Thanks to the generous support of SearchWide and Ungerboeck Software International, 30 young professionals, 30 years of age and under, will receive full complimentary registration to VenueConnect in Baltimore, a travel stipend of $850, and a one-year complimentary Young Professional IAVM Membership.
“Identifying and developing future leaders is an important priority, and IAVM has stepped up to the plate in a big way with this initiative. Venue management is an exciting and challenging career path, and it is crucial we prepare this group for the complexities of leading this industry forward,” said Mark Gnatovic, senior vice president of SearchWide and a Foundation Trustee. “Having access to industry education and industry leaders will create significant learning opportunities for these individuals. I’m looking forward to meeting the 2015 IAVM 30|UNDER|30 inaugural class.”
In addition to over $2,000 in benefits, the 30|UNDER|30 recipients will be recognized at the Venue Industry Awards Luncheon at VenueConnect on Monday, August 3. They will also be provided year-round continued education for professional growth in the venue industry to help program participants become better, more productive employees through increased access and exposure to industry networking and thought leadership.
As part of the Build an Amazing Future campaign focused on students, young professionals, and mid-level venue management, the IAVM Foundation’s Board of Trustees are thrilled to see this program come to life.
“On behalf of the IAVM Foundation’s Board of Trustees and committed donors, we are honored to announce the inaugural 30|UNDER|30 class of 2015,” said Jason Rittenberry, CFE, president and CEO of IRG Sports + Entertainment and chair of the IAVM Foundation. “We are truly building amazing futures for some of the top rising stars in the industry!”
Over the next few weeks, we’ll individually spotlight this year’s recipients. For now, let’s meet the IAVM Foundation’s inaugural 30|UNDER|30 class of 2015:
| Natalie Barrow Director of Arts Education & Community Outreach Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre |
Sari Feinstein Programming Assistant Wells Fargo Center for the Arts |
Derrick Palms Executive Lead Kennesaw State University Night Owl Productions |
| McKell Bennett Assistant Marketing Director Adams Center – University of Montana |
Sarah Fieger House & Volunteer Services Manager Tobin Center for the Performing Arts |
Nathaniel Porter Senior Event Manager BOK Center |
| Whitney Bishop Marketing Manager Richmond Coliseum, Carpenter Theater, Altria Theater |
Joe Giordano Booking & Marketing Manager Santander Arena & Performing Arts Center |
Brittanie Roldan Director of Guest Services Prudential Center & New Jersey Devils |
| Matthew Boring Marketing & Sales Manager Lied Center for Performing Arts |
Jacquelyn Holowaty Vice President, Ticketing Global Spectrum |
McKenzie Rowley Premium Seating & Suite Sales Manager NRG Park |
| Danny Bryant Arena & Pavilion Services Manager The Classic Center |
Ashley Keen Technical Director Mesa Arts Center |
Alicia Ruach Event Operations Coordinator Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment |
| Jason Burnette Sales Manager Cox Business Center |
Nikki Lekhy Program Associate Cultural Tourism DC |
Annie Salamunovich Assistant Production Supervisor Portland’5 Centers for the Arts |
| Sandi Carretero Operations & Events Manager McLane Stadium |
Sean Loyst Assistant Supervisor, Events & Guest Services Kitchener Memorial Auditorium |
Jena Schaafsma Assistant Director, Event Booking & Marketing MetLife Stadium |
| Dani Cole Sales Manager Tacoma Dome and Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center |
Siroun Majarian Market Research Analyst Massachusetts Convention Center Authority |
Andrew Shreve Assistant Box Office/Parking Manager Greater Richmond Convention Center |
| Laura Doyle Guest Relations & Event Security Manager Chesapeake Energy Arena & Cox Convention Center |
Kelsey Metzger-Covart Sales & Events Manager Ames Center |
Abbie Vander Bol Event Supervisor Show Me Center |
| Bill Enkhbayar Event Manager Boardwalk Hall |
Michael Owens Director of Booking BOK Center |
Caitlin Volpe Event Coordinator AT&T Performing Arts Center |
Big congratulations to these young professionals. You are the future of our industry and to rise above this early on in your career is notable and lauded. A special cudos to Michael Owens, a graduate of the Entertainment Management Program at Missouri State University. We are very proud of you Michael.
MO Rocks!
Congrats Whitney Bishop!!!! 🙂