The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) announced the nomination of Adam Cook, CVE for Second Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. Cook will become a senior officer and serve a four-year term, taking on the Chairman position in 2024-2025.
Cook currently serves as Director of Tacoma Venues & Events (TVE) where he is responsible for leading the operations and management of the City’s public assembly facilities. TVE manages renowned venues, including the Tacoma Dome (5,000-23,000 capacity); the Greater Tacoma Convention Center (119,000 sq.ft.); Cheney Stadium, home of the Tacoma Rainiers; and the historic Pantages and Rialto Theaters, and Theatre on the Square.
“Adam is a great choice to lead our beloved association,” stated Brad Mayne, CVE, IAVM President and CEO. “His IAVM volunteer work has been stellar, and he has always focused on what is best for the collective team, both in his career and as a servant leader for our IAVM members.
Cook currently serves on the Venue Management School (VMS) Board of Regents. He has previously served on IAVM’s Governance, Arenas, and Membership committees, as a member of its Board of Directors, and as a part of Region 4’s leadership.
“The IAVM Board of Directors exist to bring benefits to our members,” said Eric D. Hart, CVE, IAVM Chair of the Board. “With this in mind, the Leadership Development Committee completed an extensive review of the applicants and recommended Adam for this important leadership position. Adam brings over 20 years of industry experience to the role and has served in a variety of capacities within the Association. I have had the honor of knowing and working with Adam for many years and look forward to his tenure on the Executive Committee in helping guide IAVM over the coming years.”
Adam has led sports and entertainment venues across North America for more than 20 years. His experience includes serving as Deputy Director for TVE, Vice President of Business Operations for Seafair (Seattle, WA), Vice President and General Manager at the Rose Quarter (Portland, OR), Venue Director and General Manager at Edmonton Expo Centre and Rexall Place (Edmonton, AB, Canada), and Acting General Manager for Global Spectrum at Comcast Arena (Everett, WA).
He was named a recipient of the Venues Today Generation Next Award in 2014 and has engaged in speaking opportunities and published articles throughout the industry.
“I am incredibly honored to accept this nomination,” Cook stated. “The past two years have clearly demonstrated how critical our industry is to our communities and our culture, and how important IAVM is to the continued success of our members. My career path has been inexorably shaped by the opportunities and friendships provided through IAVM, and I am grateful to be able to pay it forward by helping lead such a dedicated group.”
IAVM members will vote electronically in June on Cook’s nomination, and if elected, he will take office in July during IAVM’s VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show, July 18-21, in Phoenix, Arizona.
