Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in March 2026. 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.

Nathaniel Arner, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Brett Asanin, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Michelle Au, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Lanaea Bailey, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Elizabeth Beedenbender, Fluegel Alumni Center, US Naval Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, Annapolis, MD
Tylor Begay, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Jennifer Bell, Premium Parking, New Orleans, LA
Karron Benjamin, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Blake Bialk, Series Seating, Miami, FL
Lydia Binnig, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Andrew Birklid, Arup, Seattle, WA
Keagan Brown, Columbus Crew, Columbus, OH
Adam Budelli, AXS, Los Angeles, CA
Ally Burch, Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Peter Burke, Arup, Seattle, WA
Kailee Carroll, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Geoff Cheong, Populous, Kansas City, MO
Sky Ciolino, Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, Palm Springs, CA
Annie Clark, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC
Tammy Clevenger, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Greg Cole, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Kasandra Cook, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Dina Cooper, ConventionSuite by NewGen Business Solutions, Scottsdale, AZ
Tessa Devey, Thanksgiving Point, Lehi, UT
Eli Dryer, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Desiree Everett, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR
Alan Farmer, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC
Crystal Flippin, Dayton Live, Dayton, OH
Kameron Foster, Greenville Convention Center, Greenville, SC
Hannah Gallagher, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Stephanie Gaspari, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Sabrina Gerratana, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Lisa Gladman, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Juliana Gordon, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Andrew Graham, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Becky Grider, Kentucky Performing Arts, Louisville, KY
Shelby Hackett, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Justin Haffner, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Jenna Hampel, Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
William Harrison, Essity Professional Hygiene, Philadelphia, PA
Lathanial Heisey, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Shawn Higgins, accesso ShoWare Center, Kent, WA
Justin Horwitz, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Amy Huggins, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Andrea Johnson, Sodexo Live!, Greenville, SC
Emalynn Johnson, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Ice Johnson, Greenville Convention Center, Greenville, SC
Christian Juarez, Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, Palm Springs, CA
Scott Keeton, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Ryan Keller, EverBank Stadium & Daily’s Place, Jacksonville, FL
Kelsey Kercado, Sodexo Live!, Orlando, FL
David Kingsbury, Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Jon Kingston, Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Ting Han Kuah, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Nila Kushner, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Swaleha Lalani, TVS, Atlanta, GA
Cullen Lampman, Niagara Falls Convention Centre, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada
Darrell Leon, Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, LA
Lindsey Lightsey, Saban Center, Tuscaloosa, AL
Henry Logan, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Emily Lounsberry, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Bryan Maciukiewicz, Essity Professional Hygiene, Philadelphia, PA
Monica Makins, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Amy Malin, Central Bank Center/Rupp Arena – OVG, Lexington, KY
Rob Mcconnaughey, Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, Palm Springs, CA
Sophie McGuire, Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Martha Mendel, Dolby Theatre, Hollywood, CA
Andrea Mokros, Hennepin Arts, Minneapolis, MN
Carlos Mora, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Steve Moran, Greenville Convention Center, Greenville, SC
Elijah Newton, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Natalie Nicholas, Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, LA
Leslie Nutter, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Michael O’Leary, OKC Fairgrounds, Oklahoma City, OK
Jerry Oliveira, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Bobby Olsen, NRG Park, Houston, TX
Patrick Padero, Essity Professional Hygiene, Philadelphia, PA
Keba Parker, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Cheryl Patterson, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Gracie Penland, Missouri State University, Mount Juliet, TN
Christopher Pepsnik, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Skokie, IL
Chuck Price, Prevent Medical Solutions, Bloomington, CA
David Rees, Honda Center/ocV!BE, Anaheim, CA
Janice Reindl, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Jordan Robinette, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Benjamin Rogers, Missouri State University, Carthage, MO
Jenn Rosenbaum, Boldyn Networks, Pompano Beach, FL
Lauren Roth, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Mike Saunders, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Abigail Sawyers, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
Nicholas Scachetti, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Kyle Schmidt, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Joe Shaw, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Esther Shepherd-Velarde, Great Park Live, Irvine, CA
Steph Shryock, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Skokie, IL
Ericka Sokolower-Shain, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA
Katie Spohr, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Joel Stein, Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, LA
Stefani Taylor, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA
Meghan Teves, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Jazz Traylor, Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, LA
Suzanne Turgeon, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Tony Turner, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Jordan Ullathorne, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Steve VerDow, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Laura Wagner, Columbus Crew, Columbus, OH
Marciann Waters, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC
Mia Watson, Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Joshua Webb, College of Southern Nevada Performing Arts Center, North Las Vegas, NV
Gracie Weems, Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, TN
Christopher Welch, Lamar-Dixon Expo Center, Gonzales, LA
Lea Westerfield, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Jason Wiatrak, Greater Columbus Convention Center – Legends Global, Columbus, OH
Janai Williams, Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Michael Woolfenden, Essity Professional Hygiene, Philadelphia, PA
Anna Woolley, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Skokie, IL
Jill Zingg, Branson Convention Center – Legends Global, Branson, MO

Landmark Sustainability Project Replaces Roof and HVAC Systems with 5,355 Solar Panels Generating Clean Energy for Long Beach and Surrounding Metros

Over 5,000 solar panels were installed as part of LCEC’s three-phase infrastructure and sustainability initiative. Photo courtesy LCEC

The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center (LBCEC), a City of Long Beach-owned venue, today announced the completion of a three-phase infrastructure and sustainability initiative totaling $33 million. The final phase, the installation of 5,355 solar panels across the venue’s roof, is now live, feeding clean energy directly into the public grid and establishing the LBCEC as one of the most energy-forward convention facilities on the West Coast.

The project unfolded across three stages beginning in Q3 2025 when over 566,000 square feet of roofing was replaced under a new Cool Roof System, improving the campus’s insulation, preventing leaks, and reducing the load-bearing weight of the structure by more than 707,000 pounds.

Thirty-two Air Handling Units (AHUs) were delivered and installed by helicopter. Photo credit: Jose Cordon, LBCEC

In December 2025, 32 Air Handling Units (AHUs) – the venue’s first HVAC replacement in 35 years – were delivered and installed by helicopter due to the scale and rooftop location of the equipment, delivering 952,320 cubic feet per minute of airflow capacity at 20–25% greater efficiency than the systems they replaced.

The third and final phase, now complete, sees the Convention Center and Terrace Theater rooftops covered in solar panels capable of generating an estimated 4.6 to 4.8 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year.

At full output, the solar installation is expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 700 homes annually. The system feeds directly into the municipal grid, contributing to the City of Long Beach’s broader sustainability and carbon reduction commitments. Combined with the more efficient HVAC infrastructure, the venue anticipates a substantial reduction in overall energy consumption year over year.

“This $33 million infrastructure transformation at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center demonstrates our city’s unwavering commitment to environmental leadership and fiscal responsibility,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By modernizing this iconic waterfront facility with cutting-edge HVAC systems and transforming our roof into a solar power plant, we’re not only reducing operational costs for taxpayers — we’re generating clean energy that powers hundreds of Long Beach homes. This project exemplifies how we can upgrade our public assets to serve today’s needs while building a more sustainable future for generations of Long Beach residents.”

“The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center has always been a cornerstone venue in our portfolio, and this infrastructure transformation reinforces our commitment to sustainable venue operations across North America,” said Josh Kritzler, president, North American venues & content for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “Projects like this demonstrate how our venues can partner with municipalities to modernize older facilities while simultaneously advancing environmental goals. The combination of energy-efficient systems and renewable energy generation sets a benchmark for the entire industry, proving that convention centers can be both operationally excellent and environmentally responsible.”

The LBCEC hosts hundreds of events annually, including the Long Beach Grand Prix, major conventions, and entertainment productions. As a city-owned facility, the center’s infrastructure improvements reflect a long-term commitment by the City of Long Beach to modernize its public assets, reduce operating costs, and invest in a more sustainable future for the community.

“This project represents a transformative moment for the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. By replacing critical infrastructure that has served us for decades and adding a substantial solar installation, we’re not just modernizing the facility, we’re establishing a new operational standard for convention centers nationwide,” said Robert Smit, general manager of the LBCEC for Legends Global. “Guests will benefit from improved climate control and reliability, while the City of Long Beach gains a venue that actively contributes clean energy back to the community. It’s an investment that will pay dividends for generations.”

The Raleigh Convention Center, as part of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, is pleased to announce the promotion of Lori Shumpert to Director of Events.  

Shumpert joined the Raleigh Convention Center as an Event Manager in 2022 and was promoted to Senior Event Manager in 2025. She brings over 18 years of valuable experience spanning large-scale event management, premium services, and venue operations. Lori’s skill in managing complex events and leading teams, with a focus on mentoring and developing staff, elevates the Raleigh Convention Center’s commitment to exceptional client and guest experiences. This serves the Raleigh Convention Center well as it prepares to welcome a full schedule of guests in 2026 and move towards the coming expansion.  

“Lori’s collaborative leadership and expertise are a major asset to this team. Her ability to think strategically paired with her meticulous attention to detail are invaluable for our mission to provide planners, attendees, and partners with a great experience” said Kerry Painter, Executive Director of The Complex.   

Lori is an experienced leader in the event industry, having worked venues and organizations around the country before joining the Raleigh Convention Center in 2022. She is an active member of IAVM, having most recently served as the co-chair of the 2025 IAVM Super Regional in Raleigh. Lori will be attending and speaking at IAVM’s 2026 Super Regional conference this April.   

“I’m excited to lead this great team of event professionals and to continue providing our clients with exceptional moments,” said Shumpert. “We’re constantly striving to reach new heights in customer satisfaction and operational excellence. I’m eager to keep this great momentum we have as our venue grows and we continue to offer more, bigger, and better space and moments for event planners.” 

She began her new role on April 4. 

The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has launched a new “Javits on the Hudson” brand campaign to commemorate its 40th anniversary. The campaign also marks one year since Joyce Leveston, CMM, CVP, became the convention center’s first female CEO. 

“This brand refresh is about showing the world who we are — a launchpad of innovation powered by some of the most talented and skilled workforce in the industry,” said Leveston.  

Over 10% of the Javits Center team has been working at the venue for more than 20 years. “That kind of continuity speaks to something deeper than a workplace; it reflects a shared sense of purpose and pride in what Javits represents,” said Leveston. With this campaign, she said, “we’re bringing that story forward — placing our people at the center and ensuring that as we look ahead, we remain grounded in the values and spirit that have defined us for the past four decades.” 

Photo courtesy of Javits Center

Javits Center’s history is one of progress, undergoing multiple renovations and expansions since opening its doors in 1986. With each update, the Center has increased its space and efficiency. It is LEED certified, outfitted with bird-friendly glass, topped by a nearly seven-acre green roof with solar panels and a one-acre rooftop farm. Joining the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge in 2021 further cemented their reputation as a leader in sustainability. 

“It was time to make sure the world knew what a center for inspiration Javits is on the global stage,” said Leveston. 

After assembling her team — hiring the Center’s first ever director of marketing, along with a new Agency of Record (AOR) — Leveston got to work establishing her vision for the campaign. 

“We wanted to make sure we are highlighting our best features like our waterfront location, our extensive sustainability initiatives, our relationship to our community and, of course, our people; all while holding on to our legacy as a New York icon,” said Leveston. 

Javits on the Hudson 

She described the colors chosen for the brand campaign as: Hudson Blue, representing Javits’ location on the waterfront; Farm Green, symbolizing their many sustainability initiatives; and Golden Yellow, complementing the signature trademark Javits Golden Apple. 

The branding also includes new graphic elements: a wave to represent the Hudson River, dots to mimic the pattern on Javits’ bird-friendly glass, forward-facing arrows to showcase the Center’s future mindset, and an NYC tag to honor their home city. 

Leveston also explained that the Javits Center’s brand identity is led by four messaging pillars — 

1. A “Center for Inspiration” with a flexible campus that supports world-class events and experiences across industries. 
2. A place where “Connections Turn Into Movements” as gatherings spark new ideas, collaborations, and cultural moments are cemented. 
3. Fueled by “People-Powered Excellence” — a workforce and community that power the success of every event and experience. 
4. Where “Sustainability Meets Heart” as a national leader in sustainable operations, from the green roof habitat to energy and waste initiatives. 

She emphasized that, “The golden apple remains at the heart of our brand because it represents the core of the Javits Center spirit. 

“Javits Center has stood tall in support of New York for generations, both as an economic catalyst and as a community support system through defining moments like the Covid-19 pandemic and 9/11,” she said. “That spirit begins and endures with our people.” 

Leveston’s First Year 

Photo courtesy of Javits Center

More than anything, Leveston’s first year at the helm of Javits Center “has been an exercise in vision over execution.” This role required a change in perspective. 

“My responsibility now is to define where we’re going, not just how we perform,” she said. “That means investing deeply in our people — through training, certifications, mentorship, and practicing emotional intelligence — so they are equipped to carry that vision forward.” 

Looking back on the past year, she reflected on lessons learned: “Transformation isn’t just about strategy or design — it’s about people. When you invest in your team, trust their expertise, give them a voice, and bring them along with purpose and transparency, you don’t just refresh a brand — you strengthen the foundation for which it stands.” 

She added, “What made this moment especially meaningful was that we weren’t building something new in a vacuum — we were shaping the next chapter of a 40-year legacy.” 

Javits’ Next Chapter 

In the coming year, the convention center will be introducing first-of-its-kind technology and becoming the first U.S. venue to introduce carbon insetting that will help them meet their ambitious Net-Zero Carbon Events Pledge. 

As Leveston put it, “The future of Javits is about leadership — setting a higher standard for what our industry can be and delivering on it every day.” 

New arena officially named Continental Coliseum; 15-year agreement begins with expected opening for 2028-29 Thunder season

Rendering of OKC Continental Coliseum. Photo courtesy of venue.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Continental Resources today jointly announced a 15-year naming rights partnership for Continental Coliseum, the new state-of-the-art arena rising in downtown Oklahoma City. Demolition of the site is nearing completion, and the construction team will begin mobilizing soon. Continental Coliseum is targeted to open in late summer 2028, ushering in a new era for sports and entertainment in Oklahoma City. The Thunder will continue to play at Paycom Center until the new venue opens.

“We’re grateful to expand our partnership with Continental Resources and for their belief in our organization and in the future of Oklahoma City,” said Clayton I. Bennett, chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder. “We really wanted an Oklahoma partner for this transitional moment in the history of our city. We are proud to align with an organization that embodies the resilience, ambition, and spirit that define our state. As a company founded and built in Oklahoma, Continental shares our deep roots and enduring commitment to this state. Continental Coliseum will stand as a lasting symbol of that shared commitment — a place where our fans, our city, and our state unite to create unforgettable moments for generations.”

Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Continental Resources is the largest privately held oil and natural gas producer in the world.

“Continental could not be more proud to partner with the Thunder in this next chapter. The Thunder is a world-class organization that represents the very best of Oklahoma,” said Harold Hamm, founder & chairman emeritus of Continental Resources. “When the Thunder came to Oklahoma City, they changed the way this state saw itself. They proved that even a small market can dream big, compete with anyone, and win with heart and grit. That same spirit has defined Continental from the beginning. We’re proud to call Oklahoma home.”

The new arena name takes effect immediately and will be reflected on current construction fencing, future exterior and interior venue signage throughout the building, and the elevated partnership will include expanded community initiatives focused on advancing literacy and education across Oklahoma. Many of Continental’s existing partnership assets, including the Continental Orb, will continue as well.

“This partnership builds on a strong, long-standing relationship rooted in shared values and a shared vision for Oklahoma City,” said Will Syring, vice president of Corporate Partnerships for the Thunder. “What we’ve accomplished together to date made this a natural next step. This expanded collaboration goes beyond naming rights; it represents a meaningful commitment to community investment, including support for literacy initiatives that will benefit Oklahomans across our state.”

“There are many parallels between the Thunder and Continental Resources – values like fierce competition, innovation, and a relentless commitment to performing at our very best,” said Doug Lawler, president and CEO of Continental Resources. “Both organizations are constantly exploring for the very best talent and creating environments where people can compete, innovate, and win. This elevated partnership with the Thunder is a natural fit, and we look forward to welcoming Oklahomans and visitors from around the world to the Continental Coliseum for many years to come.”

Continental Coliseum will host a variety of events beyond basketball. From top touring artists to family shows to national sporting events, the venue will be a top destination in the region for live experiences.

In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters approved construction of a new, City-owned arena, now named Continental Coliseum. Under the terms of the Thunder’s arena agreement with the City, the team has the ability to negotiate a naming rights agreement. Designed by MANICA Architecture and built by Flintco-Mortenson, Continental Coliseum promises to be one-of-a-kind; unique and transformative for Oklahoma’s capital city and serve as a catalyst for the city’s ongoing economic and cultural renaissance.

“Continental Coliseum is so unique and evokes a sense of pride in the strength and resilience of our community,” Bennett said. “The name represents the spirit of competition and excellence. We’re thrilled for the Thunder, Continental Resources, the city, and every citizen who voted yes for the future of Oklahoma City.”