Our latest recipient spotlight of the IAVM Foundation’s inaugural class of 30|UNDER|30 is Dani Cole, sales manager at the Tacoma Dome and the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center in Washington.

“We’re in an industry where there are always new trends, new technology, and new expectations that the clients are bringing us,” Cole said when asked what she feels is necessary for future success in the venue management industry. “It is imperative that we are continuing to educate ourselves, that we aren’t allowing ourselves to become complacent or stale, that we are always learning what all these new trends are so that we can create new and exciting experiences every time someone walks in our door. If we can do this, I know that we will stay relevant, we will be competitive, and that we will be remembered.”

One of the benefits of being named a 30|UNDER|30 recipient is a full complimentary registration to VenueConnect in Baltimore. However, Cole will not be able to attend because her two-year-old daughter, Emmy, was recently diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of cancer.

Cole created a CaringBridge page to help friends and family stay up-to-date on Emmy.

“If you would like to leave words of encouragement for Emmy or the family on social media please tag #TeamEmmyCole so that when she grows up and looks back at this time in her life she can easily find your messages online,” Cole wrote the page. “Many people have asked how they can help our family, here are two sites that that have been setup by loved ones. If you would like to make a monetary donation please visit http://www.gofundme.com/teamemmycole, or if you would like to provide a meal please visit http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=HSMZ2586.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cole family and for Emmy’s health.

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I think I figured out why Millennials are being talked about again in such quantity—it’s because it’s graduation season. They’re entering the workforce. Or maybe they’re already a part of your organization. Nevertheless, you, as a venue manager, will be working with them, so it’s imperative you understand how to motivate and engage them.

However, it’s not just Millennials you have to consider. The Baby Boomers are still working, and more people from that generation are retiring later in life. Then you have the Gen X crowd to accommodate.

One of the ways we’re helping you manage different generations in your organization is through a training session at VenueConnect 2015 in Baltimore, Aug. 1-4. Jack Messenger, vice president of instruction and a certified trainer at Dale Carnegie Training, will lead a discussion on “Motivating and Engaging Different Generations.”

For example, Millennials want a workplace environment that offers flexible hours to allow a work-life balance, managers who trust them to do their work, and the availability of incentives for higher performance, according to a Dale Carnegie Training white paper.

And since more Millennials are in the workplace, that means more of them are in leadership roles. For young professionals, we’re offering a seminar called “From Friendship to Leadership,” led by Lindsay Adams, CSPGlobal, a principal at Teamocracy in Australia. Attendees will learn the essential traits of leadership, the must-do actions of leaders, and the critical items new leaders must avoid.

But wait, there’s more.

U.S. Navy SEAL Curt Cronin will present a session titled “Building Unstoppable Teams,” during which he’ll introduce to attendees an integrated leadership framework that identifies the key values, tasks, actions, disciplines, and attitudes required for success for any generation.

Then we’ll also offer more leadership training with the session, “You Can’t Make Omelettes Without Breaking Eggs: The Messy Work of Refining Your Leadership” Attendees at this session—led by Adams and Paul Bridle, CEO of Excellence Squared Limited—will learn how connecting people, processes, and performance creates profits and how identifying the right measurements and engaging people drives better results.

Whether you’re a current leader or a leader on the rise, VenueConnect offers several sessions to help you be successful. Register now, and we’ll see you in Baltimore!

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We’re not the only ones excited to visit Baltimore this year for VenueConnect. So is Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

“Thank you for supporting Baltimore. We appreciate all the love the IAVM family has shown Baltimore in the recent weeks,” Rawlings-Blake said. “We’re excited to host the 90th annual VenueConnect convention, and we look forward to welcoming you and your families in August.”

Please watch the video above to hear the mayor’s personal welcome and to learn more about the city.

See you Aug.1-4 in Baltimore!

The post A Personal Message to IAVM From Baltimore’s Mayor appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

Our latest recipient spotlight of the IAVM Foundation’s inaugural class of 30|UNDER|30 is Michael Owens, director of booking at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“To be successful in this competitive industry, you’ve got to find ways to set yourself apart,” Owens said when asked what it takes to be successful in his field. “I know for young professionals like myself, it’s often challenging to get out from behind the cover of email and the digital interface that we all live behind and make personal connections. After all, this business is about relationships.”

Please watch the video above to learn more about Owens, and thank you to SearchWide and Ungerboeck Software International for their generous support of the IAVM Foundation’s 30|UNDER|30 program.

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The world of venue management evolves constantly. How do facility managers keep up with the latest techniques to deal with an onslaught of issues that affect our ever-changing society and certainly the daily demands on our venues? In light of recent incidents that deal with issues related to crowd  management, cybersecurity, home-grown terrorism, Wi-Fi, severe weather, and more, our members are able to respond swiftly to address the growing demands on staff personnel and to ensure patrons are protected. IAVM members are equipped to implement strategies so that attendees feel safe enough to attend live events.

To assist our members with the tools they need, IAVM offers a variety of critical networking opportunities throughout the year. Among the array of IAVM national educational events, sector conferences, and schools, IAVM Chapter Meetings have enabled local communities across all markets to convene and discuss trends that impact venues and share best practices. These events offer education, ideas to promote forward thinking, and of course, an exchange of information with peers. And sometimes, these meetings are just plain fun. Chapters offer local members and potential members an option to learn, grow your network and develop important relationships that can assist when there is a greater need. The moral of the story, meet your neighbors!

To create a chapter meeting in your city or community where several venues exist, basic hosting tips and resources are available at http://iavm.org, click on the About tab, select Regions and Chapters, select your region, then Chapter Meeting and check out the overview, and proceed to Hosting a Meeting. You will find steps you can take to start planning meetings in your community.

Please check out the FM June/July 2014 article online: Let’s Talk Chapter Meetings by Kathy Lowrey and Nick Zazal, IAVM membership committee. We hope to see you at VenueConnect this summer, August 1-4! Questions: contact IAVM’s membership director, Gina Brydson, at 972.906.7441, or via email at gina.brydson@iavm.org.

(Image: dirkb86/Creative Commons)

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The Mobile Sports Report recently published a story about how Levi’s Stadium San Francisco, California, received $802,791 in revenue from having a mobile app for in-seat food and beverage delivery. Over in Oakland, Golden State Warriors go-owner Peter Guber is working on way to put millions of people courtside at a basketball game via virtual reality.

“It doesn’t replace being here,” Guber told CNBC. “That’s still a different experience. But it is a phenomenally new and exciting method to bring basketball to disparate communities all over the country.”

We could then talk about drones, live streaming, or any number of new technological advancements that are currently—or will—affecting venues and the guest experience. And that’s just what we’ll do at this year’s VenueConnect in Baltimore, August 1-4.

For example, there will a technology showcase during the conference trade show where companies will present seven-minute quick demos of a new or existing product. Companies participating in the showcase include Daktronics, Eventbooking, and Sherpa Solutions, among others.

We’re offering several sessions, too, on new technologies and trends. Here are some of the highlights:

Understanding the Right Mobile Mix for Your Venue
This session will cover the differences between DAS, Wi-Fi, microcells, picocells, other small cells, and which technology is best suited for your venue environment.

Wi-Fi Expectations, Bandwidth, and Regulations
IAVM, IAEE, and the IAVM Wi-Fi Coalition dive into current issues centering on high-density Wi-Fi environments and how recent collaborative efforts to standardize how Wi-Fi performance can be effectively measured and maintained by venues.

Tweets From the Top: How Venue Executives Are Excelling in the Social Stream
Learn the 101 of not just sending a tweet, but leveraging your role in the organization in creative ways that builds new audiences and helps grow your business.

Revenue Generating Technology for Convention Centers
Understand how business strategy and technology can best sync with each other, and review new technologies, with a focus on venue-wide geolocation, iBeacon, and location analytics.

Big Data: How to Measure Success
Explore the world of big data as it applies to more effectively managing venues—everything from marketing and ticketing to risk management, human resources, and HVAC maintenance.

We hope to see you at VenueConnect, where we call experience new technologies together and consider how they will influence the venue management industry.

The post Enter the World of Tech appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

We’re back for another edition of The Venue, IVAM’s monthly call-in show about the issues you face every day. The show will take place at 2 p.m. (CST).

Follow this link to register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/50090377894186342

Joe Durr, director of event services for PORTLAND’5 Centers for the Arts, was supposed to be our special guest on the first episode. However, he unable to appear, but we’re happy to say he’ll be the special guest for this edition.

Durr, Greg Wolfe, and I will be talking about a few subjects that have popped up on VenueNet, such as ideal outdoor row and aisle spacing, theatre houselights LED retrofits, staff plans for concerts (security, admissions, medical), service animals, volunteer recruitment materials, fountain drinks vs. bottles/cans, and Palcohol.

We hope you join us on Friday by calling in or listening.

We also recorded a special show at Venue Management School, and we’ll post it soon. And if you want, you can still listen to the first episode online.

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I graduated college in 2005 and was lucky enough to get a gig at Strathmore, an arts complex in Bethesda, Maryland, where I had interned the year prior. I’m certain I bombed the interview. They still poke fun at me about how I was expecting to have “more time to play video games” now that I was out of the college grind. WHAT A MORON! I guess I was lucky enough to have the other, more interview-ready competition get other job offers. I still remember the offer call. You ready for this? I accepted under the condition that I could have my already scheduled beach week one week after I was to start. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!! If I was my boss, I not only would have laughed on the other end of the phone, I would have retracted the offer. Yet I think he was desperate. Yup. He must have been because he agreed. He never let me forget that either…but I still had a job. So far so good.

As a communications and music double major, I didn’t have the foggiest idea of what venue management entailed, and as Strathmore had just opened a new concert hall, there wasn’t a whole lot of past practice for me to learn from. I made my way…somehow…and went from a glorified paper-pusher to operations manager after about 16 months. I think at the time, my only real qualifications were that I managed to not get lost in the building and didn’t get anyone killed.

Shortly after the promotion, I was told that I was signed up for IAAM. Boy was I stoked for the new magazine subscription! When I got my first issue and started to look at the pictures (I’m not much for words), I realized what I really had been given—an opportunity to right all my previous bone-headed, immature, wrongs and actually learn how to be a venue manager. I jumped at the opportunity.

I read each FM issue from cover to cover. I remember the day I saw the ad for the Mentoring Program. I was 23 and living in my mom’s basement and it said “free” so sign me up! The experience got me in touch with a wonderful mentor, Terry Genovese, CFE, who I will never forget for the advice, the connections, and the opportunities she afforded me. She encouraged me to apply for PAFMS (now Venue Management School). She called ahead to industry pillars like John Siehl, CFE, and Adina Erwin to warn….I mean…let them know that a rookie who she was humoring as a mentee was headed their way and to try not to let me do anything stupid. They took time to seek me out, introduce themselves, and offered their support in finding my niche. After that week in Oglebay, I think I knew this was in my blood. From that moment on I was drinking the Kool-Aid and preaching the gospel to anyone who would listen.

A few years ago I heard a taskforce was being assembled to promote and add value to the Young Professionals membership; I immediately threw my hat in the ring to be a part of it. Now as the chair of the soon-to-be Young Professionals Committee (read—“HERE TO STAY!!”), I couldn’t be happier to be in the position to help younger folks to utilize what IAAM, now IAVM, has to offer to the future of this industry. I owe my livelihood to getting that first chance at employment and then working every last ounce of opportunity I could out of that “magazine subscription” called the International Association of Venue Managers.

If you’ve read this far (thanks for that btw), I ask two things, 1: If you are still early in your career in this crazy industry we love so much, reach out to me or anyone involved in the Young Professional Committee, Mentoring Program, or Universities Committee as soon as you can. We’ll find you some way to get involved, and we’ll drop what we’re doing to give you the guidance and resources that so many of us benefited from. And 2: If you have the opportunity to recognize staff or students in your organization that just might need a taste of what IAVM has to offer, get them to us. Let us speak in you classrooms, or send them to us for a shadow experience or internship. The future VMS instructors, committee chairs, and mentors of this industry need to start their journeys today!

To put a spin on a famous Jack Nicholson quote: “We want you on that wall…We need you on that wall.”

If I managed to make something of myself through IAVM, anyone can.  Help me make some more Kool-Aid, and if you’re thirsty, we’re serving!

Hope to see everyone in Baltimore!

(Image: Bre Pettis/Creative Commons)

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When is the last time you experienced a “mountaintop experience” in your professional career? You hear people describe these experiences in their personal lives after they come back from a thrilling adventure or exotic vacation. Something happens that is uplifting and inspiring, maybe even life-changing. I would guess that most of us have experienced something similar in our personal lives. But have you had that mountaintop experience in your career?

Attending Venue Management School (VMS) earlier this summer was exactly that for me. I mean literally, Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling, West Virginia, the permanent home of VMS, is on the top of a mountain. The views are incredible, especially compared to the rolling hills of farmland that I am used to in Southern Indiana. But beyond that, VMS is a powerful tool in the development of a young professional’s career. VMS effectively teaches the venue management industry, positions attendees to effortlessly network with other industry colleagues, and inspires you no matter what stage of career you are in. If you are a young professional in the venue management industry, you need to find a way to get to VMS.

Teaching the Venue Management Industry

At its core mission, VMS successfully teaches the venue management industry. The amount of information I was able to absorb in this week-long course (taken in two consecutive years) about the industry was incredible. I’m sure many young professionals out there are similar to me, in that you sort of fell into this career. For me, I was a basketball junkie. I grew up as an athletic director’s son, played sports throughout my entire life, and was a staff member for the IU Basketball team during college. Sports were (are) my passion. So when I saw an opportunity to gain valuable experience managing people and a budget but also to be involved with athletic events, I jumped at the opportunity. What could be a better job just out of college? But my lack of industry knowledge was very evident, and I was not as effective in my role as I could have been. Fortunately, my boss is a true believer in professional development and an even bigger believer in IAVM. VMS has helped fill this void of venue management knowledge over the past two years. Topics like booking and scheduling, tenant/management relations, venue law, crowd management, and dozens of others that directly target issues we all deal with are taught by instructors who are industry veterans.

Even for those young professionals who have always wanted a career in the venue industry and already know the ins and outs of venue management, VMS will further your education. Other classes, such as controlling costs, creativity, and strategic business planning challenge your thinking and look to enhance your career development. VMS truly is for everyone, but especially for all the young professionals in the industry.

Networking

I know, I know, the term networking is used far too often these days. Articles, book, research studies, and TV segments are specifically devoted to the importance of networking. We all understand how value it can be. We have grown up with our parents, teachers, and the media shoving it down our throats. We get it: networking is important. But truth be told, networking can still be awkward for all of us from time to time. I remember thinking going into Year 1 of VMS last summer, “I don’t know if I will be able to handle six straight days of networking.” I felt like a kid whose parents were shipping him off to summer camp where I knew no one. I was more than a little bit nervous. But by the end of day one, all of my fears and reservations were gone.

VMS finds a way to put all of its attendees in easy, convenient situations for networking. Peer mentor groups (led by Year 2 students), ideal class sizes, group events in the evening, and late night “study groups” in the library (also known as GlassWorks Bar) make networking easy and simple. And because all other VMS attendees are looking to network as well, it takes the pressure off meeting people. In my two years at VMS, I am confident that I have made friends for life. These are other young professionals that I will be able to go to for advice or questions as things come up, but they are also the people that I will look forward to spending time with at future IAVM conferences or the next time I visit their city. And as a bonus, at VMS you are not only networking with other young professionals but seasoned veterans of the venue industry as well. Attendees range in all ages and stages of careers—I had classmates who were directors and vice presidents of their venues. Additionally, the professors (who are all big wigs in the industry) make themselves available daily to network, interact with, and ask advice. Networking at VMS goes far beyond business card-sharing; it creates meaningful, long term relationships with other industry professionals.

Career-inspiring

While learning about the venue industry and being able to network were great aspects of VMS, the best part of the experience for anyone, but especially Young Professionals, is how VMS inspires you in your career. Remember that mountaintop experience I was referring to earlier? I have come back from VMS with countless ideas on components to implement into our organization, ways to streamline our processes, and approaches to inspire our employees.

Some of these are very specific things we have already begun to implement. Paul Turner, director of event operations and security at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, taught the “Planning Life Safety” course. At IU, we have already adapted a version of his “Life Safety Briefing” to use for all of our supervisors on game days to more effectively communicate to our staff about emergency preparedness. The “Employee Training Programs” class taught by Kerry Painter, assistant general manager at the Cox Business Center in Tulsa, inspired me to revamp our employee training programs to include elements that directly engage multiple generations of staff. IRG Sports + Entertainment’s President/CEO Jason Rittenbery taught “Enhancing the Experience,” making me appreciate that we can always be doing something more to improve our guest’s experience at our events. I will be issuing a challenge to all of my managers of events to continually find ways to enhance the experience. And the list of practical ideas and tools that I came away with from the classes at VMS goes on and on.

But it’s not just the classes that inspire and teach. Between round-table discussions, dinner conversations, and networking opportunities, you constantly find yourself surrounded by other young professionals that have gone through similar difficulties in their career or workplace. VMS cultivates an atmosphere of question-asking and idea-sharing. And I know this atmosphere will continue far beyond the week at VMS.

So…Attend VMS!

If you are a young professional and have not attended Venue Management School, start the conversation with your superiors. The investment will not only help you in your professional career, but it will also benefit your organization. I have been privileged to experience something as powerful as VMS early in my professional career. The tools and skills that I have learned through the program have already proved useful, and I know that I will rely on this education for years to come. If you have any questions, reservations, or concerns about VMS, I would love to chat with you. Feel free to contact me at mwsanta@indiana.edu. I will also be in Baltimore at VenueConnect, so feel free to look me up!

The post A Young Professional’s Take on Venue Management School appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

The IAVM Foundation, in partnership with Western Kentucky University (WKU), has developed a phenomenal program designed to provide unprecedented networking and education for students and young professionals beginning their careers in venue management. On Saturday, August 1, before the full VenueConnect conference begins, young professionals and students will learn career skills from venue industry leaders, make new connections with executives from major venues, and gain fresh professional development insights through a packed schedule of customized sessions and events.

“Have you seen the UpStart schedule?” asked Jason Rittenberry, CFE, chair of the IAVM Foundation, “This is the perfect opportunity for young talent looking for a launchpad into our industry. It is fantastic to see the IAVM Foundation bringing this new experience to VenueConnect, and WKU has been a great partner to help us build what I think is going to be a big hit.”

Recently added to the UpStart program is the opening keynote, Doug Sandler. Author of Nice Guys Finish First (all UpStart attendees are walking away with a copy of his book!), Sandler brings with him more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment world with thousands of clients. He’ll tackle the massive threat that not caring poses to companies and systems, and will dive into the art of building relationships with clients versus simply closing deals.

Other session highlights include “Thinking Outside the Box,” lead by Mark Gnatovic, senior vice president of SearchWide; “How Our Generation Can Use LinkedIn For Professional Branding,” lead by Whitney Harmel, director of sales for Brandobility; and “Advancing Your Career,” lead by Bryan Kaminski, senior manager of university recruiting and programs for Under Armour. Attendees will also participant in a new speed-networking program, “The Game Changer,” where they will get crucial face-to-face time and personal introductions to major venue industry leaders.

UpStart is free for students, young professionals, and faculty, and is made possible through the support of IAVM members, venue industry leaders, and other partners that have supported the IAVM Foundation’s Build An Amazing Future campaign.

WKU’s support of UpStart is instrumental in the program’s creation. We spoke with Dr. Evie Oregon, an assistant professor in sport management, to learn more about the university and its involvement in the program.

IAVM: Why did WKU decide to be involved in the UpStart program?
EO: WKU’s School of KRS recognizes that a professional network is imperative for our graduates. By partnering with IAVM in the UpStart program, we are not only helping to facilitate that network, but are also providing uninhibited access to current professionals in the field.

IAVM: What do you hope young professionals and students takeaway with them by participating in the program?
EO: Traditional classroom can only provide so much in terms of knowledge of the current industry. It is our hope that our students, and young professional in general, who attend the UpStart program will not only enhance their knowledge of the field, but also increase their professional network and obtain connections for career advancement and professional development.

IAVM: How do you see this program evolving?
EO: We would like to see that the program grows in the future and have far reaching effects on the careers of participants. It would be great to have the young professionals who are attending this inaugural event to one day be the keynotes who can say…it all began a few years ago with UpStart.

IAVM: What can WKU’s masters program provide to current professionals looking to continue their education?
EO: The Masters in Facility and Event Management at WKU is a 100 percent online program that allows current professional and those looking to enter the field a practical approach to learning more about the industry. The program courses are facilitated by highly experienced professionals who began their own careers in the field of recreation and sport facility management. The program model is flexible while at the same time providing course sequencing that insures a path to degree attainment.

Please check out the UpStart website to learn more about the program. Registrations for both UpStart and VenueConnect are still taking place, but rooms in the main conference hotels are filling quickly, so register soon and visit the VenueConnect travel page for current hotel options.

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Being chosen as the inaugural recipient of the Joe Floreano Scholarship for Venue Management School (VMS) was a tremendous honor. As a former VMS intern in 2012, it was a unique experience attending this year as a first-year student. While it was the second time I sat in the Year One classes, it felt like an entirely different experience. The classes were extremely informative and gave us a chance to participate in engaging discussions with our peers within the industry. At the sector and industry topic round tables, it was interesting to hear what issues other venue managers are facing and how they operate. Both programs gave me a chance to reflect on how my venue approaches different scenarios.

Networking was the greatest part of VMS. We were given many different opportunities to meet and interact with fellow venue managers. Whether it was at during lunch, socials, or outside of class, students and instructors formed friendships that are sure to last a lifetime! There is a wide variety of students who attend VMS ranging from different facility types to our allied partners. This ensures that everyone has an opportunity to meet someone from all parts of the industry.

The instructors are a vital part of VMS because of their knowledge and tenure. There is a diverse group of instructors with more than 100 years of experience in the industry and from a variety of venues. Students were able to connect with the instructor that they felt most comfortable with. Many mentor-mentee relationships are formed at VMS, making the program a valuable asset for students.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity given to me by the IAVM Foundation. I never thought I would attend VMS until the Joe Floreano Scholarship was created. The IAVM Foundation is providing opportunities to those who may not have the resources to attend IAVM’s conferences, schools, or professional development courses. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of these opportunities and apply for the various scholarships they have to offer. I am looking forward to my second year of VMS to reunite with my classmates as well as meet the new students of Year One and the Graduate Institute.

Shout out to Class 1B and our room dads, Jason Rittenberry, CFE, and Todd Hunt, CFE! It was a great first year!

The post Defining Venue Management School’s Greatest Values appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

I know we’re all polite to our co-workers, leaders, and employees and would never say or do a rude thing toward them because we know just experiencing rudeness is harmful in the workplace.

“When you experience rudeness, it makes rudeness more noticeable,” said Trevor Foulk, a doctoral student in management at the University of Florida’s  Warrington College of Business Administration. “You’ll see more rudeness even if it’s not there.”

Foulk and colleagues recently published a study in the Journal of Applied Psychology that shows evidence of how rudeness spreads like a virus in the workplace.

“Part of the problem is that we are generally tolerant of these behaviors, but they’re actually really harmful,” Foulk said. “Rudeness has an incredibly powerful negative effect on the workplace.”

The researchers had 90 graduate students practice negotiation skills with classmates. They found that participants who rated their initial negotiation partners as rude were in turn more likely to be rated as rude by a subsequent partner. This effect held event when a week went by between the first and second negotiations.

In another study, the researchers discovered that people who witness rudeness were more likely to be rude to others, too. For example, when participants watched a video featuring a rude workplace interaction and then had to answer a customer email that was in a neutral tone, they were more likely to be rude in their responses than participants who watched a polite interaction before replying to the email.

“That tells us that rudeness will flavor the way you interpret ambiguous cues,” Foulk said.

Foulk said he hopes the study will encourage employers to take incivility more seriously, if they’re not already.

“You might go your whole career and not experience abuse or aggression in the workplace, but rudeness also has a negative effect on performance,” he said. “It isn’t something you can just turn your back on. It matters.”

(Sources: Alisson Clark/University of Florida)

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We’re offering a session this year at VenueConnect that will focus on the convergence of multiple generations in the workplace and how to effectively motivate and engage the different age groups. This session will be lead by Jack Messenger, vice president of instruction for Dale Carnegie Training.

Dale Carnegie Training is one of the world’s best-known training programs, and we recently asked Ryan M. Akins, regional president, about multi-generational workforces and how leaders can better manage them.

With so many generations and work styles mixing in today’s workplace, what is the best strategy for a manager to follow in order to get everyone moving toward the same goal?

RA: Effective managers appeal to the nobler motives. In other words, if we want to create an environment that keeps employees engaged, we need to create an organizational mission that cuts through generational differences and inspires the team to move in the same direction.

How do you see leadership training evolving over the next five years?

RA: We are going to see the youngest manager-level workforce in history, with the baby-boomers retiring, and the Millennials getting promoted into leadership positions. We are going to see many younger managers leading teams that are older than themselves, which will create a real need for leadership skill development. It’s going to be an exciting time for businesses, full of innovation.

There is always a lot of talk about how the generations are very different; however, let’s flip that. What are some similar traits you see across all three generations and how can leaders capitalize on them?

RA: We may express ourselves in different ways, but at our core, we’re not that much different. Dale Carnegie’s human relations principles are just as effective today as they were 100 years ago, because they tap into every person’s desire to feel important. Showing appreciation, seeing things from the other person’s point of view, admitting when we make mistakes, and letting others save face are all examples of timeless principles that help a leader get maximum productivity from his or her team.

There are a lot of training programs around the world. How does Dale Carnegie Training stand out from the pack?

RA: One factor that sets us apart from other training programs is our trainers themselves. Our trainers go through a 18-24 month certification process that’s ISO accredited, and they have to re-certify annually. That means the trainers working with our clients are the highest quality in the industry and produce measurable performance shifts in Dale Carnegie participants at a faster rate than any other training company. We’ve been helping businesses with employee engagement since Dale Carnegie himself started in 1912. With over nine million Dale Carnegie graduates, we have a tradition of exceeding our clients’ expectations.

“Motivating and Engaging Different Generations” takes places on Monday, August 3, at VenueConnect in Baltimore, Maryland. Registration is still open.

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This week’s spotlight of recipients in the IAVM Foundation’s inaugural class of 30|UNDER|30 are asked, “As a future leader, what areas do you deem necessary for future success in this competitive industry?”

Kelsey Metzger Covart
Sales and Event Manager
Ames Center
Burnsville, Minnesota

“I think it’s important to keep up with the ever-changing trends as well as having a firm foundation of what built this industry. Things like VenueConnect—and other continuing education opportunities—are important, because it gives us a chance to work with the industry’s leading professionals and to network with our peers to see what works for them and other best practices. It’s also important to stay connected to the communities we serve, whether that is working with the convention and visitors bureau, the chamber of commerce, or just being involved in the community. This truly lets us see what the community wants in terms of programming and products. One also has to have a strong passion for this industry to succeed. It’s such a crazy, ever-changing industry that without a deep love for it one can’t be successful.”

Sari Feinstein
Events Supervisor
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
Santa Rosa, California

“A motivation to learn from those around you is necessary for future success in this competitive industry. Future leaders need the spark to continue to grow with the times, look at those venues around us, and learn from their successes and their downfalls. One venue does not have all the answers, and curiosity is essential.”

Nikki Lekhy
Program Associate
Cultural Tourism DC
Washington, D.C.

“We are a flexible and adaptable industry, and I think it’s necessary to use our comfort in change as an opportunity to change the role that we play in the communities we serve. Future success in this industry takes a willingness to try new things and to create opportunities that affect more than our own bottom line.”

Andrew Shreve
Assistant Box Office/Parking Manager
Global Spectrum – Greater Richmond Convention Center
Richmond, Virginia

“I believe one key to staying competitive is seeking out traditional and non-traditional marketing tactics, utilizing social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and maintaining user-friendly content. It’s a great way to promote an upcoming show, an upcoming convention, or even the venue itself.”

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Time is one of the world’s most cherished commodities, and when attending a conference, time is one thing you wish you had more of. Because of that, we’re offering VenueConnect attendees several sessions and interactive round tables that are short on time but big in content.

Let’s take a look at some selected sessions.

Sodexo Composting Mini Session
Saturday, August 1, 5:10-5:25 p.m.
IAVM Membership Booth
Mike Tully, national executive, Sports, Entertainment & Gaming, Sodexo
Sustainability is about protecting the world for future generations. Food waste is a growing global problem of breathtaking scope and is the single greatest contributor of American landfills. Visit the IAVM Membership booth to learn how composting can be part of the solution to solving the food waste crisis.

Green Sports Alliance Mini Session
Sunday, August 2, 12:30-12:45 p.m.
IAVM Membership Booth
David Muller, membership director, Green Sports Alliance
The Green Sports Alliance Greener Cleaning Playbook is designed to help sports facilities reduce the health and environmental threats associated with cleaning sports venues. Beyond protecting health, the cleaning industry uses significant quantities of chemicals, paper products, cleaning equipment, plastic liners for waste receptacles, and other supplies. Visit the IAVM Membership booth to learn how your venue can reduce operating expenses and health risks to cleaning staff, athletes, and fans by greening their cleaning program.

In addition to the mini sessions on the trade show floor, attendees are encouraged to participate in Spark: Small Tables, Big Topics. These interactive round tables take place on Monday, August 3, 8:30-9:45 a.m. Attendees can move from table to table based on their interests. Here is just a sampling of the many topics to be discussed:

Cloud Based Parking Technologies
Dance Flooring
Motorized Rigging—Pros and Cons
Selling Your Alternative Space
Measuring the Effectiveness of Your Leadership

You can view the full lineup on the VenueConnect schedule. See you in Baltimore!

The post More Education for Your Time appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

If you’re a Young Professional and are planning on attending IAVM’s VenueConnect conference and trade show in Baltimore next week, NOW is the time to plan ahead to make the most of your experience! VenueConnect offers all venue managers multiple educational, networking, and socialization opportunities, and the professional benefits for Young Professionals can be profound. Take time now to examine all that VenueConnect has to offer to ensure that you are making the most of your time in Baltimore!

EDUCATION

VenueConnect offers such a diverse array of educational seminars, panels, and classes. Check out the schedule ahead of time so you can plan out what topics apply the most to your current job, career interest, or areas of weakness that you are seeking to improve. The VenueConnect schedule contains seminars on topics that range from industry technical expertise to developing your arsenal of leadership skills. Be sure to check the schedule for classes recommended for Young Professionals. Also, or the first time in 2015, IAVM is offering the UpStart program for young professionals and students to build and expand professional relationships and to interact with and pick the brains of venue management leaders. If you are interested in UpStart and have not yet registered, please email Taylor Daniel at Taylor.Daniel@iavm.org as soon as possible to guarantee yourself a spot. Opportunities for young professionals like this do not come about often, so make sure to maximize your return on investment by participating in seminars and programs like UpStart as much as your schedule will allow.

TRADE SHOW

While as a Young Professional, your position may not hold a lot of purchasing power, be sure to stop by the floor of the state-of-the-art VenueConnect Trade Show. Part of knowing and understanding the venue management business is knowing the state of the tools and technology of our trade. VenueConnect will have it all on the floor (literally) in Baltimore for you to peruse and ask questions from the exhibitors in attendance. You will never know when the knowledge and ideas you see at the Trade Show will come in handy in your job or further down the road in your career, so make the most of the Trade Show floor experience while in Baltimore. A special perk to take advantage of at this year’s VenueConnect Trade Show is the opportunity to have your professional headshot photograph taken, so be sure to come prepared to take advantage of this added benefit.

CAREER RESOURCES

Young Professionals will find many career resources at every turn at VenueConnect. The IAVM Career Resource Center will feature the opportunity for Young Professionals (and others) to post their resumes, review the job board for current job postings, as well as the chance to post jobs if needed. Mark Gnatovic from SearchWide will be on hand to review your resume and to offer tips and advice on ways to ensure that your resume is top-notch, so be sure to bring copies of your resume with you to Baltimore.

NETWORKING

Perhaps one of the largest benefits Young Professionals in our industry have to gain from VenueConnect is the benefit of networking with your peers within the venue management industry while at the conference. Whether in seminars, on the Trade Show floor, or between events in the hotel or convention center, take the time to get to know those who work around you within our profession. Not only will you gain industry insights and have the opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices for your career and facility, but you will also make contacts that you will be able to rely upon down the road. Having a network of colleagues that you can turn to when a problem comes up in your building can prove to be invaluable as your career progresses. No one quite knows what it is like to experience a job in a career field as specifically-diverse quite like members of IAVM; don’t let this opportunity to learn from them pass you by! VenueConnect offers fun ways to network, from the Trade Show reception, the Venue Industry Awards Luncheon, and the Legacy Project, which offers the opportunity to give back to the community while networking with other venue professionals! (Not signed up for the Legacy Project yet? No problem! Email Taylor Daniel at Taylor.Daniel@iavm.org!) Not only will you develop professional relationships at VenueConnect, but also lifelong friends.

In a nutshell, the time you spend at VenueConnect will last only a few days. The long-lasting effects of your investment in the experience will last throughout the course of your career and lifetime. Taking a few minutes now to chart your course through Baltimore will pay off many times over once you arrive in just a few short days!

(Image: Visit Baltimore)

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Miah Moore (right) and the 2015 VMS interns.

When I applied for the VMS internship, I didn’t realize what a great opportunity IAVM was offering student members. I have been to other conferences that focus on my interests in the business and had always walked away feeling like I didn’t make a good impact on the people who were in attendance or felt that I wasn’t worth talking to. Even before arriving in Wheeling, I had a few individuals reach out through social media and via email congratulating me on the award and welcoming me to IAVM as a member. This really caught me off guard in a good way.

I had no idea what a great opportunity being a part of VMS was going to be or how willing the students and board members would be to talk to us interns. We were all greeted with smiles and friendly conversation about what they have done in the industry and what we interns hoped and dreamed to do with our careers. We were given plenty of opportunities to meet board members and teachers through luncheons, dinning out in Wheeling, and a dinner as well as breakfast with the board of regents. With over 300 in attendance at VMS, the networking opportunities were endless and allowed us interns to maximize our networking opportunities and meet people where our interests lie in the entertainment industry. Not only that, but we were able to sit through all the classes offered and learn about different and important aspects that drive the industry to positive outcomes. I myself learned about architecture; food service management; enhancing the experience with live events; marketing, advertising, and PR; making and delivering the deal; creativity in the workplace; event management; controlling costs; media relations; leadership and image; tort law; and seven elements of formulation.

I’ve had a particular interest in festivals and had this dream of working in this part of the industry for the last few years. I was able to meet a few individuals who play a big part in this area of the industry. Not only did they educate and share their stories but they also met with me in hopes of helping connect me with the right individuals so that I may get experience and even land a job after graduation. Individuals who aren’t even a part of the festival business reached out and said if I ever need anything or if I think they could help me in any way, that I could get in contact with them and they would help me in any way possible. Hearing this from people I had never met before that week was the best feeling in the world. It made me feel appreciated and helped me believe that people are starting to see that we are the future. Applying for the VMS internship is the best time I’ve ever spent and the best decision I’ve ever made. I want to encourage any students reading this to apply. Take the time and apply for all of the opportunities because I promise you that you WILL take something away from your experience. You won’t regret it.

I want to send a special thanks to Greg Wolfe, Jason LoRusso, Jason Rittenberry, and Mark Herrera for making us interns feel welcome and giving us the experience of a lifetime!

Please visit the IAVM Foundation page for more information on upcoming scholarship and internship opportunities.

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This week’s spotlight of recipients in the IAVM Foundation’s inaugural class of 30|UNDER|30 are asked, “What do you look to take away from VenueConnect?”

McKell Bennett
Assistant Marketing Director
Adam Center – University of Montana
Missoula, Montana

“I hope to further my knowledge within the venue industry and build on the networks I previously made by being a student intern in 2014. I also hope to gain valuable life lessons that I can continue to pursue year after year as a professional.”

Jacquelyn Holowaty
Vice President, Ticketing
Spectra Venue Management
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“I look to take away from VenueConnect a networking capability of people I’ve never talked to and ideas they have I’ve never even thought about and being able to share those ideas and examples in what I’m doing on a day-to-day basis. Also seeing technology I’m not aware of or haven’t been a part of, as well as management styles, such as how people my age are managing up or managing the millennials.”

Jena Schaafsma
Assistant Director, Event Booking and Marketing
MetLife Stadium
East Rutherford, New Jersey

“I look forward to networking with people from the industry and other venues. There’s actually a limited amount of people who do what we do, so to be in a room full of others and converse with them and share best practices, new ideas, and the latest trends would be pretty beneficial.”

Caitlin Volpe
Event Coordinator
AT&T Performing Arts Center
Dallas, Texas

“VenueConnect for me is always an exciting experience not only because of the knowledge you gain through the different sessions but also through the networking of professionals that goes on throughout the conference and trade show. There are always ways for your venue to improve, so I hope I take some insight back to Dallas with me that I can apply to my venue. Another thing I love about attending VenueConnect is the interactions the students have with the professionals. Being a past student volunteer, I hope I can enlighten or give advice to those student volunteers attending the conference this year.”

The post 30|UNDER|30 Spotlights: Bennett, Holowaty, Schaafsma, and Volpe appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

I was telling a friend of mine that the millennial generation seems to continually take a little bit of a beating. At VenueConnect, I heard some comments about work ethic, about not wanting to pay their dues, and about wanting a perfect balance with work and life. These words were generally uttered with disdain as if, “The nerve of someone just out of college looking for these things. Don’t they know it doesn’t work that way? This generation ….”

My friend suggested that when we were in our 20s we wanted everything, too. I reminded him that all I remember wanting was to be able to afford better beer in the fridge. But I admitted that my memory might not be totally clear on that. Regardless, he made me stop and realize that while I am at the back end of the baby boomer generation and have a lot of those typical boomer traits, who am I to judge what’s right or wrong? After all, I have certainly questioned whether spending 60-80 hours a week at work is too many and whether my relationships have suffered as a result. Besides, there are usually many ways to get something accomplished, and how presumptuous am I to think mine is the best one?

The other reality whether any of us curmudgeons like it or not is that this coming generation is our future. By 2025, millennials will make up 75 percent of the work force according to our VenueConnect keynote speaker, Betsy Meyers. Further, as we learned in the session on capital improvement this generation is impacting design of our venues with more craft beer (which is not really a bad thing), large open areas for socializing as opposed to great views of the game (which draws casual fans and utilizes under-performing spaces), and phone-charging stations. Great Wi-Fi is essential, and many of us are either already upgrading our systems or planning to. These are our customers now and into the future, so we only benefit from embracing this generation and its needs.

The millennials are here. In fact, as part of the Upstart Emerging Leaders program this year at VenueConnect I was able to meet many of the 30|UNDER|30 award winners. Those I met are all engaged in our industry and have the same desire to make an impact that we all had when we were young and that many of us still have. They are working on their own continuing education and growth and will be the leaders of our industry one day in the not too distant future. However, they are not willing to sacrifice everything else to accomplish that.

I don’t know. But somehow that does not seem like such a bad thing. Maybe the world could use professionals that know how to turn off work once in a while. Maybe we could all benefit from seeing people that are as passionate about their friends and families as they are about work. Balance may seem like too much to ask, but as we have all learned by now, you never get what you don’t at least ask for.

From talking to these emerging leaders, I feel like our future is in good hands and I am excited to see where it will go. The 30|UNDER|30 and the other Young Professionals in our industry have a lot to offer. They want to enjoy the journey, but that does not mean they are not serious about the job they have been asked to do. They want to do a good job, but are not afraid to question the status quo. And maybe that is our dilemma. We are the status quo. Maybe we don’t like being questioned. Hmmm. Interesting problem, but I guess we are going to have to find a way to get over that.

Change is constant. We either adapt or become extinct. The Millennial generation is bringing change. We have all had to change before, and we will be able to change again. We all love this industry, or we would not be involved with it. We will figure it out just like we have always done when faced with a challenge. I even suspect that many of us will come to love the coming generation of employees and customers as much as we have loved those that came before. Our experience with their passion should be unstoppable. Maybe we can change the world together. Maybe we can even learn how to use all our vacation time to see our friends and families.

(Image: Orange Photography)

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More than 30 students from all over the U.S. were in Baltimore, Maryland, for IAVM’s 90th VenueConnect. We asked them to share their experiences with us. Here are some responses.

“Interning at VennueConnect 2015 was a great experience that will last a lifetime. The UpStart session tailored to young professionals gave me tools to help with my resume and LinkedIn profile, while giving me pointers on what to do when starting my career in venue management. IAVM seems very excited for the next generation of venue managers to come into the industry. The working professionals love the industry they are a part of and don’t want to see it fail, so they try to help the young professionals to grow, continuing the advancement of the industry. Everyone I met at the conference and trade show was very appreciative of the interns and was willing to talk about the industry and the association.”—Anthony Espinoza, Johnson & Wales University

“IAVM’s VenueConnect in Baltimore can be summed up in one word: enlightening…Many key points were stressed throughout the weekend, but none more so than to bringing value to your network. Shaking hands and making connections is only the first step. What makes those handshakes worthwhile is when you take the next step and allow them to grow into relationships. As young professionals, our relationships are going to be our best asset moving forward. It’s up to us to determine how strong those connections to others will be.”—Jarren Nixon, Western Kentucky University

“The entire conference was a great experience from start to finish. The UpStart program was an incredible opportunity to learn from several people with years of experience. The trade show provided countless opportunities to network and learn from managers from everywhere. Also, helping out during the Legacy Project provided a chance to give back to the community and feed several families. Overall, VenueConnect gave me a chance to grow in the industry and improve my skills.”—Jabari Earl, University of Texas at San Antonio

“I was scared of ‘networking.’ I am a very shy person, and introducing as well as promoting myself isn’t a strong point of mine. I gained confidence in myself and what I do as well as learned more about this industry and what it takes to be a successful part of it. Though we are graduate students, they treated us like we were the most important people there. Whatever career path I choose to take in my future, this weekend has taught me how to be professional, be productive, and to make sure I always have fun and enjoy whatever I do.”—Erin Keith, Western Kentucky University

“Being a student intern at VenueConnect was one of the best experiences I have had as a college student for my future career. IAVM is such a helpful and uplifting organization that puts a lot of time into helping young professionals succeed in the venue management industry. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I loved the people that I met and plan on staying in contact with them throughout my career. I learned a lot and got great exposure to an industry I am passionate about. One of my favorite experiences is how inspired I got after mingling with other students like myself at the Young Professionals Mixer. I felt connected and educated leaving Baltimore and look forward to my next experience at an IAVM event.”—Irina Tuluca, Missouri State University

“Exploring Baltimore and learning new things about our industry was an experience I won’t forget. The highlight of the trip for me was networking with professionals, getting to know them, and most importantly, knowing that they are willing to help us anyway they can.”—Keisha Ray, Western Kentucky University

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet amazing professionals from around the world. I even met a couple people who work for the same university that I will be working for this fall. These connections made will be extremely beneficial as I start my career, and I’m grateful for everyone involved in the process for making this event happen.”—Kevin Holcombe, Georgetown University

“VenueConnect was my second internship with IAVM. The experience I had reminded me of my time at my first internship at the Academy for Venue Safety & Security in Dallas earlier this year—exciting, full of great opportunities to learn and network, and a very valuable experience to be a part of. Before VC15, I heard it was a bigger event than the other IAVM conferences, and since this year was the 90th anniversary of VenueConnect, it was just that—bigger, better, and a hit with the attendees, speakers, trade show, interns, and a handful more…if anyone in the venue industry is providing the best with conferences, opportunities to network, knowledge and information, and everything in between, it’s IAVM and they’re doing it right.”—Aaron Dimatulac, Missouri State University

“This trip was one of the most influential and reassuring events that I have ever been to. It took my thought process and perception of the event and facility management industry to a whole new horizon of what all there is that you can get involved with and pursue. One of the big things that hit home for me was being able to meet and network with top industry professionals and hearing their stories of how they ended up in the positions that they are in was amazing. It was also great to be reassured by industry leaders that I am on the right path and to keep pursuing my dreams. To have them genuinely say keep in contact and they would help out with as much as they can truly spoke wonders. I can honestly say that before this conference I had no idea exactly what career path I exactly wanted to take after graduation, but after I can confidently say that I believe that the event and facility management industry is where I see my future heading. So for me, I would have to say that the 2015 IAVM cConference was a ‘Game Changer.’”—Houston Croney, Western Kentucky University

“I really enjoyed meeting and networking with the current venue professionals as well as building relationships with the future of the venue industry with all of the young professionals and interns. There were lots of takeaways from VenueConnect, but the biggest thing I learned is that you are never alone. You build a network of people that are always there to help you when the times get rough or if you have a problem you can’t figure out. Along with what I learned, there were many things that stood out. Overall I really enjoyed VC15 and will hold on to the knowledge and relationships I built with everyone I met. Hopefully, you will see me as a member at the conference in the future.”—Brandon Kress, University of Montana

“From the very first speaker at the UpStart program, I was intrigued with what all the professionals had to say. They have so much experience within the world of venue management, and I felt like I learned a lot from them. Also, the round-table discussion with top executives within the venue business was one of my favorite parts about the conference. They helped me realize how important it is to be a leader and not just a manager of your staff. I was already well aware of this, but hearing it from people that are high within a huge organization only confirmed what I need to continue to work towards.”—David Christian, Western Kentucky University

“I absolutely loved my experience at VenueConnect. Each person that I met was more willing to reach out and help more than the previous person that I talked to. I loved getting to hear each person’s different background and story during the Game Changer session. That was definitely my favorite part about the conference. I also feel that I made connections and friendships that will last for years to come, even though we only connected for a short time at the conference.”—Mikal Daskivich, Penn State University

“Having the privilege to be part of VenueConnect as an intern was extremely rewarding, and I can’t thank IAVM enough for the the opportunity. Not only is EVERYONE approachable but they are also willing to share insight on the industry. VC15 introduced a new session called UpStart that allowed young professionals to sit in on important information on what we should be doing to make ourselves more competitive candidates and improving ourselves. My favorite part had to have been the Game Changer, being able to sit down with the individuals I look up to and hear their stories was something I would have never thought I would be able to do. I made valuable connections at VC15, especially with the interns. We clicked, so well we felt like family by the end. I can’t wait to attend the next conference and be reunited with these wonderful people.”—Ashley Molina, University of Florida

“I was granted the opportunity to connect with people from all around the U.S. who are making an impact on the industry and giving young professionals like myself an opportunity to learn and understand what it takes to be successful in this business. Throughout the time at the conference, we had the chance to sit in on numerous sessions; however, one of my favorite sessions was called UpStart. This session focused on young professionals’ development, included speakers that talked about how we can make ourselves more marketable using LinkedIn and other social media.”—Sherrice Dubose, Western Kentucky University

“VenueConnect was a great experience with it being my second IAVM event. I was able to interact with the organization’s members and see how everyone contributes to this ever-growing industry. Experienced advice, endless networking, and industry professionals were at the tip of my fingers. IAVM provides the best in educational and professional opportunities for individuals who are looking to advance in the venue management industry as well as the entertainment industry as a whole. Thanks to the Foundation Board of Trustees for your vision of furthering young professionals’ goals and aspirations in this industry. Also thanks to Jason LoRusso, Sarah Rogers, Greg Wolfe, and Jessie Khoury for all you did for us interns during the conference!”—Miah Moore, Missouri State University

(Image: Orange Photography)

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