The IAVM Leadership Institute is an advanced educational program designed to cultivate and enhance the leadership skills of professionals within the venue management industry. LI focuses on providing current and emerging leaders with the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to navigate the complex challenges of managing public assembly venues. Current topics include:
- DiSCovering Your Leadership Style
- Project Management
- Communications
- Emotional Intelligence
- Strategic Planning
- Negotiation Skills
- Successful Presentations
- HR NOW! Trends in Human Resources
- Solution-Oriented Leadership
- Understanding Leadership
- The Agile Leader
*Please note: Completion of pre-event assignments are required to ensure participants are fully prepared to engage and maximize their experience at Leadership Institute.
Leadership Institute 2026 Registration
The registration fee includes:
*7 nights’ accommodation (check-in Friday, June 5; check-out Friday, June 12) in a single room at the Westin Rancho Mirage. Please note that there is no shared guest room option for students at Leadership Institute 2026
**5 breakfasts and daily breaks, 4 lunches, daily complimentary Sweets Social Hour (sodas, house wine, domestic beer, batch craft cocktails, and snacks), 2 dinners.
***To confirm your spot at VMS-LI 2026 online registration and full payment is required by Friday, March 13, 2026. To view the VMS-LI 2026 Cancellation and Refund Policy, click here.
Requirement for Registering for Leadership Institute
As a requirement for attendance at the Leadership Institute, students must agree to submit pre-school assignments to respective faculty by Monday, May 4, 2026. Please note, it could take up to 8 hours to complete all the assignments. Failure to submit by the deadline will result in a cancellation of the registration and a 50% refund minus $100 admin fee.
Additionally, to maximize the classroom discussion experience, students from the same venue/allied company must attest that they are not direct reports of each other. Individuals from the same venue/allied company may attend during same year as long as they are on the same level of their organizational breakdown structure (ie. peers) or if they are in different departments.
The Westin Rancho Mirage
Nestled in the heart of Southern California’s Coachella Valley, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa offers an ideal setting for the Venue Management School (VMS) experience. This resort-style property combines comfort, convenience, and space designed for both focused learning and meaningful connection.
Attendees will enjoy thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, expansive meeting and networking areas, and resort amenities that encourage relaxation after full days of education. With on-site dining, pools, a championship golf course, and spa offerings, the Westin provides a balanced environment that supports professional development while allowing time to recharge.
Plan Your Trip
Travel Dates
Year 1 & Year 2: ARRIVAL, Saturday, June 6
– Year 1 – arrive and register before the Ambassador Group meeting at 6:00 PM
– Year 2 – arrive and register before the Welcome Reception at 6:30 PM
Leadership Institute: ARRIVAL, Friday, June 5. Arrive and register before the welcome lunch, which begins at noon on Saturday, June 6
Departure for all students: Friday, June 12. The Graduation Banquet is Thursday, June 11; students should depart the morning of Friday, June 12.
Thank You To Our IAVM Global Partners
About IAVM
Representing public assembly venues from around the globe, IAVM’s 8,000+ active members include managers and senior executives from auditoriums, arenas, convention centers, exhibit halls, stadiums, performing arts centers, university complexes, amphitheaters and fairgrounds. IAVM’s mission is to educate, advocate for, and inspire public assembly venue professionals worldwide.