Steve Peters

Founder and Chief Executive Officer

Steve Peters is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of VenuWorks, a company he established in 1996 that has grown into a leader in entertainment, sports, and venue management. Under his vision and leadership, VenuWorks now manages over 50 theatres, arenas, and convention centers across 20+ communities, delivering exceptional events and unforgettable experiences to diverse audiences. 

Steve’s distinguished career began in 1976, managing municipal and university venues. He later served as the opening General Manager of the Target Center in Minneapolis before becoming a Vice President with the New York-based Ogden Entertainment. These roles laid the foundation for his expertise in venue and event management, culminating in the creation of VenuWorks. 

Steve co-founded VenuWorks Theatricals in 2014, which has produced acclaimed works for Broadway and beyond, including the Tony-nominated revival of You Can’t Take It With You and the original holiday musical Noël at Ireland’s National Opera House. Additionally, VenuWorks Theatricals is the driving force behind Get Happy, a new musical set to debut on Broadway in the 2024-2025 season.  

Steve further expanded VenuWorks’ portfolio by creating VW Sports in 2016, which owns the Evansville Thunderbolts, a team in the Southern Professional Hockey League. His leadership demonstrates a commitment to broadening the company’s reach while delivering meaningful cultural and entertainment experiences. 

Beyond VenuWorks, Steve has continuously pushed boundaries within the entertainment industry. In 2010 Steve led an investor group to purchase the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, and is a co-owner and managing director. The iconic venue, located in suburban Minneapolis, is a cornerstone of the community, known for its top-tier productions. Addionally, Steve’s producer credits span both Broadway and international stages, including Broadway’s Once Upon a Mattress, London’s West End production of Your Lie in April, and the popular live show Blippi Live. 

A graduate of the University of Iowa, Steve holds a BA and MFA. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous accolades, including the International Association of Venue Managers’ (IAVM) McElravy Award for lifetime achievement and the IAVM Foundation Legacy Award. A past president of IAVM, he is deeply respected for his contributions to the industry. 

Steve resides in Ames, Iowa, with his wife of more than 50 years, Randi. Together, they have built a life centered on family, community, and a shared passion for creating memorable moments that bring people together through the arts and entertainment.