International Association of Venue Managers Names Brad Mayne President, CEO

July 6, 2016

The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) has selected Brad Mayne as its new president and CEO, effective July 19. Mayne also will serve as the president and CEO of the IAVM Foundation.

“Throughout his career, Brad has garnered respect from every facet of our industry,” said Karen Totaro, CFE, IAVM chair. “He has worked across sectors in various leadership roles, including within IAVM, which have earned him awards and praise. We are excited to have him take over the helm of IAVM.”

IAVM represents public assembly venues from around the globe. IAVM's active members include managers and senior executives from auditorium, arenas, convention centers, exhibit halls, stadiums, performing arts centers, university complexes and amphitheaters.

The previous IAVM CEO Vicki Hawarden stepped down earlier this year and a series of interim CEOs took her place, including retired San Diego Convention Center Manager Carol Wallace, while an executive search firm looked for a permanent person for the position.

“I am thrilled to take on this new professional challenge for an organization that is critical in advancing the work and professional practice of venue management and is so highly valued among industry professionals,” Mayne said.

The appointment of the veteran public assembly venue professional and one of the industry’s most respected and accomplished practitioners brings Mayne back to the Dallas area, where he served as president and CEO of Center Operating Co. and the American Airlines Center from 1998-2012.

Mayne earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Leisure Studies in 1978 from the University of Utah before embarking on his public assembly venue career at the Salt Palace Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. He earned his Certified Facilities Executive (CFE) designation in 1992.

Mayne most notably has been involved in IAVM through his service at the Venue Management School at Oglebay and the school’s Graduate Institute, where he has served as dean since 2012 and served on the school’s Board of Regents since 1997.

Among the list of awards he has received throughout his career are the Charles A. McElravy Award in 2009 and the Legacy Award from the IAVM Foundation in 2011.

“Having an industry leader with Brad’s abilities, relationships, and leadership will help advance the strategic goals of the Foundation, which works to ensure the perpetual success and growth of the public assembly industry,” said Bob Hunter, CFE, incoming chair of the IAVM Foundation.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact