VenuWorks is proud to announce that the Davenport City Council has approved a three-year extension of the company’s management agreement for the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre, continuing a partnership that has served the Davenport community since 1997. The renewed agreement extends VenuWorks’ management of the venues through June 30, 2029.
As VenuWorks celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre remain the company’s longest-standing client relationship and one of the clearest examples of VenuWorks’ commitment to 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.”

The Adler marquee lit up at night, 136 E. 3rd St., Davenport.

“I look forward to working with you and your team to make RiverCenter and Adler Theatre the top event
destination in town,” said Basia Gerlach, Chief Financial Officer for the City of Davenport.
VenuWorks has launched a nationwide search for a new Executive Director to lead the RiverCenter and
Adler Theatre. The company is 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 may view the full position posting and
apply 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 for the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre.
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
over 34,000 attendees, along with Festival of Trees, 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 RiverCenter and Adler
Theatre culinary team, led by Executive Chef Mike McClellan, has built a reputation for quality, premium
service, strong financial controls, and community partnership. The department consistently delivers
strong weekend sales performance, offers custom menus tailored to each event, and supports regional
hospitality education through partnerships with Eastern Iowa Community College and the National
Restaurant Association’s ProStart program. The team also donates more than 500 pounds of food each
month through Quad City Food Rescue, helping local shelters, soup kitchens, and individuals in need.
Looking ahead, VenuWorks’ goals for the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre include continuing to expand
event activity, strength financial performance, enhance guest and client service, support responsible
capital planning, grow regional and national bookings. VenuWorks will also focus on developing more
homegrown programming in the RiverCenter while increasing publicity around Executive Chef Mike
McClellan and the venue’s exceptional culinary program, ensuring that both facilities continue to serve as
vital public assets for Davenport and the greater Quad Cities region.
VenuWorks will continue working closely with the City of Davenport, community leaders, Visit Quad Cities,
local businesses, promoters, meeting planners, nonprofit partners, and regional stakeholders to ensure
the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre remain vibrant, well-managed, financially responsible, and welcoming
venues for generations to come.

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Sean Leary Director of Digital Media

Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.