Tag: Class of 2016

DMAI Reveals Annual ‘30 UNDER 30’ Recipients

by jsl_web_admin

Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) Chair Bob Lander and President and
CEO Don Welsh today announced the 2016 ’30 Under 30’ Class. DMAI received 95 submissions
for the 2016 experience, the largest response since the program’s inception in 2011.

“Selecting 30 recipients from a record 95 submissions is no easy task,” said Lander. “Our
nominating Committee reviewed every submission, and ultimately delivered an impressive
roster for 2016. I look forward to recognizing these 30 future leaders who have already
demonstrated exceptional potential.”

The 30 individuals, 30 years of age and under, will engage in professional development,
volunteer and networking opportunities throughout 2016. The 2016 honorees originate from a
variety of destinations and backgrounds, from National Tourism Bureaus such as Brand USA and
the Bermuda Tourism Authority to local Convention and Visitors Bureaus in Victoria, Texas and
Macon, Georgia.
Now in its sixth year, ’30 Under 30’ is supported by founding program partner SearchWide Global, and
sponsored by IMEX and USAE. The honorees will convene for the first time at DMAI’s Annual
Convention August 1‐3 in Minneapolis, MN. Recipients will be recognized Monday, August 1
immediately following the Opening Keynote featuring Abigail Posner.

“Identifying and investing in tomorrow’s leaders is critical for our industry to grow,” said Welsh.
“I am confident that the program we have developed for this year’s Annual Convention will
inspire and further educate this incredibly talented team of future destination marketing
leaders.”

In 2015, the travel and tourism sector supported 284 million jobs, the equivalent to 1 in 11 of
worldwide jobs. By 2026, this number is expected to grow to 370 million, which will equate to 1
in 9 of all jobs in the world according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, underscoring the
need to develop future industry leaders.

“Not only does the program bring incredible value to our industry, but it brings unlimited
opportunity to the recipients,” said Mike Gamble, President and CEO of SearchWide Global.” By
shaping the future industry leaders, we can build an even better future for destination
marketing.”

Class of 2016:
 Ashley Andrews, Lake Placid ‐ Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism
 Andrea Barnhill, VISIT FLORIDA
 Kaitie Burger, Discover Lehigh Valley
 Rasheeda Burgess, Bermuda Tourism Authority
 Torri Christian, Destination DC
 Kevin Crowley, Juneau CVB
 Neil Curiel, The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel
 Christopher Deschenes, San Francisco Travel Association
 Janet Elkins, Meet Minneapolis Convention & Visitors Association
 Chris Flor, Providence Warwick CVB
 Evan Foote‐Hudson, Durham CVB
 Veronica Gruber, Macon‐Bibb County CVB
 Brandon Holstein, Madison Area Sports Commission
 Angela LaTerra, Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau
 Brittany Lauro, Discover Newport
 Chris Lewis, Tourism Kelowna
 Melissa McClure, Visit Fairfax
 James Namude, Brand USA
 Kathy Nishimura, Visit Anaheim
 Joel Novosad, Victoria CVB
 Megumi Robinson, Experience Columbus
 Sarah Rowan, Visit Knoxville
 Kyle Schatzel, Team San Jose
 Peyton Scheller, Visit Spokane
 Abby Terhark, Springfield, Missouri CVB
 Nick Tolley, Seattle Southside Regional Tourism Authority
 Rachel Troutman, Visit Indy
 Rachel Volbert, Visit Huntington Beach
 Megan White, Visit Savannah
 Michele Wisnesck, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau

For more information contact:

Meghan Risch
R4 Communications Strategies, Inc.
312.388.1174

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

by jsl_web_admin

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