ASM Global announces plan to develop next generation of leaders

September 15, 2023

Nigel Benton

Education / Entertainment / Sport / Venues /

ASM Global has unveiled plans for a major global university student program designed to progress the industry’s next generation of leaders.

Announcing the granting of a record number of USA college scholarships, the leading entertainment and venue operating company has unveiled a major global university student program - GROW - which aims to provide its portfolio of venues around the world with the necessary resources to create internship programs and meaningful work experiences for university students.

On target to host over 100 university students around the globe with career experiences in marketing, operations, event management, human resources, finance, IT, sales, procurement, guest service, security, and food and beverage, ASM Global plans for GROW to expand further in 2024.

Ron Bension, ASM Global’s President and Chief Executive, explains “GROW is an acronym for gathering knowledge, realising your potential, opportunities awaiting and engaging in work that matters.

“We intend to deliver all of that and more to students who want to be a part of the next generation of leaders in one of the world’s most exciting and fulfilling careers: live entertainment.”

Career development opportunities
GROW builds on an existing US program, which has this year granted a record number of US college scholarships. Funded by the ASM Global Acts Foundation, ASM Global Stars Scholarship gives students in under-resourced communities across the US educational and career development opportunities, creating accessible pathways to pursue their education and career goals.

The program this year has awarded 50 scholarships valued at $125,000 (up from 28 and $70,000 last year) to students in 39 cities (up from 14 in 2022).

AM Global Chief Human Resources Officer, Shauna Elvin adds “we’re committed to curating introductory opportunities and exposure in the universe of venue management throughout our business units internationally.

“Through engaging hands-on opportunities, students from diverse backgrounds will develop business acumen, grow their professional network, and meaningfully contribute to the organisation and brand’s growth.”

As it continues to elevate the guest experience in its portfolio of arenas, stadiums and theatres, numbering over 350, ASM Global recently completed its second international virtual “collaborative job fair” encompassing five continents that shattered the record for live entertainment job fairs with over 3,000 applicants.

Image courtesy of ASM Global.

About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.