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Association News
Time Is Right To
Start Your Young Professional Membership
Do you know a Young Professional that could benefit from
being a member? In addition to becoming part of a global
network of venue leaders, advantages are: networking,
venue-specific training, participation at world renown
schools such as the Public Assembly Facility Management
School at Oglebay and the Academy for Venue Safety &
Security, the Mentoring Program, receive electronic access
to Facility Manager and Venue Safety & Security
magazines and the online membership directory.
Qualifications for membership are:
• Open to any individual who is under 30 years of age
• Birth date must be provided to meet membership
qualifications
• Actively involved in the management of a qualified
public assembly venue at a level below the
top two
levels of management at the venue (e.g.
Executive,
General Assistant General Manager or
Department Head)
Dues are $250 annually. A payment plan is available which
makes membership very affordable!
Note: The Board of Directors recently approved extending
Young Professional Membership to the Allied Membership ranks
also. This is a perfect chance to help launch the career of
an up and coming individual, a graduate, new manager, etc.
Contact Membership Services at 800.935.4226 ext.1016 or 1008
with questions. Sign up online by
clicking
here. 
We Have A Winner!
Terry W. Dederich, Associate Executive Director, US
Cellular Center and Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
won the $250 promotion to update his membership profile
onsite at VENUECONNECT
in Houston.
Terry came by the membership booth to check the status of
the drawing at exactly 11:30 am on Monday morning. Kim
Bedier, CFE, General Manager, Comcast Arena, was working the
“Path to Leadership” booth and did the honors. Terry was
ecstatic that his name was pulled! Please congratulate him…
send kudos via
VenueNet.
Chapter Buzz: Region IV
The Pacific Northwest Chapter of Region IV will be hosting
their second Chapter Meeting of the year on Thursday,
September 16, 2010. All venue personnel are invited to
attend (IAAM Membership not required).
The evening will start off in the Tacoma Dome Exhibition
Hall with outstanding networking opportunities, a
presentation on topical venue issues, a tour of the Dome’s
new overlook suite area, and, of course, great food provided
by event sponsor Centerplate. After the reception, guests
are encouraged to join us for a performance of one of the
hottest touring shows on the road… Cirque Du Soleil –
Alegria.
This outstanding event is free with a suggested $5 donation
to the IAAM Foundation. To RSVP for both the reception and
the show contact Adam Cook (acook@comcastarenaeverett.com)
by September 9.
We’ll see you in Tacoma.
AMC: Can You Feel
The Energy?
The final day to
register online for the Arena Management Conference is
Friday, September 3! AMC offers exceptional speakers and
panelists, unique educational sessions and multiple
networking opportunities; join us in the thriving city of
Tulsa, OK, September 11-14.
Exceptional Presenters:
• Keynote speaker Richard Hight
• Social Network & Technology expert Corbin Ball
• Agency leaders: John Huie from Creative Artists
Agency,
Mark Roeder from William Morris Endeavor,
and Kevin Neal
from Buddy Lee Attractions.
Enlightening Education Topics:
• The future of ticketing
• Rigging and fall protection
• Natural disaster recovery
• Bridging the generational gap
• And more!
Enjoyable Networking Opportunities:
• Ed Burch Memorial Golf Tournament: Hit the links at
the
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa on the
Cherokee Hills
Golf Course. Sponsored by Centerplate
and Robbins Sport
Flooring; cigars provided by Staff Pro.
• Harvest Stomp: Head out to the
Stone Bluff
Cellars for an
afternoon of sampling and good,
old-fashioned stomping. Wine tasting, winery and vineyard
tour, and gourmet lunch basket are
included. Amateur or connoisseur, you're guaranteed
to have a great time.
Contact Brenda
Pennington for more information. Both events have an
additional charge.
ICCC: Grow From The
Past, Prepare For The Future
Geared toward venues of all sizes, the
International Convention Center Conference, held
September 23-25, offers relevant and diverse education
opportunities through expert led sessions as well as
multiple networking opportunities. This is a conference you
don't want to miss, so
register today!
• Keynote speaker Rear Admiral William Douglas French
graduated from
Vanderbilt University and holds advanced
degrees from the Naval Postgraduate School and the
Naval War College. He has received numerous
awards and medals and will share his insights on
“The Importance of Leadership in Trying
Times.”
• Make Sustainability Work for You: Learn how you can
benefit from EPA’s “WasteWise" and
Energy Star's Green Venues programs. This
session includes information and anecdotes about
how to improve environmental performance
through waste reduction, energy savings, water
conservation, reduced use of toxics and
sustainable food and beverage services. There will
also be an update on CIC’s APEX (Accepted
Practices Exchange) Green Standards.
• Golf Tournament: Enjoy the beautiful San Diego
weather while catching up with colleagues and
making new connections at the
Riverwalk Golf Club.
Contact Brenda Pennington at
Brenda.Pennington@IAAM.org or call 972.538.1013 for more
information.
Experience, relax, indulge and create lasting memories at
the Opening Reception hosted by
The San Diego Convention Center, sponsored by
Centerplate and SDCC. Online registration ends September 16,
so now is the time to
sign up!
ICMC 2010
Highlights Guest Services With Special Disney
Training
Professional guest services management must keep venue
guests not only safe and secure but also feeling valued and
well-treated. In 2010, the annual International Crowd
Management Conference (ICMC), November 7-10, will expand its
focus on crowd management to also address the importance of
comprehensive guest services management.
As a special feature this year, ICMC has just added an
exceptional opportunity to this year’s conference in Kansas
City: A one-day training session in guest services
management led by Disney Institute, recognized around the
globe for teaching the premier Disney brand of business
excellence, including quality guest experiences.
Included in the ICMC registration fee, the training class
will not only teach Disney philosophy and strategies, but
also how they can be applied and adapted to all types of
venue operations. This year’s training session also kicks
off a new three-year program being launched by the ICMC
Committee that will enable participants to earn professional
designation in guest services management (GSM).
Disney Institute remains the only professional
development company that offers participants a “living
laboratory” at Disney Theme Parks and Resorts. Disney’s
brand of business excellence is also being taught at
locations across the United States and, to date, in more
than 45 countries around the world.
The training session with Disney Institute will take
place on Tuesday, November 9, 2010.
Join guest services managers, security managers, industry
leaders and venue professionals in Kansas City, Missouri,
November 7-10, 2010:
• Attend top-notch educational sessions about the
latest and most relevant guest services
protocols and crowd management techniques.
Topics include fan interactions/behavior
monitoring; incident management; code and
regulations update; using the train crowd manager
and developing a venue-specific training
program; and pyrotechnic regulations and safety
procedures.
• Hear keynote speaker Bob DuPuy, Chief Operating
Officer, Major League Baseball.
• See the latest services and products in the
Technology Showcase.
• Learn the fundamentals of crowd management and
security during opening day Boot Camp, as
well as guest services management
techniques; OSHA and employee safety; and participate in
an open discussion about venues’ pressing
concerns.
• Take advantage of networking opportunities with
industry professionals.
• Participate in tours of Sprint Center, and Kauffman
and Arrowhead Stadiums.
• Take away practical applications and lessons learned.
What’s ICMC? The International Crowd Management Conference (ICMC)
was launched in 1982 in response to the 1979 tragedy in
Cincinnati, Ohio, at a concert for the rock group The Who. At
that concert, 11 fans were crushed to death and scores were
injured because of poor crowd management. IAAM has been
committed ever since to helping venue managers adopt
effective crowd management strategies while ensuring premier
guest services through the annual ICMC.
Learn more: Check for program and registration details on
the
ICMC website. For more about ICMC, contact Harold
Hansen, IAAM Director of Life Safety & Security, at
773.973.2049; e-mail
harold-hansen@sbcglobal.net.
 IAAM
VenueNet Tips: Don’t Recreate The Wheel!
Taking the time to craft a position description, a policy or
something of the sort can feel like a tedious chore when you
know that one already exists. Instead of starting from
scratch to recreate the wheel, do a search on VenueNet and
see if something exists to help you along. If you already
have all of your documents and descriptions in order, take a
few minutes to upload your documents to the Resource
Libraries.
Take part in the September challenge to see who can post the
most documents to the Resource Libraries. It’s easy! The
second menu option under Resources is “Add Document.” Click
there and follow the directions.
Collaborate, communicate and stay up-to-date with
IAAM
VenueNet.
Research Needs
Survey Underway
The IAAM Research and Knowledge Advancement Council and
Benchmarking Advisory Committee are listening to you.
Click here
to share your venue research benchmarking priorities and
ideal outcomes. Needs and rankings submitted will be used to
create a long term strategy and a rolling plan for ongoing
data collection.
Your five (5) minute contribution of time will help assess
the overarching data and benchmarking needs of the venue
industry which will help create relevant survey tools that
will not only be easy to input data but will also be easy to create
your own customized reports, saving you valuable time and
resources.
Respond by Friday September 3. Please direct your questions
to
dana.glazier@iaam.org.
Brad Mayne To Chair
Silent Auction Committee
Brad Mayne, CFE, president and CEO of Center Operating
Company/American Airlines Center, accepted to chair the
Silent Auction Committee for the coming year leading into
VenueConnect in Phoenix in 2011. The announcement was made
by Dean Dennis, chair of the IAAM Foundation Board of
Trustees.
“We thank Brad for his continuing commitment to IAAM and our
Foundation,” said Dennis.
Webinar:
Sustainability 101 Scheduled For Tuesday, September 7
In the world of public assembly, sustainability is important
for the environment, community and venue itself. While some
venues are achieving LEED Platinum certification, others are
still asking “Where do we start?” In response, IAAM and the
Sustainability Committee offer you "Sustainability 101," a
webinar scheduled for Tuesday, September 7 at 3 p.m. (CDT)
and specifically designed for venue professionals who have
not yet or just begun the journey toward a more
environmentally friendly and cost-savings building. This
webinar is a must for any public assembly venue’s “Green
Team” or anyone needing basic training in implementing
sustainable programs.
Hear from industry professionals who have firsthand
experience implementing, enforcing and upholding sustainable
programs. Presenters: Sara Zetts, Facilities Manager, San
Diego Convention Center Corp., San Diego, CA; Nancy Strauss,
Resource Conservation Coordinator, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del
Mar, CA; and Ron Barham, FMP, BOCII, Building Superintendent,
San Diego Convention Center Corp., San Diego, CA.
What you will learn:
• The basics of how to start a recycling program, what
is considered recyclable and the best
methods for effective and efficient
recycling
• Reduce energy consumption, reducing your venue’s
carbon footprint and water conservation
• Zero or minimal cost practices including government
grants
Cost: $49 members/alliance, $69 non-members. All attendees
can receive 2 CFE points.
Register Now!
Senior Executive
Symposium Offers Excellence In Learning
Join your colleagues at the
Senior
Executive Symposium (SES) at Cornell University in Ithaca,
New York on May 16–19, 2010. This intensive three-day program is
entering its 15th year. Make this your year to attend the
program for the first time or return and complete your third
year. Attending the SES provides executives from the venue
management industry with an opportunity to share, compare and
combine academic knowledge amongst peers and a select group of
industry executives.
This year’s program is designed to focus on Leadership Culture
for the Future!
Among the courses will be Ethical Dilemma & Diversity led by Dr.
Kate Walsh, Loyalty & Brand Management led by Dr. Rob Kwortnik
and Applied HR Strategies led by Mr. Robert B. Perry.
Dr. Kate Walsh is an Associate Professor of Management and holds
a Fred G. Peelen Professorship of Hospitality Global Strategy at
the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration.
Ethical Dilemma: Participants will obtain key
insights into ways to frame and resolve critical
ethical dilemmas at work.
Dr. Rob Kwortnik is an Associate Professor of Services Marketing
in Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.
Loyalty & Brand Management: The components of
loyalty discussed include value creation,
communication, and the process of how value is created.
Mr. Robert Perry is the President of Robert B. Perry Associates,
a consulting firm specializing in Human Resources Management.
Applied HR Strategies: This course will allow
participants to leave behind any preconceived
notions they might have concerning management and
instead look to new solutions.
Budget Now! Total cost of Tuition and Lodging: $2449.
Save the Date!
Register Now!
For more information, contact: Rodney Williams, MBA at
972-538-1019 or rodney.williams@iaam.org.
The IVY LEAGUE education for venue management professionals!
The 2011 PAFMS At Oglebay Now Accepting
Applications
The
Public Assembly Facility Management School (PAFMS @
Oglebay) is the best professional education program
available for public assembly facility managers. Both
seasoned managers and people new to the industry find the
school to be exceptionally valuable. The 2011 school
scheduled for June 4-9 at the Oglebay Resort & Conference
Center in Wheeling, West Virginia is now accepting
applications.
The program consists of one week of intensive instruction in
each of two consecutive years. The content, format and
structure of the instructional program were developed by the
Board of Regents in cooperation with IAAM's Board of
Education. The curriculum is designed to enhance the
professional education of managers of public facilities such
as amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, convention
centers/exhibit halls, performing arts venues, racetracks,
stadiums and university complexes.
The PAFMS School allows participants to earn credits toward
IAAM's Certified Facilities Executive (CFE) program.
Attendees who successfully complete the two-year school can
earn 40 points toward the 300 total points required for
application to the CFE program.
Budget Now! Package rates for the school are $2,160.43
(single occupancy) or $1,723.63 (double occupancy) includes
all taxes.
Below are tentative topics included for the June 4-9, 2011
school year:
• Financial Management I & II
• Marketing, Advertising & Public Relations
• Sustainability & Green Initiatives
• Producing & Promoting In-House Events
• Media Relations
• Risk Management & Insurance
• Food Service Management
• Professional Ethics
• Event Production
Submit Your Application Today
Visit the website or
contact Rodney Williams, MBA at
rodney.williams@iaam.org or 972-538-1019 for more
information.
Earn CFE Points for attending.
The Graduate
Institute Is “The Next Level”
Make plans to come back to Oglebay June 4-9 to attend the
Graduate Institute to further develop your management and
leadership skills with your peers in the public assembly
facility management industry. The
IAAM
Public Assembly Facility Management School - Graduate
Institute is an advanced educational program presented
by IAAM to develop current managers and to expand their
universe of management, leadership skills and understanding
through the experience of the PAFMS Graduate Institute.
Courses include:
• Strategic Planning
• Leadership/Management
• Problem Solving/Decision Making
• Humans as Resources, and
• Communication.
Much like an MBA program, the Graduate Institute can be most
effective after a few years of work experience, although not
a requirement. Let us know when you are ready, but make your
plans now! Expand your public assembly facility industry
network while having the “third year” experience.
Find out why Graduate Institute attendees said, “Longer
classes allow for more in-depth knowledge, smaller classes
allow better interaction.” “The Wheeling Feeling is still
here.” “Very focused on leadership skills needed to go to
the next level in my organization.” “Aids in CFE
certification.” “It is priceless!”
Budget Now! Package rates for the 2011 school are $2,261.43
(single occupancy) and $1,824.63 (double occupancy) all
taxes included.
The Graduate Institute is “The Next Level.”
Submit Your Application Today.
Visit the website or
contact Rodney Williams, MBA at
rodney.williams@iaam.org or 972-538-1019 for more
information.
Earn CFE Points for attending.
 VC2.0 Is
Here On October 1
Did not get a chance to attend VenueConnect in Houston? If
you still need to know what’s happening in the Venue
Management industry, then register for our virtual edition
of VenueConnect – VC2.0!
VC2.0 is your connection to important sessions from the
annual meeting VenueConnect. The virtual showcase provides
selected educational sessions relevant to the challenges and
opportunities of today’s venue manager. View the following
educational sessions at your leisure.
CONTENT: Get access to more than five hours of professional
development. These virtual sessions include:
• How Does Your Venue Taste? - Learn how to create,
evaluate, and improve the sensory brand
of your facility for your fans’ enhanced
experience.
• Identify & Impact Your Audience...Is Your Marketing
Hitting Your Target? - Hear from
seasoned professionals about their most
successful campaigns along with new ideas to test in
your own facility.
• Live Leaner with Today’s Tight Budgets – Discover how
you can provide outstanding customer
service and tighten your belt at the same
time.
• Ticketing Systems: In–House or Contracted – Look more
closely at the pros and cons of in–
house and contracted ticketing
systems.
• Sustainability Benchmarking for IAAM Facilities –
Find out more about the IAAM’s latest efforts
to create an association-wide benchmarking
process for sustainability.
Assemble your staff and make a day out of it:
COST PER SITE: $199 members/$299 non-members
Visit the website or
contact Rodney Williams, MBA at
rodney.williams@iaam.org or 972-538-1019 for more
information.
Participants receive 2 CFE Points!*
AVSS 2011: Apply Now
To Advance Your Training In Safety & Security
The Academy for Venue Safety & Security, February 20-25,
2011, is the only source for customized safety and security
training, designed specifically for the public assembly
industry.
AVSS offers venue professionals two five-day training
programs focused on security planning and life safety
management. Students start with Core Training in year one
and return for Advanced Training in year two. AVSS students
also complete various Specialized Courses.
The February 2011 AVSS will be held at the American Airlines
Training & Conference Center (AATC), Fort Worth, Texas.
Apply online today to guarantee your seat in these
popular programs.
For an all-inclusive cost of $2,480 per program for Core
Training and Advanced Training, which covers all lodging,
meals and instructional materials, AVSS students:
• Receive in-depth training to prepare, prevent,
respond to and recover from many types of
emergencies at public assembly facilities.
• Learn the latest and most relevant safety and
security training available to venue managers.
• Refine their venue emergency plans and communication
strategies.
• Engage in classroom and tabletop exercises, and take
away practical strategies and solutions.
• Interact with top faculty who are industry leaders
and recognized experts in safety and
security.
Four Specialized Courses are scheduled for AVSS 2011. In
response to industry requests, AVSS schedules Specialized
Courses to enable students to complete more than one course
during the weeklong AVSS.
•
Certified Aggression Control Manager Training, February 19–20, 2011: $1,400
•
Safety and Security for Persons with Disabilities, February
19–20, 2011: $1,120
•
Facility Management Law School, February 21–22, 2011:
$1,250
•
Severe Weather Preparedness, February 23–24, 2011:
$1,250
All-inclusive tuition—and special discounts: Specialized
Course tuition includes costs for all instructional
materials and all lodging and meals at the AATC. Take two
Specialized Courses and receive a 5 percent tuition discount
on the cost of both courses. Take three courses and get a 10
percent tuition discount on the cost of all three courses.
Plus, 10 scholarships for Certified Aggression Control
Manager Training, each worth $280 to reduce all-inclusive
tuition to $1,120, are available to the first 10 students
who apply.
To graduate from AVSS with recognition as an emergency
preparedness professional, a student must successfully:
• Complete 160 hours of Core and Advanced Training and
Specialized Courses
• Develop an emergency preparedness plan for your venue
• Pass the final exam
Apply online today. For more information, contact Harold
Hansen, IAAM Director of Life Safety & Security, at
harold-hansen@sbcglobal.net, or call 773.973.2049; or
Frank Poe, AVSS Dean, at
joefpoe@att.net, call 469.261.1095.
AVSS Webinar Preps
Venues For Safer Workplaces, Tougher OSHA Scrutiny
Save the date of October 26 at 10:30 a.m. (CDT) for a
webinar to make your workplace safer. In light of various
tragedies such as the death of a SeaWorld killer-whale
trainer and stagehand fatalities, American theme parks and
entertainment venues are getting tougher scrutiny about
workplace safety from the U.S. Occupational Safety and
Health Administration. OSHA, the nation’s watchdog over
workplaces, is hoping to impose tougher requirements and
more costly penalties for non-compliance. This means venue
management must be even more ready to put safety strategies
to work—and know the answers to such questions as:
• How do you maintain a safe workplace?
• What are your venue’s responsibilities under OSHA
safety regulations (29 CFR 1910 and 1926)?
• What are the legal (civil and criminal) implications
of non-compliance?
• How can you educate employees to avoid obvious
hazardous conditions?
The next AVSS webinar at 10:30 a.m. CDT on October 26 will
cover these and other critical issues in a 90-minute
session, led by expert AVSS faculty members: Steven A.
Adelman, Esq., Adelman Law Group, Phoenix, Ariz., and Chris
Rogers, Director of Risk Control, Aon Risk Services,
Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Participants also will learn about OSHA’s priorities, how to
handle a meeting with OSHA and prepare for an inspection,
and gain insight on what’s coming from this agency in the
future.
Plan now to participate in this valuable 90-minute webinar.
For one registration ($49 for IAAM members, $69 for
non-members), any number of employees can be involved in
this webinar. Registration will be open later this month.
For more information, contact Harold Hansen, IAAM Director
of Life Safety & Security, at 773.973.2049; or e-mail
harold-hansen@sbcglobal.net.
Registered Yet For
RSAT? Get Free Help To Rate Your Risks
The Risk Self-Assessment Tool (RSAT) is a free
online program that makes assessing risks and
vulnerabilities at large public assembly venues both faster
and easier. The stadium and arena version of RSAT is
available now. RSAT can help stadium and arena managers
assess gaps in security, see how current security measures
compare with other venues, and identify and prioritize areas
where protective measures, training and procedures are most
needed.
The online RSAT for performing arts center (PAC) venues is
currently being programmed, and DHS hopes to release this
version by September. PAC managers should be on the alert
for announcements via AVSS e-blasts and in future issues of
AVSS E-Update.
How to get RSAT: To start using RSAT, you’ll need to
register at:
https://rsat.iac.anl.gov/register.
● The registration form will ask: Where did you learn
about RSAT? Select “IAAM.” This will guide
the DHS vetting process to approve your
access to the RSAT.
● Once approved, you will receive two e-mails from DHS
that provide (1) username and
instructions, and (2) a password.
● An RSAT user guide is available for download after
logging in.
RSAT is the result of a cooperative project between the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and IAAM’s Life Safety
Council.
For questions or help with registering: Contact Harold
Hansen, IAAM Director of Life Safety & Security, at
773.973.2049; e-mail
harold-hansen@sbcglobal.net.
INDUSTRY NEWS
In Memoriam: Jane
Podgurski
Jane Podgurski, longtime general manager of the Warner
Theatre in downtown Washington, D.C., passed away in Rhode
Island following complications from long-term illnesses.
Podgurski was general manager at the time of the Warner’s
1992 reopening after a three-year renovation and was
responsible for management of all facets of the operation
including booking, budgeting, and staff supervision. As
regional general manager for the Houston-based Theatre
Management Group and subsequently vice president for
theatrical operations, Clear Channel
Entertainment-Theatrical, she oversaw management of the
Mechanic Theatre in Baltimore, MD and was instrumental in
development of the renovation of the Hippodrome Theatre in
Baltimore. A promotion brought her to the New England office
of Clear Channel Entertainment-Theatrical in 2004.
Prior to arriving in Washington, D.C., she was general
manager of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort
Lauderdale, FL for five years, at the War Memorial
Auditorium also in Fort Lauderdale, and at Omni Auditorium
at Broward (FL) Community College. She was graduated from
McGill University in Montreal.
Podgurski was a member of IAAM, a secretary of District V,
and an instructor in the early days of the Public Assembly
Facility Management School at Oglebay.
Her passions included sailing and traveling. A big fan of
tennis, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open were high points on her
calendar.
Washington, D.C. area friends and former colleagues are
gathering to celebrate her smile, leadership, friendship,
and legacy on Monday September 20, 2010 at the Warner
Theatre, 13th Street N.W. between E & F Streets. A guestbook
for remembrances is at
http://rememberingjane2010.blogspot.com and
honoringjane@ymail.com
TEAM Coalition
Welcomes Newest Board Member In Ovations Food Services
Ovations Food Services, one of the nation’s largest
providers of food and beverage services to public assembly
facilities throughout North America, has joined Techniques
for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM Coalition), which is
committed to promoting responsible drinking and positive fan
behavior at sports and entertainment facilities.
“Ovations is, and has always been, committed to responsible
alcohol service management,” said Ovations Food Services
Chief Operating Officer Todd Wickner. “It is an issue that
is of paramount importance to each of our employees, from
the top down. Becoming a member organization for the TEAM
Coalition is another way for us to ensure we promote
responsible alcohol consumption in every facility in which
we operate.”
TEAM Coalition is an alliance of 18-member organizations,
including professional and collegiate sports, entertainment
facilities, concessionaires, stadium service providers, the
beer industry, broadcasters, governmental traffic safety
experts and others.
Forum Chooses
VenuWorks For Management
A Memo of Understanding has been signed
between Forum Enterprises Inc. and VenuWorks, Inc. for the
management of The Forum in Inglewood, CA. Gene Felling will
assume duties as gen eral
manager immediately, and will also serve as VenuWorks’
western regional vice president. The five-year contract for
management is expected to be signed by September 1.
Financial terms are undisclosed.
“The Forum is thrilled to announce the return of its former
general manager, Gene Felling. We have very fond memories of
Gene’s leadership at The Forum,” said Marc T. Little, chief
operating officer and general counsel, Forum Enterprises,
Inc. “Gene has a history in The Forum over many years and he
shares our passion for maintaining the building as the icon
that it is in Los Angeles.
“The Forum is also welcoming VenuWorks into the building as
the facility manager and into the Los Angeles market.
VenuWorks is a results-driven leader that brings the kind of
partnership The Forum will benefit from.”
Felling began his career in facility management at The Great
Western Forum and from 2005-07 served in the role that he
reprises today. Throughout his career, he has worked for
Universal Concerts, Kroenke Sports, Clear Channel
Entertainment, SMG and Broomfield Sports and Entertainment.
“I am excited to be returning to The Forum and working with
Steve Peters and the VenuWorks team,” said Felling. “I am
looking forward to hosting many great events from all of my
friends at AEG Live, Live Nation, Nederlander Concerts, Feld
Entertainment and many others. The Forum is a great arena
with many more years of great entertainment.”
Besides booking the arena, VenuWorks will be responsible for
selling sponsorships and advertising. VenuWorks will
continue to work with local service providers currently
doing business at The Forum including The Planning Company
under the direction of Denise Williams, Ticketmaster,
Aramark, L.A. Stagecall and CSC.
“We are delighted to be working with FEI in a coordinated
effort to revive programming at this venerable, iconic
arena,” said Peters, CFE, VenuWorks president. “The
history of modern music, of popular entertainment, of sports
in America, was written at The Forum. We hope to continue to
add to that history for many years to come.”
San Diego Convention
Center Corporation Vice President Named CFO Of The Year
Mark Emch, CFE, vice president of finance
at the San Diego Convention Center Corporation, was recently
recognized for his professional achievements by being named
CFO of the Year in the non-profit category by the San
Diego Business Journal.
The award was presented on August 12, 2010 at San Diego’s
4th Annual CFO of the Year Awards at the Doubletree Hotel
San Diego. The event recognizes San Diego’s most outstanding
chief financial officers or heads of finance as nominated by
their own employees or clients. Emch was nominated by Maria
Chan, vice president/senior relationship manager for San
Diego Commercial Banking Services at City National Bank.
This is the second time Emch has been nominated for the
award. He was recognized as a finalist for the same award in
2009.
“Mark is one of those innovative individuals that is always
looking for ways to improve – both himself and the industry
in which he is involved,” said Carol Wallace, corporation
president and CEO. “One of Mark’s financial team’s latest
innovations is a complete statistical report that quantifies
important information for our clients. Everything from
economic impact and hotel room pick-ups to media coverage is
provided to meeting planners at the end of their event. Our
clients love it and we are the only convention center that
provides this service.”
An independent panel of judges reviewed the nominations and
selected Emch based upon his exceptional work in the
industry as well as his community involvement. Emch
currently serves on the board of directors for ACCION San
Diego, a private, non-profit organization with the mission
of giving people the financial tools they need to work their
way out of poverty by providing micro-loans, business
training and other financial services.
Emch joined the Corporation in 1994. He provides overall
administrative, planning, supervision
and direction for all finance, accounting, audit and most
risk management activities of the corporation.
Akron Civic Theatre
Joins Forces With SMG
The Board of Trustees of the Community
Hall Foundation (dba Akron Civic Theatre) has approved an
agreement with SMG that will increase the number and quality
of events at the theater, maximize revenue opportunities,
and expand upon its already significant economic and
cultural impact on the community.
“The Civic is an amazing place and a cultural icon in our
community, but programming is what brings people downtown
and drives business for the local hospitality industry,”
said Ralph Palmisano, the Board’s immediate past president.
“We’re already hosting more than 100 events a year and the
agreement with SMG will help us to increase both the number
and quality of attractions.”
SMG is involved in the management and operation of more than
220 public assembly facilities worldwide, including some 45
theaters, actively working to assist arts oriented and
non-profit community groups in presenting their events in
these facilities. The Akron Civic Theatre is the first
theater in Ohio to join SMG.
“The Akron Civic Theatre’s seating capacity is perfect for
many of today’s touring attractions and it is ideally
situated in terms of artist routing,” said Wes Westley,
President and CEO of SMG. “We are looking forward to helping
the theater reach the next level and to play a role in the
ongoing re-vitalization of downtown Akron.”’
The theater’s work with community-based arts and non-arts
organizations, its partnership with the City of Akron’s Lock
3 Park, and its own programming, will remain at the
foundation of the annual schedule of events. Current staff,
including Executive Director Howard Parr, will remain in
place. Parr will work with SMG’s extensive network to expand
the theater’s schedule and enhance operations.
“The Civic is proud of its impact on our community and of
the high level of programming and efficiency of operations
currently provided,” said Mark Watkins, the board’s new
president. “I know I speak for the theater’s loyal and
dedicated staff and all of the board members when I say that
we are thrilled with this affiliation and the potential it
brings.”
Tickets.com, Florida
Marlins Execute Long-Term Ticketing Agreement
Tickets.com has added National League
Major League Baseball team the Florida Marlins® to its
client line-up with a long-term ticketing agreement anchored
on ProVenue®, the industry's most advanced ticketing
platform. Among other technologies, the portfolio of
features and services to be delivered to the Marlins
includes ProVenueMobile, Tickets@Phone and Uptix stored
value ticketing.
"When reviewing our options in choosing a ticketing partner,
we saw that Tickets.com was by far the best technological
fit," said David Samson, Florida Marlins team president. "I
know that our fans, as well as our organization, will
benefit from the breakthrough technologies that Tickets.com
is offering and continuing to develop."
The Florida Marlins' adoption of the web-based ProVenue
platform coincides with the kick-off of the team's 2012
season in their new stadium. The 2012 season ticket-holder
deposits are already being processed through the ProVenue
system. The platform's flexible open architecture allows for
additional features, applications, and data management
programs offered by Tickets.com or other third parties to be
seamlessly integrated at any time.
"We're confident that the ProVenue ticketing platform will
meet all the consumer-facing and internal needs of the
Florida Marlins organization," said John Walker, president
and CEO, Tickets.com. "The club shares our enthusiasm for
technological innovation, so it is exciting to be their
technology partner as they take up residence at the Marlins
Ballpark."
Jacksonville Jaguars
Select Radiant Systems As Technology Provider For EverBank
Field
Radiant Systems, Inc. announced a new
agreement with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars to implement
the Quest Venue Management software and hardware in the
concession stands and restaurants of EverBank Field in
addition to deploying the CounterPoint retail point-of-sale
(POS) system for its retail operations.
“Customer satisfaction, speed of service and connecting with
our ticketholders were top of mind when looking for a new
technology provider,” said Bruce Swindell, executive
director of information technology for the Jacksonville
Jaguars. “Radiant’s innovative stadium and retail solutions
enable us to provide the ultimate fan experience from the
moment ticketholders first step into our stadium.”
Prior to the 2010-2011 season, the Jaguars will outfit
EverBank Field with Radiant’s Quest POS software and
hardware, including the wireless POS solution, within its
standard and premium concessions and its three restaurants.
In addition to implementing the Quest Venue Management
solution, the Jaguars will also outfit Radiant P1515 and
P1560 wireless terminals running CounterPoint retail POS
software within its retail and souvenir operations. Using
Radiant’s technology, the Jaguars will deliver faster and
more convenient service and innovative payment methods, such
as loaded ticket functionality. This feature gives fans the
ability to pre-load dollar amounts onto their admission
tickets to use for food and beverage purchases during games.
Radiant’s retail product suite will also help maximize
customer satisfaction and loyalty by serving customers
quickly and ensuring that popular items are always in stock
through its inventory tracking capabilities. By selecting a
single technology provider for all of its retail and
concession operations, the team can rely on one vendor to
ensure that its technology is running smoothly and
efficiently at all times.
“We are proud to be able to provide the Jaguars with
innovative POS technology that will help them achieve their
goal of better serving customers and driving fan loyalty,”
said David Griffin, vice president of the retail, sports and
entertainment division at Radiant Systems. “Radiant is
excited to work with the Jaguars, their partners and their
fans to deliver one of the best fan experiences in sports.”
Anheuser-Busch
Partners With Orlando Magic, Amway Center
The Orlando Magic announced a renewed,
multi-year relationship with Budweiser for the new Amway
Center. As part of the partnership, Budweiser, a 21-year
partner of the Magic, will collaborate with the team to
institute the Good Sport program, receive arena
signage and naming rights to the Budweiser Baseline Bar – a
highly visible and entertaining space accessible to all
Amway Center ticket buyers 21 years of age and older.
The Good Sport Program, a comprehensive action plan
that promotes a positive atmosphere at the arena by
encouraging adult fans to drink responsibly and use a
designated driver, represents collaboration between
Anheuser-Busch and its wholesalers, the Magic and
concessionaires. The Good Sport Program will be
promoted at the Amway Center through the use of stadium
signage, PSAs and an in-arena designated driver sign-up
booth.
Budweiser will have permanent signage throughout both the
inner bowl of the inner concourse and at the Budweiser
Baseline Bar – one of several premium amenities accessible
to every level of ticket buyer at the Amway Center. Located
on the south end of the Terrace Level and overlooking the
inner bowl, the Budweiser Baseline Bar will have the look of
a high-end club, including a terrazzo floor, granite bar
tops and flat-screen TVs.
All ticket buyers at the Amway Center will also have access
to the Club Restaurant, Nutrilite Magic Fan Experience and
Orlando on Demand areas, and multiple indoor-outdoor spaces
which celebrate Florida's climate.
“We are delighted to have Budweiser continue its 21-year
partnership with the Orlando Magic in the new Amway Center,”
Orlando Magic President Alex Martins said. “In addition to
implementing the Good Sport program with Budweiser,
we are eager to activate the sponsorship in exciting new
ways – including the introduction of the Budweiser Baseline
Bar – that will enhance the game-day experience for adults
who enter the Amway Center.”
Budweiser will also have an ad position on the Magic’s
official website, OrlandoMagic.com, and participate in
in-arena promotions throughout the season.
“Partnering with the Orlando Magic has proven to be a great
fit for Budweiser and we’re excited to extend our
relationship as they enter their new home, the Amway
Center,” said Mark Wright, vice president of media, sports &
entertainment marketing, Anheuser-Busch. “The sponsorship
provides Budweiser a unique way to interact with adult fans
and enhance their experience when attending Magic games.”
Contemporary
Services Corporation Signs 3-Year Contract With Baylor
University
Contemporary Services Corporation (CSC)
announced its three-year contract to provide event staffing
services for Baylor University. Located in Waco, Texas, the
Baylor Bears are a member of the Big 12 Conference and play
at the historic Floyd Casey Stadium, which has a seating
capacity of 50,000 and has been the home of Baylor football
since the mid 1900’s. CSC’s Dallas/Fort Worth branch office
has been affiliated with Baylor University since 2009 and
provides services for Baylor football under the direction of
Drew Pittman, director of facilities, Diane Jee, assistant
events manager and Bryce Sandvall, assistant facilities
director.
University Of Tulsa
Continues 19-Year Partnership With Paciolan
Paciolan announced The University of
Tulsa (TU) will continue its 19-year partnership with
Paciolan by converting to Paciolan’s fully hosted ticketing
system. Completely automated, the hosted system will
increase TU’s ticket processing speed and streamline sales
for the university’s Golden Hurricane fans – all while
satisfying Payment Card Industry (PCI) system requirements.
Additionally, TU will be implementing Paciolan’s Access
Management and digital ticketing solutions. TU has been
working with Paciolan since 1991.
“Paciolan has consistently provided us with the best
technology solutions and customer service to meet our needs
and those of our Golden Hurricane fans,” said Lawrence
(Bubba) Cunningham, athletic director of The University of
Tulsa. “Their industry-leading products, services, and
dedication to college athletics make Paciolan the perfect
partner for Tulsa Athletics.”
In addition to satisfying PCI system requirements,
Paciolan’s hosted system will help TU protect its data with
automatic backups and built-in security. The hosted
environment also allows the ticket office to reduce hardware
and infrastructure costs.
“Paciolan’s Access Management and digital ticketing system
allows us to conform to industry standards and provide
better customer service for our Hurricane fans,” said Shawn
Pfannenstiel, director of athletic business and ticket
operations for The University of Tulsa. “We are excited
about offering our fans several innovative digital ticketing
services.”
Montana Fair Rallies
With Community Support
In spite of a Father’s Day tornado that
decimated the MetraPark Arena, MontanaFair opened with a
flourish on Friday, August 13. Traditionally a Sneak-A-Peek
night, the carnival promotion and Jason Aldean in concert
with The McClymonts was a rousing success.
Aldean in concert, along with The Scorpions on August 14 and
Hinder with Finger Eleven on August 15, were originally
intended to play the arena but following the tornado were
re-scheduled in the Grandstand which seats 6,200. Supercross
and three PRCA Rodeo performances were already slated to
perform outdoors.
With just 23 days following the tornado, Youth Art and 4H
non-livestock exhibits were also relocated elsewhere on the
grounds. Youth Art was housed on the food midway directly
adjacent to Fine Art and Hobby Hall in a large white tent.
Poultry and Rabbits were relocated from the Expo Center to
the older Heritage Building in order to accommodate 4H
non-livestock exhibits. Following the three day Poultry and
Rabbit Show, winners were on exhibit in the Expo Center with
large livestock in air-conditioned comfort.
Fair attendance was 232,657 guests; well on par with last
year’s attendance of 233,015 visitors. The Thomas carnival
set several new records for sales per day and for the week,
the fair’s share of carnival sales was up by about $7,000.
Neither gate admission nor carnival prices have been raised
since 2008.
MontanaFair and its contractors employ over 520 full and
part time workers for the nine days of the event. An equal
or greater number of volunteers donate countless hours.
About 30% of fair attendees are visiting from outside of
Yellowstone County. Combined with spending by visiting
vendors, exhibitors, and carnival staff, it is estimated
that economic impact of $20,691,350.00 based on a 2.45 day
stay*.
Celayix To Host
Event Security Webinar
Attend the free Webinar, “Going Behind
the Scenes - Scheduling, Tracking and Collaborating with
Your Event Workforce,”, to gain a better understanding on
how event security and services organizations are optimizing
coverage to reduce labor costs and improve their overall
level of customer service. Celayix Software, a member of
multiple event and security related associations such as
IAAM, ASIS and CALSAGA, will be interviewing the CEO of one
of their longest-standing event security customers: 5 Star
Event Services. They will discuss various relevant issues
based on their thorough understanding of this industry.
“Going Behind the Scenes - Scheduling, Tracking and
Collaborating with Your Event Workforce” will be held on
Wednesday, September 8 at 11 a.m. PST, 1 p.m. CST, and 2
p.m. EST.
Among other things, this presentation will serve as a teaser
for all those attending the upcoming International
Crowd Management Conference which is set to take place
November 7-10 in Kansas City, Missouri. The presentation
will also preface Celayix’s significant involvement in the
upcoming International ASIS conference in Dallas, Texas from
October 12-15.
For more webinar information and to register visit:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/759497354
SMG To Manage
Rockford, IL MetroCentre, Davis Park And The AHL’s Rockford
IceHogs
The board of the Rockford Area Venues and
Entertainment Authority (RAVE) finalized and approved a
five-year management agreement with SMG. SMG will provide
full management services for the Rockford MetroCentre, an
8,000 seat arena that recently underwent a $23 million
renovation, the Rockford IceHogs, the American Hockey League
affiliate of the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks,
and Davis Park, a downtown park, amphitheatre and festival
grounds.
SMG will also provide consulting services to the beautifully
renovated, 2,309-seat Coronado Performing Arts Center, one
of the nation’s few remaining atmospheric theatres.
Additionally, SMG will immediately begin discussions with
Rockford’s On the Waterfront organization to determine the
best strategy for cooperation and collaboration for future
festivals.
“We are delighted to be a partner of the forward thinking
leadership of the Rockford area. This provides a unique
opportunity for SMG to manage not just an arena, but its
major tenant as well. As we have done in many other cities,
we expect to be a major part of the renaissance of downtown
Rockford and the entire metropolitan area,” said Wes Westley,
President and CEO of SMG.
During the Board meeting, RAVE also voted to approve Gordon
Kaye as executive director/general manager to oversee the
MetroCentre, the IceHogs and Davis Park. Kaye is in his
sixth year as general manager of the Reading (PA) Royals
Professional Hockey Club and also serves as the team’s
governor. He was recommended by SMG to manage the activities
in Rockford including bookings, food and beverage
operations, marketing, and advertising and sponsorship
sales. Kaye, who has been with SMG for seven years, will
begin his new role immediately.
“There is so much positive momentum going on in downtown
Rockford, and I look forward to helping capitalize and build
that energy in the community,” said Kaye. “That momentum
combined with the exceptional people at the MetroCentre and
great people in Rockford will lead to bigger and better
things ahead.”
“We are thrilled to have a company like SMG and a leader
like Gordon Kaye with experience and enthusiasm coming to
our market,” said Mike Dunn, RAVE Board Chairman. “We look
forward to his creative ideas and strong leadership to lead
the organization into the future.”
Sport Court’s New
SportBase™ Replaces Concrete, Improves Safety And The
Environment
Sport Court® announced it will begin
introducing an innovative new product called SportBase™, a
direct replacement for concrete for its popular Sport Court
outdoor game courts. The new product dramatically improves
shock absorption and safety while being environmentally
responsible.
“With this product we are taking indoor gym performance to
outdoor courts while at the same time providing a patent
pending design that will freely channel water through the
system for absorption back into the ground,” said Ron Cerny,
president and CEO of Connor Sport Court International,
parent company of Sport Court.
“SportBase may well prove to be a revolutionary product in a
world of growing environmental consciousness,” Cerny said
The new SportBase product, which has been under engineering
development by Sport Court for years, provides double or
triple the shock absorption of any other outdoor court on
the market when paired with Sport Court surfaces, said Cerny.
“It provides more safety than ever before, since its
cushion-effect reduces the likelihood of injuries from
falls, It also provides a consistent ball-bounce and meets
international performance standards,” he added.
Paciolan, University
Of Hawai’i Continue Agreement
Paciolan announced that The University of
Hawai‘i will continue to leverage the company’s ticketing,
marketing and fundraising software through the extension of
a multi-year partnership. With this agreement, Hawai‘i will
continue to sell tickets to all Hawai‘i Athletics events and
local venues, including the Sheraton Hawai‘i Bowl, through
their website
www.etickethawaii.com.
“We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship
with Paciolan,” said Jim Donovan, director of athletics, the
University of Hawai‘i. “I started working with Jane
Kleinberger (Paciolan founder) more than 23 years ago and I
respect her leadership and the fact she truly listens to her
customers. We’ve enjoyed this partnership and appreciate the
product and outstanding customer service they provide our
fans. Their innovative digital tools are extremely popular
with our customers and have raised their level of
satisfaction while allowing us to better serve them.”
The University of Hawai‘i has been an industry leader in the
age of digital ticketing since its inception and has
installed Access Management at all major venues on campus.
Hawai‘i Athletics offers season ticket holders a
wide variety of digital ticketing services, including the
ability to resell or transfer tickets online if the ticket
holder is unable to attend a game. Fans are also able to
select the convenience of print-at-home delivery for tickets
purchased by phone or online. These value-added digital
services provide Hawai‘i fans with unprecedented flexibility
to buy, receive, sell or transfer their tickets
electronically.
"The athletics department at The University of Hawai‘i
continues to demonstrate excellence in the areas of digital
ticketing and online ticket sales,” said Dave Butler, chief
executive officer of Paciolan. “We are tremendously proud to
continue our strong partnership with Jim Donovan and his
talented team."
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