VenuWorks and City of Davenport Extend Longstanding Partnership for RiverCenter and Adler Theatre

VenuWorks is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the City of Davenport following the Davenport City Council’s approval of a three-year extension of our management agreement for the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre. The renewed agreement extends VenuWorks’ management of the venues through June 30, 2029, continuing a relationship that began in 1997.

As we celebrate VenuWorks’ 30th anniversary in 2026, the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre remain our longest-standing client relationship and one of the clearest examples of what we value most: long-term partnership, local accountability, and community-centered venue management.

“As our dedicated partner since 1997, VenuWorks is deeply committed to the long-term success of the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre and to their continued role as cornerstones of Davenport’s economic and community life,” said Steve Peters, VenuWorks Founder and CEO. “We are grateful to the City Council, City staff, the Davenport community, and the many clients, guests, artists, promoters, and partners who have helped make these venues essential gathering places for the Quad Cities region. This renewal allows us to build on 29 years of shared history while focusing clearly on the future.”

Basia Gerlach, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Davenport, shared her support for the continued partnership, saying, “I look forward to working with you and your team to make RiverCenter and Adler Theatre the top event destination in town.”

Alongside the renewal, VenuWorks has launched a nationwide search for a new Executive Director to lead the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre. We are seeking a proven venue leader with experience in live entertainment, convention and conference center operations, financial management, event development, community engagement, and public facility stewardship. Interested candidates can view the job posting here: https://tinyurl.com/RiverCenter-AdlerTheatre During the search process, Scott Smith, VenuWorks National Director of Operations, Production, and Safety, will serve as Interim Executive Director.

The renewed agreement comes as the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre continue to demonstrate strong utilization, with the current calendar year reflecting more than 200 planned events, more than 200,000 guests, and more than 1,000 event-use days. The venues host a diverse mix of conventions, banquets, concerts, Broadway performances, sporting events, community gatherings, cultural showcases, nonprofit events, and high-volume competitions.

Recent successes include the Van Gogh exhibit, which welcomed more than 34,000 attendees, along with Festival of Trees, the Iowa American Cue Sports Pool Tournament, MMA events, Humane Society expos, Chamber events, political events, and numerous community and nonprofit programs.

Under VenuWorks management, the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre have benefited from continued operational improvements, including investments in event production equipment, truss and chain motors, HVAC enhancements, electrical upgrades, high-speed Wi-Fi, atrium and concourse door replacements, and a complete Adler Theatre box office overhaul. These improvements support more efficient event operations, reduce labor costs, improve the guest and client experience, and help protect the City’s long-term investment in the facilities.

Food and beverage operations have also become a key strength for the venues. The culinary team, led by Executive Chef Mike McClellan, has built a reputation for quality, premium service, strong financial controls, and community partnership. The department offers custom menus tailored to each event, supports regional hospitality education through partnerships with Eastern Iowa Community College and the National Restaurant Association’s ProStart program, and donates more than 500 pounds of food each month through Quad City Food Rescue.

Looking ahead, VenuWorks will continue to focus on expanding event activity, strengthening financial performance, enhancing guest and client service, supporting responsible capital planning, and growing regional and national bookings. We will also prioritize developing more homegrown programming in the RiverCenter and increasing awareness of Chef McClellan and the venue’s exceptional culinary program.

We look forward to continuing our work with the City of Davenport, Visit Quad Cities, local businesses, promoters, meeting planners, nonprofit partners, community leaders, and regional stakeholders to ensure the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre remain vibrant, well-managed, financially responsible, and welcoming venues for generations to come.