John Bolton, CVE, currently serves at Senior Vice President for Oak View Group just completing the new $300+ Million Dollar Acrisure Arena project as well as the launch of the newest American Hockey League franchise, the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
Prior to moving to Palm Springs, Bolton served as Vice President of Entertainment for ASM Global, the world’s largest venue management company. In this position, Bolton worked with ASM Global Arenas Stadiums, and Theatres in the presentation of some 32,000 live events annually. Additionally, he utilized his previous venue marketing experience to provide marketing and public relations support to more than 140 ASM Global arena marketing professionals. Prior to his Vice President role with ASM Global, he served as Regional Vice President for venues in Puerto Rico and the West Coast United States as well as National Director of Marketing for ASM Global.
Prior to his corporate positions, Bolton was entrusted to oversee the final phases of construction and grand opening of one of ASM Global/SMG’s premier arenas – Tulsa’s BOK Center. Through his vision, this previously underserved market became a “must play” stop for national touring artists and family shows. His effort led to a nomination for Pollstar’s Best New Major Concert Venue and subsequent nominations for Pollstar’s Arena of the Year every year he managed the venue (2009 – 2012). In 2011, Bolton and the BOK Center were awarded the prestigious IAVM Venue Excellence Award.
Bolton has been awarded numerous other industry honors including Venue Executive of the Year by Pollstar Magazine and the International Entertainment Buyers Association. He is also a three-time winner of Venues Today Hall of Headlines Award (2008, 2013, and 2015).
Bolton served as Chair of the Board of Directors (2013-14) for the 7,000 member International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) as well as Chair of the Board of Directors (2020-2021) for the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA).
Locally, Bolton serves on the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce as well as the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce awarded their recent President’s Award to Bolton for his work facilitating the new Acrisure Arena project for the Coachella Valley in Southern California.