The IAVM Foundation Announces the 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2016

IAVM’s commitment to identifying and developing future leaders is very important for the venue management industry and SearchWide Global is proud to help sponsor those efforts through the 2nd annual IAVM Foundation 30|UNDER|30 program, along with Ungerboeck Software Systems and IAVM Foundation donors.

 

As part of the Build an Amazing Future campaign focused on students, young professionals, and mid-level venue management, the 30|UNDER|30 program is designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the venue management industry by recognizing emerging leaders – and their talents – which help accelerate the industry and carry it into the future.

 

“IAVM and the IAVM Foundation continues to build an amazing future for young professionals in the venue management industry and the 30|UNDER|30 program continues to help lead those efforts,” said Mark Gnatovic, senior vice president of SearchWide Global and a Foundation Trustee. “The program selection process is not easy and each candidate has to be nominated and then submit a video application that is reviewed and scored by select industry leaders and Trustees. Those that earn the right to be recognized, truly earn the right. It’s inspiring and gratifying to see how creative and passionate these young professionals are. It will be fascinating to watch them as they develop into the future leaders of our industry.”

 

In its second year, this program focuses on identifying and developing the top talent in the venue management industry, 30 years of age and under, through increased access and exposure to industry networking and thought leadership. The 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2016 will convene for the first time at VenueConnect, IAVM’s annual conference and trade show, July 23-26, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They will also be provided opportunities for continued education for professional growth in the venue industry to help them become better, more productive employees.

 

Award recipients will receive full complimentary registration to VenueConnect, an $850 travel stipend and a one-year complimentary Young Professional IAVM Membership. In addition to over $2,000 in benefits, the 30|UNDER|30 recipients will be recognized at the Venue Industry Awards Luncheon at VenueConnect on Monday, July 25.

“On behalf of the IAVM Foundation’s Board of Trustees and committed donors, we are honored to announce the 30|UNDER|30 class of 2016,” said Mark Duryea, vice president of North American Routing & Tours for Feld Entertainment and the Foundation Chair. “We ARE building amazing futures for some of the top rising stars in the industry!”

 

Meet the IAVM Foundation’s 30|UNDER|30 class of 2016:

 

  • Priscilla Almeida, Director of Event Services, Rose Quarter/Rip City Management, LLC
  • David Bennett, Event & Facility Operations Manager, KSU Sports + Entertainment Park and Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University
  • Brooke Bockelman, Booking Manager, Jerome Schottenstein Center at Ohio State University
  • Ben Bosse, Director of Event Services, Nashville Predators/Bridgestone Arena
  • Nick Byer, Director of Events, Donald L. Tucker Civic Center at Florida State University/Spectra by Comcast-Spectacor
  • Meghan Doyle, Director of Marketing, BOK Center/SMG
  • Maggie Gendernalik, Marketing & Box Office Manager, KSU Sports + Entertainment Park and Fifth Third Bank Stadium at Kennesaw State University
  • Imran Gill, Marketing & Communications Manager, Shaw Conference Centre
  • Daniel Hare, Front of House Manager, Kings Theatre
  • Emily Herr, Event Services Coordinator, Buffalo Bills/Ralph Wilson Stadium
  • Michael Hilburn, Senior Manager, Ballpark Event Operations, Seattle Mariners/Safeco Field
  • Aaron Hurt, Director of Operations, Butler Arts Center at Butler University
  • Carly Johnston, Director of Marketing & Sales, Pensacola Bay Center/SMG
  • Tara Krause, Food & Beverage Manager, Swiftel Center/VenuWorks
  • Kristina Lankow, Sales & Marketing Manager, Swiftel Center/VenuWorks
  • Todd Liermann, Manager of Complex Show Operations, The National Western Complex
  • Max Long, Patron Services Manager, Denver Performing Arts Complex
  • Corey Margolis, Assistant General Manager, Budweiser Gardens/Spectra by Comcast-Spectacor
  • Matt McClain, Event Services Manager, Broadmoor World Arena & Pikes Peak Center
  • Sarah Minnick, Senior Event Services Coordinator, Alamodome
  • Christine Pileckas, Director of Sales & Marketing, INTRUST Bank Arena/SMG
  • Rick Powell, Operations Manager, Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall/Spectra by Comcast-Spectacor
  • Jenna Ricupero, Director of Catering Sales, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland and Global Center for Health Innovation/Levy Restaurants
  • Micheal Robinson II, Event Coordinator, Curtis Culwell Center
  • Mike Santa, CVP, General Manager, Indiana University Auditorium
  • Brian Smith, Special Events Manager, BOK Center/SMG
  • Allie Thomas, Event Services Coordinator, Cox Business Center/SMG
  • Sara Waltemire, Event Services Manager, Meydenbauer Center
  • Hayley Ward, Front of House Manager, AT&T Performing Arts Center
  • Michelle Witkins, Account Executive, The Baltimore Convention Center

 

 

About IAVM Foundation

The IAVM Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization established in 1982. Through donations and grants, the IAVM Foundation has invested more than $4 million in the development and delivery of professional education, research, advocacy, scholarships, internships and professional resources to ensure the safety and advancement of the public assembly venue industry.

 

About IAVM

Representing public assembly venues from around the globe, IAVM’s 5,400 active members include managers and senior executives from auditoriums, arenas, convention centers, exhibit halls, stadiums, performing arts centers, university complexes, racetracks, and amphitheaters. IAVM’s mission is to educate, advocate for, and inspire public assembly venue professionals worldwide. More information about IAVM is available at www.IAVM.org or via @IAVMWHQ on Twitter.

 

For more information contact:
Sarah Thorson
Director of Development
International Association of Venue Managers Foundation
(972) 538-1009
sarah.thorson@iavm.org

 

 

The Benefits of Becoming a Member of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI)

SearchWide Global believes in the power of networking, industry visibility, participation, and volunteerism as keys to continued success, both professionally and personally.  As founding sponsor of DMAI’s 30 Under 30 (now in it’s 6th year), SearchWide Global is a strong supporter of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI).

 

SearchWide Global believes in the power of networking, industry visibility, participation, and volunteerism as keys to continued success, both professionally and personally.  As founding sponsor of DMAI’s 30 Under 30, SearchWide Global is a strong supporter of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). Along with sponsoring the 30 Under 30 program, we sit on the Foundation board, take a leadership role with the apprenticeship program, participate in their annual convention, volunteer for the association at a variety of levels, and have had the pleasure of DMAI being a client of ours.

 

DMAI professes that destination marketing, at its core, is a strong driver of job creation and economic growth in cities, counties, states and countries across the globe. As an organization, DMAI is an advocate and a resource for destination marketing organizations (DMO) and destination marketing professionals worldwide. The organization’s mission is to be “an advocate for the professionalism, effectiveness, and significance of destination marketing organizations worldwide.”

 

DMAI offers their members’ access to over 600 official DMOs around the world. Take a look at some of the key benefits below. We hope to connect with you at the DMAI 2016 Annual Convention, August 1-3 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

 

 

DMO Professional Membership Benefits:

As the largest international association dedicated exclusively to the destination marketing industry, DMAI provides its members with the most cutting-edge educational resources, networking opportunities, and marketing benefits available worldwide.

 

DMAI is passionate about advancing the DMO professional, and is investing significant resources into new and innovative educational content, with the goal of raising the performance level of DMOs.

 

Every employee of a member DMO is welcome to join DMAI as an individual member, at no additional cost to the individual or the organization, giving them full access to DMAI’s resources, including:

 

 

 

Advocate for the DMO Industry:

With destination marketing budgets facing increased competition from other government priorities for funding, it is now more critical now than ever before to be a constant advocate for the travel industry and the dedication of marketing resources.  DMAI’s advocate resources include:

 

  • Organization Accreditation
  • Event Impact Calculator
  • empowerMint (a collaborative marketing initiative whose mission is to connect planners to DMOs)
  • Industry Research and Data
  • Performance Reporting
  • Destinations Showcase

 

 

Partnership Advantages:

DMAI’s Partner and Business Members are valued vendors, service providers and industry organizations that continue to invest in the DMO industry year after year.  In return, DMAI’s “Allied Members” get direct access and exposure to member DMOs, CVBs and Tourism Boards worldwide.  Allied members enjoy the following benefits:

 

  • Connect with key DMO decision-makers and senior leaders in the industry
  • Increase visibility and create unparalleled business relationships
  • Build trust and credibility as a support of the industry
  • Maintain a competitive edge in the market through access to industry resources
  • Numerous opportunities for exposure and networking
  • Collaborate with destination professionals and effect change

 

 

DMAI Business Member Benefits:

  • Listing in the Allied Member Directory
  • Access to the DMAI Membership Directory
  • Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities
  • Participation in DMAI meetings and activities
  • Access to DMAI’s Product Store and Resource Center
  • PDM and CDME Designation Courses
  • myDMAI
  • E-Newsletter Publications
  • Discounted Rates on Publications and mailing lists
  • Eligibility for a seat on the DMAI Board of Directors and/or the Allied Member Advisory Council

 

 

More information, along with membership rates and membership applications can be found on the DMAI website, www.destinationmarketing.org.

 

We hope to connect with you at the DMAI 2016 Annual Convention, August 1-3 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

DMAI 2016 Convention

 

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