IAVM has announced Erik Waldman, CVE, Senior Vice President of Client Services at TVS, as the recipient of the 2025 Joseph J. Anzivino Distinguished Allied Award. This award, one of the most significant honors bestowed upon an Allied Member of IAVM, recognizes exemplary contributions, leadership, and service to the venue management industry and the Association.

“Erik Waldman has been a steadfast advocate for IAVM’s Allied Members, fostering meaningful collaboration between venue professionals and industry partners,” stated Adam Cook, CVE, Chair of the IAVM Board of Directors. “His dedication to innovation, mentorship, and strengthening the Allied community and our industry makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Anzivino Award.”

With more than 20 years of experience in the venue industry, Waldman brings a distinctive blend of operational leadership and design strategy to the field. As Senior Vice President of Client Services at TVS, an architectural and interior design firm specializing in public assembly venues, he leverages his deep operational expertise to guide projects that enhance guest experience, boost operational efficiency, and unlock revenue-generating opportunities.

Prior to joining TVS, Waldman held several leadership roles at the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, where he played a pivotal role in executing major events, including Super Bowl LIII. His previous experience also includes managing the Georgia Dome and serving as Vice President and General Manager of the Amerant Bank Arena (formerly BankAtlantic Center), home to the Florida Panthers Hockey Club.

Throughout his career, Erik has remained committed to advancing the industry through active involvement on boards and committees within various international associations. His user-focused approach to venue design and operations, coupled with his collaborative spirit, has made a lasting impact on both the Allied community and venue professionals around the world.

Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, IAVM President & CEO, also praised Waldman’s leadership, stating, “Erik’s commitment to advancing IAVM and elevating the value of Allied Members has been unwavering. His leadership and vision have consistently set a high standard for collaboration and progress. Erik’s influence on both his peers and the broader IAVM community is profound, and his recognition with the Joseph J. Anzivino Award is a well-earned testament to his exceptional contributions to the industry at large.”

In response to receiving the Joseph J. Anzivino Distinguished Allied Award, Waldman said, “I am honored and grateful to IAVM’s Allied Committee for this recognition. After more than two decades in an industry that drives innovation and excellence, receiving the 2025 Joseph J. Anzivino Distinguished Allied Award is deeply meaningful. This award reinforces my commitment to the field, and I look forward to continuing to support its growth and impact.”

Waldman will be presented his award during IAVM’s VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show, July 28–31, in New Orleans, LA.

IAVM is proud to announce Michael Marion, CVE, General Manager of Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas, as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Charles A. McElravy Award. This award, one of the highest honors in the venue management industry, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and service to IAVM and the profession.

“Michael’s dedication to the venue management industry and his unwavering commitment to mentorship, innovation, and service have left an indelible mark on IAVM and the profession as a whole,” stated Adam Cook, CVE, Chair of the IAVM Board of Directors. “His leadership exemplifies the highest standards of excellence, making him a truly deserving recipient of this year’s McElravy Award.”

Marion’s career in the venue management industry has been defined by his unwavering dedication and diverse experience. Born and raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, Michael’s professional journey began in the music industry, where he advised the Music Maker Productions concert committee at Mississippi State University. During this time, he helped book iconic artists like Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and Jimmy Buffett. He later worked as an agent for Triad Artists in Los Angeles, representing legendary performers such as Tina Turner, Steve Winwood, and Whitney Houston.

In 1992, Michael transitioned to arena management, serving as Director of the Tupelo Coliseum (now Cadence Arena), where he booked top-tier acts such as the Eagles, Tom Petty, and Van Halen. Since 1997, he has served as General Manager of Simmons Bank Arena, overseeing its success in hosting major acts like The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, and many others. His exceptional work in venue management earned him recognition as Pollstar Magazine’s Facility Executive of the Year in 2004.

A dedicated member of IAVM since 1992, Michael served as the Chair of the IAVM Board of Directors from 2018 to 2019 and continues to serve on the VMS Board of Regents. Michael’s leadership has had a lasting impact on IAVM and the industry at large.

Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, IAVM President & CEO, also reflected on Michael’s contributions, stating, “Michael’s dedication to the venue management industry and his unwavering commitment to mentorship, innovation, and service have left an indelible mark on IAVM and the profession as a whole, making him a truly deserving recipient of this year’s McElravy Award.”

In response to receiving the Charles A. McElravy Award, Michael Marion said, “Receiving the Charles A. McElravy Award feels like winning the floor pass lottery to a Bruce Springsteen concert—an honor I never saw coming but deeply appreciate! A big thank you to the International Association of Venue Managers for this recognition—it’s truly a highlight of my career. Here’s to continuing to elevate the venues we love, one unforgettable event at a time!”

Marion will be presented his award during IAVM’s VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show, July 28-31, in New Orleans, LA.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of IAVM’s 30|UNDER|30 program! For the past decade, we have recognized and empowered the next generation of venue management professionals – rising leaders who are shaping the future of our industry. In the weeks leading up to the 10-year celebration for the program, which will take place at VenueConnect 2025 in New Orleans, LA, July 28-31, we will spotlight past participants in a “Where Are They Now” series.

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Sari Larson’s career in venue management has been a testament to dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the arts. Since joining the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, she has steadily risen through the ranks, earning a reputation as an innovative leader and advocate for both artists and audiences. Today, as the Associate Director of Programs & Rentals, she oversees a dynamic portfolio of main stage presentations and community rental events, ensuring the Center remains a thriving hub for creativity and cultural engagement.

Since 2020, Sari has played a pivotal role in elevating local talent, fostering a growing roster of over 100 regional artists, and providing them with meaningful performance opportunities. Her vision for artist development also led to the creation of the Luther Locals Live summer music series, a free community event that has now entered its third successful year—bringing music, energy, and connection to audiences in an accessible and celebratory way.

Her impact on the industry has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, Sari was honored with the North Bay Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 Award, recognizing her leadership, innovation, and contributions to the arts community. That same year, she further deepened her commitment to regional growth and leadership development by graduating from Leadership Santa Rosa, an esteemed program designed to cultivate the next generation of change-makers.

Sari’s professional journey has been profoundly shaped by her involvement with IAVM, particularly as a proud alumna of the 30|UNDER|30 program. She credits the experience with expanding her industry perspective, forging invaluable connections, and providing mentorship that has influenced her approach to leadership. The program introduced her to a dynamic network of venue professionals, allowing her to exchange ideas, learn best practices, and grow within the industry in ways she never imagined. The relationships and insights she gained continue to inspire her work, fueling her drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible in venue management.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sari is also embracing exciting new milestones in her personal life. She is now married and relishing the joys of parenthood with her one-year-old son, Noah. Balancing a thriving career with family life has given her an even greater appreciation for the importance of creating spaces where people can come together—whether for artistic expression, community celebration, or shared experiences.

As she continues to shape the future of live events and venue management, there is no doubt that Sari’s influence will only continue to grow. With her passion, vision, and dedication to both the industry and her community, she is making an indelible mark—one event, one artist, and one performance at a time.

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Having started in the business at age 17 promoting concerts, Adam Armit, CVP, has transitioned happily to the venue side of things. His route is through marketing and, while quite content where he now is, his ultimate goal is to manage a venue.

This past week, Armit started his new job as senior director, marketing, of the brand new Hamilton (Ontario) Arena for Oak View Group. Armit was recruited by fellow Canadian and IAVMer Nick DeLuco, named SVP and GM of the $200-million Hamilton Arena in November 2024.

Armit has been with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), Toronto, for the last nine years. Most recently he has been director of Brands, including marketing MLSE’s Scotiabank Arena (formerly Air Canada Centre), Coca-Cola Coliseum (formerly Ricoh Coliseum) and BMO Field. He also worked in marketing MLSE’s live entertainment, food and beverage and retail divisions.

Reimagining his career trajectory was partially a result of COVID-19 and the impact that pandemic had on live entertainment. During the shutdown because of the pandemic, he was very involved in the use of that time to renew and improve Scotiabank Arena.

Adam Armit, CVP, Senior Director, Marketing, Hamilton (Ontario) Arena for Oak View Group

He started on the promoter/marketing side of the equation, a path which began when he was in high school and volunteered to book talent for the local festival, Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship. That festival had the infrastructure and attendance but was not taking advantage of the potential for nighttime entertainment.

That’s when he formed Go Live Entertainment and started making phone calls. Because he had the backing of a major festival, agents took his calls. He remembers the budget that first year was $15,000 and the first band he booked was the Canadian classic rock band Trooper. He learned early that the devil is in the details and those are the details you only learn along the way. Show after show, tour managers would educate him with advice for the next time he settled a show.

He operated Go Live through his days at Fanshawe College, concentrating on DJ services and then concert promoting throughout central Canada. But he realized the concert promotion business is a bit on the risky side, so he decided to use his college degree and take a job at a marketing agency and work on their music portfolio instead. In 2015, he joined SDI Marketing, working his was up to account manager-entertainment.

He didn’t know a lot about the venue side until he joined MLSE, but he has jumped in with both feet. His first foray into trade associations was with the Event & Venue Marketing Conference (EVMC), of which he is vice president and very involved in planning the annual conference. EVMC meets in Atlanta June 4-6 this year.

IAVM has also been on his radar for several years. He has attended one year of Venue Management School and is hoping to get his second year under his belt soon. It conflicts with EVMC, which has been the deterrent so far. He did earn his CVP in 2024.

He’s also looking forward to attending VenueConnect (July 28-31 in New Orleans) someday soon. To date, he’s been too busy at MLSE that time of year to go.

It’s been a 15-year climb for Armit, and he is enjoying the process. As a young professional, his best advice to those coming up in the industry is “to grind, to put in the work that needs to be done, for sure.”

“I think building your personal brand is really important. Something I always try and preach to my team is that that personal brand is something that gets your foot in the door for conversations, and gets people to take you seriously.”

Beyond that, networking is key. “Build your personal brand and build those connections; those come back around,” Armit said.

The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) proudly announces the nomination of Brett C. Mitchell, CVE, as the Second Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term. With this appointment, Mitchell will serve as a senior officer for a four-year term, progressing to Chair of the Board for the 2027-2028 term.

Mitchell, the General Manager of the Overland Park Convention Center, brings a wealth of industry experience and leadership to IAVM. Since rejoining the Overland Park Convention Center in 2010, he has played an instrumental role in its success, leading it to multiple accolades, including recognition by Exhibitor Magazine as the Best Small Convention Center in North America three times in the past five years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Brett into this leadership role,” said Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, President & CEO of IAVM. “His deep-rooted commitment to the industry, strategic vision, and passion for venue excellence make him an outstanding choice to help guide IAVM’s future. I have no doubt that his leadership will strengthen our mission and benefit our members immensely.”

Mitchell’s extensive industry contributions include serving on the Board of Directors for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), chairing IAVM’s Convention Center Committee, and co-chairing the Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) Venue Council. In 2021, he was recognized as ESCA’s Volunteer of the Year.

“I am humbled and honored to be nominated to serve in an association that I love, Mitchell stated.  “Together I look forward to building upon the efforts of great leaders of the past to educate, advocate for, and inspire each and every venue professional.”

Mitchell, a graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in Sports Business Management, has dedicated his career to advancing the venue management industry. His leadership in IAVM will further enhance the organization’s commitment to innovation, education, and advocacy.

IAVM members will vote electronically in June on Mitchell’s nomination, and if elected, he will take office in July during IAVM’s VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show, July 28-31, in New Orleans, LA.