The Venue Management School (VMS) is renowned for offering students the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced professionals in the industry, and this year, we’re excited to introduce our distinguished IAVM International Exchange Guest Instructor, Darius U. Dunn, Sr. CVE, CSSP. As the General Manager of Capital One Arena, a 20,000-seat venue that hosts NBA and NHL games, Darius brings a unique blend of experience and insight to VMS. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey in venue management, his teaching philosophy, and what students can expect from his session.
A Journey Through Iconic Venues and Mega Events
To start, could you please introduce yourself and share a bit about your journey in the venue management industry? How has your experience brought you to your current role?
Darius: Darius U. Dunn, Sr. CVE, CSSP – General Manager Capital One Arena, 20,000 seats NBA & NHL arena. My venue journey started as a sophomore in college working three and a half years at Philadelphia Veterans Stadium, home to the NFL Eagles and MLB Phillies – invaluable experience so early on. My first “real” job was at a 6,000 seat arena on the campus of Lehigh University – an extremely busy building for its size as it was situated mid-way between New York and Philly. From there I’ve worked at Stadiums (40,000 & 65,000 seats respectively), two college arenas (8,000 & 12,000 seats), opened two brand new arena builds, both 10,000 seats, and managed two theatres (1,600 & 1,900 seats) along my journey. I was also very fortunate to have worked the Atlanta Summer Olympic games, and three men’s NCAA Final Fours – two very unique and special mega events.
This variety has been my favorite part; collegiate and professional sports, indoor and outdoor venues, artificial and natural turfs and three of the four major venue sectors (Arenas, Stadiums & Theatres).
Bringing Global Experience to VMS
What inspired you to join the IAVM School as an instructor?
Darius: I have fond memories of my VMS experience, and I’d be willing to bet every year there are students that think ahead to potentially standing in front of class one day – I was no different. That said it wasn’t a bucket list item for me until I was contacted by an industry colleague and asked to apply. I am so very happy I did because I am enriched and inspired every summer when interacting with each class. I truly believe in paying it forward, paying homage to the industry mentors and instructors that have poured into me over the years!
How do you believe your experiences with the IAVM have prepared you to teach and mentor the next generation of venue managers at VMS, and what do you bring to the School as an international instructor?
Darius: I absolutely LOVE sharing my experiences, and with me cutting my teeth in small venues and tertiary markets early on, I make a concerted effort to relate to all venue sectors and sizes with my instructional approach. Internationally, I hope to bring fresh eyes to VMA and offer a different way of looking at and interpreting the subject matter – I’m optimistic this can be beneficial to the students.
Why is your session topic important to venue managers, and what are some of the key takeaways VMS students will leave with?
Darius: I’m teaching Event Operations Planning, which is perfect for me since my very first job title in the business was Events & Operations Coordinator. I hope to drive home the breadth and depth of details event managers need to track and pay attention too in order to facilitate a successful event as I walk the class through the Life Cycle of an Event. The A-Z event checklist of items and stakeholders event managers interact with for the various events our facilities host. Event Planning is at the very core of what we do.
What do you think are the biggest challenges and opportunities in the venue management industry today, and how should emerging leaders prepare to navigate them?
Darius: Technology, safety and security, emergency preparedness, and PEOPLE. We’re in the people business; managing, motivating and inspiring staff to provide an elevated level of hospitality in a safe environment is the ultimate goal. All venue personnel, senior leaders in particular need to stay abreast of the latest trends and challenges our industry faces; and commit the necessary resources required to be a safe and welcoming facility in the communities we serve.
Join Us at VMS 2024
Darius’s vast experience and passion for the industry make him an incredible addition to this year’s VMS faculty. His session on Event Operations Planning will provide students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in the industry, and his insights into the future of venue management will help prepare emerging leaders for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Ready to learn from experts like Darius and take your career to the next level? Join us at VMS from 10-15 November 2024. Spots are filling fast, so secure your place now and start building your future in venue management today! Click here to enrol now!