Brett C. Mitchell, general manager of the Overland Park Convention Center (OPCC), has begun his 2026-2027 term as chair of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Board of Directors.
Mitchell received the gavel from outgoing chair Stacey Church, chief operating officer of the Georgia World Congress Center. The transition took place during IAVM’s VenueConnect Annual Conference, held Aug. 9-12 in Indianapolis.
During his term, Mitchell plans to focus on expanding access to IAVM education, networking, and leadership programs. In particular, he wants to reach members who cannot attend the association’s regional or national conferences.
Expanding access beyond conferences
According to the announcement, 7,000 IAVM members are unable to attend regional or national conferences. Mitchell plans to address that gap through more in-person and on-demand content.
He has also pointed to IAVM chapters in Utah and Arizona as models for local programs. Those chapters bring professional development and networking opportunities closer to members.
“Removing the barrier of travel costs will greatly increase member access to professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities, especially for our young professionals,” Mitchell wrote in his inaugural chair’s column for IAVM’s Venue Professional magazine.
The approach would give members more ways to participate without traveling to larger association events.
From convention center operations to IAVM chair
Mitchell joined OPCC in 2001. From 2004 to 2010, he served as vice president of convention center operations for Global Spectrum, now Oak View Group. In that position, he oversaw 26 convention centers nationwide.
He returned to Overland Park in 2010 as general manager.
Mitchell’s involvement with IAVM included serving as chair of its Convention Center Committee before his election to the board. In addition, he serves on the Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) Board of Directors. ESCA named him its 2021 Volunteer of the Year.
Previously, Mitchell served on the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) Board of Directors.
“I hope this conveys my love and passion for our Association,” Mitchell wrote. “Let’s keep paying it forward so the next generation of venue professionals inherits an even stronger industry than the one we have now.”
Overland Park Convention Center opened in 2002 in Overland Park, Kansas. The 245,000-square-foot facility includes a 60,000-square-foot exhibit hall, a 25,000-square-foot ballroom, and 15,000 square feet of meeting space. For more information, visit opconventioncenter.com.
Press release submitted by Overland Park Convention Center. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
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