NEW ORLEANS — At VenueConnect this week, the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) presented the 2025 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award to Kerry Painter, CVE, CMP, CEM.
Painter has decades of events industry experience, which includes leadership roles at the Harbor Center, Niagra Falls Convention Centre, Arvest Convention Center and numerous other venues. Currently, she is Executive Director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex (The Complex).
Since her appointment in 2019, The Complex has hosted over 1,300 events and performances per year and reported a 12% increase in diverse events.
Painter also founded the 100+ Women of IAVM campaign, which raises funds for five women to attend VenueConnect and two women to attend IAVM’s Academy for Venue Safety & Security every year, and has served as IAVM’s Chair of the Board.
Additionally, she has taught at IAVM’s Venue Management School and internationally with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE).
TSE caught up with Painter to learn more about her impressive achievements.
ANDREW: How did you begin working in the events industry?
KERRY: Sheer luck! Someone asked me if I wanted a part-time position working as security in Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena and, from there, I never looked back.
ANDREW: Did you have any mentors who were key to your success?
KERRY: Not a formal one in the traditional sense, but many colleagues have appeared through the years when I needed help or insights.
I developed a circle of venue associates who grew up in the industry alongside me and together we offered advice, support and encouragement. I have tried to lift those coming up in the industry and be there for them as needed in pivotal moments, knowing how important that support was for me.
The reason I love teaching so very much is that I’ve been able to be there to cheer people on in times of celebration and growth or guide them in times of challenge.
ANDREW: What are your success strategies?
KERRY: Say yes. Try things you didn’t think you could do without letting fear stop you.
In fact, purposely continue to challenge yourself and grow always. Also, trust your gut.
Certainly, you should ask questions and do your research, but then just make the decisions and go. Don’t get paralyzed with worry.
Someone trusted you with the authority or privilege, so use it wisely and go.
ANDREW: Are there specific career highlights that you would like to share?
KERRY: It has been such an honor to teach for so many years at IAVM’s venue school. I have been able to connect with thousands of students who will manage facilities for their communities for years to come.
Equally, teaching for IAEE CEM classes internationally has been incredible. I had the chance to teach in Saudi Arabia last year, where they are building a new tourism industry.
Imagine the sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing I was able to play a part in that development, even in a small way. Likewise, teaching in Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Canada and beyond reinforces the perspective that we all have so much in common and so much to learn from each other.
I love those moments when you stop and watch people attending events or conferences, interchanging ideas and learning something new, and you realize how much we are helping bring this knowledge into the world. Convention centers are vessels that allow such moments of intellectual exchange to exist.
ANDREW: What challenges have you faced in your career, and how have you overcome them?
KERRY: Without a doubt, there were times when being a woman was just a little bit harder. [There was] different guidance and advice, and different adjectives for style and drive.
Times are slowly changing and I have made it part of my legacy to help women coming up in the industry. I started the 100+ Women of IAVM campaign, now in its ninth year, to give women scholarships, two of which are to the security school, where there are still fewer women holding positions.
ANDREW: What about the events industry continues to inspire you?
KERRY: Every day, we have the chance to create amazing moments that people will remember for a lifetime. Our goal is to assist clients with events that deliver connections and opportunities to learn and inspire.
I want their time in Raleigh to be one of memorable experiences.
ANDREW: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
KERRY: I was truly surprised and honored when the call came to award me this win.
Traditionally, it’s given to people at the end of their careers … [and] taking their final curtain call. I’m only starting my third act.
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