VenueConnect 2025

Cheryl Swanson
Vice President and General Manager
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center


With a demonstrated record of improving financially challenged venues, Cheryl’s original career path was in health care as a registered nurse. She quickly advanced into health care administration managing one of the largest health care facilities in Iowa. She provided leadership to numerous health related organizations and taught classes to health care providers at the community college. Cheryl transitioned into venue management as Bookings Manager for the Sioux City (IA) Convention Center, Auditorium and Tourism Bureau. During this time Cheryl attended Public Assembly Facility Management School (now Venue Management School) and became dedicated to IAVM. In the position of Executive Director, Cheryl opened an arena at Eastern Michigan University, managed a performing arts theater and football stadium. At Michigan State University, she was the Executive Director of the Breslin Center. She is currently with Experience Columbia (South Carolina) as the Vice President and General Manager of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Attending Public Assembly Facility Management School (the original name for Venue Management School) planted a passion for service to IAVM. Cheryl has served as the Chair of the VMS Board of Regents, served as a Regent for 3 terms, served on IAVM Board of Directors on 3 occasions, served as chair of the Board of Governors for Senior Executive Symposium at Cornell University, Professional Education Council, Research Task Force, and District Chair. Throughout the past 20 years, she has served on multiple committees including Arenas, Universities, Convention Center, Conference Planning, Governance, Textbook Review and E Book Review. Cheryl has provided coaching in IAVM’s Mentor Connector program for several years as well. Most recently, Cheryl served on the Convention Centers Committee and is currently Chair of the Academic Committee.

Sessions :