Although we hope to be past the periods of prolonged shutdown due to COVID-19, the pandemic shook up the industry and created havoc for operators of all types. There’s no making lemonade out of those lemons, but many in the industry have stepped up, taken on new roles and responsibilities and shown they’re more than eager to take on any challenges thrown their way.
This year’s class of IMPACT: NextGen honorees has demonstrated that resolve, talent and willingness, and then some. Like last year, VenuesNow, in collaboration with sister publication Pollstar, recognizes some of the industry’s brightest rising stars, with a look to the future. It’s about more than just age, IMPACT: NextGen is not only people but trends, visions and leadership that will impact the live events business for years to come.
Like last year, IMPACT: NextGen is a dual-publication feature, with winners in both this issue of VenuesNow and the Sept. 2 issue of Pollstar. VenuesNow will continue to honor those who work for venues or in businesses related to them, and Pollstar focuses primarily on the talent, programming and content within the broader live entertainment industry. While there is overlap between the two, VenuesNow strives to honor those primarily in the facilities business.
This includes everyone from arena managers to ticketing professionals to architects, concessionaires, contractors and ticketing providers. Chosen internally through the editorial staff as well as with input from the industry, VenuesNow is pleased to present a cross section of the industry that has not only overcome the challenge of the last three years but is building into something stronger than ever before.
Steve Ackles
Senior Director of Touring, Live Nation
Zhubin Aghamolla
Co-Director of Booking, I.M.P.
Akin Aliu
Music Touring Agent, CAA
Warda Baig
Tour Promoter, Live Nation
Jared Blashinsky
VP Artist Development & Live, 88rising
Lindsay Dworman
Director of Global Touring, AEG Presents
Joe Howard
Global Festival Promoter, C3 Presents
Louise Johnson
VP of Marketing, Patriot One Technologies
James June
Creative Manager, Live Nation Urban
Haley McCollister
President, Messina Touring Group – Nashville
Mapuana “Mapi” Moran
Vice President, Brand & Marketing, Goldenvoice
Josh Mulder
Agent, TBA
Andile Ndlovu
Senior Artist Manager, Electric Feel Entertainment
Nate Ritches
VP / Agent, Wasserman Music
Kinsey Shomo
Executive Assistant to Judi Marmel, Levity Live
Scott Schreiber
Agent – Music, UTA
James Simmons
Agent, WME
Tom Skoglund
Manager, Full Stop Management
Ashley Ventura
Booking Agent, MAC Agency
Andrea (Dre) Wallace
CEO, Opnr
Tracy Buskirk
Manager, Events & Settlements, Nederlander Concerts
Brita Christensen
VP, Artist & Promoter Relations, Ticketmaster
Grant Hall
Director Business Services and Strategy, ASM Global
Rachel Hill
General Manager,
Ak-Chin Pavilion
Kelly Holton
Principal, Brand Activation Director, Populous
Erik Hudson
General Manager,
Mountain America Center and Hero Arena
Brian Krajewski
General Manager,
Liberty First Credit Union Arena,
Lauren Mahaney
Director of Strategic Hospitality,
Sodexo Live
Gracie Pugliese
Director of Marketing,
Snapdragon Stadium
Keith Robinson
Principal, Creative Director,
Manica Architecture
Ellen Spangler
Project Manager,
Mortenson
Ashlee Stokely
Vice President,
Stadium Events & Experience, NIssan Stadium
Amanda Trimble
Studio Design Leader, Sports & Entertainment; Vice President, HKS
Paige Vicari
Senior Premium Manager,
Live Nation VIP Food & Beverage Experience
Dionna Widder
Chief Revenue Officer,
Houston Dynamo, Houston Dash, PNC Stadium
