On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Council approved a contract with two construction companies, Flintco and Mortenson, who will partner to build the OKC new arena, which will be home to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

“Hiring a construction management team is a major milestone for the new arena project and will allow the City, operators, and architects to work collaboratively with the contractors during design,” David Todd, arena program manager, said. “The Flintco Mortenson team will be an excellent addition to this project, bringing together local and national experience building some of the most iconic venues in sports.”

The City will own and be responsible for maintaining and operating the new arena.

“As a century-old company founded in Oklahoma, we are deeply honored to build the new NBA arena with Mortenson. The Thunder is Flintco’s hometown team!” Dave Kollmann, Flintco central region president, said. “Having built the current arena over 20 years ago, we understand the significance of this project for our city and its future, knowing hundreds of construction jobs will be created to boost our economy. Our employees live, work and play here – and we take great pride in bringing our expertise to a facility that will inspire generations of fans, athletes, and Oklahomans.”

The building will be a first-class, state-of-the-art NBA arena and entertainment venue that meets and/or exceeds NBA specifications and requirements. The area’s budget is at least $900 million and will be at least 750,000 square feet.

“Mortenson, in partnership with Flintco, is thrilled and honored to be selected by Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Thunder as the construction management team for their new state-of-the-art multi-purpose arena,” Kevin Dalager, vice president of operations for Mortenson’s Sports + Entertainment team, said. “This project is a tremendous opportunity to create a landmark venue that will serve as a hub for community engagement and sporting excellence for generations to come.”

Next Steps
The arena will be built on the City-owned site where Prairie Surf Studios, formerly the Cox Convention Center, is located. The existing building will be demolished in spring 2025. Design is underway and construction will start in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028.

Arena Background
In December 2023, Oklahoma City voters overwhelmingly (71%) approved a penny sales tax to build a new, publicly owned arena. In May 2024, the Oklahoma City Council approved a development agreement for the City’s new arena between the City and PBC Sports and Entertainment, LLC (PBCS&E), owners of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma City Blue.

The new arena will be funded by a 72-month, one-cent sales tax that will start when the MAPS 4 tax ends and will not increase the sales tax rate. The arena will also be paid for with $70 million in MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group.

The $900 million arena will be at least 750,000 square feet and be built to:

• Benefit the residents of Oklahoma City
• Meet NBA specifications and requirements
• Maximize team revenues, ensuring the sustainability of major league professional sports in Oklahoma City

The Thunder will continue to play home games at Paycom Center until the new arena opens, with a target completion date of June 2028 and a contractual obligation to open the new arena by June 2030. The Thunder’s 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City begins when they move into the new arena.

About Flintco
Founded in 1908 with headquarters in Tulsa, Flintco maintains eight full-service offices across five states, including Oklahoma City. Flintco provides a full range of construction services, including preconstruction, construction management, design-build, and project and program management, with the capability to self-perform. Known for their unwavering commitment to safety and quality, Flintco recently received the prestigious 2024 Pinnacle National Safety Excellence Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) for the second consecutive year. Ingrained in the fabric of Oklahoma for more than a century, notable projects Flintco has completed include the Devon Tower, Oklahoma City Convention Center, BOK Center, The University of Tulsa’s Donald W. Reynolds Center, Paycom Center Arena, and OG&E Coliseum at the OKC Fairgrounds. Flintco takes great pride in contributing to the growth and development of Oklahoma, enriching the local landscape and amenities where our team works and resides. For more information about Flintco, please visit www.flintco.com.

About Mortenson
Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top 25 developer, builder and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward, ensuring their investments become high-performing assets. The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers. Mortenson is a leader in sports and entertainment projects with other recent completed projects including Chase Center (Golden State Warriors), Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders), Energizer Park (St. Louis CITY SC), Climate Pledge Arena (Seattle Kraken), US Bank Stadium (Minnesota Vikings), Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee Bucks) and Truist Park (Atlanta Braves). For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in February 2025. 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.

Ariana Allison, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Bonnie Almond, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC, United States
Michelle Anderson, Hordern Pavilion, Paddington, NSW, Australia
Giorgio Arbisi, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Janelle Augustine, The Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
James Avery, Stadiums Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
Silvana Avramoski, VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
John Balkovic, Steelhouse Omaha – Omaha Performing Arts, Omaha, NE
Nicola Barrow, Australian Turf Club, Randwick, NSW, Australia
Rick Basdeo, Blumenthal Arts, Charlotte, NC
Lauren Benesh, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Scott Berkley, Pointr Maps and Wayfinding, US Ltd., Boston, MA
Em Bertelli, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Jazmyne Blanding, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Ben Boggio, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh, PA
Cynthia Boyd, accesso ShoWare Center, Kent, WA
Brandi Brinker, Greensboro Coliseum Complex – OVG, Greensboro, NC
Ashley Bronson, TITAN Global Enterprises Inc, Atlanta, GA
Torben Brookman, The Queens Theatre, Mile End, SA, Australia
Matt Brown, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Bri Buchanan, CAPS Payroll, A Cast & Crew Company, Burbank, CA
David Burger, Phoenix Convention Center & Venues, Phoenix, AZ
Shane Buzza, Blu Event Productions, Brunswick East, VIC, Australia
Wayne Cadet, MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA
Bec Campbell, Ticketek Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Alisa Carlson, Popejoy Hall, Albuquerque, NM
Louise Carruthers, HBF Stadium – VenuesWest, Floreat, WAu, Australia
Luis Castellano, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
Nathan Chambers, Greensboro Coliseum Complex – OVG, Greensboro, NC
Hannah Charman, Australian Grand Prix Corporation, South Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Jimmy Chaudry, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Sarah Chen, Taipei International Convention Center (TICC), Taipei City, , Taiwan, Province of China
Amy Christie, Adelaide Venue Management Corporation, Adelaide, SA, Australia
Ben Chuha, The Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
David Claringbold, Claringbold Consultants, Barragga Bay, NSW, Australia
Monty Clifford, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Eric Colby, Cal Performances, Berkeley, CA
Connor Coleman, TITAN Global Enterprises Inc, Atlanta, GA
Emma Collyer, MI Global Partners, North Sydney, NSW, Australia
John Cook, Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC), Troy, NY
Antoni Costa, Cricket Tasmania, Bellerive, TAS, Australia
Dani Crain, Oak View Group, Denver, CO
Janelle Daniel, Royal Caribbean Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Tony Daou, ISEC, Alexandria, NSW, Australia
Ray Deal, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Houston, TX
Jeff Dean, The Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
Matt Dettmer, The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Hartford, CT
Kenneth Dixon, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY
Aoife Doherty, Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Olivia Eaton, Optus Stadium, Burswood, WAu, Australia
Charles Evans, Greensboro Coliseum Complex – OVG, Greensboro, NC
Lee Evans, The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Hartford, CT
Marcellus Fails, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK
Belinda Findlay, Suncorp Stadium – ASM Global Pty Ltd, Milton BC, QLD, Australia
Hannah Foster, Live Nation, Beverly Hills, CA
Ashley Frolich, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Stephen Galeotalanza, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Carissa Gariss, Popejoy Hall, Albuquerque, NM
Lizette Garza, Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
Andrew George, ICC Sydney – ASM Global, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jessica Gillen, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Dan Glass, Suncorp Stadium – ASM Global Pty Ltd, Milton BC, QLD, Australia
Edward Gonzalez, OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
Nick Gurney, BAI Communications, Chatswood, NSW, Australia
Kyle Hamman, The Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
Bill Hanousek, Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Rashik Hashmie, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Markets, NSW, Australia
Sherif Hassan, Prime Protection, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Tasheem Hayes, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Jaxon Heath, INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, KS
Amelia Heisler, The Fabulous Fox Theatre, Saint Louis, MO
Nicole Hellyer, Dunedin Venues Management Ltd., Dunedin, New Zealand
Traleena Higgins, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Cassy Howe, Popejoy Hall, Albuquerque, NM
Matthew Hunter, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA
Chris Hutchinson, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Ginnie Jackson, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK
Staum Jeffries, Australian Catering Services (ACS), Nathan, QLD, Australia
Elise Jenkins, The Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
Steven Johnson, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA
Frank Jones, Australian Catering Services (ACS), Nathan, QLD, Australia
Robert Jurcec, OneKloudX, Collingwood, VIC, Australia
Rachel Kaldveer, Popejoy Hall, Albuquerque, NM
Amardeep Khasariya, Montana Group, Hamilton, New Zealand
David Kirk, INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, KS
Timothy Kline, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Owen Kortlang, MA Services Group, Keilor Park, VIC, Australia
Andy Kraus, Cal Performances, Berkeley, CA
Bridget Lacey, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Mallory Ladd, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
Steph Langdon, Humanforce, North Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jeff Lapsansky, The Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
David Large, Stadiums Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
Darryl Leach, Prime Protection, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Kim Lembo, Cal Performances, Berkeley, CA
Ali Lenhard, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK
Sahcil Llamas Gonzalez, Holmes Center – App State, Boone, NC
Marvin Lopez, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN
Mackenzie Mallon, University of Southern California, Lafayette, CO
David Manley, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK
Tom Manning, The Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
Stephen Marquez, Island Grove Regional Park, Greeley, CO
Allen McCallum, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Jeff McGarr, Greensboro Coliseum Complex – OVG, Greensboro, NC
Olivia McGrath, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Todd McQuade, Marin Center, San Rafael, CA
William Melendy, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Houston, TX
Lauren Milsop, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, VIC, Australia
Sam Mufti, ISEC, Alexandria, NSW, Australia
Gabi Munro, Sunshine Coast Stadium, Bokarina, QLD, Australia
Dave Namesnik, The Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
Bella Nguyen, WeOz Pty Ltd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Matt Norman, Cal Performances, Berkeley, C
Sam Owens, Megatix, Perth, WAu, Australia
Alicia Palmer, Royal Caribbean Group, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Bridget Parish, Laramie County Events, Cheyenne, WY
Vishal Parmar, Australian Catering Services (ACS), Nathan, QLD, Australia
Alexander Parson, Missouri State University, Festus, MO
Victoria Paz, Northshore Harbor Center, Slidell, LA
Lizzi Pearson, Montana Group, Hamilton, , New Zealand
Alexis Perales, Missouri State University, Grapevine, TX
Cindy Perkins, The Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
Tammie Petch, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, South Wharf, VIC, Australia
Dylan Pike, The Broadmoor World Arena, Colorado Springs, CO
Frank Polselli, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh, PA
Dean Pramualphol, Arup, Bundall, QLD, Australia
Tara Preshong, Central Florida Fair/Orlando Amphitheater, Orlando, FL
Lee Puklowski, ISEC, Alexandria, NSW, Australia
Greg Purcell, SKG, Miranda, NSW, Australia
Tim Purdy, Ryman Hospitality Properties, Nashville, TN
Caroline Quinn, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Joel Radatz, San Diego Theatres/San Diego Civic Theatre, San Diego, CA
Carri Radford, Sarasota Orchestra, Sarasota, FL
Lori Rausch, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Taylor Redfearn, Greensboro Coliseum Complex – OVG, Greensboro, NC
Reagan Reedy, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Rodney Reese, Greensboro Coliseum Complex – OVG, Greensboro, NC
Jose Rivera, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Houston, TX
Jay Rogan, Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, Currimundi, QLD, Australia
Lindsey Ruehl, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Matt Saril, Prudential Center, Newark, NJ,
Cole Scheler, SAP Center at San Jose, San Jose, CA
Steve Scott, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Houston, TX
Betty Siegel, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC
Jay Silva, The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Hartford, CT
Charlene Speyerer, The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, Hartford, CT
Jade Stevens, Ticketek Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Jessika Streat, TEG Live, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Colton Sullivan, Spokane Public Facilities District, Spokane, WA
Kelsi Swinson, Holmes Center – App State, Boone, NC
Parker Tanner, INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, KS,
Thyra Tavil, Australian Catering Services (ACS), Nathan, QLD, Australia
Emily Taylor, Ticketek Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Linda Taylor, Placemaking NSW, The Rocks, NSW, Australia
Scott Taylor, Praesidium Risk and Resilience, Narellan, NSW, Australia
Michael Tedford, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Morten Therkildsen, Roskilde Festival, Roskilde, Denmark
Judah Thomas, Kuranda Amphitheatre, Kuranda, QLD, Australia
Dave Thorne, OVG Tulsa, Tulsa, OK
William Throne, The Slover, Norfolk, VA
Dominic Tierno, Levy Restaurants, Houston, TX
Shelbi Vandiver, Saenger Theatre Pensacola, Pensacola, FL
Marcel Vernon, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston, MA
Brian Walker, MATCH – Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston, Houston, TX
Bryce Walker, Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
Matthew Walton, Australian Grand Prix Corporation, South Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Frances Ward, Ticketek Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Dave Wilkinson, Kingston Arts, Moorabbin, VIC, Australia
Andrew Williams, Humanforce, North Sydney, NSW, Australia
Christopher Williams, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK
Laura Winkler, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton, WI
Michael Woods, Southern Aluminum, Magnolia, AR
Jacob Workentine, INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita, KS
Emily Wright, Marriner Group, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Jackson Wright, Ticketek Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Mark Wylie, Montana Group, Hamilton, New Zealand
David Zaw, ISEC, Alexandria, NSW, Australia
Patrick Zazzaro, F&M Bank Arena, Clarksville, TN

Capital One Arena benefit supported victims of the tragedy at National Airport on January 29^th

Photo courtesy of Monumental Sports PR

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE), Entertainment Gang, and U.S. Figure Skating yesterday hosted Legacy on Ice, a live figure skating tribute held at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington D.C. Proceeds from the event will support the families and loved ones of the 67 lives lost in the tragic aviation incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on January 29, 2025, and the first responders and aviation professionals who responded heroically to the tragedy.

The sellout event of more than 15,000 – including nearly 500 first responders and approximately 150 family members of victims in attendance to honor their loved ones – has raised nearly $1.2 million to date. That figure is expected to increase throughout this month with the live national broadcast on NBC taking place on March 30 where viewers will be encouraged to donate throughout the broadcast and upon the conclusion of an online auction featuring sports memorabilia, culinary and entertainment experiences, among other items. Anyone interested in donating to the Legacy on Ice program, benefiting affected families, loved ones and first responders, may do so at www.LegacyOnIce.com.

“We continue to be in awe of and grateful to this community, whose compassion and support was out in full force for the ‘Legacy on Ice’ event,” said Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman, Managing Partner and CEO of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “Against the backdrop of this massive tragedy, this region has provided a light in showcasing its generosity and empathy for the victims, their families, and the heroic first responders, and I encourage people to continue to donate if they can.”

The event was announced just one week after the tragedy and was pulled together in just over 30 days and included 37 of the figure skating community’s most iconic athletes and decorated stars. The athletes and production team had only scant hours of in-person rehearsal time before going live. Still, the two-hour program came together in nearly flawless execution, pulled together by hundreds of staff working behind the scenes.

Generous contributions from eight organizations were instrumental in the success of yesterday’s Legacy on Ice event, including CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Venture Global, American Express, DXC Foundation, MGM National Harbor, Clark Construction, Giant, and Kendra Scott. Funds from these corporate sponsorships significantly lowered all associated costs for the event, in turn increasing the proceeds that will benefit victims’ families and first responders through the Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation’s Legacy on Ice program.

Guests at yesterday’s event were treated to a series of engaging activations taking place outside of the arena, on the concourses and in the bowl at Capital One Arena:

• In a poignant tribute, the dasher boards around the rink at Capital One Arena displayed a panel of 67 stars, commemorating each of the victims of the January 29 crash.  
• The DC Fire and EMS Department flew an American flag hung between two ladder trucks across F Street NW in front of the main entrance to Capital One Arena – a tradition that honors those who lost their lives in service of others.   
• A dedicated group of K9s and their handlers from the DC Fire and EMS Department and several therapy dogs were on hand.  
• Representatives from local sports teams, including the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Washington Commanders, Washington Nationals, D.C. United, and the Washington Spirit attended, showcasing the community’s solidarity and support.  

Future Engagement Opportunities

• After streaming on Peacock and airing on Monumental Sports Networkyesterday, NBC will broadcast an encore of the event to a national audience on Sunday, March 30 at 1 PM ET.  
• The Kendra Scott Foundation Sports Fund is supporting the U.S. Figure Skating Family Support Fund through sales of the Kendra Scott Ice Skate Pendant. Learn more HERE.
• The Monumental Sports & Entertainment Foundation (MSEF) has launched an online benefit auction, offering additional opportunities to support communities impacted by this tragedy. The auction features a slate of special offerings graciously donated by Washington sports teams, businesses and community groups. Those interested can visit www.Monumentalsports.com/LegacyOnIceAuction to see the full list of auction items. The auction runs through April 3 at 3 PM ET.

To find additional information on the Legacy on Ice program and to donate directly, please visit www.LegacyOnIce.com.

Steel Will Be Retiring on March 10 After 13 Years as Chief Executive Officer of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center

The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is excited to announce the rooftop farm is now officially known as ‘Steel Farm’ in honor of chief executive officer Alan Steel, who will be retiring next month. Steel has been chief executive officer for the last 13 years – guiding Javits Center through the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, the unknown of the Covid-19 pandemic and the excitement of the North Javits expansion.

“I’m honored to have my family name on at the Javits Center farm,” said Steel. “Before the Industrial revolution, my family were farmers on the border of England and Scotland, and as a gardener myself, the farm has always held a special place in my heart. As a living demonstration of how sustainable initiatives can be beneficial for the environment and the bottom line. I hope whenever an employee strolls through Steel Farm or eats produce grown there, they remember all the amazing work we carried out together during my 13-year tenure.”

The Steel Farm is on the North Javits rooftop and opened in 2021 as part of the Javits expansion. The farm spans one-acre and grows more than 50 diverse crops throughout the year. The produce is used by Javits Center’s in-house catering team, Cultivated, for a true farm-to-table experience. In 2024, Cultivated used over 80% of the produce generated by the farm for their catering operations. Unused produce is donated to a local organization addressing food insecurity or composted to be used on the farm. Steel Farm is managed by Brooklyn Grange.

Alan Steel was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the New York Convention Center Operating Corporation, which runs the Javits Center on Manhattan’s West Side, in February 2012. Under Steel ‘s leadership, 1n 2021, the Javits Center completed a historic expansion project that added more than 1 million square feet of state-of-the-art space.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, Steel played a pivotal role in the design, construction and operation of the nation’s largest field hospital and vaccination center. During his tenure, Steel also led the completion of a comprehensive renovation and operational overhaul at the Javits Center that included significant investments in energy efficiency, security and technology. As a result, the convention center has emerged as a nationwide model of sustainability, partnering with research institutions and community groups to study and reinforce the building’s positive impact on the local environment.

Prior to the Javits Center, Steel spent more than 30 years as an event management executive. He is the former President of George Little Management (GLM), a major producer of trade shows in the United States and Canada. Before joining GLM in 1982, Steel worked for more than 15 years with the British government in several trade-related positions at the Department of Trade and Industry in London, the British Consulate in Chicago and the British Trade Development Office in New York.

Steel has received numerous awards for his accomplishments, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from NYC Tourism + Conventions as well as recognition from the International Association of Exhibitors and Events (IAEE), New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE), American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), The American Society of Civil Engineers, Sing for Hope and New Yorkers for Parks. An avid environmentalist, Steel currently serves on the Executive Committee for NYC Tourism + Conventions, as well as on the Advisory Council for NYC Bird Alliance, Board of Directors New Yorkers for Parks and the Board of Trustees for The Climate Museum. Steel has also been appointed to the New York New Jersey Host Committee for the 2026FIFA World Cup.

Alan Steel will be succeeded by Joyce Leveston, who will assume the role of chief executive officer on March 10, 2025.

The Exhibitions Industry Collective is pleased to announce the launch of a nationwide workforce development initiative aimed at introducing students and young professionals to exciting and fulfilling career opportunities in the exhibitions and events sector. This initiative seeks to address the workforce gap by collaborating with schools, universities, and educational institutions to enhance awareness of careers in event planning, logistics, marketing, and more.

The exhibition and events industry is a vital economic driver that connects businesses, fosters innovation, and creates jobs across various sectors. The Exhibitions Industry Collective is committed to equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this fast-paced field through informative presentations, mentorship opportunities, and industry resources.

The future of our industry depends on educating and inspiring emerging professionals. By directly engaging with students, we can showcase the diverse career paths available and provide a clear roadmap for entering the industry.

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE INITIATIVE:

• Educational Presentations: Professionals from the industry will visit schools and universities to provide insights into careers in exhibitions and events.
• Resource Toolkit: Participants will receive a complete toolkit that includes a PowerPoint presentation, speaking notes, email communications, speaker training and FAQs, and key messaging points to ensure a consistent message.
• Social Media Engagement: Attendees and presenters are encouraged to share their experiences by using designated hashtags and tagging the participating industry associations.
• Impact Tracking: A reporting system will evaluate outreach success by collecting data on the number of students reached and their level of interest in industry careers.

To further amplify the impact, the audience can scan a QR code to take a brief survey and provide feedback on the presentation. This will ensure continuous improvement of outreach efforts.  To access the full set of resources, including presentations, speaking notes, and key messaging points, visit exhibitionsindustryawareness.com/workforce-initiative.

About the Exhibitions Industry Collective
The Exhibitions Industry Collective is a collaboration of leading industry organizations, including ECA, EDPA, ESCA, IAEE, IAVM, and SISO. Together, these organizations are committed to nurturing talent, promoting workforce development, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the exhibitions and events industry.

About the U.S. Exhibitions Industry
The U.S. exhibitions industry contributes more than 90 billion dollars to the U.S. GDP annually (stat courtesy of the Center for Exhibition Industry Research – CEIR) and provides employment opportunities in event planning, show production, logistics, venue management, and technology. As demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, the Exhibitions Industry Collective is committed to ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed.

For media inquiries, interviews, or further details, please contact: info@exhibitionsindustryawareness.com