RALEIGH, N.C.—Kerry Painter, CVE, CMP, CEM, and executive director of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). The award recognizes career-long contributions to convention center management. It will be presented at IAVM’s annual VenueConnect event in New Orleans, July 28-31.
Painter has led the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex in hosting more than 1,300 events and performances per year and achieving a 12-percent increase in diverse events. Prominent events include The Kennedy Center Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability Conference, the U.S. market debut of the World Anti-Bullying Forum, and ESL One Raleigh, a major global e-sports competition returning to the US after a decade in 2025.
“It means a lot to be recognized by my peers in IAVM, who themselves have all made great contributions to our industry,” says Painter. “This is exciting and motivating for me to continue doing what has always been important to me: creating exceptional moments for everyone who comes to our venues and creating opportunities for everyone in our industry.”
Before joining Raleigh in 2018, Painter built a distinguished career managing premier venues in six different cities across North America. She has served on many industry and community boards, including serving as IAVM board chair, leading more than 7,000 members; founded the 100+ Women of IAVM campaign; and taught at IAVM Venue Management School and internationally with IAEE. She is an active member of IAVM, IAEE, ASAE, and PCMA. In addition, Painter has been recognized with the Venues Today Woman of Influence Award and the Woman of Distinction Award.
Painter is currently leading the upcoming major expansion of the Raleigh Convention Center, which will mark the fourth new venue she has opened in her career.
“There are so many great things happening right now at our Complex, from events to construction. Just like all of Raleigh, The Complex is vibrant and growing, and we’re glad to be strategically positioned to build on this momentum and continue elevating Raleigh as a global destination.”
