International Association of Venue Managers - IAVM

Eileen Kulish, National Accounts Manager for MTS SEATING, shares details on why the recent repeal of CAL 133 will improve the seating experience your venue guests. We also hear about the new design trends that are affecting the form of the optimal chair.

With IAVM’s Venue Management School right around the corner, Alexis and Shelley’s special guests this month are VMS Student Representatives, Kristina Lankow and Rod Saavedra to talk about their experiences last year and what they’re looking forward in 2019.

IAVM Mentor Connector Committee Members, McKenzie Rowley & Andrew L. Shreve, speak to Alexis & Shelly about how this exciting program helps the careers of new and veteran members alike.

Todd Shuttleworth, Zero Waste TRUE Advisor & Corporate Sales Manager for MAX-R, joins the show to tell us about the Front of House of Venues are creating new sustainable green program. He also elaborates on the underlying reasons why these programs emerge in the industry.

Ian King, Vice President of Sales for MTS Seating, joins the show to explain how the chairs in your venue can positively affect your guests’ experience. Ian elaborates how their form and function have evolved to accomplish this goal. Ian also shares his experiences concerning mentorship and professional development. He also gives his insights into how new professionals in the venue industry can succeed in their careers.

Ken Stockdell, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Vice President & Director of Convention Centers for HKS joins the show to talk about the changing nature of public spaces in convention centers. Ken tells us how some centers are exploring the connection between concourses/prefunction spaces and the streetscape outside. Ken also speaks about his career and how architects act as partners with both venue managers and stakeholders.

IAVM Allied Member, Biren Shukla, CEO and Founder of Forum Info-Tech, speaks to Alexis & Shelly about the always relevant topic of cybersecurity. Biren provides a thorough description of the dangers facing venues’ IT infrastructure and explains what you as professionals can do to protect your organizations.

Jim Sanfilippo is president, founder and CEO of Nila Inc. Before starting Nila in 2004 Jim spent 21-years behind the camera as a Lighting Designer and Key Grip in motion picture and television production. Jim shares with us how LEDs are revolutionizing the guest experience for visitors at your venues. Not only are LED’s more sustainable than traditional lights, they provide superior ROI.

Alexis and Shelley chat with Eboni Wilson, Director of Guest Services at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and Andrew Shreve, Director of Business Development at The Cow Palace in Daly City, CA. They discuss being a young supervisor and supervising their elders, friends and those who were formally colleagues at the same level. They also discuss tips for garnering respect as young professionals in a large multi-faceted workplace, delegation, and typical pitfalls to watch out for.

Paul Villotti, in addition to serving as the Director of Life Safety for Henderson Engineers, is highly active as Vice Chair and faculty member for the upcoming Academy for Venue Safety & Security (AVSS). Paul joins us to share some practical insights on the topics of fire alarm systems, the engineering profession, and the art of teaching venue managers.