Duke Energy Convention Center's Karen Totaro Nominated for 2nd Vice Chair of IAVM

3/14/2013 - The Duke Energy Convention Center is proud to announce their Assistant General Manager, Karen Totaro, CFE, was nominated for 2nd Vice Chair of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) board of Directors. This prestigious honor denotes exemplary leadership and dedication to the Sport, Entertainment and Convention/Exhibition Industry. With this role, Karen will become a Senior Officer of the organization, serving a four year term, eventually ascending to the chairman position in 2015-2016. For more information on the Duke Energy Convention Center visit www.duke-energycenter.com.

"The Duke Energy Convention Center is proud to have Karen as our Assistant General Manager and we are thrilled to have her nominated for this prestigious position on IAVM's Board of Directors," said Ric Booth, General Manager of the Duke Energy Convention Center.

Karen has been with Global Spectrum, management company for the Center since July, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience. Her career first began as the Marketing Manager for Assembly Hall Arena at University of Illinois. Now, she has over 15 years of venue leadership, Karen has made quite a name for herself in the industry. In 2011, Karen was appointed to the Portland Lloyd District Transportation Management Association's Board of Director's and nominated as a candidate for the Industry "Woman of Influence" award by Venues Today Magazine.

"We are extremely pleased to have one of our venue executives nominated and accept such a prominent position," said John Page, Chief Operating Officer of Global Spectrum. "We were highly confident in the decision to bring Karen on board as the Assistant General Manager of the Duke Energy Convention Center. She is an ideal example of how our employees exemplify excellence. We will continue to support Karen and her efforts both as a venue executive and an IAVM representative."

Karen has a 14 year history with IAVM; serving on the IAVM Board of Governors, Chair of the Transition Steering Committee, Chair of the Education Council, Director for District 4, two terms on the IAVM Board of Directors and has been actively involved in planning Region 4 Meetings in Portland, Vancouver, Spokane and Seattle. She graduated from the Association's Venue Management School in 1995, was a 2007 graduate of IAVM's Senior Executive Symposium and earned her Certified Facilities Executive (CFE) designation in 2009.

In 2012, Karen was awarded the Chairman's Citation by Randy Brown, CFE during the Association's annual conference, VenueConnect. "If you ever need a person to get a project completed, or motivate some volunteers to reengage, Karen is your go-to lady, every time. It is a privilege to call Karen a colleague and a friend," noted Randy Brown.

Karen follows in the path of a great number of predecessors that, over the past 88 years, have helped to shape the industry and ultimately, the communities they serve. IAVM members will vote electronically on this nomination. If elected, she will take office in July during VenueConnect, the Annual Conference & Trade Show in New Orleans.

"I am speechless and so excited about this nomination. This will be an amazing journey," said Karen upon being notified of her appointment to the IAVM Board of Directors.

The Duke Energy Convention Center is managed by Global Spectrum and located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, within blocks of top-rated restaurants, bars, pro-sports venues and attractions. The Center boasts innovative design features that welcome creative event plans and versatile spaces to accommodate both large and small groups. The 40,000 square foot grand ballroom is the largest and most spectacular in the Midwest. In addition, the Center offers 200,000 sq. ft. of exhibit spaces and 36 deluxe meeting rooms. DECC offers free Wi-Fi areas, an in-house AV company, telecommunications provider and show-stopping catering cuisine. For details on the convention center or to book exhibit or event space visit www.duke-energycenter.com or call 513-419-7304.


About Global Spectrum
Global Spectrum manages more than 100 public assembly facilities around the world. Over 20-million people attended more than 12,000 events in Global Spectrum venues last year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Global Spectrum is part of Comcast-Spectacor, one of the world's largest sports and entertainment companies. Comcast-Spectacor also owns the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage services provider, New Era Tickets, a full-service ticketing and marketing product for public assembly facilities, Paciolan, the leading provider of venue establishment ticketing, fundraising and marketing technology solutions, Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company, and Flyers Skate Zone, a series of community ice skating rinks.



Contact:
twright@duke-energycenter.com