Since 1987, Venue Management School has been shaping the future of venue management by fostering lifelong professional relationships and friendships that drive success in the industry. This comprehensive, cohort-based educational experience spans two years (broken up into one week each year), blending classroom learning with invaluable networking opportunities.
VMS is an immersive and demanding experience with full days and evening networking experiences. Students engage in a well-rounded curriculum divided into 19 courses, focusing on core pillars essential to venue management: Customer Service and Guest Experience, Finance and Revenue, Managing and Leading Staff, Safety and Security, and Venue Operations. Each year, students complete pre-event reading assignments, actively participate in classroom sessions, and pass a final exam to earn their certificate of completion.
VMS 2026 Registration
*Join & Save includes 1 year of Professional or Allied IAVM membership in addition to VMS registration. New members only.
**The registration fee includes: 6 nights’ accommodation (check-in Saturday, June 6; 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 VMS 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 2026 online registration and full payment is required by Friday, March 13, 2026. To view the VMS 2026 Cancellation and Refund Policy, click here.
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.
VMS Curriculum:
Year 1 Curriculum
Accessibility
Booking & Scheduling
Box Office & Ticketing
Crowd Management
Customer Service
Event Management
Financial Management I
Food Service Management I
In House vs Contract Services
Labor Relations
Managing Human Resources 1
Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations
Stage Operations
Sustainability & Green Initiatives
Team Building
Technology
Tenant/Management Models
Venue & Event Security
Venue Ops
Year 2 Curriculum
Capital Projects and Construction
Controlling Costs/Revenue Sources
Data Analytics
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Effective Communications
Enhancing the Experience
Ethics & Leadership
Financial Management II
Food Service Management II
Life Safety for Venues
Making & Delivering the Deal
Managing Human Resources 2
Media Relations
Producing In House Events
Risk Management
Sales and Sponsorships
Strategic Business Planning
Venue Law
Winning Politics, Working with Boards and Elected Officials
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.