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Long after the final applause, the feeling of being welcomed and cared for is often what audiences remember most. At South Dakota State University's Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Anna Stemsrud has built her career around creating those exceptional experiences — and her efforts are now being recognized on an international stage.

Stemsrud ’22, program assistant and hospitality coordinator for the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, has been selected to the prestigious 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2026, a distinction recognizing emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the venue management industry through innovation, leadership and professional excellence.

As the sole South Dakota honoree in the 2026 class, Stemsrud was selected from a competitive field of nominees after completing a rigorous selection process that included a leadership nomination, written application, essay and live video submission.

Stemsrud earned her degrees at SDSU in communication studies with minors in music, theatre and social media management. She has worked at the university, first in admissions, since graduating and has been in her current position at The Oscar since January 2025.

The International Association of Venue Managers is the world's largest professional association for public assembly venue professionals, connecting thousands of executives and professionals who oversee stadiums, arenas, convention centers, performing arts centers, fairgrounds and other gathering spaces around the globe.

The organization's celebrates rising professionals who are making meaningful contributions to venue management while demonstrating a commitment to growth and industry leadership. Through the program, participants gain access to advanced professional development opportunities, mentorship and networking with some of the industry's most respected leaders.

“This recognition reflects Anna's dedication to creating outstanding experiences for patrons, performers and guests while continually advancing her professional expertise and leadership within the industry,” said Christina Castillo, Larson Family Endowed Director of the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center.

As a member of the 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2026, Stemsrud will be officially recognized during , the association's annual conference, Aug. 9-12 in Indianapolis.

“I'm so honored to be recognized for my professional achievements at this scale,” Stemsrud said. “My job brings me so much joy, from interacting with the patrons and guests attending events to collaborating with our outstanding team at The Oscar behind the scenes. As a member of the 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2026, I'm eager to connect with other motivated and passionate young professionals and identify ways I can continue making The Oscar a premiere destination for performing arts.”

This honor will provide opportunities for Stemsrud to bring new industry insights and innovative ideas back to SDSU, elevating the experiences of audiences and performers at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center.