Scott Hallgren, CVE has been the Executive Director for VenuWorks at Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, Iowa since March 2015. Under Scott's leadership, Bridge View Center has seen increased programming and revenue growth which has allowed the venue to meet its financial performance goals and decrease operational support by 30% or $150,000 over a 3-year period. Bridge View Center consists of a 30,000 sq. ft. expo hall that is also used for entertainment events with a 3,000 capacity arena-style configuration, a 675-seat performing arts theater, and meeting rooms. Bridge View Center is the premier multi-purpose venue in SE Iowa.
Scott formerly served as the General Manager of the VenuWorks-managed Clay County Regional Events Center in Spencer, Iowa from 2004-2015. Scott opened this venue and served as its first General Manager. Throughout his 10+ year run, Scott increased events, economic impact to the community, and grew the full-time team by 100%.
Scott started his career in venue management in 1994 at the Des Moines Convention Center and Veterans Memorial Auditorium in Des Moines, Iowa where he served as a Sales Associate, Event Coordinator, and Event Manager.
Scott has been an active member in the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) since 2004 and has a CVE designation with the association. Scott is a graduate of IAVM's Venue Management School in 1997. Scott currently serves as IAVM Region 3 Director. Scott has also served on IAVM's Convention Center Committee, VenueConnect Conference Planning Committee, and the Region 3 Leadership team.
Scott has served on numerous boards and in leadership positions in the community of Ottumwa, Iowa, including Ottumwa Rotary Club, Trinity Lutheran Church, Ottumwa Schools Music Boosters, and Meet Ottumwa Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Scott's career in venue management has kept him in Iowa to serve the smaller secondary and tertiary markets. Scott believes the small markets and small venues have the same opportunities and benefits to their communities as the venues serving larger markets.
Scott lives in Ottumwa with his remarkable wife, Trudy, and their four children, Jordan, Jaime, Jadyn, and Joel.