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Samantha Bullen, Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Ashley Bumpious, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC
Marko Butorac, State Sport Centres – Parkville, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Emilie Canez, Boch Center for the Performing Arts, Boston, MA
Michele Capps, OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
Mike Carstensen, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Kate Casey, Australian Grand Prix Corporation, South Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Maxine Casson, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, VIC, Australia
John Chan, Shenyang New World EXPO, Shenyang, China
Mave Claire, Wilmington Convention Center – ASM Global, Wilmington, NC
Josh Cohen, Convergint, Underwood, QLD, Australia
LaKeysha Coleman, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Claudine Collins, Australian Grand Prix Corporation, South Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Tony Compton, Texas A&M Athletics, College Station, TX
Haile Cook, Nissan Stadium – Tennessee Titans, Nashville, TN
Shaun Cooney, Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster, PA
Hailee Cooper, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Jessica Coursey, Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA
Claudia Cox, Snapdragon Stadium – OVG, San Diego, CA
Danielle Cox, Weber County Culture, Parks and Recreation, Ogden, UT
Michael Cox, Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA
Brad Cragun, Weber County Culture, Parks and Recreation, Ogden, UT
Olivia Crawford, Missouri State University, Columbia, MO
Kirstie Crumly, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Dallas Day, Dixie Convention Center, St George, UT
Paul Delugar, Netball Queensland Limited, Upper Mount Gravat, QLD, Australia
Dan Dobbins, BEST Crowd Management, Coon Rapids, MN
Hattie Douglas, Walton Arts Center | Walmart AMP, Fayetteville, AR
Lewis Downes, HBF Stadium – VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Anna Dragan, Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo, MI
Angus Druce, Marvel Stadium – Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Lillie Easterly, Missouri State University-Entertainment Management, Springfield, MO
Rhys Ewers, Clean Vibes Pty Ltd, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Kait Farrar, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Scott Fitzgerald, Marvel Stadium – Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Tiffany Franko, Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ
Scott Frazzetta, Wilmington Convention Center – ASM Global, Wilmington, NC
Zach Gabet, Allen County War Memorial Coliseum, Fort Wayne, IN
Jessica Garcia, Honda Center/ocV!BE, Anaheim, CA
Damon Gardner, Opal Specialty Packaging, Sydney, NSW, Australia
David Garrity, Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Paul Godenzi, Opal Specialty Packaging, Burnley, VIC, Australia
Jonathan Godzwa, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Tim Gonzalez-Wiler, Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA
Mac Goodrum, Wilmington Convention Center – ASM Global, Wilmington, NC
Tiffany Green, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Carson Grosskreutz, Alerus Center – OVG, Grand Forks, ND
Baley Halberstadt, Terre Haute Convention Center – OVG, Terre Haute, IN
Adia Halmick, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Kevin Hanley, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, Bristol, VA
Melissa Hardstaff, Ninja Stadium, Bellerive, TAS, Australia
Steven Hart, Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos, CA
Alyson Harter, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Marcy Hernandez, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA
Ryan Hickson, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON
Kristi Horvath, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Denver, CO
Meghan Houk, Mesa Convention Center, Mesa, AZ
Chelsea Hunt, Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Nicole Hunter, Clean Vibes Pty Ltd, Mascot, NSW, Australia
Courtland James, Events DC, Washington, DC
Kathia Johnson, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Spencer Johnson, Missouri State University-Entertainment Management, Springfield, MO
Tammy Johnson, Alliant Energy Center of Dane County, Madison, WI
Toriana Johnson, Snapdragon Stadium – OVG, San Diego, CA
Emily Jones, VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Amanda Jones-Howard, Staff-1, Durham, NC
Belinda Judd, Cedar Mill Group, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Kelly Junker, Music City Center, Nashville, TN
Omar Kaddoura, City Nights LP/715 Harrison Event Space, San Francisco, CA
Anthony Karpanos, VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Jonathan Kemble, HBF Stadium – VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Ash King, Ninja Stadium, Bellerive, TAS, Australia
Abbey Kortz, Tampa Sports Authority, Tampa, FL
Kim Korycki, The City of NLR Future Conference/Event Center, North Little Rock, AR
Casey Krempec, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Georgia Krupa, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Makenzie Kurre, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Andrew Lane, HOTA, Home of the Arts, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD, Australia
Lauren Layman, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena – OVG, Lexington, KY
Aly Leavitt, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Marvin Lee, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Anita Lenicek, Opal Specialty Packaging, Burnley, VIC, Australia
Allison Lewis, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC
Gina Locatto, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Valentina Lopez, Palm Beach County Convention Center – OVG, West Palm Beach, FL
Chelle Lopker, Mesa Convention Center, Mesa, AZ
Charlotte Mackenzie, , Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Aaron Magnuson, Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis, IN
Terry Mahoney, Overland Park Convention Center – OVG, Overland Park, KS
Ivan Marchenko, FIFA 2026, Miami, FL
Brent Markwick, Northland Events Centre 2021 Trust (NECT 2021), Whangarei, New Zealand
Hana Matthys, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City, KS
Bryan McCarthy, PBM Safety, Warwick, QLD, Australia
Michael McLeod, VenuesLive Management Services (NSW) Pty Ltd, Gosford, NSW, Australia
Grace McNamer, Missouri State University, Marshfield, MO
Jay Mejica, Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin, NT, Australia
Katina Messinis, Momentus Technologies, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Ryan Mills, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Tyler Milne, Missouri State University-Entertainment Management, Springfield, MO
Jesse Minoughan, HBF Stadium – VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Allan Mitchell, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Dezha Moore, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Terry Moore, OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
Jason Noyes, Waukesha County Exposition Center, Waukesha, WI
Cameron O’Briant, San Angelo Performing Arts Center, San Angelo, TX
Natalie O’Brien, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, VIC, Australia
Kelly Odom, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, Bristol, VA
Samantha Olsen, Newcastle City Hall, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Daniel Palermo, Tampa Sports Authority, Tampa, FL
Henil Patel, Missouri State University-Entertainment Management, Springfield, MO
Ian Penwell, Terre Haute Convention Center – OVG, Terre Haute, IN
Jean Perkins, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Natalie Perry, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Ruth Perry, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Lisa Petersen, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Brandon Pickard, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Allie Pietryga, Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN
Ben Pope, Texas A&M Athletics, College Station, TX
Brodie Popple, Oztix, Annerley, QLD, Australia
Susan Quick, Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ
Lexi Ramjass-Spicer, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Natasha Ramos, Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA
James Reed, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX
Khallan Ridge, HBF Stadium – VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Nick Rodriguez, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Daryl Royse, Appalachian Wireless Arena, Pikeville, KY
Zack Ruiz, Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Ashleigh Rust, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Regine Rutherfurd, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Aubrey Ryman, Music City Center, Nashville, TN
Joshua Salvador, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA
Michael Scalora, Marvel Stadium – Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Ashleigh Schell, National Museum of Australia, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Jake Schellenberg, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver, CO
Alli Shackelford, Cadence Bank Arena, Tupelo, MS
Adam Sinclair, National Basketball Association, New York, NY
Christen Smith, Wilmington Convention Center – ASM Global, Wilmington, NC
Eric Smith, OVG Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Casey St Aubin, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Grace Steinmeier, Missouri State University-Entertainment Management, Springfield, MO
Niambie Stewart, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Brooke Stith, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Blake Stromme, Sightline Commercial Solutions, Minneapolis, MN
Pamela Sturrock, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA
Mari Swinney, Moody Center – OVG, Austin, TX
Elena Takounakis, Honda Center/ocV!BE, Anaheim, CA
Bryanna Taylor, Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, AZ
Andy Timm, Spalding, Jefferson, IA
Victoria Trujillo, Ski Hi Complex, Monte Vista, CO
Nick Turner, Clean Vibes Pty Ltd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Jeff Utter, Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center, Madison, WI
Raquel Vales, Clean Vibes Pty Ltd, Strawberry Hills, NSW, Australia
Devin Vanaman, Riverside Convention Center, Riverside, CA
Zara Venturato, Brisbane Racing Club Limited, Hamilton Central, QLD, Australia
Bradley Vogel, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Matty Voytilla, Alerus Center – OVG, Grand Forks, ND
Leonie Wallace, Civic Theatre Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Geoff Walters, Safety Cues, Milan, OH
John Watkin, State Sport Centres – MSAC, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Emma Webb, Opal Specialty Packaging, Burnley, VIC, Australia
Lee Webster, Convergint, Underwood, QLD, Australia
Jamie Wheeler, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA
Heather Whipple, Cain Center for the Arts, Cornelius, NC
Ruben White, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Lauren Williams, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Madison Williams, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Travis Williams, Nissan Stadium – Tennessee Titans, Nashville, TN
Robert Willoughby, Monterey Conference Center, Monterey, CA
Justin Winters, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Ben Witham, Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct & Logan Entertainment Centre, Kingston, QLD
Shamel Wooling, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, Australia
Jason Worthen, Weber County Culture, Parks and Recreation, Ogden, UT