International Women’s Month is an opportunity to recognize the leaders, innovators, and creators shaping the live events industry. Across Live Nation Special Events, talented women play an essential role in bringing unforgettable experiences to life. From sales and marketing to logistics, production, and venue leadership, their work transforms private events venues into dynamic destinations for corporate gatherings, brand activations, and milestone celebrations.
This month, the spotlight turns to the remarkable women behind GLC Live at 20 Monroe, a premier concerts and private event venue in Grand Rapids. Known for hosting unforgettable special events, concerts, and corporate gatherings, the venue has become one of the most sought-after destinations for venue rental in Grand Rapids. Behind every successful private event at GLC Live at 20 Monroe is a talented team, led by an incredible group of women whose leadership, creativity, and collaboration ensure every event experience feels seamless for clients and memorable for guests.
Meet the Women Behind the Scenes
Sue Barsoum
General Manager
For General Manager Sue Barsoum, leadership has been shaped through experience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace opportunities along the way. Her first job at a formal dress store taught her the value of patience and organization, particularly during busy seasons like prom. Those early lessons helped develop the operational mindset she brings to leading a high-performing venue team today.
Early in her career, Sue took a pivotal step by accepting a production management internship with a Broadway show. While it wasn’t the full-time position she originally set out for, the experience became a turning point that led her into venue management.
Today, Sue oversees one of the most dynamic private events venues in Michigan, where concerts, corporate gatherings, and private events take place throughout the year. She encourages young women entering the industry to remain open to opportunities, even when they may not appear directly aligned with a long-term plan. The path forward, she notes, is rarely a straight line.
Lindsay Lerette
Senior Director of Sales
As Senior Director of Sales, Lindsay Lerette plays a key role in shaping the client experience long before guests arrive at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. Her work focuses on helping clients transform ideas into unforgettable private events, from corporate receptions and product launches to social celebrations and large-scale special events.
Lindsay believes supporting other women in the industry begins with mentorship, encouragement, and honest conversations that foster growth. She encourages emerging professionals to recognize that the events industry often requires long hours behind the scenes, with teams working tirelessly to bring moments of magic to life.
Flexibility and adaptability, she says, are among the most valuable skills in the industry. The ability to remain calm in high-pressure situations and find solutions in real time is something that often develops through experience.
Abbey Collins
Special Events Logistics Manager
For Special Events Logistics Manager Abbey Collins, leadership is rooted in patience and celebrating small wins along the way. Her first job teaching guitar lessons to nine students helped her understand the importance of recognizing progress while working toward long-term goals.
Abbey plays an essential role in the behind-the-scenes coordination that makes each private event run smoothly. From managing logistics to ensuring every detail is executed seamlessly, her work helps transform the venue into an unforgettable setting for special events in Grand Rapids.
She believes resilience is one of the most important qualities in the events industry. Delivering exceptional experiences often requires solving challenges quietly behind the scenes while ensuring clients and guests only see the finished product.
Kayleigh Werthmann
Production Manager
Production Manager Kayleigh Werthmann thrives in the fast-paced environment of live entertainment and large-scale events. Her first job working at a community pool concession stand introduced her to managing high volumes of customer needs while maintaining composure under pressure.
At GLC Live at 20 Monroe, Kayleigh helps bring production elements together to create immersive experiences for concerts, corporate gatherings, and private events. She believes the women-led dynamic of the team strengthens collaboration and communication. Empathy, understanding, and attention to detail help create an environment where colleagues support one another while delivering exceptional events.
Kayleigh emphasizes that emotional intelligence is one of the most important skills for success in the industry. The ability to navigate demanding situations while remaining calm and solution-oriented is essential for any production professional.
Brittany Kamphues
Regional Ticketing Director
Regional Ticketing Director Brittany Kamphues traces many of her professional values back to an early job at a pizza restaurant. That experience taught her the importance of communication, kindness, and recognizing how every role contributes to the success of a team.
Brittany is passionate about creating environments where women support and uplift one another. She believes building trust and community within teams allows everyone to grow together.
Her leadership approach centers on empathy and integrity. Whether supporting ticketing operations for concerts or assisting with ticketing strategies for special events and private event experiences, Brittany ensures guests and clients have a seamless journey from purchase to arrival.
Caroline Johnson
Regional Marketing Manager
Regional Marketing Manager Caroline Johnson brings a thoughtful and people-centered approach to promoting the venue and its events. Early in her career, she worked at a family-owned frozen custard shop where she learned how to manage different personalities while staying calm under pressure.
Today, Caroline helps showcase GLC Live at 20 Monroe as a leading private event venue in Grand Rapids, highlighting its versatility for corporate events, social celebrations, and brand activations. Through marketing campaigns and storytelling, she helps clients discover the possibilities of hosting special events in one of the city’s most iconic venues.
She believes empathy and communication are among the most important skills in marketing and events. Outside of work, simple daily rituals like walking her dog help her stay grounded and maintain balance.
Women Who Make the Magic Happen at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
The women of the GLC Live at 20 Monroe team represent the collaborative spirit and dedication that define Live Nation Special Events. Through leadership, creativity, and resilience, they help shape experiences that leave lasting impressions on clients and guests alike.
During International Women’s Month, their stories highlight the many ways women continue to elevate the live events industry while creating exceptional private events at one of the most distinctive venue rental destinations in Grand Rapids.