Planning to attend VenueConnect 2024? Register before Tuesday, May 28 to receive the Early Bird discount!

Not your typical conference, VenueConnect is the only industry conference that inspires industry leaders, provides targeted education, and brings attendees together to create relationships that last a lifetime.

What You Can Expect from VC24:

• Targeted Education
  Gain access to current trends and topics for industry professionals today from top industry leaders.
• Amazing Speakers
  Learn more about venue safety and security, sales and marketing trends, leadership, guest services, diversity and inclusion, and more! With speakers like Karina LeBlanc, Portland Thorns General Manager and President of Soccer Operations, prepare to be inspired!
• Connections for Life
  Make valuable professional connections, explore new and innovative ideas in the venue management industry, and learn from leaders in the field.
• Venue Partners and Suppliers
  Meet and greet more than 150 exhibitors and indulge in networking opportunities with venue industry professionals.
• Fun
  Enjoy venue tours, Foundation TopGolf, the DILC Celebration for a Cause receptions, and the Closing Night Party.

For more information on VC24, please visit our website.

Don’t miss your chance to save!

Join us to celebrate 100 years of IAVM at VC24 in Portland, OR July 28th to the 31st.
Register today!

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) is proud to announce its Senior Director of Sales and Event Services, Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP, will serve on the Board of Directors for the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). IAEE is the largest association in the exhibitions and events industry, with its membership organizing and hosting more than 20,000 exhibitions worldwide.
 
Williams joins 16 other board members and nine ex-officio members comprised of international business executives, entrepreneurs, top event directors and the leaders of multiple associations.
 

Williams’ 25 years of experience at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center leads to governance role at International Association of Exhibitions and Events.

“Elaine’s appointment to the IAEE Board of Directors puts her talents right where they belong – alongside international events innovators and business leaders,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO. “This group defines the future of our industry and delivers thoughtful guidance to usher its members forward. Elaine’s experience of over 25 years in the Convention Center industry has prepared her to represent this international organization with the distinct leadership, operational and sales insight, and events expertise this post demands.”
 
“Elaine’s industry experience and knowledge is highly valued by the IAEE Board,” said IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM. “Her longstanding commitment to enhancing our industry is admirable and we look forward to the contributions she will make as IAEE embraces the new technologies and practices currently transforming our industry.”
 
Williams began her career at the NOENMCC in 1996 as a sales manager for ARAMARK and joined the Convention Center’s sales team in 2007 as a national sales manager. Promoted to her current role as director of sales in 2013, Williams drives business growth, oversees revenue generation and ensures successful event experiences through every stage, from planning to execution.
 
Williams continuously seeks out opportunities to explore new aspects of the industry and advance her professional development, becoming a well-known and respected industry leader. She was awarded the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation from the Events Industry Council in 2005, earned a Certification in Exhibition Management (CEM) in 2015, completed her CEM-AP (Advanced Professional) in 2021, and was nominated for the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) Supplier of the Year award in 2022. With her impressive background, Williams was asked to contribute to the 2018 book “Professional Sales and Selling, a Guide for the Hospitality Industry.”
 
As a member of IAEE’s Board of Directors, Williams will use her vast experience to help the association evaluate new technologies and practices that will guide positive change in the global meetings and events industry.
 
“As I humbly step into this new position, I look forward to embracing the opportunity to help shape experiences, ignite connections, drive positive change, and inspire innovation on a grand stage,” added Williams. “It is an honor to be part of something with such accomplished leaders and for a vital organization that is leading the way in shaping this industry.”
 
In addition to her newly elected position on IAEE’s Board of Directors, Williams also serves on the Board of Governors for the International Association of Venue Managers’ (IAVM) Senior Executive Symposium.
Elaine Williams Appointed to IAEE Board

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in April 2024. 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.

Laura Althoff, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Sergio Anguiano, Cintermex Convention Center, Monterrey, Mexico
Felipe Araneda, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Charlie Avendano, Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids, IA
Lisa Barton, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
Sherry Beard, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Rachel Beatty, Lansing Entertainment & Public Facilities Authority (LEPFA), Lansing, MI
Chris Bell, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Marco Bernardo, Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
Jayme Bigger, Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids, IA
Matt Bonner, Navy Pier – OVG, Chicago, IL
Susy Borkhataria, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Michael Bowley, Brighton Homes Arena | Brisbane Lions AFC, Springfield Central, QLD, Australia
Benjamin Brown, El Dorado Festivals and Events, El Dorado, AR
Ashley Brusca, Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
Jason Buffer, Hawai’i Convention Center, Honolulu, HI
Julia Burden, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC
Trevor Cannon, Revel Media Group, Kaysville, UT
Dan Carr, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Andrew Castiblanco, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas, NV
Jennifer Cherep, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN
Anthony Chin, ICC Sydney – ASM Global, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Chris Chopping, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Jason Cianfrini, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Mark Collis, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Emily Coursey, Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Marvin Curtis, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Josh Davies, Hutchinson Historic Fox Theatre, Hutchinson, KS
Anastasia Davis, Truist Park | Atlanta Braves, Atlanta, GA
Sharon Dayal, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
Todd Dion, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Matt Dopp, Revel Media Group, Kaysville, UT
Albert Ennis, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Nate Erickson, Climate Pledge Arena – OVG, Seattle, WA
Morgan Evans, Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT
Dave Fili, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta, NSW
Vivian Fleet, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
Skye Flores, Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ
William Fountain, Event Health Management, Dalkeith, WAu, Australia
Kassidy Fox, T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
Brian Fremeau, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Aaron Frucci, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Kelli Garcia, Portland Expo Center, Portland, OR
Synita Gates, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Jordan Gathers, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Melvin Gerald, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Mia Glavinas, BC Place, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Randy Goering, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Jarrod Gravatt, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
Larry Green, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA
Shannon Hall, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Andrew Harvey, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Frank Havelka, Vix Vizion, Newport, NSW, Australia
Lance Heather, Convergint, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Garth Hemphill, Schuler Shook, Dallas, TX
Greg Houser, Kansas City Chiefs Football Club Inc., Kansas City, MO
Dalis Johnson, State Farm Arena – Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta, GA
Cheng Kian Khor, AiFi, Inc., Burlingame, CA
Seyhan Kilic, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Jeff Kiltie, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Brian Krajewski, OVG Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
Dina Kurtovic, Alliant Energy PowerHouse, Cedar Rapids, IA
Yiu Man Michael Law, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, Hong Kong, China
Christine Le, Kia Forum, Inglewood, CA
Wing Sun Lee, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, Hong Kong, China
Stephanie Lester, Long Center for the Performing Arts, Lafayette, IN
Wai Ling Annie Leung, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, Hong Kong, China
Shing Kit Sanki Li, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, Hong Kong, China
Jamie Lipson, Austin FC, Austin, TX
Holden Lootsma, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON
Rebekah Love, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Garron Lucius, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Wai Man Ma, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, Hong Kong, China
Caroline McCann, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN
Nick McKenzie, Seaside Civic & Convention Center, Seaside, OR
Lauren McNutt, Navy Pier – OVG, Chicago, IL
Jim McWilliams, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON
Silvio Mendez, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Scott Miller, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Hijaz Mohamed, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
Dean Monaghan, Convergint, Port Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Caroline Morrison-Pegg, San Francisco Symphony – Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA
Meetra Moyer, University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center, Springfield, IL
Shawn Noble, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Erica Nowak, Erie Events, Erie, PA
Sheadon Ocker, The Evergreen State College, Portland, OR
Margaret Olson, Kia Forum, Inglewood, CA
Tom Paci, Turner Construction Company, Dallas, TX
Richard Parison, Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ
Naiya Parker, Navy Pier – OVG, Chicago, IL
Jack Perram, Convergint, Underwood, QLD, Australia
Thomas Peters, VenuWorks, Ames, IA
Barry Peterson, 33 Systems Inc., Tampa, FL
Justin Pounds, The City of Rogers AR, Rogers, AR
Larry Powers, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
David Procopio, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
Julio Recinos, Kia Forum, Inglewood, CA
Ashley Robertson, Melbourne Racing Club, Caulfield East, VIC, Australia
Nick Robertson, Convergint, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Matt Rosauer, Pine Street Group L.L.C., Seattle, WA
Amy Roush, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Anthony Scaglione, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa, FL
Amber Schisler, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Kathryn Schroer, Montrose Pavilion Event Center & Montrose Rotary Amphitheater, Montrose, CO
Brett Schweitzer, Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, ND
Brian Scully, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Keith Seibel, Seaside Civic & Convention Center, Seaside, OR
Matt Selbie, Oberon3, Inc., Portland, OR
Brandi Shannon, Veteran Tickets Foundation, Tempe, AZ
Michelle Shaw, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Lori Shumpert, Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, Raleigh, NC
Lisette Sierra, Cintermex Convention Center, Monterrey, Mexico
Chris Sisson, ON Site Audio Visual, Norcross, GA
Brad Smith, Meridian Rapid Defense Group, Portland, OR
Kyle Smith, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Mary Ellen Smith, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Anastasia Smith Davis, Morris Performing Arts, South Bend, IN
Man Wai So, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, Hong Kong, China
Joe Spak, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Becky Lynn Street, Whitewater Amphitheater, New Braunfels, TX
Jennifer Sullivan, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Jaki Sweeney, PPG Paints Arena – OVG, Pittsburgh, PA
Amanda Swiatek, Eco-Technology, LLC, Hodgkins, IL
Tate Tenorio, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
William Thompson, T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
Vatsla Trivedi, Convergint, Perth, WAu, Australia
Adam Tuttle, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto, ON, Canada
Pablo Urquilla, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Jordan Vassallo, Riverside Theatres, Parramatta, NSW, Australia
Lindsey Wagner, Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, ND
Eugene Ward, America’s Center, Saint Louis, MO
Kamisha Ward, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN
Mike Wendling, Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Mike Wilcott, Grossinger Motors Arena, Bloomington, IL
Jessica Willis, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN
Tim Wise, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Pui Suen Wong, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, Hong Kong, China
Pui Yiu Wong, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited, Hong Kong, China
Morgan Wysong, St. Joe County Public Library, South Bend, IN
Lawrence Zalewski, Popejoy Hall – University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

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