A CENTENNIAL TURNING POINT IAVM recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, creating, as Mitchell describes, an opportunity. “We are at a crossroads for the organization and a positive one,” he says. “In this one hundred and first year, we are really looking at what we look like as we go forward.” His first major priority is strengthening and modernizing IAVM’s educational offerings. Identifying gaps, expanding content, and forming new partnerships will shape the future of membership experience. His second priority is raising public awareness of the importance of venues and of the association’s role in supporting them.“I want people to understand the power and the impacts that come from having these venues in your community,” he says. COLLABORATION AS A CATALYST Collaboration is a core theme for IAVM and will remain central to its strategy moving forward. Mitchell highlights the importance of working with key partners, including Destinations International, the Exhibitions and Conference Alliance, and associations representing minority and underrepresented professionals in the events industry. These partnerships are essential not only for advocacy but also for strengthening the talent pipeline. By increasing industry-wide collaboration, IAVM aims to help venues build diverse, skilled, and representative teams. MOMENTUM AHEAD Mitchell’s first months at IAVM highlight both his enthusiasm and his clear vision for the association’s future. He recognizes the magic of performance spaces, the excitement of concerts, the pride tied to sports events, and the collective power of shared cultural moments. With a background that blends association leadership and a passion for live experiences, Mitchell is wellpositioned to guide IAVM into its next century. His focus on education, public awareness, innovation, and collaboration aims to elevate venues as essential contributors to culture and community. 98 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 12
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