Permanent installations at two of the country’s largest convention venues give attendees the quiet, focused space they’ve long asked for — and give both venues a new revenue stream from previously underused square footage

ZenSpace Event Solutions today announced the permanent installation of its smart, soundproof meeting pods at two major U.S. convention venues: the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in Atlanta and Moscone Center in San Francisco. Both installations give attendees a long-missing option: quiet, private, on-demand workspace built directly into each venue’s everyday footprint.

Event attendees don’t stop working when they walk onto a show floor. They take calls, hold meetings, prepare for presentations, and need focused time to process what they’ve learned — yet most event environments are designed entirely for stimulation, with little dedicated infrastructure for that quieter, more private work. According to Bizzabo’s 2026 State of Events Benchmark Report, 75 percent of event organizers now rate immersive experiences that let attendees disconnect and focus as important to their event design — a need the industry has acknowledged for years without a scalable answer.

At the same time, convention venues nationwide are in the middle of a significant capital cycle, with facilities in markets like Las Vegas, Houston, and Austin pouring money into upgrades that turn ordinary square footage into revenue-producing assets. The GWCC and Moscone Center installations sit at the intersection of both trends: ZenSpace pods convert existing, underused space — concourses, lobbies, and pre-function areas — into bookable, soundproof meeting environments without construction, giving attendees the private workspace they’ve been asking for and giving both venues a new, measurable revenue stream from square footage that previously generated none.

Georgia World Congress Center

Georgia World Congress Center, one of the largest convention centers in the United States with more than 1.4 million square feet of exhibit space, hosts hundreds of events annually. The newly installed ZenSpace pods are positioned within GWCC Hall B, giving attendees across every event type and size access to private, on-demand meeting space.

“The need for quiet, private space at events isn’t a wellness trend — it’s one of the most consistently documented gaps in event infrastructure, and until now, no one has closed it at scale,” said Mayank Agrawal, CEO of ZenSpace. “GWCC saw the opportunity to solve that for their attendees while turning idle concourse space into a new, measurable revenue line, and that’s exactly what a permanent ZenSpace installation is built to do.”

“Adding ZenSpace’s smart meeting pods gives us a modern, technology-forward amenity that addresses a real and growing need,” noted Joe Borcherer, Chief Commercial Officer, Georgia World Congress Center. “Our organizers consistently tell us their attendees need private space for calls and meetings during shows, and now we can offer that seamlessly, right in our own concourses.”

Moscone Center

Moscone Center, managed by Legends Global, consists of three main halls spread across three blocks and 87 acres in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood, offering more than 1.1 million square feet of space. ZenSpace pods are being deployed in high-traffic concourse zones where attendee demand for private meeting space is greatest.

“Every attendee at every trade show needs private space to take calls, hold meetings, and do focused work, yet most convention centers have no scalable solution,” noted Mayank Agrawal, CEO of ZenSpace. “Moscone Center leadership recognized that ZenSpace addresses that problem while simultaneously transforming underutilized lobby and concourse space into measurable revenue.”

“ZenSpace pods add a layer of convenience our event organizers and attendees have been requesting,” says Leonie Patrick, General Manager, Moscone Center. “On-demand private meeting space in our lobbies means attendees can conduct business without leaving the venue — a must in a post-pandemic world where most people are beholden to video conference meetings. ZenSpace pods are a real benefit for event planners, their attendees, and a differentiator for Moscone.”

ZenSpace Meeting Pods at a Glance

• Soundproof, private workspace — Acoustic engineering blocks ambient noise, giving attendees a quiet space to take calls, hold meetings, or focus without leaving the event floor.
• Switchable privacy glass — E-glass panels shift from clear to opaque at the touch of a button, giving occupants visual privacy on demand.
• A pod for every need — Multiple formats are available, including compact Focus pods for one-on-one work, wheelchair-accessible ADA pods, and larger Team pods for small-group meetings.
• Built-in power and connectivity — Each pod includes power outlets, USB charging, and dedicated high-speed Wi-Fi.
• Wireless screen casting — Integrated display technology lets attendees present, join video calls, or share content without cables.
• On-demand booking technology — A simple app- or QR-code-based reservation system shows real-time availability and lets attendees book pod time in seconds.
• Fast, construction-free deployment — Pods install directly into existing concourses, lobbies, and pre-function space, activating underused square footage without renovation.
• A new revenue stream for venues — Venues can utilize ZenSpace solutions to activate previously underused space and transform them into beneficial amenities that generate ancillary revenue for host venues.

Both installations draw on ZenSpace’s experience across more than 250 events nationwide and reflect the company’s broader strategy of bringing smart meeting environments into high-traffic convention facilities. Additional venue partnerships are planned for 2026 and 2027.

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The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), the public policy voice of the U.S. business and professional events industry, today announced the launch of the ECA Ambassadors Circle, a new program designed to recognize, empower, and engage the industry’s most committed advocates.

As part of ECA 2.0, the ECA Ambassadors Circle will provide a select group of industry leaders with access to specialized year-round programming, advanced advocacy training, and new opportunities to help amplify the industry’s voice with policymakers, peers, and the broader business and professional events community.

“The future of our industry will be shaped by decisions made in Washington, D.C., and in state capitals across the country,” said Fernando Fischer, President, Americas, for RX and Chair of the ECA Board of Directors. “The ECA Ambassadors Circle will give our most committed advocates the tools, access, and year-round opportunities to help ensure those decisions reflect the importance of business and professional events. It is exactly the kind of deeper industry engagement that ECA 2.0 is all about.”

The inaugural ECA Ambassadors Circle cohort includes 28 business and professional events industry leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to advocacy and public policy engagement. Ambassadors will play a leadership role in advancing ECA’s advocacy efforts throughout the year. In return, ambassadors will receive access to specialized advocate education and professional-development opportunities, VIP access at select ECA events, invitations to private roundtables with policymakers, and recognition for their important contributions throughout the year.

The inaugural ECA Ambassadors Circle members are:

• Mary Bender, Vice President, Sales & Corporate Operations, Taffy Event Strategies
• Alexis Berggren, General Manager, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority
• Jay Blankenship, Principal Owner, Breakpoint Growth
• Marie Browne, Senior Vice President, RX Global
• Andre Burns II, Vice President, Material Handling & Logistics, Shepard Exposition Services
• Shawn Cheng, Regional Director, North America, International Congress and Convention Association
• Rob Cohen, Co-Founder, Evolving Strategies and Xperiential Marketplace
• Rich Curran, Chief Executive Officer and President, Expo Convention Contractors
• Robyn Davis, Owner, Exhibitors WINH and Author of Exhibit Smarter
• Carrie Ferenac, Owner and President, CNTV
• Marc Ghafoori, Senior Vice President, Client Experience, HERITAGE
• Kate Hawley, Event Director, Snowbound Expo, Raccoon Media Group
• Liz Irving, Chief Executive Officer, Clarion Events North America
• Matthew Little, Vice President, Nuvista Event Services
• Megan Martin, Founder and Principal, M Squared Dynamics
• Michelle Metter, Partner & Co-Founder, Fast Forward
• Abby Nero, Regional Vice President, Map Your Show
• Don Pietranczyk
• Lynn Reves, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Results, Exhibitus
• Steve Riches, Chief Executive Officer and Principal, Laguna Displays
• Damon Ross, Senior Group Vice President, CORT Events
• Stephanie Selesnick, President, International Trade Information
• Mark Shadwick, Director, Business Development, GES
• Rich Stone, Chief Executive Officer, 3e by EXPOCAD
• Rich Vallaster III, Senior Director, Industry Relations & Thought Leadership, Momentive Software
• Steve Walker, Executive Director, City Wide Sales, MGM Resorts International
• Rachel Wimberly, Senior Vice President, M&A and Business Development, Easyfairs US
• Sandy Yi-Davis, Founder, Strategic Meeting International

“ECA is thrilled to welcome this first cohort of ECA Ambassadors,” said Tommy Goodwin, President and Chief Executive Officer of ECA. “Each of these leaders has already demonstrated a steadfast commitment to ensuring that our industry is heard by policymakers. Their participation in the ECA Ambassadors Circle will help ECA amplify the case for policies that strengthen the industry’s ability to create new jobs, reduce economic uncertainty, safeguard affordability, and ensure that the U.S. remains the premier global destination for business and professional events going forward.”

ECA would like to recognize Austin O’Boyle and Andrew Swick for their important contributions to the establishment of the ECA Ambassadors Circle.

About the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance:

The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) is a coalition of leading associations comprising the unified public policy voice of the business and professional events industry.

ECA’s member associations include:

• Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
• Experiential Designers & Producers Association (EDPA)
• Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA)
• International Association of Exhibitions & Events (IAEE)
• International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
• International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
• PCMA
• Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO)
• UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry

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Robert was born on April 25, 1948, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Robert Sr. and Dorothy (Mankowski) Lister. He graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), where he earned his bachelor’s degree before beginning a distinguished 48-year career in arena and convention center management. For 30 of those years, he proudly served as Executive Director of the Grand Wayne Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence helped make the convention center a valued part of the community.

Robert’s greatest joy began long before his career, when he married his high school sweetheart, Robin, in 1969. Together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and family. Robert and Robin were members of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, and St. Vincent’s Catholic Church in Fort Wayne, IN, faithfully serving their parish communities throughout their lives.

Those who knew Robert will remember his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He was always ready with a joke, bringing laughter wherever he went. He could also be delightfully stubborn, a trait his family came to love just as much as his infectious smile. In high school and college he was a guitarist in a local band, The Conquerers, and throughout his life he enjoyed sharing music with family and friends. He also loved completing puzzles and spending time around the table playing cards and games with his children and grandchildren, creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Lister. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Robin Lister; his children, Christopher (Melinda) Lister, Patrick (Shannan) Lister, and Jennifer (Mark) Harasim; his sister, Cynthia (Bruce) Lobermeier; and his nine cherished grandchildren, who will forever remember his laughter, his stories, and the love he shared so generously.

Private services will be held.

This obituary was originally shared on matthewsmortuary.com.

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The AT&T Performing Arts Center (AT&T PAC) and Dallas Theater Center (DTC) today announced exploratory plans to combine their organizations in a bold, forward-looking partnership designed to strengthen the future of the performing arts in Dallas while preserving the distinct artistic identities and missions of both institutions.

At the core of uniting AT&T PAC and DTC is a desire to create more great programming for more people, expanded education opportunities for more students, sustained support for local artists, and ensure that Dallas continues to thrive as one of America’s great performing arts cities.

“By coming together, we are able to achieve much more than either of us could do on our own,” said Kevin Moriarty, Dallas Theater Center Executive Director. “Not only will this innovative model benefit our audiences, artists, students and our city, it also strengthens and expands our combined ability to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future.”

“The performing arts industry has been undergoing profound systemic change nationwide,” said Warren Tranquada, president and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. “Stagnation is not an option. Two major Dallas institutions are coming together in a proactive way to write our future, creating a new artistic and business model that can set the stage for strength and sustainability in North Texas and beyond.”

Under a unified AT&T PAC organization, led by president and CEO Warren Tranquada, DTC will continue to produce bold, innovative theater under the leadership of Enloe/Rose Artistic Director Jaime Castañeda building on its history of national recognition, including the 2017 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. AT&T PAC will continue presenting world-class performances, touring Broadway and its Elevator Project. This alignment will bring a broader range of lasting theatrical experiences, more ambitious productions, and added opportunities to enjoy exceptional live performance.

“Dallas Theater Center will keep creating the bold, adventurous theatre that defines us while expanding the kinds of stories we can tell, the artists we can collaborate with, and the audiences we can serve,” said Castañeda.

The alignment of organizations also reinforces the vision behind the Dallas Arts District and its importance to the success of downtown Dallas.

“The arts play a critical role in our city, especially in creating a vibrant downtown.” said Mayor Eric L. Johnson, who applauded the innovative efforts. “This is a bold step for these signature cultural institutions, one that distinguishes Dallas as a national change leader and helps ensure our Arts District continues to be an economic, cultural and tourism engine for Downtown.”

Education is a cornerstone of the combined vision. Together, AT&T PAC and DTC will build on their award-winning programs, including student matinee performances and after-school/summer theater programs to backstage tech training, dance engagement, leadership training and community workshops. Aligning resources and expertise will greatly expand access to the performing arts, with a long-term goal of ensuring every student in North Texas experiences live theater as part of their education.

This alignment also supports Dallas artists. DTC will remain a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and produce more exceptional theater with its Diane and Hal Brierley Resident Acting Company. This will create more opportunities for actors, directors, designers, playwrights, musicians, technicians, and other creative professionals. AT&T PAC will keep providing critical resources for Dallas artists and cultural organizations with collaborative marketing, ticketing services, and premiere performance spaces.

For audiences, there will be no interruption to performances, subscriptions, memberships, or programming during the transition. Patrons can expect the same high-quality experiences they know and value. They will have more ticketing options, such as creating personalized packages across multiple art forms, more flexible exchanges, and new membership opportunities.

The AT&T Performing Arts Center and Dallas Theater Center come to this with a long history of partnership. Since AT&T PAC’s opening in 2009, DTC has been one of its five esteemed resident companies. DTC’s home is in the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. The combined organization will bring finance, marketing, HR, fundraising and ticketing under the AT&T PAC umbrella.

Founded in 1959, Dallas Theater Center commissioned and built the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Kalita Humphreys Theater as its historic home, where it continues to produce theater today. The combined organization will operate and steward the Kalita under its existing agreement with the City of Dallas.

Combining the two organizations is subject to approval of their individual boards. They are now entering a due diligence and capital fundraising phase through the summer and fall, with the official approval and uniting expected to occur at the beginning of 2027.
Additional information, including frequently asked (FAQs) questions and updates about the transition, is available HERE.

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher and Foley & Lardner are representing Dallas Theater Center in this initiative, and Haynes Boone is representing the AT&T Performing Arts Center.

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Photo courtesy MCC

 

The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) has completed a $25 million renovation of all 87 of its meeting rooms, transforming more than 93,000 square feet of meeting space into more modern, comfortable and technologically advanced environments for event planners and attendees. The multi-year project reinforces the MCC’s commitment to delivering an exceptional meeting experience while ensuring the facility remains competitive in an evolving meetings and conventions industry.

 

“This transformative project will provide our clients with meeting spaces that reflect the expectations of today’s events,” said Jeff Johnson, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Convention Center. “From enhanced technology and sustainability features to improved comfort and design, these renovations position the Minneapolis Convention Center to better serve our clients and their attendees for years to come.”

 

The renovation blends functionality and style while prioritizing user experience, comfort and sustainability. Highlights include:

• Streamlined technology – Upgraded electrical, data, fiber and audio infrastructure provide consistent and reliable connectivity throughout every meeting room.

• Enhanced lighting – New linear LED fixtures with theatrical-grade controls allow for customized ambiance tailored to each event.

• Better airflow and comfort – New linear HVAC diffusers improve ventilation and temperature control.

• Warm and modern aesthetic – Bright, contemporary interiors feature wood wall accents, wood-grain metal doors and wood-grain metal ceiling tiles that create an inviting atmosphere.

• Sustainable and stylish acoustics – Acoustic wall panels are wrapped in Carnegie’s Xorel fabric, a 100% PVC-free material that is both durable and environmentally friendly.

The completed renovation is part of the MCC’s ongoing commitment to maintaining one of the nation’s premier convention facilities. The MCC continues to budget approximately $10-15 million annually in capital improvements to ensure it meets the evolving needs of meeting planners, exhibitors and attendees.

 

For photos of the renovated meeting rooms, go here.

 

Beyond its newly renovated meeting rooms, the MCC continues to elevate the attendee experience with new food and beverage offerings from Kelber Catering, the venue’s exclusive catering and concession partner. New concepts include:

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Legends Global is the latest company to join the U.S. Food Waste Pact, a joint initiative led by nonprofits ReFED and World Wildlife Fund to reduce food waste throughout the supply chain. Legends Global joins other hospitality signatories, as well as a cohort of producers, manufacturers, distributors, foodservice operators, and grocery retailers dedicated to cross-sector collaboration on high-impact solutions to food waste.

“Joining the U.S. Food Waste Pact is a proud and purposeful commitment for our team at Legends Global,” said Lindsay Arell, Chief Sustainability Officer for Legends Global. “We hold ourselves to a high standard in everything we do, and responsible food waste management at live events is a meaningful part of that. Working alongside signatories across the supply chain, we are proud to be part of a collective effort that will create real, lasting change for our industry and beyond.”

The Scale of Waste

According to the latest estimate from ReFED, approximately 29% of all food in the U.S. (70 million tons) goes unsold or uneaten each year. Food waste accounts for 114 billion lost meals annually, and its value is equivalent to 1.3% of U.S. GDP. In the foodservice sector, which hospitality fits within, 12.6 million tons go uneaten. However, there are segments of this sector that are making progress. In the latest U.S. Food Waste Pact Report, reporting foodservice signatories saw a 5.7% reduction in the food efficiency rate, the metric that most accurately reflects waste reduction in the business & industry segment. This resulted in a 4,000-ton reduction in waste and a $15.9 million decrease in the wholesale cost of surplus food.

Making Sustainability Matter

Through Legends Global Acts, the company is committed to advancing more sustainable food systems by increasing local sourcing, reducing food waste, and improving waste diversion across its operations, while creating lasting value for the communities it serves and the clients it supports. By joining the Pact, Legends Global will collaborate with industry peers and partners to share best practices, drive innovation, and accelerate progress toward these commitments, helping build a more circular, resilient, and community-focused food system.

“We’re very excited to welcome Legends Global as the Pact’s newest signatory,” said Sara Burnett, Executive Director at ReFED. “Tackling food waste at events serves to both divert food waste from the landfill and educate attendees about food waste reduction, and therefore has been a focus area for the Pact over the last year. Legend Global’s leadership in the space brings invaluable experience to our signatories, and we look forward to adding their voice to the conversation.”

For more information on Legends Global’s sustainability efforts, visit legendsglobal.com/community. To learn more about the U.S. Food Waste Pact, visit usfoodwastepact.org.

About the U.S. Food Waste Pact

The U.S. Food Waste Pact is a national voluntary agreement that uses the “Target, Measure, Act” framework to reduce food waste across the supply chain. The Pact works with waste-generating food businesses and organizations to collect and analyze data about food waste in their operations, share best practices through multi-stakeholder collaborative convenings, and test and scale solutions through intervention projects. The Pact is an initiative led by nonprofits ReFED and the World Wildlife Fund. For more information about the U.S. Food Waste Pact, visit http://usfoodwastepact.org/.

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Photo courtesy of FCCFA

New visitor experiences build on Ohio’s record-setting tourism economy and encourage convention attendees to explore more of the state

Every year, millions of visitors travel to Columbus for conventions, trade shows, sporting events and meetings. Beginning this summer, those visitors will be greeted with a new invitation: discover more of Ohio.

The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority (FCCFA) and the Ohio Department of Development today announced a new destination marketing partnership designed to elevate Ohio tourism, strengthen statewide visitor promotion efforts and showcase the “Ohio, The Heart of It All” brand inside one of Ohio’s largest visitor gateways.

The announcement comes as Ohio celebrates another record year for tourism. Newly released data from TourismOhio shows the state welcomed a record 245 million visits in 2025, generating a record $58 billion in economic impact, supporting more than 447,000 jobs and producing $4.8 billion in state and local tax revenue. The new partnership builds on that momentum by inspiring visitors who are already in Ohio to extend their stay, explore new communities, and return for future trips.

Visitors to the convention center will now experience Ohio, The Heart of It All throughout the facility through immersive wallscapes, destination-focused digital displays, travel inspiration, and the official renaming of the convention center’s central ballroom as the Heart of It All Ballroom – placing Ohio’s signature tourism brand at the very heart of the convention center.

“The Greater Columbus Convention Center welcomes visitors from around the world and often one of the first places people experience when visiting Columbus and Ohio,” said Ken Paul, Executive Director of the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority. “This partnership creates a unique opportunity to showcase the places, experiences and communities that define Ohio while enhancing the visitor experience inside one of the state’s most significant tourism assets.”

As the largest convention center in the state, more than one million visitors pass through the Greater Columbus Convention Center each year, serving as one of the region’s most important tourism and economic development assets. Through the new partnership, visitors will encounter Ohio-inspired storytelling, destination promotion and immersive branding designed to reinforce Ohio’s identity as a welcoming place to visit, work, and explore.

“Tourism is one of Ohio’s strongest economic engines, and every visitor represents an opportunity,” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The Greater Columbus Convention Center already brings people to our state. This partnership helps us inspire those visitors to stay a little longer, explore a little farther, and discover the communities, businesses, and experiences that make Ohio so special.”

The agreement establishes Ohio, The Heart of It All naming rights, advertising services, and coordinated destination marketing throughout the convention center. It also builds on an existing economic development agreement between the FCCFA and the State of Ohio by applying the value of promotional assets toward existing obligations while expanding statewide tourism promotion. The partnership extends through March 31, 2031, with opportunities for future collaboration.

“The best tourism investment isn’t always convincing someone to come to Ohio—sometimes it’s helping someone who’s already here discover one more reason to come back,” said Sarah Wickham, State Tourism Director. “We want to meet visitors who are already here in that moment of curiosity and inspire them to discover one more downtown, one more park, one more restaurant, and one more unforgettable Ohio experience. Those experiences create memories that bring people back.”

The partnership reflects TourismOhio’s broader strategy of encouraging visitors to experience more of the state by connecting them with destinations and experiences beyond their original travel plans. Newly released visitor research reinforces that opportunity: 93 percent of overnight visitors say they are likely to return to Ohio within the next 12 months, demonstrating the value of creating memorable experiences that inspire repeat visitation and continued economic growth.

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Our International Association of Venue Managers community continues to grow, and we are excited to welcome the newest members who joined us in June 2026. Thank you for being part of the association and helping shape the future of venue management.

Lori Adams, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Angela Angelopoulos, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Lindsay Arell, Legends Global – Venue Management, New Orleans, LA
Nathan Bailie, Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
Emma Bell, Legends Global – Venue Management, New Orleans, LA
Joshua Bolan, Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL
Macy Broesamle, Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA
Shane Burgess, Kohl Center | University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, WI
Justin Burkett, Cross Insurance Center – OVG, Bangor, ME
Jay Burson, Horner Flooring Company, Dollar Bay, MI
Jason Casey, Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN
Tony Cima, Legends Global – Venue Management, New Orleans, LA
Annika Clawson, Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN
Grace Connery, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Shawn Cotugno, Ensemble Arts Philly, Philadelphia, PA
Norman Couture, Platestream, Raleigh, NC
Evan Crocker, Prior Performing Arts Center, Worcester, MA
Jacob Crockett, Russell Kolins Associates/Kolins Security Group, Philadelphia, PA
Cody Dalga, Andy Frain Services, Aurora, IL
Jackson Darrington, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Heather Davis, Show Me Center, Cape Girardeau, MO
Jeffrey de Caen, Prior Performing Arts Center, Worcester, MA
Meredith Ditz, Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN
Craig Dodd, Greater Tacoma Convention Center/Visit Tacoma-Pierce County Visitor Information Center, Tacoma, WA
Kaitlyn Dodos, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, TN
Lauren Dragicevich, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Logan Easley, Grapevine Convention Center, Grapevine, TX
Sam Eddings, Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
Mark Evans, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
Ben Feekes, Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center, Wichita, KS
Sheamus Fitzgerald, Veterans Memorial Auditorium, Providence, RI, RI
Dave Franklin, Horizon Convention Center, Muncie, IN
Jacquelyn Freeman, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Cassandra Fritzen, Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA
Matt Fujinaka, Saint Paul RiverCentre & Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul, MN
Sammy Garcia, Jr., David H. Koch Theater, New York, NY
DeAnna Garza, Freeman Coliseum, San Antonio, TX
Stephanie Garza, Saint Paul RiverCentre & Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul, MN
Taylor Gassert, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
Meghan Geoffrion, Prevent Advisors, Denver, CO
Dave Gerber, Erie Events, Erie, PA
Scott Gerlach, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Micalah Greathouse, Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
Morgan Haase, Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX
Luke Hansard, BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
Lauren Harrison, The Anthem, Washington, DC
Clint Hatmaker, 24/7 Software, Boca Raton, FL
Megan Hayhurst, Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), Omaha, NE
ML Henry, Legends Global – Venue Management, New Orleans, LA
Adrian Hernandez, Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX
Karl Herrera, Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA
Adam Hoffman, Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Melanie Keeney, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO
Joe Kora, Enterprise Center/Stifel Theatre, Saint Louis, MO
Olivia Langford, University of Southern California, Brea, CA
Dimitrius Lee, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Katrina Lewonczyk, Prior Performing Arts Center, Worcester, MA
Hunter Liter, Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY
Bridget Lowe, Henderson Engineers, Lenexa, KS
Courtney Mackey, Jackson Convention Complex, Jackson, MS
Megan Maikowski, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Caroline Mancino, Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Megan Matthews, Grapevine Convention Center, Grapevine, TX
Erik Miller, The Ohio Floor Company, Shreve, OH
Haley Miller, David H. Koch Theater, New York, NY
Hanna Myers, Cleveland Guardians, Cleveland, OH
Baylee Neely, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
Sophia Neria, Utah Valley Convention Center – OVG, Provo, UT
Kyrstyn Newton, Jackson Convention Complex, Jackson, MS
Patrick O’Connor, The Anthem, Washington, DC
Corey Oakley, Napa Valley Exposition, Napa, CA
Margaret Organ, Andy Frain Services, Marion, AR
Jordan Paley, Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Kirk Patton, Legends Global – Venue Management, New Orleans, LA
Alex Perdomo, Enterprise Center/Stifel Theatre, Saint Louis, MO
Shannon Phillips, Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX
Jennifer Rafuse, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Michele Rizzo-Berg, Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts, Patchogue, NY
Thomas Robbins, Grand River Center | Five Flags Center, Dubuque, IA
Grey Rogers, Lenovo Center, Raleigh, NC
Nancy Rogers, Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN
Marc Rubner, Building Intelligence, Inc., New York, NY
Christian Rue, Tennessee Theatre, Knoxville, TN
Jess Scheer, The Anthem, Washington, DC
Thomas Scott, REAL District, Regina, SK, Canada
Carla Sheldon, Golden State Communications, Inc., San Jose, CA
Brenda Shepard, Prior Performing Arts Center, Worcester, MA
Mark Shiflet, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
Kyle Shoemake, Enterprise Center/Stifel Theatre, Saint Louis, MO
David Sides, Ecore Athletic, Lancaster, PA
Jake Sill, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Ben Simmons, Schmidt Associates, Louisville, KY
Nathan Sims, Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH
Brandon Snellings, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Connor Spielvogel, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Craig Stekeur, David H. Koch Theater, New York, NY
Mike Stoning, Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Mike Strobel, Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Josh Swy, MTS Seating, Temperance, MI
Jen Tait, Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA
Summer Valentine, AE International, San Diego, CA
Emily VanLangen, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI
Joy Villaluz, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
Rachael Volquartsen, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), Charlotte, NC
Shannon Wachtel, ConventionSuite by NewGen Business Solutions, Scottsdale, AZ
Kaley Webster, Grapevine Convention Center, Grapevine, TX
Hannah Weimer, Majestic Theatre, San Antonio, TX
Nate Wert, Oakley Lindsay Center, Quincy, IL
Clarisa Wheat, Grapevine Convention Center, Grapevine, TX
Mike Wilczynski, Legends Global – Venue Management, Roaring Brook Twp., PA
Lori Wilson, Hulman Center, Terre Haute, IN
Averie Womack, Curtis Culwell Center, Garland, TX
Jeff Wright, Paramount Theatre, Oakland, CA
James Wroth, Fox Tucson Theatre, Tucson, AZ
Kori Yearke, Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara, CA
Emily Zirkle, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, TN

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Some careers are measured by years of service. Others are measured by the lives they influence.

For nearly four decades, Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, CVE, has dedicated himself not only to advancing the convention center industry, but to strengthening the people who make it thrive. Through visionary leadership, unwavering service, and a deep commitment to mentoring others, Rippetoe has left an enduring mark on venue management that will be felt for generations.

In recognition of those extraordinary contributions, the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) is proud to announce Rippetoe as the recipient of the 2026 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award.

The Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes professionals whose careers reflect exceptional leadership, sustained service, and a lasting commitment to the convention center industry. Reserved for individuals with at least 25 years of service, the award celebrates those whose influence extends well beyond the venues they have managed.

Rippetoe’s career has been defined by exactly that kind of influence.

Throughout his professional journey, he has championed innovation, elevated the convention center profession, and invested countless hours in helping others grow. Within IAVM, he has served on—and, in many cases, chaired—nearly every committee, culminating in his service as Chair of the Board of Directors in 2020. Throughout his tenure, he has generously shared his knowledge, experience, and leadership to strengthen the Association and the industry it serves.

Yet, when reflecting on this recognition, Rippetoe is quick to focus not on his own accomplishments, but on the people who shaped his journey:

“I am incredibly grateful to be selected for IAVM’s 2026 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award. It is humbling to reflect on the profound impact IAVM has had on both my professional and personal life. With mentors such as Dick Shaff, Ron King, Shura Garnett, and Robyn Williams encouraging me to pursue a purpose greater than myself, I discovered meaningful relationships, personal growth, and resilience along the way.

For 38 years, IAVM has been far more than a professional association to me—it has helped me discover my true self. I learned that the more I used my gifts to help others succeed, the more fulfillment, pride, and happiness I found in being part of this remarkable industry.

On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for this incredible honor.”

“Rip represents everything this award was created to recognize,” said Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, President & CEO of IAVM. “Throughout his career, he has consistently chosen service over recognition, collaboration over personal achievement, and mentorship over self-promotion. Rip’s legacy is one of leadership, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of this industry and its people. We are honored to celebrate a career that has made IAVM, and the venue management profession, stronger in every way.”

Rippetoe will be recognized during VenueConnect 2026, taking place August 9–12 in Indianapolis, Indiana, as venue management professionals from around the world gather to celebrate the leaders whose vision and dedication continue to shape the future of the industry.

Congratulations to Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, CVE, on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for a lifetime dedicated to empowering others, advancing the profession, and leaving a legacy that will endure for years to come.

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VenuWorks has named Tim Seeberg, CVE, as the new Executive Director of the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, Iowa. Seeberg will begin his new role on July 13, bringing extensive leadership experience in convention center management, performing arts operations, event services, food and beverage, budgeting, capital planning and community engagement.

Seeberg joins Bridge View Center with a strong track record of leading city-owned public assembly facilities and strengthening venue performance through improved operations, sales strategy, financial management and guest service. His experience includes directing all aspects of convention centers and performing arts facilities, including sales and marketing, event planning, operations, food and beverage services, budgets, financial reporting, capital improvement planning, hiring and stakeholder relations.

“Tim brings the kind of practical, hands-on venue leadership that is so valuable to a community facility like Bridge View Center,” said Steve Peters, VenuWorks CEO. “His experience managing convention centers and performing arts venues, growing revenues, improving operations and building strong relationships with civic and tourism partners makes him an excellent fit for Ottumwa. We are excited to welcome him to the VenuWorks team.”

Seeberg previously served as General Manager/Director of the Fort Smith Convention Center and Performing Arts Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he oversaw a 150,000-square-foot convention center and 1,330-seat performing arts center. During his tenure, the venue achieved seven consecutive annual revenue records from 2013 through 2019, while also implementing operational improvements, restructuring sales and event management teams, developing a 15-year capital expense plan, reducing operating subsidies and establishing in-house beverage and vending services.

Prior to Fort Smith, Seeberg served as General Manager of the Grand Junction Convention Center and Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction, Colorado. In that role, he oversaw a 35,000-square-foot convention center and 1,100-seat performing arts center, directing sales and marketing, event management, operations, food and beverage, financial reporting, capital projects and public relations. His accomplishments included achieving record convention center and theatre revenues, completing $4 million in facility improvements, reducing annual operating costs by 20 percent, and doubling the number of conventions originating from the Denver and Salt Lake City areas.

Seeberg’s background also includes responsibility for food concessions, ticketing and guest service functions at city parks and sports facilities, including the annual National Junior College World Series Tournament, which drew approximately 100,000 fans over six days. He also served on civic and tourism leadership groups, including as President of the Western Arkansas’ Mountain Frontier tourism region from 2017 to 2020.

“I am excited to join the VenuWorks family in my Executive Director role with Ottumwa’s Bridge View Center.” Tim Seeberg said on his appointment. “I look forward to working closely with our team and community leadership continuing to push for further growth and make exciting things happen at Ottumwa’s BVC. It’s an honor and a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead these efforts.”

Seeberg holds the Certified Venue Executive designation from the International Association of Venue Managers and is a graduate of IAVM’s Venue Management School. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Hospitality Services Administration from Central Michigan University.

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