International Speakers: Kim Bedier CVE and Richard Andersen CVE

Kim Bedier is a seasoned venue executive, consultant and mentor, internationally recognized for leadership excellence. She is passionate about creating and fostering positive work cultures that focus on authenticity, inclusivity and continuous learning. As Chief Operating Officer of Advantage Training, Kim is excited to fulfill its mission to Ignite Change for aspiring and senior leaders alike.

One of Kim’s first jobs was to build a swimming pool under the midnight sun and above the Arctic Circle.  Since then, her career has taken her from Northern Canada to Southern California with stops in primary and secondary markets, new construction and historic icons, National Hockey League/National Basketball Association arenas, convention centres and complexes. Her most recent in-venue role was as General Manager of Honda Center/OCVIBE in Anaheim, California, home of the NHL Anaheim Ducks. Previously Kim was Director of Venues & Events at the City of Tacoma, Washington where her portfolio included the 21,000 seat Tacoma Dome, the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, several historic theatres and Cheney Stadium (AAA baseball).

Kim is a sought-after educator and speaker, instructing at schools in the USA and Australia and delivering executive level leadership training. As an industry “Woman of Influence”, Kim has served as Chair of the International Association of Venue Managers Board of Directors, Chair of the IAVM Venue Management School Board of Regents and Dean of the IAVM Leadership Institute.

Richard Andersen draws upon thirty-five plus years as a senior executive in North American professional sports, venues, and hospitality management to design and deliver industry leading training, team building and professional development programs. As Illuminations Officer of Advantage Training, Richard’s true passion is for Igniting Change.

Richard and Advantage Training were recognized at this year’s international venue conference with the 2025 IAVM Excellence in Education award, for contributions to industry professional development and mentorship.  One example of these contributions is the acclaimed “Leading the Crowd”, a trained crowd manager course designed to prepare frontline staff in any venue. Leading the Crowd is now available live and in a popular on-demand, online format.

Richard’s professional career includes over three decades leading Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, National Hockey League and National Football League business operations. From Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami (now Hard Rock Stadium) to San Diego’s Petco Park and BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, he has overseen Super Bowls, World Series, Olympic Games activities and a host of world-class sporting and entertainment events.

As a globally recognized and respected educator, Richard instructs at the Venue Management School and Leadership Institute of both IAVM in the USA and the Venue Management Association Asia-Pacific in Australia.