|
Association News
IAVM News Soon To
Publish Weekly
The IAVM News newsletter will begin arriving in your e-mail
inbox on a weekly basis beginning on Thursday, December 8.
As part of a new relationship with MultiView, an Irving,
Texas-based company specializing in working with more than
700 associations to sell advertising and create additional
content for online newsletters, the newsletter will offer an
exciting new design with greater association and especially
industry news content than ever before.
MultiView will also sell advertising space on various
portions of the newsletter, giving advertisers their
greatest opportunity to maximize their ad dollars and convey
their message to the decision makers and buyers who receive
the newsletter.
Look for more information in the coming days about the
newsletter and about IAVM’s exciting new partnership with
MultiView.
IAVM Performing Arts Committee Seeking Presentations
One of the sessions at the IAVM Performing Arts
Managers Conference in New York in February 2012 will be
entitled “You want to do your event where? Finding event
space where you thought there was none.”
The focus of the session will be directed toward sharing and
generating new ways to use existing spaces. There are those
among us who are placing events in and generating revenue
from everyday spaces including the loading dock, backstage
areas and restrooms, to name a few. Still others are pushing
the envelope with simultaneous event logistics – opening
staff minds to new event space possibilities. Family
sleepovers are being held at museums, zoos and aquariums and
other such venues. This session asks facility managers to
share new ideas that will expand the possibilities of their
venues and, potentially, push the revenue line.
As venue managers each of you has tales to tell and we want
you to share them. We are seeking presentation submissions
loosely based on the Pecha Kucha format of 20 slides for 20
seconds each, allowing each presenter about six minutes or
10 slides in three minutes. Slides may feature photos of the
event(s), event diagrams, photos of the unusual location(s),
marketing materials for the event(s) or anything else
visually interesting that will help get your idea across
quickly and effectively. Using this format, we can hear from
a good number of people and still have time for discussion.
Presenters must be able to present in New York on Monday,
February 13 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. No reimbursement of
expenses is available.
Please submit ideas in narrative format to:
Jennifer Norris, San Francisco War Memorial, 415-554-6308,
Jennifer.norris@sfgov.org
Donald Fassinger, Tempe Center for the Arts, 480-350-2881,
Don_fassinger@tempe.gov
Thank you and see you in the Big Apple!
PAMC
Early Bird Ends Today, December 1
Early bird registration for the 20th Annual
Performing Arts Managers Conference, February 10-14,
2012 in New York, New York ends today, December 1!
PAMC 2012 will feature
dynamic educational sessions, state-of-the-art venue
tours and lively networking opportunities.
The session, Inside the Box, Outside the Boundaries: The
Artists Use of Non-Traditional Space, will look at
creative and innovative uses for non-traditional space.
Artistic directors are constantly seeking out fresh, offbeat
performance spaces with inspiring features and architecture.
Don't miss this opportunity to hear cutting-edge
professionals speak on what they are looking for in a venue
and how this will transform the industry.
With the latest inclusion of university relevant topics,
university venue managers are able to gain the knowledge
they need to enhance the operations, student learning and
audience experience on their campus.
Don’t miss your opportunity to save with the early bird
discount; register for this memorable experience today!
www.IAVM.org/PAMC12
PAMC Registration
Waivers And Scholarships For Students
A limited number of
registration waivers will be awarded to students wishing
to attend the 20th Annual
Performing Arts Managers Conference, February 10-14,
2012 in New York, New York. In addition, scholarships, not
to exceed $1,000, will be awarded to help offset the costs
of travel and lodging. Applications must be submitted by
Saturday, December 3.
To be considered eligible for a waiver and/or scholarship,
the applicant must be a full-time student enrolled in an
accredited college or university. Students who have received
a PAMC scholarship in the past are not eligible for a 2012
scholarship.
The PAMC scholarship committee will review applications for
experience, interest, education in the field of performing
arts center management and overall application quality.
All of the following must be received or postmarked by
December 3:
1.
Application Form
2. Brief, personal letter stating desire, need and
professional aspiration
3. Resume
Please visit the
website or contact Brenda Pennington at
Brenda.Pennington@IAVM.org or call 972-538-1013 with any
questions.
Plan Now For
December 13 Webinar On 7 Star Service: Turn Every Customer
Into A Fan
Plan to be part of an upcoming webinar on 7 Star Service:
Turn Every Customer into a Fan. The webinar will be
presented by fan experience expert Ruby Newell-Legner, and
will take place on Tuesday, December 13 at 4 pm (EDT), 3 pm
(CDT), 2 pm (MDT) and 1 pm (PDT). The webinar will last for
approximately 90 minutes. Cost is $49 for IAVM and Alliance
Members and $99 for non-members.
In a world where competition for the visitor's dollar is
tighter than ever, the deciding factor between your business
and another is often the experience a customer has during
each touch point with your venue.
Ruby’s proprietary 7 step process to promote 7 Star Service
provides a roadmap for positive interactions with customers
every step of the way through your Cycles of Service™.
Leadership personnel and front line staff will all benefit
from Ruby’s guidance which is based on her work with
Jumeirah Group, operator of the Burj Al Arab, frequently
referred to as the only 7 Star Hotel in the world located in
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
How would your customers rate their experience with your
venue? Would they give it a 7 Star Rating? Would they spend
their hard earned money to invest in an event hosted by your
facility?
If you’re ready to turn every customer into a fan and keep
them coming back for more, Ruby can take you there! Ruby has
the tools and experience to elevate your visitors and fans
and motivate your staff to increase their customer
satisfaction and their sales.
Register
here to make sure you are included in this webinar that
is certain to offer tips to keep your guests happy and
returning often to your venue.
The Next Step In
Becoming An AVSS Graduate
The 2nd year Advanced Training at the 2012
Academy for
Venue Safety & Security will provide the tools and resources
you need to improve your venue’s emergency preparedness plan,
further develop your leadership skills, properly assess risk and
maximize available resourc es.
“The biggest takeaway from AVSS is no longer ignoring what you
already know; sooner or later something bad will happen at your
venue. You don’t need a federal grant to develop a sound
emergency preparedness plan, because AVSS gives you all the
tools and tactics you need plus a network of experts you can
draw on long after you leave the Academy,” said Kevin M.
Mattingly, Director of Operations, Phoenix Convention
Center/City of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona.
Apply today for Advanced Training and leave with tools and
strategies to immediately implement at your venue. Contact
Harold Hansen, IAVM Director of Life Safety & Security, at
harold-hansen@sbcglobal.net
or call 773-973-2049 with any questions.
We are pleased to have
SuperMedia Hotel and Conference Center as our host hotel for
AVSS. By staying at our host hotel, you will significantly help
IAVM and AVSS cover the cost of putting on this special program.
We understand the importance of professional development and
training in the venue industry and want to continue to offer
these educational programs at an affordable rate. We appreciate
your support. To make your reservations with the AVSS group
rate, please contact
Brenda Pennington at 972-538-1013.
Valued Safety &
Security Training: Prepare, Prevent, Respond, Recover
At the 2012
Academy
for Venue Safety & Security Core Training you’ll draft
an emergency preparedness plan specific for your individual
venue, receive invaluable how-to tools and gain a network of
experts you can rely on for advice and solutions.
It’s not a question of if, but when an emergency situation
occurs - don’t wait until it’s too late! Begin the two-year
program now and gain recognition as a trained emergency
preparedness professional, an achievement that’s valued
throughout the venue industry!
Apply
today.
Contact Harold Hansen, IAVM Director of Life Safety &
Security, at
harold-hansen@sbcglobal.net or call 773-973-2049 with
any questions.
We are pleased to have
SuperMedia Hotel and Conference Center as our host hotel
for AVSS. By staying at our host hotel, you will
significantly help IAVM and AVSS cover the cost of putting
on this special program. We understand the importance of
professional development and training in the venue industry
and want to continue to offer these educational programs at
an affordable rate. We appreciate your support. To make your
reservations with the AVSS group rate, please contact Brenda
Pennington at 972-538-1013.
Be Prepared When Severe
Weather Strikes
Severe Weather Preparedness is a supplemental course to
IAVM's
Academy for Venue Safety & Security, held February
28-29, 2012 at the National Weather Center in Norman,
Oklahoma.
The course is taught by National Weather Center experts and
will help you understand a variety of severe and hazardous
weather that can occur anywhere, at any time.
Learn how to develop a severe weather preparedness plan for
your venue, use forecast and radar information to monitor
severe weather and design proper procedures for various
severe weather events. In addition, each student will
receive a complimentary copy of IAVM’s Severe Weather
Planning Guide.
Severe weather is inevitable. You are responsible for the
lives of your guests and employees.
Apply now to receive the proper training to prepare for,
respond to and recover from severe weather events.
Stay at the NCED Conference
Center and Hotel for a discounted group rate of $84 +
tax. Price includes a full service buffet breakfast and
shuttle service to and from the National Weather Center.
Reservations must be made via phone. Please call the NCED
Front Desk at 405-447-9000, ext. 0 and reference group #8794
to receive the IAVM group rate.
Leading Venue
Management Education Program
IAVM’s
Venue Management School held June 2-7, 2012 at the
Oglebay Resort & Conference Center in Wheeling, West
Virginia is designed to enhance the professional education
of venue managers at amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums,
convention centers, exhibit halls, performing arts venues,
racetracks, stadiums and university complexes.
The VMS program consists of one week of intense instruction
in each of two consecutive years. The content, format and
structure were developed by the Board of Regents in
cooperation with IAVM's Board of Education.
A few of the highlights from the 2012 curriculum are
financial management, marketing and advertising as well as
sustainability and green initiatives. In addition to strong
educational programming, you will have the opportunity to
participate in dynamic discussions and develop valuable
relationships.
Start budgeting now. VMS package rates are $2,234.47 (single
occupancy) or $1,799.91 (double occupancy) - all taxes
included. Limited
scholarships are available; for more information,
contact Dr. Rodney Williams at 972-538-1019 or
Rodney.Williams@IAVM.org
INDUSTRY NEWS
Sydney Showground
Stadium Development On Track
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and the Minister for Sport and
Recreation Graham Annesley recently inspected progress on
the $65-million Sydney Showground Stadium upgrade at Sydney
Olympic Park.
Beginning in April this year construction of the new
multi-purpose Stadium is well on track for completion in
March 2012, ready to host Australia’s largest event - the
Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Set to be the best boutique Stadium in Australia, seating
capacity will grow from13,000 to 25,000, complete with new
covered grandstands, corporate facilities and the largest
video screen in the Southern Hemisphere.
Premier Barry O’Farrell said the Stadium will be a fantastic
multi-purpose facility for the people of Western Sydney –
from the Sydney Royal Easter Show to AFL matches, other
sporting events, concerts and festivals.
“The NSW Government is proud to be funding this upgraded
facility, in the heart of Western Sydney and – for a change
– set to be delivered on time and on budget,” said Premier
O’Farrell.
“My Government is committed to attracting more major events
to Western Sydney and this new ground will be a key drawcard
to help make that a reality.”
Peter King, Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS) chief
executive, said the upgrade is generating significant
economic activity in Western Sydney and once complete will
enable the RAS to attract and retain major events well into
the future.
“Enhancing the Stadium facilities will create an additional
$446 million of economic and social value for NSW and an
estimated 3,400 full-time Western Sydney jobs,” said King.
“The upgrade of this government-owned, RAS-operated asset is
a long term investment for the community. A true
multi-purpose venue, Sydney Showground is realising its
objective of becoming Sydney’s event hub as we play host to
Australia’s largest and highest profile events.”
Amsterdam ArenA Signs
Partnership Agreement With Sportswindow
Amsterdam ArenA has signed a partnership agreement with the
Chinese stadium operator Sportswindow. As a result,
Amsterdam ArenA will play an active role in the development
and management of a number of Chinese venues.
Sportswindow is a Chinese company that operates four large
stadium projects in China, including the Workers’ Stadium in
Beijing, which has a capacity of 66,000 visitors, as well as
the Tianjin Olympic Centre which has a capacity of 60,000
visitors. The organisation aims to manage seven venues in
China within the next two years.
The partnership agreement between Amsterdam ArenA and
Sportswindow focuses on the Chinese market. Amsterdam ArenA
will provide services like feasibility studies for new and
redeveloped stadiums, consultancy during the design and
construction of stadiums as well as support in setting up
the operational organisation.
Amsterdam ArenA will also offer its knowledge and experience
in the area of content development and the organisation of a
large range of events. The two partners will also analyse
opportunities to promote Chinese events in the European
market. The agreement also focuses on education and training
in stadium management specifically targeted at the Chinese
market.
Eric Gao, CEO of Sportswindow and Henk Markerink, CEO of
Amsterdam ArenA, are the regional presidents (for China and
Europe, respectively) of IAVM.
“Through our partnership with Sportswindow we look forward
to sharing our knowledge and experience in this emerging
sports market,” said Markerink. “I believe Sportswindow is
the most professional operator in China, and I could not
wish for a more reliable partner.”
“Sportswindow has 10 years venue management experience in
the Chinese market,” said Gao. “We would like to become the
gateway for western and Chinese venues. We will introduce
Amsterdam ArenA’s advanced operational experience to China.”
Compass Group North
America Announces Acquisition Of Interest In AEG Facilities
Compass Group North America announced that they have
purchased a 49% interest in AEG Facilities, a subsidiary of
AEG that operates venues across five continents. This marks
a further step forward in the partnership between the two
companies, which began in 1999 with a food service
partnership at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles.
"AEG is an exciting, forward-thinking company behind
state-of-the-art facilities around the world," said Gary R.
Green, President and Chief Executive Officer, Compass Group
North America. "We are thrilled to build upon the success of
our relationship and continue to grow together domestically
and internationally."
Based in Charlotte, NC, Compass Group North America is the
leader in foodservice and support services management across
the continent, with $11 billion in revenues in 2011.
AEG Facilities is known worldwide for managing
state-of-the-art sports and entertainment facilities with a
passion for creating one-of-a-kind live entertainment
experiences. In addition to managing iconic AEG-owned
facilities in locations like Los Angeles, London, and
Berlin, the company’s management portfolio includes dozens
of third-party venues around the globe, including arenas
from Charlotte to Sydney, Australia, stadia from Recife,
Brazil to Stockholm, Sweden, and convention centers from
Doha, Qatar to Brisbane, Australia.
“From day one, AEG and many of our venues have had a long
and successful relationship with Levy and Compass,” said
Timothy J. Leiweke, president & CEO, AEG. “We have relied on
and trusted Compass as the food and beverage providers in
many of our largest properties and in turn, they have had a
first-hand opportunity to see how AEG Facilities operates
and provides services to the most successful venues in the
world.”
“This partnership makes great sense due to the synergies
that already exist between our two companies. There will be
no change in the way we operate and continue to grow AEG
Facilities into the biggest and best management company in
the world. We appreciate and share Compass’ commitment,
trust and vision for this exciting venture,” added Leiweke.
Legends Acquires
Conventions Sports & Leisure
Legends Hospitality Holding Company LLC announced it has
acquired Conventions Sports & Leisure International Inc. (CSL),
a firm that specializes in financial analysis for
organizations planning to build or renovate sports
facilities and convention centers, and CSL Marketing Group
LLC (CSLMG), a firm that sells premium seating, sponsorship
and naming rights.
CSLMG has merged with Legends Premium Sales, combining two
of the top sports and venue sales companies to form Legends
Sales and Marketing. As a result, Legends has three wholly
owned subsidiaries: Legends Hospitality, CSL International
and Legends Sales & Marketing, contributing to the company’s
efforts to provide a broader array of business services to
the sports and entertainment industry.
Legends Sales and Marketing offers team owners, facility
operators and athletic departments the following sales
services: ticket sales and service, PSL sales execution,
sponsorship and naming rights, CRM and database management,
sales training and consulting.
With the experience of opening major stadiums, Legends Sales
and Marketing President, Chad Estis, and CSL President, Bill
Rhoda, feel joining forces gives them a competitive
advantage in the market.
“By acquiring CSL, we can now further maximize revenues for
clients because of the synergy around our businesses,” said
Estis. “It makes us unique to the industry. We bring a
wealth of experience in driving revenues by focusing on all
aspects of sales execution including hiring and training top
talent, strategically creating a product mix, building
campaigns, creating culture and utilizing data through CRM
to create transparency in reporting. These processes have
been put to the test in a variety of market sizes and
challenging economic environments, yet continue to deliver.”
Rhoda remains president of CSL International and also serves
as executive vice president of business development for
Legends Sales and Marketing. He said the move brings
together the only two groups in the country focused on
naming rights, sponsorships, premium seat licenses sales
execution and ticket sales.
“We are now able to offer clients a full turnkey approach
from the beginning of projects with feasibility studies,
implementing and completing the sales cycle, to executing
customers’ experience with hospitality services,” said
Rhoda.
Safeway’s 12th Annual
Feast Of Sharing Welcomes 4,000 To Walter E. Washington
Convention Center
In the spirit of the Thanksgiving season, the Safeway Feast
of Sharing and Events DC provided more than just a festive
holiday meal for District residents in need. This 12th
annual community event featured a job fair and free
clothing, as well as health screenings, including free flu
vaccines and diabetes testing. Volunteers and speakers
included DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray, members of the City
Council, Events DC Board Members and staff and undefeated heavyweight
contender Seth Mitchell.
About 4,000 city residents attended the Safeway Feast of
Sharing, which brings together a host of community partners
and volunteers, including the Salvation Army, Events DC,
Metropolitan Baptist Church, SunTrust Bank and Centerplate/NBSE.
“The only way an event of this kind can take place is
through the spirit of giving,” said Gregory Ten Eyck,
Safeway’s eastern director of public affairs. “All the
partners associated with this function are donating their
time and services because all of us believe we are not only
sharing a holiday meal but also a message of hope to our
neighbors in need. We’re pleased it has become a meaningful
Thanksgiving tradition in Washington.”
“We are proud to partner with Safeway for this significant
event and always look forward to welcoming District
residents during this special holiday season to ensure they
have access to city services, employment opportunities and a
delicious dinner,” added Gregory A. O’Dell, Events DC
president and chief executive officer.
In the job fair, the DC Department of Employment Services
was joined by several employers offering entry-level
employment opportunities.
George R. Brown
Expands Availability Of Wi-Fi
All visitors to the George R. Brown Convention Center in
Houston now have access to free standard Wi-Fi throughout
the public areas of the facility.
Service upgrades will continue to be available throughout
the facility for exhibitors, groups and individuals who
require faster speeds or greater download capacity.
“We are pleased to provide this new level of service because
we understand the need for our visitors to stay connected to
their email and the internet while attending tradeshows and
conventions. They can now do so – for free,” said Luther
Villagomez, the GRB’s general manager and chief operating
officer for Houston First Corporation, the organization that
operates the convention center.
New CEIR Research
Released On Exhibition Trends
The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced
the results from the 2011 Changing Environment of
Exhibitions Study, which explores how the exhibition
industry is evolving and provides key market insights on
opportunities and threats.
The findings explore the current and planned use of the full
array of available marketing, communications and sales
tactics; positioning of business-to-business exhibitions in
this mix; current, high-priority marketing and sales
objectives and perceived value of using business-to-business
exhibitions to achieve them; as well as the factors that
drive the decision to exhibit or pull out of an exhibition.
Results will be released in 10 separate fact sheets with
actionable suggestions for organizers and exhibitors who can
use the results to enhance their business objectives.
The first fact sheet, Exhibitions are Highly Valued in
Achieving Marketing & Sales Objectives, unveils that
marketing executives assign high value to using
business-to-business exhibitions to achieve their most
pressing marketing and sales objectives.
* The top five, current high-priority marketing objectives
for companies are building or expanding brand awareness (83
percent), new product or service promotions or launches (63
percent), reinforcing brand awareness (63 percent),
promotions targeting specific business sectors (58 percent)
and existing product service promotions (45 percent). For
executives identifying these objectives as high priority,
most (73 percent or more) rate exhibitions as highly
valuable in helping their companies achieve these goals.
* The top five, current high-priority sales objectives for
companies are existing customer relationship
management/engagement (73 percent), relationship
management/engagement with key accounts (67 percent),
relationship management/engagement with prospective
customers (64 percent), generating new sales orders with
existing customers (57 percent) and generating new sales
leads in general (56 percent). For executives identifying
these objectives collectively as high priority, most (77
percent or more) rate exhibitions as highly valuable in
helping their companies achieve these goals, with the
exception of generating new sales orders with existing
customers, where over one-half (57 percent) assign high
value to using exhibitions to achieve this objective.
The second fact sheet, Marketers Intend to Maintain or
Expand Number of Exhibitions, reveals that the use of
business-to-business exhibitions remains constant and is
projected to grow modestly, even as companies adopt a
broader array of marketing, communications and sales
tactics.
Four out of 10 executives indicate they are participating in
the same number of exhibitions today as they did several
years ago. Looking out to the next several years, 85 percent
of executives say the number of exhibitions will hold to
current levels (60 percent) or will increase (25 percent).
The fact sheets are available online at
www.ceir.org. CEIR's
online research library offers industry professionals an
array of tools to assist in the planning and marketing of
exhibitions for organizers, exhibitors and suppliers.
Industry trend data is also a trusted source for press,
consultants and the financial community.
Home Depot Center
Becomes First Outdoor Stadium To Achieve ISO 14001
Certification
AEG Facilities' Home Depot Center, home of Major League
Soccer's (MLS) LA Galaxy and Chivas USA franchises and host
of the just-completed MLS Cup, has been awarded ISO 14001
Certification for the third-party review of its
Environmental Management System (EMS), making it the fourth
venue under the AEG 1EARTH sustainability program to receive
the accreditation.
The first outdoor stadium to achieve ISO 14001
Certification, The Home Depot Center is opening up its
environmental stewardship efforts to the public, as another
step in its journey toward sustainability, by supplementing
and organizing the venue's existing initiatives.
"The ISO certification adds structure and transparency to
our environmental stewardship commitments by putting all our
ideas, programs and best practices on paper," said Katie
Pandolfo, general manager of The Home Depot Center. "By
having all of our goals and initiatives tracked in one
place, the ISO keeps everyone on the same page and holds
each of our divisions and employees accountable."
ISO certification is an important tool for transparent
measurement, and provides the means for The Home Depot
Center to track its sustainability achievements and
environmental programs.
"The Home Depot Center's recent ISO certification and
commitment to track and measure the environmental footprint
of the venue will go beyond the impact of one facility,"
said Martin Tull, executive director of the Green Sports
Alliance. "One stadium's environmental initiatives can
become a best practice and increase the efficiency of venues
across the entire industry."
One such initiative is a newly installed centralized
interface and automation system, which allows the operations
team to control specific power-consuming appliances with the
touch of a button. Because The Home Depot Center is an
event-based business, it does not operate at full power
during a regular working schedule, which allows the facility
to turn off selected lights in underutilized spaces and
adjust air conditioning usage on a room-by-room basis. The
Home Depot Center has reduced its electrical consumption by
8 percent to 10 percent in the past year, providing a
significant savings in utility costs.
In addition, like other major energy users in Southern
California, The Home Depot Center participates in the Demand
Response program with its utility company to shed portions
of its power load about a dozen times a year, especially
during the summer months when demand on the electrical grid
peaks.
"One of the things we take pride in at AEG and across our
venues like The Home Depot Center is that sustainability
isn't just a buzzword, but part of our smart business
operations," said Jennifer Regan, AEG global sustainability
director. "By cutting back our energy and water use, our
participating venues not only reduce their environmental
footprint, but also cut their operational costs, which has a
direct impact on our bottom line."
New Leadership For The
Joint Meetings Industry Council
The Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) announced that
Philippe Fournier, president of the International
Association of PCO's (IAPCO) and managing director for
France, MCI Group, has assumed the presidency of the Joint
Meetings Industry Council. Fournier replaces Leigh Harry,
past president of ICCA, who led the Council for the past
three years and recently moved to a senior government post
in Australia.
Fournier has over 25 years of experience in the meetings
industry and has held numerous positions in prominent
industry organizations. He currently is responsible for
MCI's five offices in France and is a member of the Group
Management Board; in addition, he is president of IAPCO as
well as immediate past president of the French Professional
Association of Events Communications Companies.
"I'm delighted to having been appointed President of JMIC at
what I believe to be a pivotal point in the organization's
history," said Fournier. "There has never been a greater
need for good communications amongst international industry
organizations as well as the ability to address industry
profile issues on a global basis, and we are now starting to
do this in a serious way. In saying this, I must pay tribute
to my predecessor Leigh Harry who set the stage for much of
this progress during his term."
"My intention is to keep JMIC moving forward in a way that
will both serve members of the industry and make our role
and accomplishments even more apparent to our respective
governments and communities," he said. "More than ever, in
this difficult time, face to face meetings are crucial to
make the world go round, with trade fairs, exhibitions,
congresses and related events playing a key part in the
knowledge economy."
New Design And
Renderings Unveiled For Farmers Field
AEG, developers of Farmers Field, has released images of the
latest design scheme for the planned sports stadium and
event center being designed by Los Angeles-based
architectural firm Gensler. The new images, presented by
Gensler Principal Ron Turner, were introduced as part of a
stadium project update provided by Tim Romani, president and
CEO of ICON Venue Group, AEG’s owners representative for the
project.
In March of this year, Gensler was selected from a
collection of world renowned sports architectural firms to
serve as the Architect of Record for Farmers Field. As part
of that solicitation and selection process, each candidate
firm produced and presented some initial concept designs
including preliminary renderings. The renderings created by
Gensler at that time have been the only images associated
with Farmers Field available in the public domain since.
Over the past eight months, Gensler has worked closely with
ICON Venue Group to support a fast moving Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) production process and design an iconic
venue for Los Angeles serving as both an extension of the
Los Angeles Convention Center and home of an NFL team that
would ultimately play there. The development of the EIR
documentation remains on track with a January 2012
submission scheduled.
The Farmers Field design highlights innovative responses to
the challenges required of a compact urban site that is
within one of the most highly energized sports and
entertainment districts in the world. The most unique
feature of the new design is the transparency of the sleek
exterior façade.
On the occasion where certain events, such as citywide
conventions booked at the Los Angeles Convention Center (but
requiring more exhibition space) call for an indoor
configuration, a lightweight, non-permanent roof system is
being researched and engineered that would allow the stadium
to convert to an enclosed environment. Several concepts are
being investigated that could revolutionize the industry
with a deployable roof solution that is not constrained by
unnecessary conversion durations.
“Designing a world-class large scale venue, capable of
creating the perfect environment to host both indoor and
outdoor events, goes far beyond the retractable roof
solutions of the past,” said Turner. “Our charge is not only
to design a stadium that offers the ideal outdoor NFL
experience but also to have a fully enclosable facility that
creates an equally appealing location and atmosphere for
indoor events and conventions.”
AudienceView Ticketing
Continues Global Expansion In Agreement With Australia-based
Foxtix
AudienceView Ticketing has reached an agreement with
Australia-based ticketing provider, Foxtix. The agreement
expands AudienceView's relationship with News Corporation's
Australian subsidiary, News Limited, the parent company of
Foxtix.
Foxtix launched in Australia to provide greater value to
promoters, venues and ticket buyers becoming a real
alternative to the two significant incumbent agency
providers. With its new energy and attitude, Foxtix delivers
a flexible, customer-friendly option to buy and sell tickets
to the latest sports, arts, and theatre events for the
Australian ticketing market.
"We were highly impressed with the AudienceView platform and
felt that the Australian market was ready for their
advanced, innovative ticketing platform," said Adam
McArthur, CEO of Foxtix.
The Foxtix business model was quickly welcomed in the
marketplace when the company was awarded the ticketing
rights to two prestigious international events, The
Australian Grand Prix and The Australian Motorcycle Grand
Prix, just weeks after launching.
With AudienceView, Foxtix will take full control of their
ticketing and CRM operations and then pass that control on
to their clients. The increased efficiency gained from
leveraging one, fully-integrated solution to operate all key
business activities related to ticketing will allow Foxtix
and its clients to focus their continuing efforts to enhance
the patron experience by giving the end-user greater
control, such as the option to choose their own seats and
purchase multi day and multi ticket packages across
different events.
In addition, Foxtix will benefit greatly from AudienceView's
multi-venue capabilities and ability to ticket events
through an unlimited number of retail outlets.
"We are very pleased to add Foxtix to our list of global
customers and very much look forward to growing our
international presence with Adam and his team. Our shared
passion for a superior end-user experience and the
technology necessary to achieve it makes for a natural
partnership," said Jeff Koets, vice president of sales and
marketing at AudienceView Ticketing. "This partnership also
further demonstrates our ticketing system's superior
functionality for large regional ticketing operations."
|
