TWO WAC TEAM MEMBERS HAVE BEEN INDUCTED INTO THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF VENUE MANAGERS (IAVM) FOUNDATION’S 30 UNDER 30 CLASS OF 2019.
This recognition is given to 30 promising venue industry professionals ages 30 and younger who have illustrated their commitment to the industry and to furthering the operational and mission-focused goals of the venues they serve.
Kyle May, Corporate Relations Coordinator
What does it mean to you to be honored as a member of 30 under 30?
As a fundraiser, it means that our organization is really fulfilling its mission through the work that I do. Because the money we raise supports the organization at large along with our arts access and education programming, this award shines a light on the rest of the Walton Arts Center and Walmart AMP team and the wonderful work that they are doing.
What are you most looking forward to when you attend the conference?
I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know other venue professionals from around the country and forming relationships with them that will last beyond the conference walls.
What do you bring to the walton arts Center organization that you are excited to grow/expand with this experience?
I enjoy talking with funders about the in’s and out’s of our industry, and I am excited to gain a deeper understanding and knowledge of the venue industry and find ways to creatively connect with and fundraiser for this organization.
What lessons have you learned in your position that have made you a more well-rounded venue professional?
Relationships are everything. That is one of the important pieces of fundraising continually driven home by our former VP of Development, Missy Kincaid. However, it goes well beyond fundraising into all aspects of this industry as well as beyond work.
Who would you like to thank for helping you get to this point?
First and foremost, Wendy Riggs and Diana Brown for nominating me for the award and believing that I embodied the goals of IAVM’s 30 Under 30. Second, I want to thank all of the team members of the Walton Arts Center Development Team since I have been working here, most notably my manager Taylor Speegle. I have learned so much these past 4.5 years, not only about development and non-profit administration, but also about life in general. I would definitely not be the professional or person I am today without my team.
Justin Taylor, Events Coordinator
What does it mean to you to be honored as a member of 30 under 30?
It’s exciting! It shows my growth here and how much this company has changed my life and career path.
What are you most looking forward to when attend the conference?
The venue tours! I love seeing other venues and learning how they operate.
What lessons have you learned in your position that has made you a more well-rounded venue professional?
Safety is a huge priority when planning events. Two years ago, I thought this job was just throwing tables down and making them look pretty, but I’ve learned that there are a lot of safety factors to consider.
Who would you like to thank for helping you get to this point?
Karen Percival for never giving up on me and Nick Zazal for introducing me to a whole new world of event and venue management.
OUR VISION AT WALTON ARTS CENTER
Walton Arts Center is proud to be a leader in arts education in Arkansas and the mid-South. By sharing program formats, ideas and results with other arts and education organizations in the state and nation, we strive to insure that arts participation is valued and supported by communities in and beyond Northwest Arkansas.