A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Members
Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in December 2024. 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.
Robert Adamiszyn, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas, NV
Josh Aiello, City of Kingston, Mentone, VIC, Australia
Kison Alden, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, OK
Jovan Amaya, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Catriona Angus, Isaac Theatre Royal, Christchurch, New Zealand
Andrew Armas, Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, Raleigh, NC
Joshua Arter, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Derrick Artre, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX
Jenn Barday, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Michelle Barlow, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Michael Barrett, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Al Baxter, Populous, Surrey Hills, NSW, Australia
Megan Beardmore, Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis, IN
Jamie Beerli, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Tommy Berridge, Te Whaea National Dance & Drama Centre, Wellington,
Hope Bishop, OVG Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Andrew Blanda, Doltone House, Pyrmont, NSW, Australia
Laura Borden, Parker Arts, Parker, CO
Rebecca Bordenet-French, Manchester-Coffee County Conference Center, Manchester, TN
Austin Bryant, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver, CO
Adrian Burnett, City of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
Sarah Butchart, H3 Group, Hamilton, New Zealand
Edward Callen, Adelaide Venue Management Corporation, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Lauren Carey, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
RaeLe Carlson, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Sabrina Ceballo, New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), Newark, NJ
Natasha Chavez, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Sarah Corso, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Jacob Costello, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Robert Cummings, Nationals Park – Washington Nationals, Washington, DC
Nicole Curbow, Branson Convention Center – ASM Global, Branson, MO
Michelle Davis, City Parklands Services, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
TJ Davis, Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD
Alonzo Delgado, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Sean Delgado-Cruz, Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, Raleigh, NC
Zac DePaoli, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR
Brittany Drovadal, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Cynthia Edmunds, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Amie Edser, Populous, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Chris Edwards, Australian Catering Services (ACS), Coorparoo, QLD, Australia
Wes Elms, Garrett Metal Detectors, Garland, TX
Gemma Felton, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Nathaly Fields, Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Shayla Finley, Marcus Performing Arts Center, Milwaukee, WI
Paul Finn, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Tim Flood, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Erin Flynn, Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Gail Forster, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu
Richard Freeman, Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga, New Zealand
Kerry Gamble, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
LaToya Garland, Miramar Cultural Center, Miramar, FL
Trent Giles, Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
Melinda Gilstrom-Rybak, Hammer Theatre Center, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
Richard Ginzel, Music City Center, Nashville, TN
Gabrielle Goecke, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC
Brayden Goodwin, Populous, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Tim Goward, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Zarah Graser, Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, Oakland, CA
David Griffin, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Caroline Griggs, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Roy Gross, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Allan Hallett, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Gemma Hansen, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Nate Harris, Greater Richmond Convention Center – OVG, Richmond, VA
Rachel Hawkes, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Andrew Hayles, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
Andre Hebert, CAJUNDOME & Convention Center, Lafayette, LA
Josh Hernandez, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Amanda Hodges, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena – OVG, Lexington, KY
Rodney Holley, Batesville Civic Center, Batesville, MS
Sarah Howlett, Bruce Pulman Park, Auckland, New Zealand
Grant Humeston, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Stacy Jass, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Zelda Jennings, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Kerryn Jensen, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
John Juliano, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas, NV
Kerry Keller, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena – OVG, Lexington, KY
Ryan Kerr, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Kevin Kim, T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
Jeannette Laluk, ConventionSuite by NewGen Business Solutions, Scottsdale, AZ
Mateo Leone, Nowsta, New York City, NY
Clark Livsey, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Deanna Long, Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, Raleigh, NC
Sarah Lorenzana, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Bob Louis, Duke Energy Convention Center – ASM, Cincinnati, OH
Caleb Luker, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Melissa Makarenko, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Ella Markus, UC San Diego University Centers, La Jolla, CA
Emily Martin, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Veronica Martinez, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Jorge Mazzarri, Navy Pier – OVG, Chicago, IL
Michelle McBain, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Rob McGahan, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Megan McIntosh, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
John McKay, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Scott McLarty, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, OK
Kay Meilleur, Meridian Centre & Canada Games Park, St Catharines, ON, Canada
Jacey Menter, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT
Danielle Miller, ConventionSuite by NewGen Business Solutions, Scottsdale, AZ
Lisa Mocysnki, Sleeman Sports Complex, Chandler, QLD, Australia
Teale Moyers, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Casey Mullen, Inter&Co Stadium – Orlando City SC, Orlando, FL
Kirby Munn, Brisbane Showgrounds, Bowen Hills, QLD, Australia
Noah Nave, Owensboro Convention Center – OVG, Owensboro, KY
Amanda Nichols, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, OK
Lizzie Opolski, Arts Centre Melbourne, St Kilda Road, VIC, Australia
Syr Palmer, Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, Wichita, KS
Vrishti Patel, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Natasha Pedigo, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena – OVG, Lexington, KY
Lindsey Pelfrey, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena – OVG, Lexington, KY
Sophie Pellicci, Inter&Co Stadium – Orlando City SC, Orlando, FL
Audy Pena, Kaseya Center, Miami, FL
Rochelle Peth, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Sara Phoenix, Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, OK
Jerry Pickett, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Victor Plancarte, UC San Diego University Centers, La Jolla, CA
Christina Pohlmann, Mississippi Coast Coliseum And Convention Center, Biloxi, MS
Kim Poole, Auckland Zoo, Auckland, New Zealand
Rinus Pope, AUT Events + Venues, Auckland, New Zealand
Alexandra Porter-Hepworth, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW, Australia
JK Power, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Andrew Preston, Tataki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland, New Zealand
Michele Preston, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Patrick Pruna, Owensboro Convention Center – OVG, Owensboro, KY
Michaella Putman, Venue Solutions Group, LLC, Gig Harbor, WA
Loren Ralston, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Megan Ravsten, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Jocelyn Razo, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Brian Roberts, Customs House, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
Gwyneth Rosenkrantz, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Kaitlyn Rosenthal, UC San Diego University Centers, La Jolla, CA
Matt Ross, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Esther Schwarzbauer, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Todd Seiler, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Gilbert Sifuentez, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Elizabeth Sippel, Owensboro Convention Center – OVG, Owensboro, KY
Noah Small, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Telma Southgate, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Catherine Stahl, Geelong Arts Centre, Geelong, VIC, Australia
Kara Stephenson, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Jonell Stoddard, BYU Marriott Center/LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
Luci Swanson, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR
Christina Tan, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Elizabeth Taylor, Venues Otautahi, Christchurch,
Brian Thomas, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Todd Tobias, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
James Trimble, Momentus Technologies, Saint Louis, MO
Brent Tritton, City of Gold Coast, City of Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
David Truzman, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver, CO
Colby Tucker, Oakland Arena & Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Sarah Turpen, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver, CO
Connor Van Buskirk, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Christopher Vela, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Mia Vilanova, Marcus Performing Arts Center, Milwaukee, WI
Debra Warner, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Jon White, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Paige Williams, Berry Center, Houston, TX
David Wright, Branson Convention Center – ASM Global, Branson, MO
LeeAnn Yanes, Greater Richmond Convention Center – OVG, Richmond, VA
Elizabeth Zimmerman, Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, Wichita, KS+H105:H161
Standing Together: Support for Our IAVM Members Affected by the LA Wildfires
In these challenging times, as the wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles and surrounding areas, IAVM wants to express our deepest concern and heartfelt support for all our members affected by this disaster. We hope you and your loved ones are safe and managing through these difficult circumstances.
We understand that the challenges you face are profound, impacting not only your personal lives but also the venues you manage and the communities you serve. The disruption and uncertainty caused by such events are unimaginable, and we want you to know that you are not alone in this.
At IAVM, we are a community bound by shared values and mutual support. We stand ready to assist in any way possible. Whether it’s providing resources, connecting you with support networks, or rallying assistance from fellow members, we are here for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help or guidance.
Your safety and well-being are our utmost priorities. Together, we can navigate these tough times, leaning on the strength of our community. Thank you for your resilience, dedication, and all that you do. Stay safe, and remember, we are here for you every step of the way.
With heartfelt support,
The IAVM Team
Taney County Partnership Hires Economic Development Officer
The Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB and Taney County Partnership have hired Matthew Adkins as Vice President/Chief Economic Development Officer. Adkins assumed the role Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Matthew Adkins, a Kentucky native, is an accomplished economic development leader, having led several community and economic development organizations across Kentucky over the last five years. With expertise in business recruitment and retention, workforce development, and public policy, Adkins has secured significant grants, drafted strategic development plans, and fostered collaboration among local, state, and federal partners. This collaborative approach has been instrumental in driving sustainable growth and enhancing the region’s quality of life. Working for and alongside the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB and the Taney County Partnership will include opportunities to use a holistic approach to economic development.
Adkins holds a master’s degree in business administration from Northern Kentucky University and in 2023 was awarded Kentucky Association for Economic Development’s Young Professional of the Year for securing over $300 million in capital investment and creating 400+ jobs along the I-71 Corridor.
Sharing his enthusiasm for the position, Adkins stated, “I have always found that Chambers of Commerce provide the tools and resources to touch all aspects of economic development, from entrepreneurship to healthcare, childcare, housing, commercial and retail, education, transportation, and even manufacturing. Having the opportunity to work alongside both of these organizations, I feel that we will continue to be able to push the envelope on innovation and improve the quality of life for the citizens and visitors of this region.”
Stan Field, board chair for the Partnership, stated, “Taney County Partnership was formed to help attract new businesses to our area and assist our existing businesses to grow and prosper. Matt brings experience and great leadership skills to move the Partnership forward.”
Helsinki’s Iconic Landmark, Finlandia Hall, Reopens January 4, 2025 for New Audiences
Finlandia Hall’s main auditorium offers the original design with advanced technology. Photo: Tuomas Uusheimo
Finlandia Hall will open its doors on Saturday, January 4, following three years of renovation. For the first time, the doors will be open daily to all Helsinki residents and tourists. The renovated Finlandia Hall will offer a wider range of services than before, from a restaurant and wine café to accommodation, exhibition space and a design shop.
One of Finland’s most significant event venues, Finlandia Hall, designed by Alvar Aalto, will open after long anticipation on January 4, 2025. The building has been undergoing renovation since the beginning of 2022. For the first time in its history, the renovated Finlandia Hall will open not only to congress and event visitors but also to all city residents and tourists as a shared, everyday leisure destination and experience venue.
Services and Experiences Make the New Finlandia
Finlandia Events & Meetings: High-quality service and cost-effective beauty
Finlandia Hall has an impressive track record and experience in event organisation, and diverse event services remain at the core of the building’s operations. Finlandia Hall’s annual visitor count has been approximately 200,000, and the goal for 2025 is to double this number.
The state-of-the-art technology and renovated spaces in the renewed Finlandia Hall enable high-quality events, concerts, congresses and meetings–from small to large. The versatile spaces, updated range of services, advanced technology and experienced, professional staff ensure top-level service, care and experience.
Finlandia Bistro: Finnish flavours meet the Mediterranean
Finlandia Hall’s first à la carte restaurant, Finlandia Bistro, is a tribute to Alvar Aalto’s love for Italy. The atmospheric ambiance in Finlandia Bistro is created by Alvar Aalto’s unique architecture and design combined with Finlandia Hall’s original furniture and Finnish art.
Finlandia Cafe & Wine: Above the everyday with a new viewing terrace
Finlandia Hall’s new wine café serves seasonal quality café products with spectacular views. On the terrace, opened to the public for the first time, visitors can stop year-round to admire Helsinki city centre’s most beautiful views over Töölönlahti Bay. The café offers delicious savoury and sweet pastries, hot dishes and salads, as well as carefully selected wines and refreshments.
Finlandia Shop: Hand-picked treasures and unique souvenirs
Adjacent to the café, a design shop specialising in Finnish design will open, offering products from small Finnish design brands, unique Finlandia Collection items, timeless classics, ceramic art pieces from Arabia art department artists, contemporary design utility items, and naturally, Aalto products.
Finlandia Homes: Historically unique accommodation
Finlandia Hall’s new accommodation facilities offer a globally unique opportunity to experience Finnish design and architecture up close, and to stay overnight in a concert and conference venue. These two apartments, originally designed by Alvar Aalto as staff accommodation and now carefully restored, embody functional aesthetics and authentic Finnish home atmosphere. The rooms are now available for booking as accommodation for the first time. The apartments are decorated in respect to Aalto’s style and furnished with Artek classics and the building’s original furniture, making them perfect for admirers of design and cultural heritage.
Finlandia Experience Exhibition: To the roots of the Aaltos
In June 2025, Finlandia Hall will open a permanent exhibition that experientially tells the story of Alvar Aalto’s, Aino Aalto’s and Elissa Aalto’s architectural and creative diversity. The exhibition offers an opportunity to gain deep insight into Alvar Aalto’s legacy and design principles, as well as their influence on modern architecture and Finnish design.
More information about the exhibition will be provided in Spring 2025.
Unrivaled Sports Acquires Rocker B Ranch, an Expansive Premier Destination for Youth Baseball and Multi-Sport Experiences in Texas
Rocker B Ranch’s 325 acres outside Dallas-Fort Worth accelerates Unrivaled Sports’ potential to create inclusive and premium sports experiences for young athletes everywhere.
Unrivaled Sports, a fast-growing leader in youth sports experiences, today announced the addition of Rocker B Ranch to its Baseball & Multi-sport Division. Located 90 miles west of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, this 325-acre one-of-a-kind ranch currently combines elite youth baseball tournaments with a scenic, full-service resort destination.
Rocker B Ranch features four premier baseball fields and resort-style amenities, including lodging options such as cabins, casitas, and a lodge, as well as food and beverage services, two swimming pools, a fishing pond, and a music venue. The property also includes volleyball, basketball, and tennis courts. Unrivaled Sports, which owns Ripken Baseball® and Cooperstown All-Star Village, plans to expand the facility by adding more baseball and multi-sport fields, increasing onsite accommodations for young athletes and families, and enhancing amenities to solidify its status as a regional and national destination.
In 2024, Rocker B Ranch hosted nearly 60,000 visitors, including over 900 baseball teams that participated in over 30 seasonal, weekend-based tournaments.
“Rocker B Ranch represents everything we strive for at Unrivaled Sports — excellence in youth sports and unforgettable experiences for families and communities,” said Wade Martin, CEO of Unrivaled Sports’ baseball division. “What Lance Byrd and his family built is one of the most unique experiences in youth sports. We couldn’t be more proud and excited to be partners and lead the next chapter. Since we currently only use 55 of the 325 acres, the opportunities to expand and build upon the great foundation are very exciting.”
“Rocker B Ranch was built on the idea of bringing people together, whether it’s for the love of baseball, a special occasion, or simply a chance to connect with nature,” said Lance Byrd, founder of Rocker B Ranch. “We’re thrilled to see that tradition continue for years to come. Unrivaled Sports has a remarkable ability to elevate facilities and undoubtedly help Rocker B Ranch reach its full potential.”
In addition to founding the complex, brothers Lance and Bart Byrd have guided the facility’s operations and growth and will continue as part of the Unrivaled team.
Nestled near Possum Kingdom Lake and the Brazos River, Rocker B Ranch offers onsite lodging, a variety of outdoor activities, and stunning views of the Palo Pinto Mountains. The ranch has expanded beyond baseball, becoming a premier destination for sports-centered events and corporate retreats. Its proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth, exceptional hospitality, and professional staff have solidified its reputation as an idyllic venue for a range of activities.
“We are on a mission to provide unrivaled sports experiences to young athletes everywhere,” said Andy Campion, Unrivaled Sports’ Chairman and CEO. “That includes experiences that are inclusive and premium, inspiring and developmental for the athletes, and memory-making for their families. We see Rocker B Ranch having the potential to bring our mission to life across its 325 acres, from baseball to flag football to soccer and lacrosse, for boys and girls of all ages.”