Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority Releases 2024 Annual Report
Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre and ArtsBridge Foundation recently released their joint 2024 Annual Report, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Cobb Galleria Centre. Since opening in 1994, Cobb Galleria Centre has generated $4 billion in economic impact on Cobb County and the state of Georgia.
In 2024 alone, Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre produced a total of 392 events and performances with attendance of 434,000. Thousands of students attended field trips hosted by ArtsBridge Foundation – the arts education outreach arm of the Cobb Energy Centre – while ArtsBridge’s Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards won a sixth Southeast Emmy® Award.
In 2024, Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Centre operations supported 1,050 jobs and generated approximately $158 million in overall economic impact for Cobb County and the state of Georgia, based on an economic impact study performed by an independent consulting firm. Approximately $7.2 million in sales, income, local option, hotel/motel and liquor by the drink taxes are directly attributable to events held at the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Centre.
At the end of 2024, Michele Swann stepped down as General Manager and CEO of the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Centre and ArtsBridge Foundation, a role she held since 1995. The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority announced Charles Beirne as her successor. Beirne will lead the long-anticipated renovation and expansion of the Cobb Galleria Centre, which begins later this year. The expansion project is expected to be completed in 2027.
To read more, visit https://cobbgalleria.com/about-us/annual-report/.
Hayley Nath Named IAVM’s 2025 Outstanding Volunteer Service Award Winner
IAVM is proud to announce Hayley Nath as the recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Volunteer Service Award, recognizing her exceptional commitment, leadership, and service to the association and the broader venue management industry.
The Outstanding Volunteer Service Award is presented annually to one IAVM member whose volunteerism exemplifies the values of the association: Integrity, Service, Safety, Education, Advocacy, and People First. The award honors individuals whose contributions make a tangible impact through innovation, relationship building, and advancing the future of venues and the professionals who lead them.
Nath, a committed leader within Region 6, has demonstrated unwavering dedication to IAVM through her role as a state representative and a passionate advocate for venues across Oklahoma. She has been instrumental in strengthening member engagement, delivering valuable educational content, supporting Amphitheaters & Fairgrounds sector, and amplifying underrepresented voices within the industry.
“Hayley is being recognized with the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award for her exceptional contributions to IAVM, Region 6, and in support of venues across Oklahoma,” said Phil Costa, CVP, and Naz Sabripour, CEM, CVP, Co-Chairs of IAVM’s Awards & Recognition Committee. “Through her role as a state representative, she enhanced engagement, built relationships, and provided valuable resources, all while supporting the Amphitheaters & Fairgrounds Sector and amplifying underrepresented voices. Her dedication to planning conferences, creating educational content, and advocating for others has made a lasting impact on the industry.”
Nath’s commitment to service extends beyond her official roles—her leadership has inspired others, built community, and created new pathways for collaboration and professional development within IAVM.
Nath will be honored at the VenueConnect 2025 Annual Conference & Trade Show, taking place July 28–31 in New Orleans, LA.
San Diego Convention Center Expands Lactation Support with New Mamava Pods
The San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) unveiled a new suite of Mamava lactation pods. The modern, freestanding spaces advance the facility’s commitment to serving the needs of all convention guests, especially during large-scale events that draw tens of thousands of attendees daily.
“These additions reflect our focus on providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone who walks through our doors,” said Rip Rippetoe, President and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center. “By expanding and enhancing our lactation accommodations, we’re meeting the needs of our diverse event community, including exhibitors who often have limited time away from their booths.”
Augmenting two existing Mothers Lounges, both on the ground level, the four new Mamava pods will be available on all three levels of the Convention Center to offer convenient options for guests and workers alike. Each pod is equipped with easy-to-clean surfaces, convenient power outlets, and secure, app-enabled entry. Parents can use the free Mamava app to find the pods and Mothers Lounges, and to open the pods using the app.
“This partnership, sparked by our presence at the SHRM Annual Conference, reflects a shared commitment to supporting working parents,” said Sascha Mayer, cofounder of Mamava. “We believe all breastfeeding parents deserve a dignified place to pump or feed a baby distraction-free—anywhere, anytime. The San Diego Convention Center is helping normalize breastfeeding and expand equitable access to lactation support for the next generation.”
A ribbon-cutting event took place July 2 to introduce and celebrate the new pods. Guests included leadership from SDCC; San Diego Tourism Authority; Mamava; and the UC Health Milk Bank, a non-profit milk bank that opened in 2020 to serve vulnerable babies across the region.
“As San Diego leads the way in human milk science and innovation, the addition of Mamava pods to the Convention Center is another step toward building a community that actively supports families and promotes public health,” said Alison Wolf, Executive Director of the UC Health Milk Bank.
Six Named to Omaha Business Hall of Fame, Enshrined in Museum Exhibit
A banker, a convention center manager, a real estate couple and cousins behind the “Omaha Steaks” brand are entering the Greater Omaha Chamber’s Business Hall of Fame.
The 2025 inductees represent the “highest caliber of entrepreneurial leadership, civic dedication and transformative impact” on Nebraska’s largest city, according to a chamber statement.
They are: Roger Dixon, president and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA); Todd and Mary Heistand, owners of NuStyle Development Corp.; Chris Murphy, executive chair of First Westroads Bank, and Bruce and Todd Simon of Omaha Steaks.
The vision, dedication and service of each of the hall-of-famers has had a profound influence on their city, said Heath Mello, Omaha Chamber president and CEO.
“Each of these honorees exemplifies what it means to have pride in your community and commit yourself to make a difference,” said Mello.
The Omaha Business Hall of Fame started in 1993 as part of the chamber’s centennial celebration and has continued. This year’s honorees are to be formally inducted at an Aug. 20 gala at the Holland Performing Arts Center.
Proceeds help support the chamber’s foundation and efforts to develop the next generation of local business professionals, the chamber said. Inductees become part of the permanent exhibit at the Durham Museum.
Honorees
Joining MECA in 2000, Roger Dixon’s goal was to build Omaha’s premier arena and convention center, according to a chamber statement. In addition to the CHI Health convention center, which is being expanded, Dixon has led operations at the Charles Schwab Field and The RiverFront tri-park system. He has announced his retirement at the end of 2025.
High school sweethearts Todd and Mary Heistand own the longstanding NuStyle, whose team has reshaped Omaha’s urban core housing landscape via conversion of old buildings including the Duo (former Central Park Plaza), the Atlas (Creighton University Medical Center) and? the Breakers (a power plant).
Chris and wife Betsy purchased First Westroads in 1990, and for 17 years it has received the highest rating from Bauer Financial. Chris Murphy currently is on the Creighton University board of directors and has served in leadership roles of entities including the chamber, Children’s Hospital and foundation, Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben.
Bruce Simon was a fifth-generation family owner of Omaha Steaks, where he served as president and CEO until his passing in 2021. He was active on boards of numerous organizations including the Omaha Performing Arts Society, Boys and Girls Clubs and American Meat Institute. He and Todd are cousins.
Todd Simon, a fifth-generation owner of Omaha Steaks, joined Omaha steaks about 40 years ago and currently serves as board chair. He has served on several boards, including Omaha Community Foundation and Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. He and wife Betiana were named Humanitarians of the Year by Inclusive Communities.
Welcome to Our Newest Members
Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in June 2025. 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.
Liz Abren, Modernfold, Inc., DORMA, Greenfield, IN
Stino Adams, Four One, a division of Willwork Global Services, Orlando, FL
Geoff Allen, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Jennifer Allen, Sodexo Live!, Chicago, IL
Asma Ansari, City of Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Noelle Atwood, Trilith Live, Fayetteville, GA
Gillian Behnke, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Gary Bialk, Series Seating, Miami, FL
John Bisignano, Four One, a division of Willwork Global Services, Orlando, FL
Adarion Bivins, Orpheum Theatre Group, Memphis, TN
Romel Blackson, Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts, Largo, MD
Chaston Bullock, Lincoln County Civic Center, Brookhaven, MS
Steve Burgess, Series Seating, Miami, FL
Aryana Burkett, EverBank Stadium & Daily’s Place, Jacksonville, FL
Corey Burns, Utah State Fairpark & Event Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Maddie Burns, 1861 Club, Hutchinson, KS
Vee Butler, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
Daniel Christenson, St. Nick’s Christmas Lighting & Decor, La Palma, CA
Vincent Chung, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
Nicki Claeys, Utah State Fairpark & Event Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Gabe Clendenen, Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN
Kathryn Coleman, Brookshire Grocery Arena, Bossier City, LA
Morgan Conners, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Amarillo, TX
Connor Cummings, Paycom Center, Edmond, OK
Mandy Davis, Canadian County Expo Authority, El Reno, OK
Maci Deaton, Three Rivers Campus, Kennewick, WA
Bill Deiter, AECOM Hunt, Phoenix, AZ
Joseph DeLaronde, Huntington Place, Detroit, MI
Wendy Denman, University of North Texas Coliseum, Denton, TX
Hayley DeVilbiss, McWane-Tyler Pipe, Tyler, TX
Stacy Dorsey, ATG Entertainment – San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Andrea Dreyer, Advanced Security Technologies, Closter, NJ
Maddie Duffy, Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Michela Dwyer, Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
Frank Escobar, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Amarillo, TX
Kevin Estrela, HappyBelly Vending & Merch Management, Royal Oak, MI
Cibele Ferraz, Sonco Worldwide, Capitol Heights, MD
Sierra Fritz, Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
Dillon Fryer, Salt Palace Convention Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Cameron Fujii, South San Francisco Conference Center, South San Francisco, CA
Cindy Gabriel, Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, TX
Alycia Garcia, Utah State Fairpark & Event Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Gilberto Garcia, Southwestern Community College District, Chula Vista, CA
Jared Garon, Canada Life Place, London, ON, Canada
Ryan Gibson, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), Charlotte, NC
Holly Gildner, Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo, MI
Gary Gillespie, Phoenix Suns, Phoenix, AZ
Alli Giza, Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
Ricky Gonzales, Trilith Live, Fayetteville, GA
Alison Greer, Gas South District, Duluth, GA
Sean Griffin, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View, CA
Sherill Gross, Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts, Largo, MD
Gabby Gunn, Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Patrick Hajduk, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, San Francisco, CA
Becky Hancock, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
Julie Hawk, Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts, Largo, MD
Paul Hegarty, Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
Megan Henderson, Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts, Largo, MD
Christiana Hernandez, Trail Drive Management Corp./Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX
Taylor Hickman, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
Matthew Hird, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
Natalie Hisczak, Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
Jourdan Holden, Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts, Largo, MD
Collette Ingalls, atVenu, San Clemente, CA
Novella Jackson, Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts, Largo, MD
Waraporn Jaikhamsuk, Mabee Center/Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK
Jason Jody, League One Volleyball, Colorado Springs, CO
Stephanie Keller, Nickerson Arena Curtains, Bay Shore, NY
Jesse Kelly, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
Joe Knopp, Pebble, Chicago, IL
Peter Krahenbuhl, Privv Inc., Scottsdale, AZ
Tracy Lawler, JGL Consultants, Princeton, NJ
Norman Lee, Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts, Largo, MD
Madeline Masamba, Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
Matteo Maximilian, Modus, Park City, UT
Kelli McCaffery, Utah State Fairpark & Event Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Elizabeth McCaslin, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Nashville, TN
Kayla McClure, Joffe Emergency Services, Los Angeles, CA
Erica McGarry, Southwestern Community College District, Chula Vista, CA
Karagan McGlauflin, Cross Insurance Center – OVG, Bangor, ME
Danny Medina, Sodexo Live!, Winter Garden, FL
Mike Mitchell, Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, TX
Alexandra Morrell, Agua Fria High School District, Avondale, AZ
Eric Mowrey, Smart City Networks, Las Vegas, NV
Larry Mullenax, Utah State Fairpark & Event Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Mashari Nassar, Walter P Moore, Dallas, TX
Michelle Nezart, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Thomas Nierman, Union Station Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Billy Nixon, Four One, a division of Willwork Global Services, Orlando, FL
Derek O’Connor, Series Seating, Miami, FL
Jessica O’Donnell, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Kristin Orlando, New Jersey Symphony, Newark, NJ
Aaron Palmer, Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts, Largo, MD
Chaz Pando, Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
Benito Pastrana, Southwestern Community College District, Chula Vista, CA
Gregory Peddie, City of Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
Danielle Pelargos, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK
Sean Peterson, Acrisure Arena – OVG, Palm Desert, CA
An Pham, Honda Center/ocV!BE, Anaheim, CA
Andrew Progin, Cross Insurance Arena – OVG, Portland, ME
Kelvin Redmond, Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
Joshua Reyes, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas – OVG, Dallas, TX
Talema Rice, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center, Washington, DC
Sylvia Rogalla, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
Karen Rosen, Junckers Hardwood, Inc., New York, NY
Izabeth Rossi, SaskTel Centre, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Joe Rossi, Four One, a division of Willwork Global Services, Orlando, FL
Paula Rubio, Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
Jay Shiltz, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN
Alex Shirley, Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts, Largo, MD
Kim Shugart, Three Rivers Campus, Kennewick, WA
Jennifer Shuler, Trilith Live, Fayetteville, GA
Jason Simmons, Trilith Live, Fayetteville, GA
Chris Skrzypek, MiEN Company, Grand Rapids, MI
Stephanie Slusser, Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL
Ebony Smith, Lisner Auditorium, Washington, DC
Lawanda Spence, Prince George’s Community College Center for Performing Arts, Largo, MD
Acadia Stewart, Cross Insurance Center – OVG, Bangor, ME
Lisa Stratton, Trilith Live, Fayetteville, GA
Katelynn Street, The Fabulous Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO
Kevin Sutton, Saenger Theatre Pensacola, Pensacola, FL
Emma TenBrink, Texas A&M Athletics, College Station, TX
Aaron Thompson, Blumenthal Arts, Charlotte, NC
Halie Thompson, Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, Port Charlotte, FL
Michelle Tremmel, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Nathan Truitt, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View, CA
Megan Turner, Gas South District, Duluth, GA
Amanda Vaiden White, Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA
Melissa Vasalos, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
Sam Voisin, Chattanooga Convention Center, Chattanooga, TN
Kelsey Watson, PHX Arena, Phoenix, AZ
Maya Weatherholt, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Amarillo, TX
Gabriel Weisz, Listo, Los Angeles, CA
John Williams, Daphne Civic Center, Daphne, AL
Travon Williams, PHX Arena, Tempe, AZ
David Yerg, Momentus Technologies, Saint Louis, MO
Jeremy Young, RockForce, Brentwood, TN
Robert Zamora, Agua Fria High School District, Avondale, AZ
Angelica Zamundio, Trail Drive Management Corp./Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX