Venue Professional

IAVM Region Conferences Brought Education, Networking to Cities Across US

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Venue Sustainalytics is Giving Venues a Baseline

VENUE

Professional

cartoon caricature of 2025-26 IAVM Board

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VenueConnect 2026

The July/August issue features IAVM award winners: the 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2026, the Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, and the Charles A. McElravy Award Winner.

Read the issue

From the Chair

In her final Chair's Column, Stacey Church, CVE, explores "What Endures: Reflections on Leadership, Stewardship, and the Future of IAVM."

“Leadership within IAVM has never been about individual recognition. It has always been about collective service.”
Stacey Church, CVECOO, Georgia World Congress Center

First Financial Center in Cincinnati, Ohio with cars speeding past

Beyond the Building: Cincinnati’s $800 Million Downtown Bet

portrait of Rip Rippetoe in front of San Diego Convention Center windows

Rip Rippetoe, CVE, Excels at ‘Industrial Theater’

portrait of Kim Bedier, CVE, in vibrant pink shirt, in front of green landscape

The Road Less Traveled: Kim Bedier, CVE, Reflects on Career Shaped by People

Front Row
News

The latest industry news from the IAVM blog

More Industry News

All Allied Awards Featured Industry News Members Obituaries Partnerships Venues

New Fourth Ward Entertainment District Honors Historic Raleigh Neighborhood

TheatreDNA Expands Team with Addition of Zachary Briscoe as Senior Theatre Consultant

It Starts with JustOne: Help Grow the IAVM Community

First Financial Center Appoints Byron Johnson as Director of Operations

Billions in annual purchasing power.

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Region 1 Officers

Region Director
Phil Costa, CVP
Deputy Director – Baltimore Convention Center

Assistant Director
Kady Chambers
Director of Venue Rentals and Operations – Strathmore

Past Director
Jana Brooks, CVP
Manager, Events and Tenant Services – Maryland Stadium Authority

Treasurer
Lanese Foley
Manager, Security & Building Operations – The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts

Social Media Manager
Emma Smith
Administrative Assistant – Ryan Center & Boss Ice Arena – OVG

Secretary
Courtney Shanahan
Booking Manager – Massachusetts Convention Center Authority

Allied Rep
Dr. Rich Atkins
Improving Communication

State Representatives

State Rep Chair
Shane Beardsley
Javits Center

DC
Courtland James
EventsDC

MA
Arthur Fritch, CMP, CEM
Director of Event Services – Massachusetts Convention Center Authority

MD
Kady Chambers
Director of Event Rentals and Operations – The Strathmore

RI
Lee Esckilsen, CVE
Johnson and Wales

VT
Lee Esckilsen, CVE
Johnson and Wales

CT
Dani O’Callahan
The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts

NY
Kevin Stark
t3 Expo

NJ
Kevin Stark
Account Manager, T3 Expo

NH
Dean Easterling
General Manager – Whittemore Center Arena at University of New Hampshire

DE
Vacant

PA
Kathy O’Leary
Wilson Hall Performance Arts

ME
Andy Downs
Director, Public Assembly Facilities Division – City of Portland

Event Planning Committee
Chair: Dr. Rich Atkins
Felicia Brown, VVA LLC
Kenneth Dixon, Javits Center

Region 2 Officers

Director
Jeff Steeg, MBA
Chief Operating Officer, The Center for the Performing Arts

Assistant Director
Gus Pine, CTA
Executive Director, Erie Events

Treasurer
Dennis O’Gara
Senior Vice President of Operations and Products & Services, Smart City Networks

Secretary
Vacant

Contact Region 2 Officers:
Via Email at iavmregion2@gmail.com
Via Region 2 LinkedIn

Committee Chairs

Scholarship
Maria Talbert, CVE

Membership
Meredith Howie

Allied Members
Eileen Kulish

Region 3 Officers

Director
Eryn Walters, CVP
Manager of Patron Services – Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Assitant Region Director
Donna Miller-Brown, CVP
Production Services Manager – Kauffman Center for Performing Arts

Treasurer
John Marquardt, CVE, CVP
Director – University of Illinois State Farm Center

Secretary
Madisen Pool, CVP
Operations Manager, Starlight Theatre

Immediate Past Director
Tiffany Vickaryous-Hubbard
Assistant General Manager – Scheels Arena

Marketing
Ashley Peacock, CVP

Young Professionals Rep
Hennessy Locsin

Allied Rep
David Crusel

State Representatives

State Rep Coordinator
Tammy, Koolbeck, CVE

Iowa
Bill Pinegar

Minnesota
Virginia “V” Fairchild

Nebraska
Bill Stephen, CVE

Wisconsin
Kristie Haney, CVE

Illinois
Lynn Cannon

Missouri
Katelynn Street

North Dakota
Jayda Bennett

South Dakota
Mike Krewson

Region 4 Officers

Director
Cody Lund
Executive Director, Boise Centre

Assistant Director
Tammy Sweeney
CEO, TCU Place, Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Secretary/Treasurer
Stephanie Michelle Viegas Dias
Portland’5 Centers for the Performing Arts, Director of Ticket Services

Past Director
Sara Waltemire, CMP, CVP
Chief Operating Officer, Meydenbauer Center

Committee Chairs

Allied
Randy Scott
President, Starplex/CMS

Audit
Annie Wilson, CPA, CVP
Controller, The 5th Avenue Theatre

Communications
Mevisha Maistry
Manager, Marketing Accounts – Venues, Explore Edmonton

Membership
Jeff Vaughan
Facilities Director, Benaroya Hall

Nominating
Chris Hayden
Event Services Director, Montana State University

Scholarship
Monica Pea, CMP, CGMP, CVP
Director of Sales, Oregon Convention Center

Region 5 Officers

Director
Erik Waldman, CVE
Principal, Facilities Services Director, Populous – Atlanta, GA

Assistant Director
Paul Cramer
President & CEO – The Classic Center – Athens, GA

Past Director
Tim Hemphill, CVP
Vice President, Sales, Marketing & Event Services – Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – New Orleans, LA

Treasurer
Ebony Hattix
Director of Guest Services – Memphis Grizzlies / FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN

Secretary
David Ax, CVP
Director, Event Services – Memphis Grizzlies / FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN

Past Director
Tim Hemphill, CVP
Vice President, Sales, Marketing & Event Services – Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – New Orleans, LA

Allied Rep
Randall Thrasher
North American Segment Leader Aviation, Public Space, Hospitality – Forbo Flooring Systems

Committee Chairs

Audit
Michael Meyers, CVE
Virginia Beach Convention Center – Virginia Beach, VA

Membership
Peyton Shelnutt
The Newnan Centre – Newnan, GA

Marketing & Communication
Michaela Ashworth
PNC Arena

Nominating, CVE Certification
Carol Moore, CVE
Retired – Newnan, GA

Scholarship
Michael Meyers, CVE
Virginia Beach Convention Center – Virginia Beach, VA

Young Professionals
Emily Anderson
Kennesaw State University

State Representatives
Cassie Jones, CVP
Charlotte Convention Center

State Representatives/Chairs

AL
Becca Donovan
Von Braun Center

FL
Juan Lopez, CMP
Tampa Convention Center

GA
Shannon McCullough, CVE
The Classic Center

LA
Erin Obre, CEM
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

MS
Donna Gray
Vicksburg Convention Center

NC
Jason Parker
Holmes Center

SC
Cheryl Swanson, CVE
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

TN
Evelyn Ingram
Granicus Destinations

VA
Michael Meyers, CVE
Virginia Beach Convention Center

Region 6 Officers

Director
Andrew Sims
Assistant General Manager, Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dalla

Assistant Director
Keller Taylor, CVE
Vice President, BOK Center & Arvest Convention Center

Secretary
Kelly Graham
Safety, Security and Parking Manager, Arts and Venues Denver, Denver, CO

Marketing Manager
Lucy Albers
Director of Marketing and PR, Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

Scholarship/Education Chair
Tanner Cody
Sales and Booking Representative, Curtis Culwell Center

Treasurer
Andrea Wright, CVP
Assistant Director, Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX

Allied Representative
Kimberly Corbett Oates, ASTC
Partner at Schuler Shook, Dallas, TX

State/Area Representatives

Colorado State Representative
Emma Schenkenberger, Director of Service Technologies, Momentus Technologies

Arkansas State Representative
Jennifer Wolcott, Director of Operations, Hot Springs Convention Center & Bank OZK Arena.

Kansas State Representative
Claire Wiens, Event Manger, INTRUST Bank Arena

Mexico Country Representative
Ruben Hernandez Ortiz, CVE, Consultor, MiRRub Soluciones

New Mexico State Representative
Nicki Kelsch, Director of Events, Rio Rancho Events Center

Oklahoma State Representative
Hayley Nath, Manager of Events & Operations, OKC Fairgrounds

Texas State (North) Representative:
Stacey Flores, General Manager, Moody Performance Hall

Texas State (South) Representative
Harrison Williams, Executive Director, Washington County Expo

Region 7 Officers

Director
Ashley Keen, CVP
Associate Theatre Projects

Assistant Director
Cynthia Tuckers, CVP
Director, Trojan Event Services

Treasurer
Duncan Olsen, CVE

Secretary
Giana Wilkins
Director of Convention Services
Pasadena Convention Center

Allied Representative
Thushan Rajapaksa
VP Business Development, Western US
Allied Universal Event Services

Scholarship Chair
Larry Henley, CVE
Director Alumni Affairs, Parent Relations & Community Initiatives
College of Fine Arts
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Marketing & Social Media Manager
Renee Jung
Assistant Director, Exhibitor Services
San Diego Convention Center

Please visit the Region 7 webpage for more information.

Professional Group Membershp

Do you have more staff you’d like to be involved with IAVM? With IAVM’s Professional Group Membership, members have a front-row seat for industry trends — plus backstage access to venue management’s superstars. Get connected to the industry’s professional core, plugged into its powerful network, enlightened by visionaries and inspired by once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

A Few of the Benefits (All Tiers):

Connections to industry colleagues, leaders and trailblazers
Private access to the popular industry discussion forum, VenueNet
Access to proprietary industry research and custom benchmarking data reports
Knowledge-expanding webinars, and 24-7 access to digital content via the Online Learning Library
Member rates to all IAVM conferences and schools
Membership Directory – access a global directory of venue leaders and partners
One-on-one Mentoring Program
IAVM newsletters and industry updates
IAVM has partnered with Advantage Training to offer Leading the Crowd, an expert-led safety and crowd manager training, that equips your team with the tools and resources to create a safe and secure guest experience. Schedule a demo to learn how this training solution can ignite change at your organization!

Additional Perks for Tier 3 Group Members:

Career Resource Center – (3 job posts/year), a $750 value
VDS research reports- 2 annually, $299 value each
VP magazine print issues, five print copies once they are resumed, digital copies are now available.

Professional Group Membership Terms & Conditions:

One address/per membership, single payment required for all memberships to establish Venue Membership.
Venue may list up to twenty employees as members; employee must be a direct employee of the venue.
The following venue types may participate: arenas, convention centers, fairgrounds, performing arts centers, race tracks, stadiums, universities — any venue that qualifies as a public venue.
Complexes or multi-address venues do not qualify at this time.
Applies to management company employees that have oversight of a venue
Includes stakeholders: Mayor, CVB or student interns
IAVM reserves the right to approve or deny category requests.

JOIN NOW!

Allied Group Membership

Your firm can attend numerous events year round to make connections with influential decision- makers from venues around the world to increase your sales revenue potential while building relationships as a member exhibitor, member partner or member sponsor of IAVM.

Allied members want more engagement opportunities for their corporate and sales employees to connect with venue professionals. IAVM’s new Allied Group Membership program delivers two options to have more of your employees involved in IAVM with more perks to enhance the value your company receives as a member.

A Few of the Benefits:

Connections to decision-makers at all kinds of venues
Networking events where you can build long-term client relationships
Discounted exhibit space at VenueConnect
DirectConnect for dedicated appointment times with qualified buyers; member pricing available
Membership Directory online access
Free IAVM Buyers Guide listing, discounts on advertising in Venue Professional magazine and mailing list rentals
High-profile exposure as a speaker at meetings and conferences
Online membership directory to target venue types and prospects
VenueNet – collaborate, communicate, and stay in the know with IAVM’s member-only forum 24/7. Members pose questions, share expertise and refer to best practices shared by the industry’s brightest
Knowledge-expanding webinars and online learning library
A subscription to Venue Professional magazine plus our weekly e-newsletter, (blogs), email updates and event previews
Proprietary industry research and custom benchmarking data
Volunteer opportunities that help build IAVM while honing your skills and expanding your reach
Review Eligibility Requirements

Allied Group Membership Terms & Conditions:

Any firm, organization, or individual engaged in providing product, equipment, services or attractions for public venues and is not otherwise eligible to serve as a Professional Member.
Tier 1: Add up to 5 employees. Each current and new employee’s renewal date will be the same. Current members will retain their original join date. Dues: $2,275 USD
Tier 2: Add up to 10 employees. Each current and new employee’s renewal date will be the same. Current members will retain their original join date. Dues: $4,760 USD
Company name: A single name must be used in connection with all employees listed as Allied Group Members.
One individual shall be designated as the Allied Primary Member/Representative (principal contact) for the group membership. Said individual will be responsible for renewing the membership annually and making roster updates for the membership. A firm or organization will select either Tier 1 or Tier 2 when applying and may sign up to five or ten direct employees as members.
All individuals/members are voting members.
IAVM reserves the right to approve or deny category requests.

JOIN NOW!

Faculty Membership

Venue and sports management is a fascinating subject to teach. And a demanding one, since the trends and technologies change as fast as a venue marquee. As an IAVM faculty member, you can stay on top of it all. You’re connected with industry thought-leaders, armed with the latest research and benchmarking data, and kept up-to-date on new perspectives. Online resources mean you don’t even have to leave the campus, but it’s worth the trip for live events that make you fall in love with the industry all over again.

A Few of the Benefits:

Connections to industry professionals and thought-leaders
Knowledge-expanding webinars and online learning library
Private access to the popular industry discussion forum, VenueNet
Live industry events at spectacular venues with actionable education sessions and networking opportunities
A subscription to Venue Professional magazine
Weekly e-newsletter, email updates and event previews
Proprietary industry research and custom benchmarking data
Discounts on textbooks and other educational resources
Full access to the IAVM membership directory and supplier lists

Faculty Membership Terms & Conditions:

Open to individuals who are employed full-time as faculty or a professor of an accredited, post-secondary educational institution, providing instruction and training in disciplines and/or areas associated with the venue management industry, such as sports management and/or hospitality.
An adjunct instructor does not qualify for Faculty Membership.
Membership is not transferrable.
IAVM reserves the right to approve or deny category requests.

JOIN NOW!

Student Membership

Take Your Career Aspirations in Venue Management to New Heights With IAVM!

As the premier organization dedicated to the advancement of professionals in the venue management industry, IAVM offers invaluable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development tailored to students like you!

Mentor Connector Program

One-on-one mentoring from seasoned pros via the Mentor Connector program.

Industry Events

Live industry events at spectacular venues with actionable education sessions and networking opportunities

Scholarships and Internships

The IAVM Foundation offers scholarships to each of IAVM’s events! Internships are available for VMS and VenueConnect.

Career Center

The IAVM Career Center connects job seekers with great positions in the venue industry.

Job Shadowing Program

Get valuable training at a venue to help you select your career path in venue management.

Member Directory

Connections to industry colleagues, leaders and trailblazers.

VenueNet

Private access to the popular industry discussion forum, where members post questions and share real-time solutions with one another.

Webinars/Online Library

Knowledge-expanding webinars and online learning library available anytime you need information.

Venue Professional Magazine

A subscription to the digital version of Venue Professional magazine, filled with member stories, industry trends, perspectives, research and technology updates.

Front Row News

Gain access to our blog and weekly e-newsletter, “Front Row News,” plus email updates and event previews.

Student Membership Terms & Conditions:

Student Membership is a voting membership and is available to individuals currently enrolled in a university, college, or post-secondary technical school studying in a field that is relevant to the venue management industry, such as sports management or hospitality.
Student Membership is not available to individuals who are full-time employees of venues or industry providers even if enrolled in a masters or doctorate program while employed.
Membership is not transferrable.
IAVM reserves the right to approve or deny category requests.

JOIN NOW!

Allied Membership

Got a great product or service for the venue industry? We’ve got the great connections, information and opportunities you need to make it pay off. Big time. As an IAVM allied member, you’re connected to qualified prospects in your region, nationwide and around the world. You’re on top of the latest industry news and trends. You’re first in line for prime exhibit space at the most influential trade shows with the best profit potential. In short, you’re on the inside track.

A Few of the Benefits:

Connections to decision-makers at all kinds of venues
Networking events where you can build long-term client relationships
Discounted exhibit space at VenueConnect, plus DirectConnect for dedicated appointment times with qualified buyers
Free IAVM Marketplace listing, discounts on advertising in Venue Professional magazine and mailing list rentals
High-profile exposure as a speaker at meetings and conferences
Online membership directory to target venue types and prospects
Knowledge-expanding webinars and online learning library
A subscription to Venue Professional magazine plus our weekly e-newsletter, (blogs), email updates and event previews
Proprietary industry research and custom benchmarking data
Volunteer opportunities that help build IAVM while honing your skills and expanding your reach
Add additional Allied members from your company at reduced rates

Allied Membership Terms & Conditions:

Any firm, organization, or individual engaged in providing product, equipment, services or attractions for public venues and is not otherwise eligible to serve as a Professional Member.
Not specifically qualified to be a Professional Member
IAVM reserves the right to approve or deny category requests.

JOIN NOW!

Young Professional Membership

Your first few years in venue management can set the pace for your whole career. Good reason to start full throttle. That’s the idea behind IAVM’s affordable membership level for professionals aged 30 and under. It immediately identifies you as an industry up-and-comer. From day one, you’re connected to a worldwide professional network. You gain access to the industry’s best minds, to insider information and to educational opportunities that serve as jet fuel for rising stars.

A Few of the Benefits:

Connections to industry colleagues, leaders and trailblazers
One-on-one mentoring from seasoned pros
Knowledge-expanding webinars and online learning library
Private access to the popular industry discussion forum, VenueNet
Live industry events at spectacular venues with actionable education sessions and networking opportunities
Scholarship and internship opportunities
Eligibility to earn Certified Venue Professional designation (CVP)
A digital subscription to Venue Professional magazine plus our weekly e-newsletter, email updates and event previews
Proprietary industry research and custom benchmarking data
Full access to the IAVM membership directory and supplier lists
Volunteer opportunities that help build IAVM while honing your skills and expanding your reach
IAVM has partnered with Advantage Training to offer Leading the Crowd, an expert-led safety and crowd manager training, that equips your team with the tools and resources to create a safe and secure guest experience. Schedule a demo to learn how this training solution can ignite change at your organization!

Young Professional Membership Terms & Conditions:

Individuals who are actively involved in the management, administration or operation of a qualified public venue at a level below the top two levels of management at the venue, i.e., Executive, General Manager or Department Head
Open to any individual who is 30 years of age or younger.
Birth date must be provided to meet membership qualifications.
Applicant cannot move from Professional Membership to Young Professional Membership
A Student Member can upgrade to the Young Professional Membership classification as long as the outlined requirements are met.
Membership is not transferrable.
IAVM reserves the right to approve or deny category requests.

JOIN NOW!

Professional Membership

This ever-changing, anything-can-happen industry is no place to go it alone. Fortunately, you don’t have to. As a member, you can learn from the experiences of several thousand venue management professionals around the world and from the wisdom of industry experts. Gain a competitive edge through educational and career development opportunities. You have the access, the connections, the inspiration to transform the future — your own and that of the profession.

A Few of the Benefits:

Connections to industry colleagues, leaders and trailblazers
Knowledge-expanding webinars, online learning library and our one-on-one mentoring program
Private access to the popular industry discussion forum, VenueNet
Live industry events at spectacular venues with actionable education sessions and networking opportunities
A pathway to earning your Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation or Certified Venue Professional (CVP).
A subscription to Venue Professional magazine plus our weekly e-newsletter, (blogs), email updates and event previews
Proprietary industry research and custom benchmarking data
Purchase valuable resources at member pricing, such as the latest industry guides, The IAVM Blueprint: Event Management, PAVM: Sports, Entertainment, Meeting & Convention Venues
Search the career center for hot job opportunities by reviewing listings and post your resume
Full access to the IAVM membership directory and supplier lists
Leadership opportunities that help build IAVM while honing your skills and expanding your reach
IAVM has partnered with Advantage Training to offer Leading the Crowd, an expert-led safety and crowd manager training, that equips your team with the tools and resources to create a safe and secure guest experience. Schedule a demo to learn how this training solution can ignite change at your organization!

Professional Membership Terms & Conditions:

Individuals who manage or are actively involved in the management, administration or operation of a public venue.
Once Professional Membership has been obtained, an individual may not downgrade to another dues-paying category, i.e., or the equivalent of Young Professional Membership or Student Membership.
Membership is not transferrable.
IAVM reserves the right to approve or deny category requests.

JOIN NOW!

See the recap

Learn how

VENUE

Professional

VenueConnect 2026

From the Chair

Explore the Latest Issue

Beyond the Building: Cincinnati’s $800 Million Downtown Bet

Rip Rippetoe, CVE, Excels at ‘Industrial Theater’

The Road Less Traveled: Kim Bedier, CVE, Reflects on Career Shaped by People

Front Row
News

New Fourth Ward Entertainment District Honors Historic Raleigh Neighborhood

TheatreDNA Expands Team with Addition of Zachary Briscoe as Senior Theatre Consultant

It Starts with JustOne: Help Grow the IAVM Community

First Financial Center Appoints Byron Johnson as Director of Operations

8,000+ decision-makers.

Billions in annual purchasing power.

IAVM Global Partners

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