Kyler Tarwater Named Executive Director of Heartland Events Center

VenuWorks is pleased to announce that it will assume management of the Heartland Events Center in Grand Island, NE, starting January 1, 2025, and has appointed Kyler Tarwater as the Executive Director of the venue.

The Heartland Events Center, located at Fonner Park, is Central Nebraska’s premier location for conventions, professional meetings, trade shows, concerts, and various athletic events. "We are honored to be entrusted with the management of such a pivotal community hub, and we're committed to enhancing its value to both the local and regional communities," stated Steve Peters, President of VenuWorks. This new partnership represents a significant milestone for both VenuWorks and the Heartland Events Center. "It underscores our shared dedication to providing exceptional experiences for eventgoers and exhibitors," added Peters.

Kyler Tarwater, said of his new role as Executive Director "I’ve spent some time here in Grand Island before starting my new position and am truly excited about what I’ve experienced. This city is a diverse, straightforward, hardworking community that has no trouble sharing their opinion on most things, including what sort of entertainment they would like to see at the Heartland Events Center; and this is refreshing.” He added “The people of Grand Island have made me feel at home from the outset, leaving me very optimistic about the opportunity for strong support and community partnerships, clearing a path for VenuWorks to bring in some new and exciting entertainment options here to the Fonner Park campus”. Tarwater will leverage his extensive experience in event management and community engagement to elevate the Center's offerings and enhance visitor experiences. His leadership will be instrumental as VenuWorks introduces national touring concerts and events, increases local business patronage, and enhances the venue's advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

A Commitment to the Future

VenuWorks is set to invest $300,000 into modernizing the Heartland Events Center’s food service, aiming to generate significant additional revenue over the next five years. "The Heartland Events Center has a rich history of hosting diverse and exciting events, and we are enthusiastic about the possibilities for its future under our management," expressed Chris Carton, Vice President of Food & Beverage Services at VenuWorks.

The company plans to engage daily with the local business community, fostering collaborative opportunities and ensuring that both the Eihusen Arena and Bosselman Conference Center see increased profitability. This appointment marks the beginning of a new era for the Heartland Events Center, one where community, innovation, and entertainment go hand in hand.