VMS-GI 2019

Cheryl Swanson, CVE

Experience Columbia/Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center


After a 15 year career in health care administration, Cheryl transitioned into venue management as a Bookings Manager in Sioux City, IA. During this time Cheryl attended Public Assembly Facility Management School (now VMS) and became dedicated to IAVM.As Executive Director in Michigan universities, Cheryl opened a new arena at Eastern Michigan University and managed the performing arts theater and football stadium. Cheryl then managed the Breslin Center at Michigan State University supporting the Spartan basketball program.After managing an entertainment complex housing an indoor football stadium, arena, and conference center in North Dakota, Cheryl now happily lives the dream in South Carolina as the Vice President & General Manager for Experience Columbia - Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.With a passion for service to IAVM, Cheryl has served on the Board of Directors on 3 occasions, chaired the Senior Executive Symposium Board of Governors, Professional Education Council, Research Task Force, District VP and is past Chair of VMS Board of Regents. She has served on multiple committees including Arenas, Universities, Convention Centers, Governance, Textbook Review & others.Cheryl is active as a coach in IAVM's Mentor Connector program.Throughout her career, Cheryl has provided leadership in every community with service on executive boards for chambers of commerce, CVBs, hospitals, nursing homes, service clubs, young professionals and an Honorary Commander for the Grand Forks Air Force Base.With a lifelong passion for learning, Cheryl holds degrees in Nursing, Health Care Administration, Business & Psychology as well as a Master's Degree in Sports/Events Marketing/Technology Management. She has guest lectured in universities and presented on industry topics at conferences. In 2014 she received the Venue's Today Women of Influence Award recognizing contributions to the industry.

Sessions :