This year, the VMA welcomes new instructor Glen Crighton AVM, Presenter Services, Auckland Live, to the world-renowned Venue Management School and Leadership Institute. With 17 years in the venue management industry, Glen’s extensive background and passion for leadership make him a significant asset to our instructor team.
In a recent interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Glen about his journey in the industry, his thoughts on returning to VMS as an instructor, and what he hopes to impart to his students.
Hi Glen, thanks for catching up with us! Can you please introduce yourself and provide some background on your experience in the venue management industry?
Kia ora, I’m Glen Crighton, and I’m based in Auckland. My industry journey started studying theatre at Hagley Theatre Company (Christchurch) and Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School (Wellington) where I learned all aspects of creating, performing, directing, producing, designing, and operating theatre and live events. I subsequently took up a position at Auckland Live (formerly The Edge), which manages many of the city’s major venues – theatres, concert halls, multi-purpose spaces and the public civic square. I worked across technical co-ordination and event planning for six years before transitioning into venue management and programming. I have been in this side of the business for the past 17 years, dealing with the whole spectrum of live events and clients, from our resident performing arts hirers through to major festivals and musicals, concerts and dance parties, exhibitions and experiences, to public gatherings and community events.
Having graduated from both VMS and LI, what does it mean to you to return as an instructor?
It has always been my goal to give back to an industry that has given me a career I love. One of my passions is to see my staff and colleagues in this industry grow and become leaders. I feel proud to become an instructor for VMS, as I deeply respect the important work it does to support the sector.
This year you will be teaching VMS Year 2 students Business Development. What are some of the key components that you hope to impart in your session?
Business Development implicates all services that venues provide, and I will be highlighting several of the most critical areas. My approach is framed by four pillars: Venue, Product, Timing, and Deal. Drawing from real world examples, we will examine the pathway from business strategy to event programming/procurement, to event realisation, and how the decisions we make along the way impact business outcomes.
You’ll also be joining the LI’s Open Session Panel. How important do you think it is to the overall program for the students to be involved in this open discussion with their instructors and peers?
I really enjoyed this session when I attended the LI, because it goes both ways. There are a million situations, issues, challenges that we deal with day to day in our jobs and everyone has a different approach to dealing with these situations. Sharing information and experiences is an important part of the journey for all of us no matter how long we have been in the industry. I am looking forward to learning as much as I contribute.
Why do you think it’s important for our emerging leaders to attend VMS for the future of our industry?
I graduated in 2009 and I still have contact with some of my graduating colleagues. The connections that you make are important throughout your career, and as I’ve mentioned, this is a shared journey. VMS does open doors in our industry. I always prioritise candidates that have completed VMS when recruiting, because it highlights to me that this is their career and they are all in, committed, engaged and passionate. For those staff who haven’t done VMS, it is a perfect opportunity for career progression in our region. Our industry (especially in New Zealand) is still relatively new and lacks recognition for professional venue managers. VMS is the best acknowledgement that our industry knows what it’s doing.
As Glen steps into his new role at VMS, it’s the perfect time to remind all aspiring venue managers to take the next step in your careers. Enrol now in VMS and gain the knowledge, connections, and skills that will set you apart in this dynamic industry.