Rick Powell, Operations Manager at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, was today named one of the International Association of Venue Managers Foundation’s 30 Under 30.

Powell, who is employed with Spectra by Comcast Spectacor, the providers of Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, started his career in venue management in 2011 as a part of the operations and event security team at the Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).  Powell worked at IUP for one year before returning to his hometown of Philadelphia and securing the Operations Supervisor position at the Wells Fargo Center, home of the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers.  After eight months in Philadelphia, Powell took on the Operations Manager position at his third Spectra managed property, Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.

In its second year, the IAVM 30 Under 30 program focuses on identifying and developing the top talent in the venue management industry, 30 years of age and under, through increased access and exposure to industry networking and thought leadership.

“Rick’s hard work, personality and job-related experiences at other venues, including Boardwalk Hall, has helped him become well-rounded in his role as Operations Manager,” said Spectra’s Fran Rodowicz, General Manager of Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall.  “He is a great example of one of the many Spectra employees that continues to do great things to make our venue successful and has a very bright future in this industry.”

The International Association of Venue Managers Foundation (IAVMF) has also selected two other Spectra by Comcast Spectacor employees among the 2016 recipients for its 30|UNDER|30 program.

They are:

Nick Byer, Director of Events, Donald L. Tucker Civic Center at Florida State University/Spectra by Comcast Spectacor

Corey Margolis, Assistant General Manager, Budweiser Gardens/Spectra by Comcast Spectacor

“At Spectra by Comcast Spectacor we are committed to growing talented leaders like Nick, Corey, and Rick so they can do great things for our clients and their customers,” said Glen Brandeburg, Chief Operating Officer, Spectra Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality. “I would like to congratulate them on this well-deserved industry recognition and to celebrate their work in making their respective venues so successful every day.”

The 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2016 will convene for the first time at VenueConnect, IAVM’s annual conference and trade show, July 23-26, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Award recipients will receive full complimentary registration to VenueConnect, an $850 travel stipend and a one-year complimentary Young Professional IAVM Membership. In addition to over $2,000 in benefits, the 30|UNDER|30 recipients will be recognized at the Venue Industry Awards Luncheon at VenueConnect on Monday, July 25.

This is the second-time that one of Boardwalk Hall’s own has been selected to receive this award. Senior Event Manager Bill Enkhbayar, was selected last year as part of IAVMF’s Inaugural 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2015.

Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center are owned and funded by the CRDA.

About IAVM  Representing public assembly venues from around the globe, IAVM’s 5,400 active members include managers and senior executives from auditoriums, arenas, convention centers, exhibit halls, stadiums, performing arts centers, university complexes, racetracks, and amphitheaters. IAVM’s mission is to educate, advocate for, and inspire public assembly venue professionals worldwide. More information about IAVM is available at www.IAVM.org or via @IAVMWHQ on Twitter.

About Spectra Spectra by Comcast Spectacor is the expert in hosting and entertainment, partnering with over 300 clients at 400 global properties to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s expertise is embodied within three divisions: Venue Management (formerly Global Spectrum), Food Services & Hospitality (formerly Ovations Food Services) and Ticketing & Fan Engagement (formerly Paciolan). Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.

Comcast Spectacor is part of Comcast Corporation, a Fortune 50 media and technology company that operates Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa., In addition to Spectra, Comcast Spectacor owns and operates the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers and the Wells Fargo Center venue. Visit us at ComcastSpectacor.com, PhiladelphiaFlyers.com and WellsFargoCenterPhilly.com for more information.

About the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) www.njcrda.com and www.twitter.com/njcrda

The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents.  Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, CRDA’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City, resulting in nearly $1 billion in economic development and non-gaming attractions.  In total, CRDA has invested nearly $2 billion in more than 400 projects statewide since 1984.  CRDA responsibilities include land use regulation, clean and safe initiatives, tourism marketing, and ownership and oversight of the Atlantic City Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall.

For destination photos and videos media may visit www.doatlanticcity.com/mediaonline where dozens of assets are available for download. For complete Atlantic City tourism information, visit www.doatlanticcity.com.

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