The Board of Directors of the East Montgomery County Improvement District is excited to announce the sale and delivery of just over $159 million in sales tax revenue bonds for the construction of the district’s 210,000 sq. ft. convention center and 813-space attached parking garage at the Valley Ranch Town Center in New Caney, TX.

Designed by Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock/Architects, Inc. (HHCP), the venue will feature a 55,000 sq. ft. ballroom/exhibit hall, nearly 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and approximately 25,000 sq. ft. of pre-function and lobby space and outdoor courtyards. The facility is large enough to hold major corporate events, trade shows, local and regional youth sporting events, consumer shows, galas, wedding receptions, graduations, proms and other private events.

The plans also include space for a future full-service conference hotel to connect to the conference center and parking garage.
The Board selected SpawGlass as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) on the project and local subcontractors whenever possible. Construction on the facility is expected to begin in January.

“We have worked tirelessly with the architects, engineers, research groups, and Valley Ranch developer, Signorelli Company, to ensure the center’s location and nearby future amenities will draw visitors and additional restaurants and retail, a layout that is top notch and implements fantastic ideas from other conference centers, and programming that meets the needs of regional groups seeking space for their events,” stated Frank McCrady, EMCID President and CEO. “So far, the Board has already approved an entertainment project, Lumos Social, that will be located near the convention center, and we are in talks with several higher-end restaurant brands that would not have initially had interest in our area but do now expressly because of proximity to a conference center. Our community will also get the benefit of having those brands to dine from.”

The Board began due diligence in 2021 studying various conference centers and engaging Hunden Strategic Partners for a market analysis and feasibility study. Hunden performed an economic, demographic and tourism analysis, as well as a market analysis for the demand for convention, event, and meeting space. Hunden determined the greater Houston area is lacking multi-use space that can accommodate groups that are unable to host events downtown due to rental rates and hotel prices and that demand is great for flat-floor events and court sports.

Hunden expects the project to generate over the next 30 years nearly $1.73 billion in net new spending within the boundaries of the district, $775 million in net new earnings, and more than 500 direct and indirect full-time equivalent jobs at stabilization. The project should generate about $35.1 million in sales, hotel, and venue taxes to the district.

Dan Graveline, CVE, retired executive director and CEO of the Georgia World Congress Center, Duluth, who had a major impact on the Atlanta skyline and the venue industry, died Dec. 18 at his home in Georgia.

Graveline was the first executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, serving in that position for 33 years, from 1976 to 2009.

Dan Graveline was GWCCA’s first executive director; a position he held for more than 30 years. (Courtesy of GWCCA)

“Under Dan’s remarkable stewardship, the Georgia World Congress Center transformed from a single building convention center into a world-class campus that brought us the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park,” said Kevin Duvall, CEO of GWCC today. “His vision and dedication laid the foundation for an era of growth and innovation, elevating Atlanta into one of the nation’s premier destinations and welcoming millions to our city. I had the privilege of working alongside Dan for several years, witnessing firsthand his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

In an interview with Maria Saporta of The Saporta Report when he retired in 2009, Graveline shared that Centennial Park was one of his favorite projects.

“The park to me is one of the most unique and interesting things I’ve ever done,” Graveline told Saporta. “What a great asset that has turned out to be. It doesn’t make a dime. But it has generated billions of dollars of development. It’s become the center of gravity.”

“Every time it tends to get a little monotonous, something new pops up,” Graveline added.

Frank Poe, who officially retires from his post as CEO of GWCC at the end of this month, knew Graveline both as a peer—competing for trade show business—and as a mentor when he moved to Atlanta upon Graveline’s retirement to take his place in April 2010. The Congress Center Authority wisely kept Graveline under contract for a year after his retirement in an advisory role to Poe.

“He introduced me to stakeholders I needed to know,” Poe said. “It was a mentor/mentee relationship. It was a valuable opportunity to share that time.”

Poe had always admired the campus Graveline built in Atlanta. “The Congress Center was the gold standard to the rest of us,” Poe said. “In my perspective, he was the embodiment of a businessman who had a vision of how he saw the campus should develop.”

He had the skill to sell that vision to the public and politicians.

Graveline joined IAVM in 1968. He achieved his CVE in 1978 and served as chair of the Advisory Council – IAVM Foundation from 2006 to 2011.

Dan Graveline, executive director of GWCCA for 33 years, poses with his portrait that was unveiled during GWCC’s kickoff celebration for its upcoming 50th anniversary and will be hung in a special place of honor at GWCC. (Courtesy of GWCCA)

Born on July 1, 1941, in Toronto, Daniel Anthony Graveline Jr. grew up in the Tennessee Valley area. He paid his way through college working on ships in the Merchant Marines on the Great Lakes, becoming the youngest wheelsman by the age of 19.

He graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, where he was a student from 1962 to 1969, working on ships in the summer and taking winter classes when the lakes were frozen over. He also served as a drill sergeant in the Reserves while working toward his bachelor’s degree in business and his master’s in education.

His journey in the hospitality industry began as an assistant director at the Indiana Convention Center, before moving on to the LA Convention Center. He was asked to serve as the first executive director of the future Georgia World Congress Center in July of 1976. Over the next 33 years, he grew a single-building convention center into a sprawling campus, including the Georgia Dome and Centennial Olympic Park, transforming Atlanta into a world-class destination for live events, conventions, and entertainment. He was known for his servant leadership—always putting others before himself—as well as his grace under pressure, managing multiple crises from severe tornado damage at the Georgia Dome to the bombing during the 1996 Olympic Games.

Saporta reported that when making his decision to retire, Graveline said he had to ask himself the question: “If I stay a little longer, could I do one more thing? But there’s no end to that.”

There have been many more things, including a new football stadium built next door and now a master plan for an entertainment district on the GWCC campus, Poe said.

Cliff and Susan Wallace, left, met with Susan and Dan Graveline frequently, including in August of this year. He kept in touch with the industry.

However, Graveline decided that instead of waiting for that next project, whatever it might be, it was a good time to retire. “We did accomplish a few things on my watch,” Graveline told Saporta, adding it had been a satisfying and rewarding career with lots of fun. “It’s not so much what I have done for this place. It’s what this place has done for me.”

It was particularly poignant to Poe when he learned of Graveline’s death because, two months earlier, they had unveiled a portrait of Graveline that will be hung in a special niche at GWCC in the near future. The dedication was during the launch of the 50th-anniversary celebration of the first building on the GWCC campus, the one Graveline built.

“It was a moment in time that we could celebrate him and all the folks that were originally involved in the first facility that was built that launched Atlanta and the state of Georgia into the convention trade show world,” Poe said. “It was a special night. It was one I know he enjoyed and appreciated.”

To his family, he was the Christmas Day chef renowned for his signature biscuits and gravy. He was an avid storyteller, with one-liners that could pack an unexpected punch. He was never without a smile, and his biggest smiles were reserved for his house on Lake Lanier—he loved fishing, being out on the boat, and passing the day by the water.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, with whom he shared 43 beautiful years; his daughter, Alex Graveline Miller, born in 1989; son-in-law Lee Miller; and a future grandson due in March 2025. Survivors also include his sister, Martha Gaut, and her husband Charlie; niece Emily and nephew Michael; brother Jon; brother Thomas and nephew TJ; brother Matt and his wife DeeDee; niece Savannah Huddleston and her husband Nick; brother-in-law Michael Highsmith and his wife Jill; niece Lily and nephew Jackson; sister-in-law Julie Hulslander and nephew Logan; and brother-in-law Steve Jones.

Arena’s Annual Economic Impact to the City in 2024 Reaches $55.8 Million, More Than Twice the Estimated $21.5 million in 2016

The Greenville Arena District (GAD), owner and operator of Bon Secours Wellness Arena, a cornerstone of entertainment and economic vitality in the Upstate, proudly announces its cumulative economic impact of more than $2 billion since it opened 25 years ago.

The arena’s annual net new economic impact on the City of Greenville has more than doubled from $21.5 million to $55.8 million since the previous economic impact study in 2016. Conventions, Sports & Leisure International (CSL) conducted the study as part of the master planning that’s underway.

Key findings of the CSL report include:

• City of Greenville: The arena, including construction and ongoing operations, has driven $482 million in cumulative net new direct spending, contributing $875 million in total economic output. Over 750 full-time-equivalent (FTE) jobs have been supported, generating $250 million in personal earnings.
• Greenville County: The impact extends to $468 million in net new direct spending, yielding $850 million in total output and creating 760 FTE jobs, resulting in $243 million in personal earnings.
• State of South Carolina: Statewide, the arena has accounted for $402 million in net new direct spending, leading to $827 million in total output and 1,150 FTE jobs, with $284 million in personal earnings.

The study also highlights the arena’s success in attracting more than 600,000 attendees annually across concerts, sports, and community events, with notable visitor spending outside the facility on lodging, dining, and retail. This economic activity benefits local businesses, supports infrastructure development, and enhances the region’s cultural vibrancy.

“We are extremely proud to contribute to the prosperity of Greenville and the entire Upstate by generating revenue, creating jobs, enhancing the quality of life, and helping position this vibrant destination as a premier hub for live events, concerts, and sports,” said Bon Secours Wellness Arena’s General Manager Beth Paul. “Our goal is to be an arena deeply connected to the community of which we are fortunate to be a part and seeing the economic impact grow so significantly is a testament to this commitment.”

In its comprehensive analysis, CSL’s “net new “ methodology accounted for leakage (spending occurring outside of the studied jurisdictions) and displacement (funds that would have otherwise been spent within the jurisdiction even without the arena). The resulting metrics represent the net positive contributions that would not have otherwise occurred without the presence of the arena to the economies of the city, county and state.

Economic impacts across places like the city, county, and state can’t be added together because the same spending might be counted more than once. For example, if someone from another part of Greenville County eats at a Greenville restaurant before attending an arena event, a portion of that spending would be new money for Greenville but not as much for the county because that person might have spent that same money elsewhere in the county had they stayed closer to home and not instead gone to the arena to attend the event.

Since its opening in 1998, the arena has hosted more than 12 million fans and nearly 3,000 commercial and community events, including high-profile attractions like the Southeastern Conference women’s basketball tournament. In 2024, this tournament generated an estimated $16 million in economic impact over five days, marking it as the City of Greenville’s largest event to date.

The arena is self-supporting with a dedicated administrative team of 32 full-time professionals. An iconic fixture of Greenville’s skyline for decades, it remains one of the busiest venues of its size, hosting approximately 130 ticketed events annually alongside 75 to 100 community and non-profit events. In 2024, events at the arena resulted in approximately 28,000 hotel room nights from overnight visitors to the city.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena is located at 650 N. Academy St. in downtown Greenville, SC. For more information about the Greenville Arena District visit greenvillearenadistrict.com or bonsecoursarena.com and follow @bswarena across all social platforms.

VenuWorks is delighted to announce the appointment of Darren Stearns as the new Executive Director overseeing its Cedar Rapids facilities, including the Alliant Energy PowerHouse, the historic Paramount Theatre, McGrath Amphitheatre, and the ImOn Ice Arena Cedar Rapids. Mr. Stearns brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in venue management to his new role and is poised to enhance the vibrant cultural landscape of Cedar Rapids.

“We are thrilled to welcome Darren Stearns to our team and are confident in his ability to lead our Cedar Rapids facilities to new heights,” said Michael Silva, Chief Operating Officer of VenuWorks. “His extensive experience and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our mission to empower communities through exceptional venue management.”

With over 18 years of expertise in arena, theater, and convention center management, Darren Stearns has excelled in budget development, staff oversight, and driving guest satisfaction. His leadership experience at venues such as the BB&T Arena at Northern Kentucky University and the Old National Events Plaza in Evansville, IN, underscores his capability to develop innovative strategies that meet financial and operational goals.

“Darren’s extensive experience in venue management and his passion for creating unforgettable experiences make him the perfect fit for this role,” shared Steve Peters, VenuWorks Founder and CEO. “His expertise will undoubtedly elevate our venues’ standing within the community and beyond.”

Mr. Stearns is eager to collaborate with the Cedar Rapids community to bring a diverse range of high-quality events and foster a thriving cultural scene. “I am excited for this opportunity. The facilities are wonderful and everyone I met during my visit was incredibly welcoming. I look forward to working with the city of Cedar Rapids and the staff at our facilities to continue to provide great entertainment and fan experiences to the Cedar Rapids region.”

VenuWorks has built a reputation for being a trusted and innovative partner in venue management, with three decades of experience and a commitment to community enrichment. The organization’s collaborative approach ensures that each venue it manages reaches its full potential while maintaining its unique character and role within the community. Under Darren Stearns’ leadership, the Cedar Rapids facilities will continue to offer world-class experiences that stimulate economic growth and cultural enrichment.

The 2025 applications for the Education & Service and Venue Excellence awards are now open!  Winners will be honored during VenueConnect 2025 in New Orleans, LA.  We invite you to nominate an IAVM member or member venue that has exceeded expectations and risen above the rest. 

The deadline to submit applications is March 24, 2025.  The application process is extensive, and we encourage venues and organizations to create an “award team” to complete the application process as well as gather photos, etc.  Detailed instructions are found within the application itself.

Education & Service Award

The IAVM Education & Service Award recognizes member involvement through community outreach, education opportunities, mentorships, and internships that demonstrate excellence within our industry as well as giving back to the community. Some examples that have been shared include: active in high school programs and career development; offering internships for local college students within the company/venue; mentoring through community outreach or within a university setting; educational offerings to staff within the company/venue; community involvement with youth and young adults.

IAVM takes pride in its members that excel in providing their communities with an enjoyable space for all types of events and educational opportunities. Professional members, university faculty, allied companies as well as retired members are encouraged to apply. The IAVM Education & Service Award is given annually to no more than two companies/universities/venues and one individual. 

To view the criteria for Education & Service Award nominations, click here.

NOMINATE NOW →

Venue Excellence Award

The Venue Excellence Award recognizes five IAVM venues of any type within the membership which demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues. This includes but is not limited to amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, complexes, convention centers, exhibit halls, fair/festival grounds, performing arts centers, racetracks, stadiums & university venues. IAVM takes pride in its members and member venues that excel in providing their communities with a safe and enjoyable space for all types of events and educational opportunities.

Any venue publicly or privately owned and operated, that has demonstrated excellence within the last calendar year and has at least one current employee who is an IAVM member in good standing may apply. Venues are eligible to win multiple VEAs; however, previous winners are eligible to apply in the third year following their most recent award. As an example, a venue that wins in 2024 may apply for the 2027 award.

To view the Venue Excellence Award application criteria, click here.

APPLY NOW →