When Karina LeBlanc takes the stage at VenueConnect in Portland, OR, “the conversation is going to be about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and living a life of purpose.”

LeBlanc’s VC24 keynote address on Monday, July 29, will intertwine her experiences as an Olympian, a mother who had a near-death experience at childbirth, and a professional in women’s soccer who is currently general manager of the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League, as well as President of Thorns Operations. “I use different moments in my life to figure out who I want to be as leader, mother, and friend and how I want to exist on this earth,” she said of her style.

Into her third season in Portland, there are plenty of current discomforts to add to the list of moments, but the Olympic bronze medalist also draws from her 18-year career playing goalie in international soccer and her role as Head of Women’s Football (Soccer) for CONCACAF where she helped change the landscape for women’s sports in 41 countries in North and Central America and the Caribbean. She spent a lot of time convincing heads of state that there were “a lot of me’s in your country. Let them at it. This is an impact you can have…a why.”

Having a “why” to your life and career is important to LeBlanc. “People may see I’m an Olympic medalist, but that’s not the focus of my speech. My speech is about life, how we show up every day for ourselves and for others, and how we can reignite that superpower within ourselves of who we’re meant to be on this earth…The most important thing in life is truly living life, showing love and being loved and mattering.”

In her executive position in Portland, she works “to create a culture that I think helps people enjoy coming to work today. They feel alive in what they do. They realize it’s not about a job but part of their journey on this earth. And making sure they are impacting other people, not just doing a job. The greatest thing we can do is be of service to others. Our time on this earth is not as much about our accomplishments, but it’s the impact we can leave.”

LeBlanc and her husband moved to Portland three years ago from the Bahamas, where they spent the COVID years, and she nearly died giving birth to four-year-old Paris. It was an opportunity to be closer to “home,” which is Vancouver, B.C., where they grew up, met, and married.

Her first year with the Portland Thorns, the team won the championship; last year, they were second in the league, almost winning the shield, and this is her third year back. She had played one season for the team in 2013.

“In Portland, we’ve had a lot of transition. The team recently sold to new ownership. It’s a journey stepping into this new era. The Portland Thorns get 20,000 [attendance] every week for women’s games. We see the trajectory of women’s sports, made obvious in this year’s Final Four. Over two million walk through the doors to watch women’s soccer, which is game changing and groundbreaking.”

When VenueConnectors get to Portland, they’ll find a city where just about everybody has heard of or been to a Thorns game, she said. “It’s why I’m excited to have this conversation in Portland – to celebrate the incredible human beings and women who play in the city.”

LeBlanc promises her conversation will be specific to making the IAVM audience of venue professionals realize the benefits of being comfortable being uncomfortable. “For me, it’s bringing my authentic self to the conversation and helping people walk away feeling and thinking differently of the powers they have within themselves.”

When she retired from professional sports, LeBlanc took some good advice and went to visit businesspeople she knew, shadowing them and asking why they did what they did. “I realized quickly that in the 18 years I played soccer for my country and traveled the world, I was surrounded by like-minded people. I missed that. I needed to get back in an environment where I was surrounded by like-minded people who were connected on something bigger than themselves, even if they were selling cars.”

They weren’t selling cars, they were really helping people transport their loved ones from point A to point  B, she decided. “If you don’t know why you’re doing what you’re doing, then of course you’re not going to do it to the best of your ability. People were coasting through life. Why are people doing that? That’s why they hit snooze five times in the morning. I’m like whew, let’s go, today I get to be the best version of myself, and if I “fail,” it’s because I’m living life, not just being average. Failure hurts, it’s a gut punch, but for me, it’s an opportunity to learn more.”

A lot will happen between now and July, some of which will end up in LeBlanc’s conversation, along with significant past experiences. “Three months from now, our team will be in a completely different place. In my life, it’s ever-changing, always adapting. In life, things change quickly, rapidly. Who would have thought we’d go through a pandemic? In live arenas, people are coming more than ever but their expectations are different. The more you can get comfortable with being uncomfortable, the better you are in this thing called life.”

Introduced to soccer at age 11, after moving from the Caribbean to Canada; watching her first Olympics and deciding to become an Olympian; not making the cut at the first team she tried out for at age 14; being advised by her dad to put in the time and effort, not just count on potential … all those steps helped her in “finding my people. Feeling ignited by my people. I was goalkeeper. Very quickly I had to realize that one moment would never define me.”

If you’re comfortable and stay there, you’re stuck. “To become an Olympian, if I did what everybody else did, I would never get there. I had to surround myself with like-minded people. Do things differently. I did not want to be average.”

“Why can’t we live life where we’re staying in the best versions of ourselves rather than allowing ourselves to just be where we are,” she asks. “Every human being on this earth is meant to live in that space of their greatness.”

LeBlanc admits she loves the chaos and pressure that define the best version of her life, but someone else’s version might be to take care of people’s dogs and do it the best they can.

“I love doing these conversations because I may have the ability to impact at least one person in that audience. That they will know they are meant to live a life that is impactful, powerful and the best version of themselves.”

The best question ever from an audience member after one of her conversations was very basic — “How do I find out my why?”

Her answer: “What lights you up in life? Start living in that space and impacting the people around you. Be of service to other people and you find out what you are meant to do in this world.”

Nominations are now open for the inaugural IAVM Volunteer Service Award.

This award recognizes individuals within our association who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to furthering the goals of IAVM through volunteerism during the review period, which is August 1, 2023 – present.

Do you know someone who has made a significant impact through their volunteer efforts? We encourage you to nominate deserving individuals who have contributed to the success and growth of IAVM.

Criteria for Nomination:

• Nominees must be active members of IAVM.
• Nominees must have been an active volunteer during the period of August 1, 2023 – present
• Contributions could include committee work, event support, leadership roles, or other notable volunteer activities.

Deadline for Nominations:

Nominations will be accepted until May 15, 2024. Please ensure that all nominations are submitted by this date to be considered.

This award is a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our members. Your participation in this process will help us celebrate those who go above and beyond to make IAVM a vibrant and supportive community.
 
SUBMIT NOMINATIONS HERE

College Park Center at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is excited to announce the completion of a major project in partnership with Digital Resources, Inc. (DRI) and UberDisplays, to upgrade the video displays in the 7,000-seat arena. The collaboration utilizes cutting-edge video technology and will provide fans with an enhanced event experience.

The project includes a complete replacement of the arena’s center hung display, corners, and digital under belly, end wall, fascia, stanchion, and score table displays. Additionally, new LED displays have been installed on the broadcast table, and three entrance tunnels into the arena floor. Finally, guests will be further drawn into the action with an upgraded LED video wall and new video board marquee outside of the arena.

“As we began looking at ways to enhance the fan experience, we were looking for strategic partners to come along side us,” states Jeff Davis, CVE, executive director of College Park Center.  “We are thrilled to have DRI and UberDisplays involved.  They quickly caught the vision we had in mind, brought some new ideas to the table, and have delivered a project that transforms the experience for our guests and event sponsors.”

The project, which involved a meticulous 6-month design process, followed by 3 weeks of installation, has been met with enthusiasm from all parties. Andrew Rice, Chief Revenue Office for UberDisplays, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “UberDisplays was thrilled for the opportunity to work with Jeff Davis and UTA. The facility and university knew exactly what they wanted from a technology standpoint, which made our job easy. The LED upgrades will give the arena state-of-the-art technology as well as improve fan experience.”

The upgraded video boards boast a total of 17,968,896 pixels inside and outside the arena, with over 16 million pixels in the area bowl. Fans will experience an unmatched viewing experience, as the entire bowl features 3.9mm pixel pitch displays, including the center hung display, end wall screens, fascia displays, stanchions, and tables. This sets the arena apart as one of the few in the country to feature this advanced technology in-bowl. Additionally, a 2.9mm lobby video wall will keep guests in the action when walking the arena concourse.

 “As one of a handful of arenas featuring all 3.9mm displays in the arena, our guests will have a new immersive experience, with true high-definition live action and replays,” adds Davis.  “We look forward to showcasing the arena enhancements this year with the start of the WNBA Dallas Wings season.”

The unveiling of these state-of-the-art video board upgrades marks a significant milestone for the arena, as UTA and College Park Center continue to invest in facility improvements with the goal of providing the best atmosphere for concerts, sports, conferences, and many other types of events. The enhanced technology promises to elevate the overall experience for fans and performers alike, continuing College Park Center’s mission of being a leader in the industry and helping guests to create a memorable experience.

With two decades experience in venue operations management and the equestrian industry, Allison McNamara, CEM, CVP, CMP, will assume the interim role of General Manager at Will Rogers Memorial Center after the retirement of current GM Kevin O Kemp, CMEC, CMP on April 30.

Allison McNamara, CEM, CVP, CMP, will assume the interim role of General Manager at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

Kemp, after 23 years with the City of Fort Worth and 13 years as GM, will pass the reins to McNamara, who will oversee all operations, personnel and sales functions for the 120-acre complex.

“With Allison’s experience in City operations, finance and team management,  plus her education and enthusiasm for the equestrian industry, she will provide a smooth leadership transition for our key stakeholders,” said Mike Crum, director of the City of Fort Worth Public Events Department. “Claude’s back-of-house crew leadership and longstanding relationships with clients and vendors will offer stability during the transition.”

McNamara has been Operations Manager for the Fort Worth Convention Center (FWCC) since 2021 and has 18 years’ experience in the City’s Public Events Department. She began her tenure as an Event Coordinator at Will Rogers Memorial Center (WRMC) for seven years and advanced through department ranks with another seven years as Account Tech at the FWCC. She was then tapped as Acting Operations Manager of FWCC through the COVID-19 pandemic and was promoted to that position.

Her previous equestrian venue experience also includes a six-year stretch at the Mississippi Horse Park as a student and graduate from Mississippi State University, where McNamara earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with an emphasis in Equines and a minor in Agribusiness. She holds numerous industry certifications, including Certified Venue Professional from the International Association of Venue Managers and Certified Exhibition Management from International Association of Exhibitions and Events. In May, she will receive her Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington.

“Will Rogers Memorial Center holds a special place in my heart,” said McNamara. “I grew up attending events as a spectator and

Will Rogers Memorial Center is a historic entertainment, sports and livestock complex anchoring Fort Worth’s Cultural District

often reflect on the years I spent as an employee there. I am grateful for the opportunity to return, and I look forward to working with the incredible team at the facility and continuing strong partnerships with our clients. Also, many important capital projects are in the works and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition.”

Claude Humphrey, longtime WRMC Field Operations Supervisor, will step in as interim Operations Manager. With 37 years’ experience in Public Events at both Tarrant County and the City, Humphrey will lead day-to-day operations, event attendants, barn crews, maintenance and engineering. He will also be the main point of contact for multiple contractors.

Humphrey was named Manager of the Year at WRMC in 2018 and received Visit Fort Worth’s Beyond Award recognizing excellence in hospitality service in 2022. He completed the City’s year-long management training program and is certified by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council. A Fort Worth native, Humphrey is a graduate of Paschal High School.

Both interim managers will be supported by the department’s executive team, experienced mid-managers and skilled back-of-house crews at WRMC.

IAVM proudly announces the appointment of Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, as its next President & CEO, effective July 22, 2024.

Mitchell brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this esteemed role. With an extensive background in association leadership and strategic management, he is poised to guide IAVM into its next chapter of growth and innovation.

In his current role as the Executive Director/CEO of American Mensa (Arlington, TX), he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. His strategic vision, coupled with his dedication to member engagement, aligns perfectly with IAVM’s commitment to excellence and service to its global community of venue professionals.

“Trevor is the right person at the right time to lead us into our next 100 years of growth and success for IAVM,” said Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP, Chair of the IAVM Board of Directors. “It was a unanimous decision among the executive committee that Trevor will be a strong leader, creative, and fortunately for us, he is already engaged with other partner industry associations. With our recent rise in membership numbers, Trevor comes to us having developed programs for 55,000 members of all diversities and ages, while still managing and supporting a successful foundation. He’s a seasoned association professional who will be ideal for IAVM, and I, on behalf of the executive committee, am beyond thrilled to welcome him as our next President & CEO.”

As President & CEO, Mitchell will lead IAVM in its mission to advance the venue management profession through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities. His tenure marks a new era of innovation and growth for the association.

“It is truly an honor to be joining IAVM as the next President and CEO,” stated Mitchell. “As the organization celebrates the past 100 years, I’m excited for the opportunities in the next 100 years as I begin my tenure. Live events play an important role in the fabric of our society, and those who manage them are essential in orchestrating moments that will last a lifetime. It’s essential for IAVM to continue leading the way by providing the tools necessary for members to navigate the changing landscape. I look forward to working with the staff and members to develop a strategic direction that will shape the future of the organization and the industry.”

Mitchell holds an MBA from the University of Missouri-Columbia and prestigious certifications, including Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives (FASAE), Certified Association Executive (CAE), and Certified Diversity Professional (CDP). His educational background and professional achievements reflect his commitment to advancing excellence in association management.

Mitchell will attend VenueConnect 2024, IAVM’s annual conference and trade show, from July 28-31 in Portland, Oregon.