Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in February 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.

Dusty Adair, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR
Payden Adams, Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
Anna Agafonova, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Ann’ette Ahmed, Events DC Sport & Entertainment Venues, Washington, DC
Makayla Alexander, Lewisville Grand, Lewisville, TX
Joseph Alvarado, Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center, Arlington, TX
Kaitlyn Alvey, Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro, KY
Abbey Aronica, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR
Gary Auvenshine, Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX
Brad Bailey, Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro, KY
James Baity, Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
Macy Ballard, Missouri State University, Nixa, MO
Jing Bao, Fentress Architects, Denver, CO
Jacob Barbarash, Missouri State University, Valley Park, MO
Donnie Berkman, Halifax Convention Centre/Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
Cathleen Betker, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
RoseMarie Blanco, Fairplex, Pomona, CA
Dan Bora, The Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
Reilly Bosworth, Viejas Arena at San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
Ken Bukowski, The Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
Aubrey Bulkeley, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR
Roxann Bury-Howard, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bubba Butler, Waco Convention Center, Waco, TX
Christina Castillo, SDSU Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Brookings, SD
Shelby Christensen, Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro, KY
Ashley Christianson, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Scott Cornwell, Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, Punta Gorda, FL
Jenn Cotterill, Halifax Convention Centre/Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
Nolan Cowell, Missouri State University, Red Bud, IL
Elizabeth Crabtree, Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, Kirkwood, MO
Kyle Crane, Oklahoma City University, Dallas, TX
Ashley Crask, Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro, KY
Allan Cushing, Boise Centre, Boise, ID
Shannon D’Amore, Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Richard Davis, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Taylor Dorsey, Kia Forum, Inglewood, CA
Ben Dostal, The Fox Theatre – Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Steve Dow, Marin County Department of Cultural and Visitor Services, San Rafael, CA
Maggie Easterly, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Chad Eaton, Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
Bill Enkhbayar, Kia Forum, Inglewood, CA
William Finaulahi, The Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
Bo Freeman, MTS Seating, Temperance, MI
Will Fuentes, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, WI
Sophia Hadsall, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Lauren Hamilton, Boise Centre, Boise, ID
Kristy Hargarten, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, WI
Vanity Harris, United Center, Chicago, IL
Ian Heilmann, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, WI
Edgar Hernandez, Lewisville Grand, Lewisville, TX
Christian Herrera, Events DC Sport & Entertainment Venues, Washington, DC
Megan Hershey, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Addie Hillenburg, Missouri State University-Entertainment Management, Springfield, MO
Graycen Hollowell, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Bailey Holt, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN
Ebonee Jenkins, Events DC Sport & Entertainment Venues, Washington, DC
Kim Johnson, SDSU Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Brookings, SD
Daniel Jones, Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro, KY
Sione Kaho, The Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
Dakota Kaloustian, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA
Will Kemp, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA
Colin Kiley, Halifax Convention Centre/Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
Ian King, MTS Seating, Temperance, MI
Barry Kirby, Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Catie Lachance, Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena, Kingston, RI
Jordyn Leathers, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL
CJ Leib, EventPro Software, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
John Leonard, The Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
Michael Lillie, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Moses Liongitau, The Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
Lexi Lundy, Owensboro Convention Center, Owensboro, KY
Patrick MacLellan, Merchant Cost Consulting, Boston, MA
Daniel Manrique, Austin Convention Center Department, Austin, TX
Anthony Manzanares, Boise Centre, Boise, ID
Brianna Markum, Waco Convention Center, Waco, TX
Jacklyn Mathew, Events DC Sport & Entertainment Venues, Washington, DC
Damien Maye, Waco Convention Center, Waco, TX
Nikki Mayer, Randolph Riverfront Center, Alexandria, LA
Katie McClain, Boise Centre, Boise, ID
Shamus McConney, Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL
Patricia McMullen, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Tim McNeff, Kia Forum, Inglewood, CA
Montse Medina, Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
John Menas, MTS Seating, Temperance, MI
Cinthia Mendieta, The Link Event & Recreation Center, Richland Hills, TX
Jason Miller, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK
Andrew Mills, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA
Amanda Mitchell, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR
Kristy Moeller, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, WI
Adam Muller, Glendale Civic Center, Glendale, AZ
Meshelle Mushinski, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK
Jeanine Nazarchuk, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Chris Nelson, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, PA
Mikhail Nemirovskiy, The Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
Brian Nguyen, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN
Charlene Oancia, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Ryan Owen, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN
Dericka Owens, Miller High Life Theatre, Milwaukee, WI
Tipeti Paini, The Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
Brianna Parker, Missouri State University, Rogersville, MO
Gina Petro, Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Jennifer Randall-Valdes, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA
Madelyn Ratcliff, Missouri State University, Lake Saint Louis, MO
Claudia Ratto, Ascension, Tucson, AZ
Donovan Reese, Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
Sally Reilly, Events DC Sport & Entertainment Venues, Washington, DC
Dusty Rhoades, Kia Forum, Inglewood, CA
George Rios, Kia Forum, Inglewood, CA
Corrie Robbins, Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Kyle Robinson, The Novo, Los Angeles, CA
Carmen Rodriguez, Mesa Convention Center, Mesa, AZ
Ben Rolens, Leonard E. Merrell Center, KISD, Katy, TX
Ramon Ruiz, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas, NV
Deb Rush, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Kristin Rush, Events DC Sport & Entertainment Venues, Washington, DC
Lance Sadlek, RiverCenter | Adler Theatre, Davenport, IA
Michael Seder, The Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
Colleen Seefeldt, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, WI
Aravind Seetharaman, Events DC Sport & Entertainment Venues, Washington, DC
Allison Shapiro, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Corey Shelsta, SDSU Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Brookings, SD
Alan Singer, The Fox Theatre – Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Robert Smit, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, Long Beach, CA
Kylie Smith, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Juan Soto, Kia Forum, Inglewood, CA
Jack Spinner, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR
Ryan Spurr, Nashville Soccer Club, Nashville, TN
Tyrone Stillwell, Rose Quarter, Portland, OR
Brett Stricker, The Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
Emilia Stuart, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Rhonda Sullivan, Waco Convention Center, Waco, TX
Kyle Summersfield, Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL
Dan Tepper, United Center, Chicago, IL
Andrea Thayer, Washington State Fair, Puyallup, WA
DJuana Thomas, Oak View Group, Philadelphia, PA
Jay Vanduch, SDSU Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Brookings, SD
Sarah Wampler, Events DC Sport & Entertainment Venues, Washington, DC
Darren Watt, Halifax Convention Centre/Scotiabank Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
Kirk Westgard, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Andrea Williams, Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City, UT
Joe Wisner, The Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, IN
Sophia Woyda, Bigbelly, Needham, MA
Chase Yerkes, Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center, Arlington, TX

The IAVM Mentor Connector Program is getting ready to launch the Spring 2023 Cycle! We’re looking for members who want to invest time in their careers through one-on-one mentoring.

If you would like to learn more about becoming a Mentor or Mentee to further your professional development, please join our informational webinar Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 2pm ET.

Click here to register for the webinar.

Mentor Connector creates the opportunity for an experienced professional (Mentor) to provide guidance and encouragement to a member who has an identified professional development need (Mentee). Anyone at any stage of their career can be a Mentor or Mentee. There are no restrictions or qualifications, just an IAVM membership and a desire to participate – and, it’s free!

Go to https://iavm.org/career-learning/mentor/ for more information and to apply. For any questions email robin.covington@iavm.org. Applications are due March 31, 2023.

Your Diversity & Inclusive Leadership Committee is now accepting scholarship applications for Venue Management School and VMS Graduate Institute!

Venue Management School – Tampa, FL | June 4 – 10, 2023 | Check – in Sunday, June 4th, Check out – Saturday, June 10th

Diversity Scholarship Application Criteria:

The diversity scholarship focuses on broadening the number of traditionally underrepresented groups in the venue management industry.

• Applicants must be American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Latinx, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA, or a person with disabilities
• Applicants must be a member of IAVM, or become a member before scholarship can be awarded
• Applications must be completed online and submitted no later than the deadline
• Recipients must be able and willing to attend Venue Management School for the year in which the scholarship is awarded
• Recipients must be willing to support the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives by providing testimonials, photo(s), blogging about their experience and participating in speaking opportunities as an advocate for the Foundation as requested
• The scholarship covers the school’s registration, room & board at Saddlebrook Resort for a double guest room only. The scholarship does not cover airfare, ground transportation or food not covered by the school’s registration tuition fee

Application deadline is Friday, March 24, 2023! Apply now!

VMS Graduate Institute – Tampa, FL | June 4 – 10, 2023 | Must arrive and check in before 1st class, which is at 12:00 PM on Sunday, June 4th, Check out Saturday, June 10th

Diversity Scholarship Application Criteria:

The diversity scholarship focuses on broadening the number of traditionally underrepresented groups in the venue management industry.

• Applicants must be American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Latinx, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA, or a person with disabilities
• Applicants must be a member of IAVM, or become a member before scholarship can be awarded
• Applications must be completed online and submitted no later than the deadline.
• Recipients must be able and willing to attend Venue Management School Graduate Institute for the year in which the scholarship is awarded
• Recipients must be willing to support the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives by providing testimonials, photo(s), blogging about their experience and participating in speaking opportunities as an advocate for the Foundation as requested
• The scholarship covers the school’s registration, room & board at Saddlebrook Resort for a double guest room only. The scholarship does not cover airfare, ground transportation or food not covered by the school’s registration tuition fee

Application deadline is Friday, March 24, 2023! Apply now!

By Scott Trotter

Responding to accelerating job growth in the rapidly expanding area of conferences, trade shows, and meetings, Utah Valley University (UVU) has announced a new bachelor’s degree in event management.

The new major, UVU’s 92nd bachelor’s program, will be offered through the Woodbury School of Business and is the first degree of its kind in Utah.

“Business events is a fast-growing, multibillion-dollar industry, and the demand for event planners and managers — particularly post-pandemic as in-person events resume — is anticipated to grow by 8% this decade,” said Bob Allen, dean of the Woodbury School of Business. “With that labor force need and strong interest in this discipline among our students, it makes sense for UVU to invest in this new program.”

A 2018 study showed that every dollar spent on in-person U.S. events generates an additional $1.60 for the economy. In Utah alone, the events industry has a nearly $2 billion annual economic impact.

Five years ago, UVU introduced an event management minor. Since then, nearly 100 students have enrolled in the program. With an event management major, students can obtain a full complement of specialized skills in event research, design, organization, execution, and assessment.

With a focus on engaged learning, the program already has internships in place with businesses and organizations, including Culinary Crafts, Michelle Leo Events, the Utah Valley Convention Center, and the Delta Center. The number of internships is expected to grow as the program evolves into a bachelor’s degree. Students can also volunteer for major local events, including the Sundance Film Festival.

“The addition of the event management degree program will further UVU’s reputation of sending out the best and brightest young professionals who are quickly turning into respected industry leaders,” said Danny Wheeler, general manager of the Utah Valley Convention Center.

“We value our partnership with UVU because UVU students come to us with passion, excitement, and a vested interest in furthering their careers in event management,” said Michelle Leo Cousins, owner of Michelle Leo Events.

“We’ve extended employment opportunities to many of our interns upon their graduation. The announcement of UVU’s event management degree is another exciting step in the right direction, preparing these students for a successful future career in the hospitality industry.”

The event management degree incorporates curricula from UVU’s Hospitality Management and Communication Programs as well as the Woodbury School of Business and the School of Arts, making it a well-rounded business degree, according to Allen.

Scott Trotter is Senior Director of Communications, University Marketing and Communications, at Utah Valley University.

By Mary Deifer

Kerry Painter, CVE, general manager and director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, presented expansion plans and renderings to the Wake County Board of Commissioners for the Raleigh Convention Center’s proposed expansion, a project which will double the capacity of the popular venue and further cement its role as an economic driver for downtown. Already, the RCC is the force behind the most hotel room nights booked in the entire county.

“Last year we set an all-time record for the number of hotel room nights booked in downtown Raleigh, thanks to a packed schedule of conventions, shows, and other events,” Painter said. “This is a marker of success but also an indication that we can do even more. The truth is, we turned away business because we simply didn’t have room, not to mention the potential clients who weren’t even able to consider us due to our limited capacity. More space means more dollars spent at all of our surrounding and supporting businesses.”

Painter’s presentation – the first time the plans and renderings have been revealed to the public – is the next step in the process of gaining approval and funding for the project, which includes expanding the RCC and relocating Red Hat Amphitheater (rendering pictured below) to create a two-square-block destination for meetings, events, and entertainment.

Money for the venture is requested from the Interlocal Fund, which collects hospitality taxes for use by the convention center, arena, culture, sports, and arts activities. The Board of Commissioners and the Raleigh City Council manage the Fund; their next vote on how to allocate funds is scheduled by June 20.

“Even with the current hotel inventory we are missing out on opportunities due to having only one ballroom room, not enough meeting rooms, or exhibit space,” said Dennis Edwards, president and CEO of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This type of an expansion will give us the ability to layer a number of events simultaneously, which is difficult to do today, and attract larger conventions which we cannot host with the current footprint.

“It’s important we have a vision and a plan to address the current and future needs of the convention center, so this process is critical to our future success. An expansion of this magnitude takes years to plan and execute, so we need to be thinking about this now. “

RCC Expansion by the Numbers

The new Complex will:

Add 500,000 sq ft of meeting space, including some 30 additional breakout rooms
Include 50,000 sq ft and 30,000 sq ft flex halls for hosting large events or for breaking up into smaller areas
Add an additional capacity of 20,000 people (doubling the current RCC capacity)
Cost approx $316 million in construction costs by today’s dollars; adding other costs brings the estimated total project cost to $425 million

In the 2022/23 FY, RCC:

Booked 152 events equating to 332 days (with five months still remaining in the fiscal year)
Expects 329,000 visitors
Filled 88.7% capacity of sellable dates (most of the remaining dates aren’t available due to holidays or facility maintenance blackouts)
70% is the industry standard to be considered a healthy and successful convention center
Contributed to 92,454 hotel room nights booked – an alltime high, despite losing full service hotel rooms due to pandemic considerations
That’s 109% over the 2023 goal set by the City

Mary Deifer is Marketing Manager for the Raleigh Convention Center.