Carol Wallace went from powerful to powerless.

Wallace, president and chief executive officer of San Diego-based Carol Wallace & Associates, held IAVM’s strongest position when she served as chair (then called president) of the Association in 1999-2000. It was during Wallace’s oversight that IAVM moved to its new headquarters in Coppell, Texas. For years, she led the San Diego Convention Center before retiring to start her own business to provide the industry with consulting services in a variety of areas including marketing and communications, venue management, staff development and operations, public affairs and community outreach and venue development and expansions.

And it was there that one of the industry’s most influential women lost her right to vote on IAVM matters, despite the fact her knowledge and insight dictated she should have the opportunity to cast votes on Association business.

Wallace will not be voting on May 19 on the One Member, One Vote initiative, which comes up for a vote by members and follows extensive study, review and open discussion over the last two years, at which point the IAVM Board of Directors voted unanimously to bring forward proposed changes to the bylaws that would make the Association more inclusive and diverse in its decision making. As a means to incorporate the perspective of all IAVM members, these changes would allow every member of IAVM equal opportunity to engage in the Association through the right to vote. These proposed changes must be approved by two-thirds of the current voting members of IAVM.

The passage of the vote, however, could return Wallace to a voting status.

“Building a stronger IAVM is at the core of the One Member, One Vote initiative,” Wallace said. “Allowing greater participation will help enhance IAVM’s overall position as a leader in the industry while valuing the diversity of voices in the industry to help shape our collective future.”

Wallace is closer to IAVM than most after having served in the capacity of interim executive director of the Association last year prior to the hiring of Brad Mayne, CFE. But because she is now an Allied member, Wallace would not be allowed to vote if the change is not adopted.

“My years of experience in the industry, and working on behalf of IAVM, give me much to offer the organization as it continues to build on its years of success,” she added. “I hope that my perspective, offered as a vote, will be adopted so I can continue to be engaged with the organization and the overall industry.”

FBI Director James Comey formally recognized 58 individuals and organizations from around the country for their efforts to build stronger, safer, and more cohesive communities at the 2016 Director’s Community Leadership Awards in an April 28 ceremony at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Among the honorees was Paul Turner, CFE, CSSP, senior director, event operations at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, who also serves as chair for IAVM’s Academy for Venue Safety & Security.

“This is one of the very best days in the life of this organization,” Director Comey said. “We get to recognize and thank people who made the FBI better and the country better.”

The annual Director’s Community Leadership Awards were launched in 1990 as a way to spotlight individuals and organizations for their work in combating crime, drugs, terrorism, and violence. Recipients were also recognized for their work in bridging the relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, developing strategies to battle the nation’s opioid crisis, and assisting victims of human trafficking, among other efforts.

“The FBI Dallas office nominated me for this award for the work that I have done in the sports, entertainment, venue and event industry,” Turner said. “My involvement in IAVM with the Venue Management School and the Academy for Venue Safety & Security were significant elements of my experience and service that contributed to this recognition.

“I am honored to receive the award, but I do so with gratitude that comes from being part of a professional community of caring, talented and committed people. I thank IAVM for all that you do to help our industry and our country by marshalling and guiding the efforts of IAVM members and supporting the Association’s programs and activities. Your work matters and is very much appreciated.”

Honorees are nominated by each of the FBI’s 56 field offices, as well as the Bureau’s Office of Public Affairs and the Criminal Justice Information Services Division.

In his remarks, Director Comey said this year’s recipients embodied the words attributed to the 16th century minister John Wesley, who said, “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”

The Director related a story about speaking to young audiences and warning them against losing sight of what really matters in life. He would ask them to close their eyes, imagine they were old, and then ask themselves: Who do I want to have been? “I know some of you want to have been people who made a difference for those who needed you,” he would tell the kids, “to have been people who chose lives of moral content, who stood there for the bullied and the picked on and the frightened.”

“Why am I telling you this?” Comey asked. “This auditorium is filled with people who have already answered the question in the most remarkable way. You will have been those people. We’re here today to thank you for being that. Because of you, the FBI is better. Because of you, the United States of America is better.”

For more on Turner receiving this deserved recognition, click here.

The Arena Network announced that Natalia Caplan has been promoted to the position of vice president of entertainment. The move was effective April 17. Caplan was previously director of entertainment for Arena Network since she began her career there 14 months ago. Caplan previously worked for Nederlander Concerts in Los Angeles for 14 years as director of artist relations at the Greek Theatre. She assumes the position left vacant when Tina Suca left the company to take a new position with Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment in Los Angeles.

Additionally, Denise Gonzales has been hired as director of entertainment for Arena Network. Gonzales takes her new position after working for Live Nation in their Los Angeles office for the past seven years in increasingly responsible positions. For the past six years, she has been project manager of touring where she has worked with agents, managers, and Live Nation promoters in booking/routing tours, preparing offers, negotiating deals, and covering shows. Gonzales will start in her new position on May 8.

Arena Network is an association of more than 30 arenas throughout North America. It works with its arena clients to identify and help direct content into each of its member venues. Theater Network is a division of Arena Network and includes 13 performing arts centers throughout North America. The company provides the same services for its theatre clients. Arena Network also routes and administers various tours throughout North America that primarily are presented at Arena Network and Theater Network venues.

Schuler Shook announced the appointment of Nicolò Brambilla, IALD, to the company’s Melbourne office as senior lighting designer. Nicolò is expanding Schuler Shook’s award-winning specialty lighting services to Australia where Schuler Shook currently provides theatre planning and AV design.

Nicolò has nearly 14 years of experience in the lighting industry. His clients benefit from his experience working in Australia and internationally in Milan, The Netherlands, Hong Kong, China and Southeast Asia. His specialty lighting design work for the past seven years in Melbourne has encompassed a range of project types including hospitality, retail, worship and sport.

Nicolò believes in designing lighting that is well-integrated with the architecture, and he is motivated by the impact of light on emotion and on the human being as a whole.

When he is not designing lighting, Nicolò enjoys playing drums with his rock band and riding the Victorian countryside on his motorbike. He lives in Melbourne with his family.

Schuler Shook’s Melbourne office comprises a group of creative, well-respected designers, including Jim Hultquist, ASTC, LEED AP, senior theatre consultant; Simon Austin, AV and theatre systems consultant; and Nicolò Brambilla, IALD, senior lighting designer.

Recent and current projects in the office include Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal, Hamer Hall, Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Bunjil Place Theatre, Sydney Lyric Theatre, and Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide.

Just One is an initiative created by IAVM’s Membership Committee. The leaders of IAVM – the Board of Directors, Trustees, Regents, committees and task forces – are all challenged to help us achieve a bigger, more diverse network.

You represent the very best of venue management. Now, it’s time to identify the next round of leaders that will propel IAVM to new heights, but more importantly, provide you with expanded connections to give you more vibrant experiences and discussions at our schools and conferences. By having a larger more diverse network, everyone benefits.  

GOAL: We have 234 individuals involved in IAVM’s governance. Our goal is to have 100% participation by our leadership; if successful, we will add 234 new members.

REWARD: The committee and individual that refer the most new members will be recognized in Nashville at VenueConnect.

To receive credit, give your new member these directions for completing the online membership application:

1. “How Did You Hear About Us” – enter “Just One”
2. The committee you want to receive credit should be referenced; important if you serve on multiple committees
   • Example: Just One-Membership Committee
3. Provide the name of your referral:
   • Example: Nick Zazal, Walton Arts Center/Walmart AMP
4. One-time initiation fee will be waived if your new member joins by July 31, 2017
   • In the payment information section, enter the promo code: JUSTONE
   • If applying for Professional or Supplier membership, only the dues will remain (savings of $150)

Just One affords you the opportunity to encourage a colleague, star employee, customer, professor, or student to become a member of our unique community at www.iavm.org/membership/join. So, get your competitive juices flowing and help us meet our goal, 234 volunteers connecting 234 new members with IAVM. The campaign ends July 15, 2017.

Contact Member Services at 972.906.7441 and ask for Gina or Summer. Thank you for your support!