Show Me Center director to head trade group

Show Me Center director David Ross wants to give a voice to others in the industry like him -- those who manage smaller arenas who sometimes get drowned out by the megaphones of venues like Madison Square Garden in New York or the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Ross' new role as president of the International Association of Assembly Managers will certainly help.

"I want to put forward a representation for small facilities in small markets," said Ross, the Show Me Center's director since it opened in August 1987. "As in any organization, you have the elite like the Staples Center, Madison Square Garden. But there are a bulk of people who run buildings such as the Show Me Center that are integral parts of their community. It may not be 17,000 seats, but these places are important to the people."

In July, Ross will take over as president of the IAAM, a trade group made up of professionals who run entertainment and sports venues all over the world. IAAM counts more than 3,500 members in 33 countries, a group that oversees the bulk of a multibillion-dollar business that includes in part the travel, leisure and tourism business.

Last week, the executive of the group, Dexter King, traveled from Coppell, Texas, and another member of the organization, Harold Hansen, came from Chicago to meet with Ross in Cape Girardeau to set up his agenda for his one-year term.

Ross has been involved in IAAM for several years, most recently as vice president of District 3, which includes several Midwestern states. He also has been on the group's board and served on various committees.

"He rose to the top," King said before their meeting started last week. "We don't feel that just because you're in a smaller market or run a smaller venue that you don't have an impact. We're about making people's experience safe and comfortable. David Ross knows how to do that."

IAAM was first established in 1924 when six auditorium managers assembled in Cleveland to discuss common issues. Today, the group provides educational programs and workshops for venue managers, conferences for each venue type, sets up certified and accredited educational schools, and establishes best practice guidelines.

Ross says his new role is not one many people outside of his industry know about -- or should.

"Hopefully, the people who come to the Show Me Center won't know at all," he said. "If you're in a safe, secure environment and you're able to go to your seat in a clean facility, then you don't give it a second thought."

As far as giving a voice to smaller venue managers, Ross said that is a primary goal.

"I want to share my experiences with others," he said. "We've been fortunate enough to get shows in Cape Girardeau that, quite honestly, maybe shouldn't be here."

But by knowing how to negotiate -- some of which was learned through his involvement in the organization -- people can be convinced to coming to a place like Cape Girardeau and the Show Me Center, which has 7,000 seats.

"You can still convince people that our community can support what they're offering," Ross said. "Other managers out there could benefit from knowing that."

smoyers@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137