Mitchell Enters IAVM Arena

Trevor Mitchell
NEW BLOOD: Don’t be intimidated by his American Mensa credential. Incoming IAVM President / CEO Trevor Mitchell was the CEO, not a member, he says. (Photo courtesy IAVM)

Trevor Mitchell, most recently executive director and CEO of American Mensa, has been hired as the next president and CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers. He will take over for Brad Mayne, who is retiring in July after eight years on the job. Mitchell’s first event as president and CEO will be VenueConnect 2024, IAVM’s annual conference and trade show, from July 28-31 in Portland, Oregon. In an interview with VenuesNow, Mitchell emphasized his qualifications for the presidency, citing his passion for helping people connect and create meaningful experiences.

VenuesNow: Compensation aside, why did you want this job? 

Trevor Mitchell: Because when I took a look at the position itself, I first felt that my skills and experience were a great fit for what they were looking for. Then, when I started understanding IAVM better and understanding the members, that they have the energy to serve and the impact they have, it just felt right. It felt that it was the perfect match of everything I’ve done, with the passion I have around helping people connect and having meaningful experiences. It was a no-brainer at that point that I wanted to be part of this process and I felt I was right to be their next president.

Do you have a lot of familiarity with the industry in general?

I do in terms of working with convention centers and such.
I’m also a really big proponent and advocate of performing arts. I have Broadway tickets, symphony tickets here in Dallas. I knew the industry through the convention center side, but everything else I hadn’t had as much experience with in my professional world, but it was something I had interacted with personally.

If there was one thing about you that you would like the leaders and rank and file of IAVM to know about you, what would it be? 

I would want them to know I’m passionate about what I do. It’s why I got into working in associations, in particular. I’m really connected to the organizations I work for, their mission and helping members and people create meaningful experiences that impact their day-to-day life, whether it’s personally or professionally, so my passion comes through to that and that is another reason why I felt this was a right fit, because I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t believe in what the organization was, what the members do, and how it has an impact on the greater world around us.

How important do you see government relations for this association and its members at this particular time?

It’s going to be critical. I had a chance to work a little bit on understanding some of the coalitions that IAVM is already a part of. I have a strong relationship with the Exhibition and Conference Alliance, which IAVM is always a part of, and an understanding of how the various things that are happening at not only the federal level, but the state level impact the various venues and the things that are happening. It is going to be critical for us to keep managing forward so they can be able to operate and provide great experiences to those who are utilizing the facilities for whatever event is happening.

It’s early in the game, but have you set any priorities for your first 100 days?

My first 100 days are going to be focusing on connecting with the leaders and the membership, understanding the problems and challenges they have and how IAVM has been able to address those and where we can be better focused. I am a strong proponent of putting members first and everything that the organization does: what the board is making decisions on, what the staff is working on, what the committees are doing, what’s happening at the region level, how are we all focusing on that member experience and member value, to not only strengthen the organization, but drive it forward? And then working on it. How do we work and raise the profile of IAVM within the industry as a leader in this space and building off what has already happened, but continuing to grow those things? 

You don’t have to relocate to Dallas as you’re there already. Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Missouri. Long story short, I grew up on a cattle farm south of St. Louis and then I went to the University of Missouri and lived in Kansas City for 11 years before moving to Dallas.

What do you do for fun and relaxation?

When I’m not traveling, because I do enjoy the travel both personally and professionally, when I am home most of my fun time is spent usually with my husband. We have season tickets to Dallas Broadway. We like to check out restaurants, museums, but I also enjoy cooking and reading and playing my piano. My original major in college was piano performance with a business degree, and I was in the marching band at the university, so music, performance and all that is in my blood, but it’s more of a passion and a hobby.

Should people be intimidated by your intelligence when they read Mensa in your bio? 

No, they should not. First off, you don’t have to be someone with a high IQ to work for the organization. While I believe my scores don’t qualify me for membership, I like to say that they were smart enough to hire me and they are humans like everybody else.
Their brains are just wired to work a little differently and like with
any human getting to know them as a person and relate to them, you can navigate any situation. My method and background is definitely unique and it’s a great talking point. It’s a very good conversation starter, but they should not be intimidated by me.