The Oregon Convention Center (OCC) is pleased to announce that Erin Jepson, OCC’s Director of Events and Guest Services, has been selected as the next Convention Center Sector Director for the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) Board of Directors.
Jepson will serve a two-year term on the board, and in an additional capacity as a representative on the IAVM Executive Committee. This term will be shared with other IAVM sector and region directors from across the country, representing performing arts venues, stadiums and arenas, college and university campuses, and fair grounds and amphitheaters.
“I'm excited to work with a board that is so forward-thinking and committed to the future success of the venue industry,” said Jepson. “I care passionately about this industry, and I welcome this opportunity to help further the goals and aspirations of IAVM’s members."
Appointment to the board requires membership in IAVM for at least 10 years, regular participation on association committees, and continuing education within the meeting and events industry. The primary responsibilities of the IAVM Board of Directors involves governance and leadership to set results policies and operational expectations that serve the members and advance the association’s overall mission and vision.
“Erin’s extensive background and venue experience make her exceptionally qualified to serve IAVM in this role,” said OCC’s executive director Craig Stroud. “Her appointment to the IAVM board was an excellent decision and I have no doubt she will be a valuable contributor to its leadership. It’s quite an honor to have one of our teammates on the board of an industry association with over 6,000 members.”
Jepson graduated from IAVM’s Venue Management School in 2013, attended the Venue Management School Graduate Institute in 2016, and received her Certified Meetings Professional (CMP) certification in 2015 from the Convention Industry Council (CIC). Recently, she earned IAVM’s Certified Venue Professionals (CVP) certification, another major designation for industry professionals in venue management. Jepson is also a member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA).
Jepson joined the team at the Oregon Convention Center in 2013, where she oversees the event management team and guest services department, an area that includes ticketing, parking, and the venue’s Ambassador Program. Prior to that, she worked at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, overseeing event sales and management, front of house services, concessions, and festival management for the ‘Artosphere, Arkansas’ Arts and Nature festival. Jepson graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a B.A. in Music Studies.
About the Oregon Convention Center
The Oregon Convention Center is owned by Metro and managed by the Metro Exposition and Recreation Commission. OCC is a sustainably operated LEED® Platinum facility that hosts groups from around the world and brings millions of dollars into the Portland and Oregon economy.