One to Watch: Meet IAVM CEO Trevor MitchellOne to Watch: Meet IAVM CEO Trevor Mitchell
One year into his role at the helm of IAVM, Trevor Mitchell shares his vision for the organization as it prepares for its milestone centennial conference in New Orleans.
July 15, 2025
Trevor Mitchell’s path to becoming CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) wasn’t one he initially mapped out as a young graduate, but fate had other plans. After completing his business education at Columbia College and the University of Missouri, the future leader found his calling at ARMA International, where he worked his way up the ranks to executive director of membership and technology before serving as senior director of membership and strategy, then executive director and CEO of American Mensa.
“It was in that first role that I realized association management was not just a job, but a meaningful career path that aligned with my passion for working with people to create lasting change,” said Mitchell, who holds an MBA along with several industry credentials (FASAE, CAE, CDP). “Throughout my career, I’ve been deeply involved in the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), regional societies in Kansas City, Mo., and Dallas/Fort Worth, and the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE), where I had the honor of serving as Board Chair in 2023–2024.”
Bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in strategic membership management and diversity advocacy to IAVM—the third association he’s served in his 19-year career—Mitchell is enthusiastic about serving its membership of 7,800 global venue management professionals while guiding the organization toward its next chapter of growth.
As he prepares for IAVM’s milestone 100th VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show 2025 (VC25), set for July 28-31 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, CEN/TSNN caught up with Mitchell to learn what attracted him to the venue management industry, what attendees can look forward to at VC25, and hear about his vision for the association one year into his pivotal leadership role.
You’ve been CEO of IAVM for a year now. What drew you to the organization, and what aspects of leading it have been most rewarding during your first year at the helm?
I was initially drawn to IAVM because it offered a unique opportunity to combine my experience as an association executive with my passion for live events. I believe deeply in the power of shared, live experiences, and venues are the spaces where those moments come to life. The chance to lead an association dedicated to creating those opportunities felt like a perfect fit. Throughout the search and interview process, that feeling only grew stronger. I saw that my enthusiasm for live experiences was shared by the organization’s leadership and members. It was one of those rare moments where everything aligned for all the right reasons, and I was honored to be selected as the next president and CEO.
Mitchell at VenueConnect 2024 in Portland, Oregon, sharing an inspiring vision for the future of the association as its newly appointed President & CEO..
As with any new leadership role, the first year came with the challenge of learning the organization’s history, understanding its operations, and determining where to begin. At the same time, it was filled with meaningful and memorable moments. The members have been incredibly supportive and patient as I’ve asked questions, gathered feedback, and made thoughtful adjustments to benefit the members, the association, and the broader industry. Collaborating with them has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this role. Their willingness to share insights and perspectives has helped me better understand their world—and why the work we do matters. That partnership inspires me as we look to the future and all we can accomplish together.
Your professional background spans strategic membership management across organizations like American Mensa and ARMA International. How have you applied these experiences to address the unique challenges of the venue management industry?
At the core of any membership association is a deep understanding of the challenges members face and how the association can help address them. This is what drives a meaningful and relevant member value proposition. While the concept is simple, its successful implementation requires thoughtful time, effort, and strategic insight.
Mitchell on one of many adventures with his husband, Aaron Wolowiec, this time at the Sydney Opera House.
In the venue management industry, this means taking a broad view of sector-wide issues—such as workforce challenges, sustainability initiatives, and the impact of government policies on funding—while also considering the unique needs of specific venue segments. Serving a diverse range of venues, from stadiums and convention centers to performing arts centers and arenas, requires us to recognize the distinct business functions and operational demands of each.
It is essential that we listen, learn, and respond to the full spectrum of our members’ needs, ensuring we provide the resources, advocacy, and solutions that support their success, wherever they are and whatever they do.
You’ve described your leadership style as centered on listening and bringing people together. How has this approach helped you develop IAVM’s strategic direction for the next few years, and what initiatives are you most excited about?
Listening was critical for me as I was learning the industry. I would have been an ineffective leader had I started making changes without first understanding the current landscape and how we got here. Through intentional listening, I was able to build relationships and establish trust as we began working together to move the association forward. Those conversations not only validated many of the opportunities I had identified for the association but also revealed new ones I hadn’t previously considered.
There’s a great deal I’m excited about in the work ahead. Internally, we are focused on helping members create personalized career and learning journeys within the association. This includes identifying gaps in our educational offerings and ensuring members can access learning opportunities in the format that best suits them—whether in-person, online, or hybrid.
Externally, we are increasing our efforts to advocate for the live event and venue industry. This includes legislative initiatives and collaborative work with our partner associations to amplify our collective voice and impact.
IAVM is celebrating its centennial VenueConnect this month. Is there anything you’d like to preview at VC25, and what are you looking most forward to?
Planning an event of this size takes significant time and coordination. While we’ve made some adjustments based on member feedback, larger changes are still on the horizon.
This year, attendees can expect a well-balanced mix of venue-specific content and broader venue management topics. We’re placing a strong emphasis on the attendee experience—not just by designing programs and structures, but by thoughtfully considering how participants move through the event, from room to room, and session to session. Our goal is to create a meaningful and memorable journey.
Mitchell with his beloved pup Luca.
We’re also grateful to our partners at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, who have worked closely with us to both showcase their capabilities and help make the 100th VenueConnect conference a truly unforgettable milestone for our industry.
Name one thing people might not know about you.
I’m a classically trained pianist. I originally majored in piano performance in college before my career path took a different direction. While I didn’t pursue it professionally, I still enjoy playing when I’m home. Last year, I even had the chance to perform with the member band at VenueConnect in Portland—an experience I truly enjoyed!
