Partnership includes concessions, performance dining for student-athletes and catering across Trojan Athletics

Partnership builds on BEST Crowd Management’s existing work at Legends Global venues including Barclays Center and U.S. Bank Stadium

BEST Crowd Management (“BEST”), a GardaWorld company and leading provider of crowd management and event security services, today announced a national partnership with Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands.

Under this new agreement, BEST is named the premier partner for crowd management and event security services for Legends Global’s network of North American venues which includes more than 250 arenas, stadiums, theaters, and convention centers.

BEST Crowd Management is already active at 14 Legends Global venues – including Colorado Convention Center, Minneapolis’ Target Center and U.S. Bank Stadium, and New York’s Barclays Center – and the company looks forward to providing services at additional Legends Global venues in the future.

“BEST Crowd Management is proud to partner with Legends Global and to be recognized as their premier partner for crowd management and event security services,” said Jeff Spoerndle, Chief Operating Officer at BEST Crowd Management.

“As we continue to collaborate at venues nationwide, BEST is committed to supporting Legends Global’s vision of delivering truly remarkable experiences, grounded in best-in-class customer service, attention to detail, and professionalism. With extensive experience across stadiums, arenas, convention centers, amphitheaters, and marquee venues, our team looks forward to continuing to work alongside Legends Global to ensure every attendee’s experience is secure and exceptional.”

“We are always looking for ways to strengthen safety measures and enhance the live experience for fans and staff across our venues,” said Jeff Wohlschlaeger, Senior Vice President of Managed Venues Partnerships, Legends Global. “Integrating BEST more deeply into our portfolio brings greater operational consistency, national reach, and a proven standard of excellence. Their expertise in security staffing solutions helps ensure our venues are well prepared to deliver seamless, well-coordinated events.”

The partnership underscores BEST’s unmatched ability to deliver large‑scale, high‑quality security staffing and guest experience services across a diverse portfolio of venue types for events including professional sports, major touring concerts, fan festivals, corporate conventions, esports competitions, and large‑scale civic gatherings.

BEST offers its 25,000+ employees flexible schedules, ongoing training, and career growth opportunities. The company employs its own training program designed by security and customer service experts to help employees develop the skills necessary to advance their careers in the event industry and beyond. To learn more or join the BEST team visit: best.garda.com.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in January 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.

Ileana Ajzac, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Ricardo Alfonso, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Alex Algee, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Mike Alperstein, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Jeremy Anderson-Ward, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Varshini Arza, Aim & N Graphic Solutions LLC dba Red Elephant, Lewisville, TX
Matthew Asano, 22nd DAA/Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, CA
Matthew Baca, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Todd Baker, Boise Centre, Boise, ID
Matt Barry, Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
Darren Bayliss, MetraPark, Billings, MT
Taylor Beagley, Boise Centre, Boise, ID
Trisha Beagley, Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Richard Bonnick, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, Canada
Kenneth Brown, Credit Union 1 Arena, Chicago, IL
Lester Brown, Seattle Convention Center (SCC), Seattle, WA
Molly Budd, The Fabulous Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO
Bret Burzio, The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Jessica Bush, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Vlada Bych, Credit Union 1 Arena, Chicago, IL
Ashley Caine, Dothan Civic Center & Opera House, Dothan, AL
Justin Camputaro, Marymoor Park Amphitheater, Redmond, WA
Anthony Carinci, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Katie Carroll, France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Baltimore, MD
Alejandra Casco, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
Ryan Casstevens, ABI, Inc., Sacramento, CA
James Cherry, Credit Union 1 Arena, Chicago, IL
Curtis Christofferson, Maverik Center, West Valley City, UT
Katrina Coleman, Oklahoma City Convention Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Leslie Colon, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Christopher Cook, Broadway Dallas, Dallas, TX
Dyllan Cook, Pechanga Arena San Diego, San Diego, CA
William Cornelius, Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Alex Craig, The Orion Amphitheater, Huntsville, AL
Michele Crawford, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Emma Crowe, Belmont University, Strategic Venues and Event Services, Nashville, TN
Tyler Cureton, AT&T Performing Arts Center, Dallas, TX
Jennifer Day, Mobile Convention Center, Mobile, AL
Claude Demesmin, Boise Centre, Boise, ID
Laura Derks, Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center, Arlington, TX
Kelly Diep, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Glenn Dowd, New York City Center, New York, NY
Anna Duvall, The University of Alabama, Peachtree City, GA
Jaq England, The Momentary, Bentonville, AR
Kevin Evans, Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts – OVG, Greensboro, NC
Kathryn Fairman, The Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland, OH
Christina Feinberg, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
Halley Felty, Credit Union 1 Arena, Chicago, IL
Matt Floca, The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Lena Fossett, The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Kurt Foutz, Relay, Raleigh, NC
Devan Frizzell, Mount Baker Theatre, Bellingham, WA
David Galyon, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
Jesus Garcia, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Jon Giroux, Advantage Training, Huntington Beach, CA
Rayna Gold, Van Andel Arena & DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, MI
Karen Good, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Erin Gottlieb, France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, Baltimore, MD
Rich Gould, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Rodney Graviett, Seattle Convention Center (SCC), Seattle, WA
Kelly Gream, Louisville Memorial Auditorium, Louisville, KY
Julie Groob, New York City Center, New York, NY
Ryan Grooms, St. Charles Convention Center – OVG, Saint Charles, MO
Gabrielle Grubka, Embassy of Canada in Washington DC, Washington, DC
Edward Guidero, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Tim Guillot, The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Justyne Gutierrez, Peacock Theater / L.A. Live – AEG, Los Angeles, CA
Spencer Hansen, Credit Union 1 Arena, Chicago, IL
Holly Harper, OVG Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Neil Harps, Jr., Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Lauren Henwood, Maverik Center, West Valley City, UT
Joel Hernandez, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Ilana Heyne, ABI, Inc., Sacramento, CA
Ashley Hicks, Sacramento Kings, Sacramento, CA
Teresa Highley, ExtraMile Arena, Boise, ID
Amy Hildebrandt, Boise Centre, Boise, ID
Jakki Hill, Fox Tucson Theatre, Tucson, AZ
Keiyala Hill, Credit Union 1 Arena, Chicago, IL
Don Hine, National Basketball Association, New York, NY
Jonathan Hooks, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL
Ericka Hoon, Jerome Schottenstein Center, Columbus, OH
Tasha Hudson, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Adam Hug, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA
Juan Huizar, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Valerie Imperial, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Doug Jardine, Maverik Center, West Valley City, UT
William Johniken, Toyota Center, Houston, TX
Yolande Johnson, The Fabulous Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO
Kaila Jones, Spokane Public Facilities District, Spokane, WA
Ty Kempf, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver, CO
Ryan Kessman, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Russell Kice, PHLCVB- Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, PA
Shawn Kim, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR
Bronson King, ExtraMile Arena, Boise, ID
Gage Knudson, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Inesh Krishnamurthy, Berklee Performance Center, Boston, MA
Cindy LaRoe, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Eva Yok Far Pun Leon, Hong Kong Coliseum & Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Hong Kong, China
Sonia Low, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Gabriel Maceo, Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA
Ray Mattie, Bonnetts Energy Centre, Grande Prairie, AB, Canada
Luke McDermott, Maverik Center, West Valley City, UT
Alex McNamara, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Sunbury, OH
Matthew McNeil, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Xio Mercado, The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Cassidy Montee, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
Chris Musto, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Katie Nash, Sodexo Live!, Greenville, SC
Brittany Nelson, Relay, Raleigh, NC
Leesa Oliver, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Claudia Orellana, True North Sports + Entertainment, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Gary Packan, Esports Stadium Arlington & Expo Center, Arlington, TX
Gustavo Padrino, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sunny Parmar, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Matthew Pender, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham, AL
Joe Petre, ABI, Inc., Sacramento, CA
Michelle Pierce, Maverik Center, West Valley City, UT
Jessica Porch, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Max Portillo, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Tess Prusa, Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, Kansas City, MO
Lucy Raheja, The Fox Theatre – Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Gregory Ralbovsky, Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Benjamin Ralston, Stars Labor, Henderson, NV
Lindsey Reeves, St. Charles Convention Center – OVG, Saint Charles, MO
Wade Ridley, Walton Arts Center | Walmart AMP, Fayetteville, AR
Anton Riley, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Malik Riley, Credit Union 1 Arena, Chicago, IL
Elliot Saks, Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Brandi Sally, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Nick Salvatore, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Maxwell Savage, Seaside Civic & Convention Center, Seaside, OR
Tom Schimpf, Maverik Center, West Valley City, UT
Jenna Schuster, University of North Texas Coliseum, Denton, TX
Brock Severs, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Bryson Shanklin, Relay, Raleigh, NC
Dan Sheehan, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Wing Sze Phoebe Shing, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, Hong Kong, China
Nicholas Silvestro, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
Anthony Simone, New York City Center, New York, NY
Gabe Small, Maverik Center, West Valley City, UT
Carly Snyder, ABI, Inc., Sacramento, CA
Brandon Sotelo, Will Rogers Memorial Center, Fort Worth, TX
Deepa Srinivasan, Vision Planning and Consulting (VPC), Laurel, MD
Isaac Stipp, Lewisville Grand, Lewisville, TX
Nick Stockman, Spalding, Jefferson, IA
Rachel Storley, Landers Center, Southaven, MS
Corey Talmadge, NRG Park, Houston, TX
Brenden Teczar, East Texas Baptist University, Fort Worth, TX
Sarah Thomas, Credit Union 1 Arena, Chicago, IL
Martin Thorson, JGL Consultants, Alpharetta, GA
George Tinker, Innovative – Stadium People, Flower Mound, TX
Luis Valdes, Allied Universal Event Services (AUES), Pembroke Pines, FL
Alexander Van Winkle, Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Lisa Vanadia, The Sova Company, Medina, OH
Lucie Vandiver, St. Charles Convention Center – OVG, Saint Charles, MO
Isabella Vang, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Drew VanGenderen, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Haley Venne, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Lauren Viele, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Toni Walker, The Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Rachael Weiler, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID
Chris Westover, Western Sports Park, Farmington, UT
Elaine Williams, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Amanda Jo Wilsey, Proctors Collaborative, Schenectady, NY
Kwokwai Wong, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts-Weiwuying, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Province of China
Colby Zobell, Maverik Center, West Valley City, UT

The future of venue management is evolving—and now is the time to grow with it. IAVM Online is excited to introduce two new, fully available microcredentials designed to help venue professionals build critical skills, strengthen operations, and stay ahead of industry expectations.

Whether you are focused on safety & security or sustainability, these programs deliver practical, industry-specific learning you can apply immediately.

Introduction to Venue Safety & Security

Gain a foundational understanding of safety and security principles tailored specifically to public assembly facilities. This microcredential equips professionals with the knowledge needed to support safer environments for staff, performers, and guests.

Courses:
• Risk Management in Venues
• Just Launched – Introduction to Emergency Management
• Just Launched  – Security Operations
• Just Launched – Principles of Training

Introduction to Sustainability

Sustainability is no longer optional—it is essential. This microcredential explores environmental and social responsibility in venue operations, helping professionals understand sustainability concepts, data, and decision-making frameworks relevant to today’s venues.

Courses:
• Sustainability in Public Assembly Venues
• Just Launched – Green Standards and Practices
• Just Launched – Energy Efficiency and Conservation
• Just Launched – Green Analytics

Both microcredentials are now fully available now through IAVM Online, offering flexible, on-demand learning built for busy venue professionals at every career stage.

Ready to take the next step? Explore the courses and start unlocking your potential today at https://iavmonline.org/available-courses/.

Five-Year Renewal Expands Partnership to Include Food and Beverage Operations

Legends Global and Experience Rochester today announced a contract renewal that extends Legends Global’s management and operations of the Mayo Civic Center for an additional five years, along with a new five-year agreement for food and beverage services. The renewal includes a five-year option for both venue management and F&B operations.

The expanded agreement builds on a successful partnership and positions the Mayo Civic Center for continued growth, enhanced guest experiences, and innovative culinary offerings that reinforce the center’s role as a premier meetings and events destination in the Upper Midwest.

“We’re proud of the results achieved through the collaboration between Legends Global, Experience Rochester, the Mayo Civic Center team, and the City of Rochester,” said Craig Barkdull, general manager of the Mayo Civic Center for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “With Legends’ expanded scope, we’re focused on maximizing event activity, elevating live entertainment and meetings programming, and delivering consistently exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.”

Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, Mayo Civic Center offers more than 200,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space, including Minnesota’s largest ballroom, which can seat more than 2,000 guests banquet-style. The facility also features 23 breakout rooms, a full banquet production kitchen, expansive pre-function spaces with views of the Zumbro River and downtown Rochester, and Riverfront Plaza, an outdoor reception venue.

“Mayo Civic Center plays a critical role in Rochester’s economy and downtown vitality,” said Joe Ward, president of Experience Rochester and Mayo Civic Center. “Partnering with Legends Global allows us to enhance venue operations and food and beverage service in a way that benefits our clients, guests, and community. Together, we’re focused on the next chapter of growth for Mayo Civic Center.”

Under the renewed management agreement, Legends Global will continue to oversee day-to-day operations of Mayo Civic Center, with an emphasis on operational excellence, client service, and community impact. Integrating food and beverage services under Legends Global further aligns venue operations, creating efficiencies while enhancing the overall event experience for planners, exhibitors, and attendees.

“The Mayo Civic Center is a high-performing facility with a strong reputation in the meetings and events industry,” said Dan Hoffend, executive vice president of convention centers, Legends Global. “By expanding our partnership to include food and beverage operations, we’re able to take a more holistic approach to the guest experience—combining operational expertise, culinary innovation, and service consistency to support the center’s continued success.”

Designed to meet the sophisticated production, audiovisual, and wireless requirements of today’s meeting planners, Mayo Civic Center can accommodate multiple large-scale events simultaneously. An expansion completed in 2017 significantly enhanced the center’s ability to host medical and technical conferences, large business meetings, and healthcare summits that align with Rochester’s global reputation as a hub for innovation and healthcare.