Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in October 2016. Thank you for being a part of the association!

Also, let us get to know you better by participating in the I Am Venue Management series. Please visit http://www.iavm.org/i-am-venue-management-share-your-story to share your story and photo.

(Image: Judy ** via photopin cc)

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As a member of IAVM, you know all about the inspiration, expertise, and lifelong connections that this association provides. The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to share that wealth of endless opportunities with your colleagues. This is a fabulous present for a co-worker, employee, intern, or student. No shipping required with the IAVM Gift Membership.  – just a few minutes of your time is needed to sign up online.

The steps are simple: tell us who will receive the gift and provide your payment information, then download a personal card to notify your referral that you’re awarding them with an IAVM membership. It’s that easy! 

Plus, you will be added to iCommit, IAVM’s annual membership campaign raffle, where you will be entered into a drawing to win great prizes!

Member Services will provide the recipient with the link for the appropriate membership application. Once received, we will process the payment. We will notify you when your new member signs up. After one year, once they’ve experienced first hand what IAVM has to offer, they may renew their membership.

Your chosen recipient now has the chance to connect to the industry’s professional core, plug into its powerful network, be enlightened by visionaries, and be inspired by once-in-a-lifetime experiences. 

Membership cost will depend on which member category is appropriate for the recipient. For your reference, categories, eligibility, and respective dues are listed below.

IAVM Membership Categories:

• Professional – Individuals who manage or are actively involved in the management, administration or operation of a public venue. – Dues $470
• Young Professional – Individuals who are actively involved in the management, administration or operation of a public venue at a level below the top two levels of management at the venue, i.e., Executive, General Manager or Department Head and who are 30 years of age and younger. – Dues $250
• Student – Individual enrolled at a university, college, or post-secondary technical school and is actively pursuing a degree in fields associated with, or appropriate to public venue management or operations. If the individual is employed full-time with a venue or industry provider, he or she is ineligible for Student Membership. – Dues $75
• Faculty – Open to individuals who are employed full-time as faculty of an accredited, post-secondary educational institution, providing instruction and training in disciplines and/or areas associated with the venue management industry, such as sports or venue management and/or hospitality. – Dues $130
• Allied – Any firm, organization, or individual engaged in providing product, equipment, services or attractions for public venues. – Dues $620

Questions? Email the IAVM Membership Department, or give us a call at 972-906-7441.

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I recently returned from IAVM’s International Convention Center Conference (ICCC) in Pasadena. It was a great event, and I learned a lot from both the speakers and from the colleagues who I got to meet for the first time or get to know a little bit better. The convention center industry is vibrant and fun to be a part of!

Here are a few of my big take-aways from the event.

The Guest Experience is Driving Tech

The convention center industry as a whole is looking to advance, and new technology is an important part of that. I had many great conversations about technology, and a common theme was that convention center professionals feel that it’s critical for the industry to look forward. There were some great examples. For example, who from the event could forget how Event Presence used its proprietary LIVEBOTs to bring Jeffrey Tambor, John Quiñones, Larry King and Bob Walker to ICCC virtually?

Tapin2’s SmartVenueTM, a mobile ordering platform that makes it easy for guests, handles business on both sides. Or, as the company puts it, “drives concessions, merchandise, memorabilia and experience revenue.”

There’s the magic word: experience. Every piece of technology must improve the guest experience. All of the new technologies are centered around the guest experience during the conference or trade show, and also giving convention centers the opportunity to use technology as a selling point for meeting planners.  

Safety and Security Are Major Tech Considerations

Convention center safety and security departments are leveraging new technology that can easily be applied to provide a safer environment and improve real-time situational awareness. I heard from several people who stated that a major challenge for the convention center industry is the multiple safety and security systems with little integration or consistency.

Space Management Tech is a Game Changer

Meeting space management technology is an exciting area, and key to using spaces in new and different, more efficient ways. Aside from being able to better manage the traditional meeting spaces, non-traditional spaces – like hallway lobbies – are being used more and more for impromptu meetings, cocktail receptions, meeting breaks, etc. The event teams at convention centers can leverage technology to make the most of these spaces – and meet the needs of meeting planners – in a more efficient manner that’s also fun and different for the guests.

Thanks to IAVM for another great event!

To view the original story, visit Concept3D.

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It is deja vu all over again.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

Have we not met before?

Like a bounced check, I have returned.

Call it whatever tired cliché you wish, but for me I will just say that it is good to be home once again as the senior editor of Facility Manager magazine. As your venues and your businesses are your babies, I always considered the caretaking of Facility Manager to be my baby when I worked at IAVM from 2000-2013.

I wanted to use this space to say thank you to everyone for your kind words of welcome. I have missed you but have been fortunate to have stayed connected to the industry through the kindness of Linda Deckard, who gave me the opportunity to write for her outstanding magazine for the last few years. Linda is a friend and I look forward to remaining in touch with her as we both serve this wonderful and unique industry.

You will soon receive an email from IAVM (What! An email from IAVM!) asking for you to place me on your media list and to help us with your contributions for an upcoming cover feature in the January 2017 Facility Manager, but I will be redundant in this space and again urge you to be active in sharing news with us so that we in return can share with the industry.

I thank so many of you for helping me navigate through the most difficult period of my life last year when my beautiful wife, Tanya, passed away at age 48 during a day surgery procedure. This was unexpected by me but was God’s plan. As I read recently in a devotional book, how can you lose someone when you know where they are at? I take that comfort in knowing where Tanya is and that one day I will be with her once more. But your prayers, calls and emails really helped pull me through this void in my life, and I am forever grateful. This is just what this beautiful industry and its people do.

It is a new day at IAVM and a new day with Facility Manager, one that I am incredibly excited about. I look forward to the fun journey with you!

The post It Is Good To Be Back appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

Schuler Shook announces the opening of its San Francisco Bay office and addition to its California team. The office is the natural product of Schuler Shook’s active presence and ongoing work in California and will help provide local expertise to our clients in the region.

Schuler Shook’s new office comprises a group of highly experienced and respected designers, including Heather McAvoy, ASTC, Principal; Harold “Chip” Ulich, ASTC, Project Theatre Consultant; and Kent Conrad, ASTC, Project Theatre Consultant.

Recent and current projects in the office include Stanford Memorial Auditorium and Pigott Theater Renovation, Madera Unified School District Theater, Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, Crested Butte Center for the Arts, and River Spirit Casino.

Chip Ulich has been a theatre consultant at Schuler Shook for ten years, planning and designing theatres for scores of clients. He is currently the Project Theatre Consultant for Crested Butte Center for the Arts in Colorado and Oklahoma State University McKnight Center for the Performing Arts. Chip is also the Vice President of the American Society of Theatre Consultants and has served in that capacity since 2015.

Joining Chip in the firm’s new San Francisco Bay office are Heather McAvoy, ASTC, and Kent Conrad, ASTC.

As a Principal at Schuler Shook, Heather is in charge of the office, applying her 30 years of experience in theatre consulting with another firm. She is a recognized leader in theatre planning and consulting, emphasizing collaboration and creativity in her approach to each project. She is also active in the industry as a Board member of the American Society of Theatre Consultants. Her theatre projects include the recently opened Roble Gym Complex Renovation at Stanford University, Thomas Theatre at Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, CA.

Heather says, “Joining Schuler Shook is a great opportunity for me to bring more resources to my clients. I enjoy the collaborative environment at Schuler Shook, and I’m looking forward to this next chapter, working with my clients to solve their theatre needs.”

Kent Conrad’s background in theatre and performing arts is deep. He has served as production manager for the Arizona Theatre Company, American Theatre Company in Aspen and the UCLA department of Theater, Film and TV. For Walt Disney Entertainment, he consulted on two venues for Tokyo DisneySea theme park and was technical director for the initial shows. He is a scenic and lighting designer and brings those sensibilities into the theatre planning process. His theatre projects include Bakersfield College Performing Arts Center and Amphitheatre, Riverside City College Concert Hall, and Craterian Theatre at the Collier Center for the Performing Arts in Medford, OR.

Firm Partner Todd Hensley, ASTC, comments, “We’re excited to have Heather and Kent joining Chip in our California office. All three are great people to work with, very collaborative and collegial team members. Heather and Kent each bring incredible theatre planning experience and systems design expertise to our practice.”

Schuler Shook’s San Francisco Bay office is the firm’s fifth, joining their offices in Chicago, Minneapolis, Dallas, and Melbourne, Australia. Firm Partner Jack Hagler, ASTC, says, “This is an exciting time of growth that builds on our years of work in California, the Pacific Northwest and the region as a whole. The new office will allow us to support projects more robustly, as well as help us maintain the level of close client involvement and collaboration that we are known for.”

Get to know Heather, Chip and Kent.

The post Schuler Shook Expands Practice, Announces New Office appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

SEATTLE, November 15, 2016 — LMN Architects, a multidisciplinary design firm with a reputation for distinctive, community-focused projects of all scales, announce the selection of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts as a recipient of the 2016 Global Award for Excellence from the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Designed by LMN Architects in partnership with executive architects Marmon Mok Architecture, the $150 million expansion and renovation project embraces the multi-faceted cultural identity of the city with a distinctive tapestry of form, materiality, light, and landscape. The project was one of eleven real estate development projects from around the globe to have been selected as winners in the ULI 2016 Global Awards for Excellence program, widely recognized as one of the industry’s most prestigious awards programs. This year’s winners—representing projects in Asia Pacific, Europe, and North America—were honored recently at the ULI Fall Meeting in Dallas.

The jury noted that, “The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts brings a world-class, dynamic performance venue and gathering place to San Antonio, while creating a vibrant connection between the city’s main cultural venue and the famed River Walk.”

The program, established in 1979, recognizes real estate projects that achieve a high standard of excellence in design, construction, economics, planning, and management. Open to the entire industry (not just ULI members), the awards program is viewed as the centerpiece of ULI’s efforts to identify and promote best practices in all types of real estate development. “Cities are about people—the way people interact, get around, and go about their daily routines. Great cities are made of great places that make the urban experience easy and enjoyable,” said awards jury chairman Steve Navarro, executive vice president, CBRE l the Furman Co. in Greenville, South Carolina. “These projects reflect the highest standards of design, construction, economics, planning, and management. But most important: they are improving people’s quality of life.”

“The Global Awards for Excellence showcase efforts that have both succeeded in pushing ingenuity and exemplifying best practices in land use across the globe,” said Patrick L. Phillips, ULI global chief executive officer. “This year’s winners have demonstrated a committed contribution to responsible real estate development and a dedication to building thriving, livable communities.”

Completed in 2014, the facility offers a rich diversity of architectural experience, capable of continuous transformation in response to programmatic and environmental influences. While retaining the Municipal Auditorium’s treasured historic façade, the Tobin Center weaves a new 183,000-square-foot facility into its framework of public space—including a 1,768-seat main performance hall and 231-seat flat floor studio theater. The complexity of the facility reconfiguration called for a grand, unifying design gesture to integrate new and old architectural components. The solution—a porous, shimmering metallic veil—creates a sculptural, environmentally responsive expression that celebrates the cultural life of contemporary San Antonio. The veil begins low at the River Walk, and rises through irregular sheer planes to form an unmistakable new architectural presence in the San Antonio skyline.

“We drew inspiration for the architectural form and detailing from the Spanish Colonial style of the original 1926 Municipal Auditorium, as well as San Antonio’s rich vernacular of color, pattern, and public celebrations,” said Mark Reddington, FAIA, lead designer and partner at LMN Architects.

Goals for the expansion and renovation were threefold: to create a large, flexible, multi-use performance space with acoustics comparable to the world’s finest concert halls; to restore the iconic historic building for future generations; and to create a vibrant connection between the city’s main cultural venue and the River Walk. The completed project combines the historic preservation of one of San Antonio’s most beloved architectural icons with the most flexible multi-purpose performance hall in the United States.

In a statement, George Shaw, FAIA, partner in charge for the project said, “LMN is humbled and honored by this important recognition for the Tobin Center. To have played a role in helping to positively shape the urban culture and civic vitality of San Antonio is incredibly rewarding. We share this honor with our passionately dedicated client group and design team.”

The project is also the recipient of a 2016 Honor Award and a Mayor’s Choice Award from the San Antonio Chapter of the AIA, a 2016 AIA Washington Council Civic Design Awards, Award of Merit, and a 2012 Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award.

Project Team

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts (client)

The Projects Group (project management/owners representation)

LMN Architects (design architect)

Marmon Mok Architecture (associate architect)

Sussman Prejza & Co. (interior design/environmental graphics)

Fisher Dachs Associates (theatre consultant)

Akustiks, LLC (acoustical consultant of record)

Walter P. Moore, Dallas, TX with Alpha Consulting Engineers (structural engineer)

Timmons Design Engineers (mechanical/plumbing engineer)

TTG (electrical engineer)

Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design (architectural/specialty lighting design)

Stantec (technology and electronic security consulting)

Rialto Studio (landscape architect)

Linbeck Zachry Joint Venture (construction manager)

_ _

About LMN

Seattle-based LMN Architects specializes in the planning and design of significant public and private projects, including convention centers, cultural arts venues, education facilities, office buildings, multi-family housing, hotels, transit stations, mixed-use developments and other urban environments that celebrate and enrich communities. The firm is the recipient of the 2016 American Institute of Architects Architecture Firm Award.

www.LMNArchitects.com

For further information contact:

Matt Anderson for LMN Architects

e: matt@andersonstrategic.net

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The Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton, Alberta welcomes Serge Belair to the position of executive chef on February 1, 2017. The appointment, announced by venue General Manager Lisanne Lewis, brings one of the rising chefs into the job after Chef Serge received the award of Edmonton’s top 40 under 50 in 2015. He is no stranger to the venue, however, after working his way up the ranks since joining in 2005.

“Chef Serge has been a rising star that has proven he has the skillset and leadership to take over the culinary operations of Edmonton’s convention centre. His appointment ensures there is a smooth transition and the quality and consistency of meals served at the Shaw Conference Centre continues to be exceptional,” Lewis said.

He will replace the retiring Simon Smotkowicz, who departs the facility after 28 years to embark on a new chapter in his career. The footsteps that Belair replaces are huge as his predecessor has won numerous medals as a part of Canada’s Olympic Culinary team and has mentored many young chefs throughout the years.

Lewis acknowledged the outgoing chef and his work, noting that he “leaves behind a dedicated team and strong brand.”

Chef Serge’s impressive resume includes studying at Commission scolaire la Vallee de la Lievre and practical experience at Hotel Clarion Gatineau’s Restaurant La Pergola from 1999 to 2005. His rise within Shaw Conference Centre included stints as chef de partie in 2005, sous chef in 2007 and senior sous chef in 2011.

Photo by Curtis Comeau

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EDMONTON, AB – The Shaw ConferenceCentre (SCC) is offering local artists a chance to have their artwork displayed to over 500,000 guests annually. Submissions are being accepted until January 8, 2017.

Artists are encouraged to visit the public spaces of the convention centre and visualize where they can see their artwork being displayed. Artwork must be representative of the culture or geography of Edmonton, and can take the form of ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking or photography. Those selected will have the opportunity to sell their piece after being on display for one year. 

“With over 650 events booked at our venue each year, this is a perfect opportunity to showcase the talent of Edmonton artists to our community and guests from across Canada and the world,” says Lisanne Lewis, General Manager, Shaw Conference Centre. “The new program will help us activate underutilized space and allow Edmontonians to see their convention centre as a community canvas.”

An iconic Edmonton venue, the Shaw Conference Centre has supported local artists by displaying their work both in and outside the venue for over 30 years. From the Paskwamostos (Bison) that stands guard over the River Valley and gigantic murals by Clay Ellis in the Hall D foyer to the pARTnership Gallery featuring the work of grade 1 to 12 students, locals and visitors from around the world can be seen stopping to snap a photo or pose for a memento in front of these works.

Selected artists will be paid full artist fees according to Canadian Artists Representation (CARFAC) and all submissions will be judged by a panel of employees from Edmonton Economic Development Corporation. For full details, visit http://bit.ly/2fWEjhP.

 About The Shaw Conference Centre

The Shaw Conference Centre is an iconic, BOMA Best, and Green Key level five certified sustainable facility. Located at the foot of North America’s largest urban parkland and in the heart of downtown Edmonton, the convention centre offers over 150,000 square feet of flexible and creative space.

Media Contact:

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“I’m at $500 n I wan $550, $550, bid n $550, I’m at $500 will you go $550, $550…”

Intentional spelling errors aside, this narrative is a prime example of the imprecise sounds that an auctioneer might chant at his audience. Auctions provide the opportunity for bidders to compete against one another for items leaving the highest bidder to walk away with one heck-of-a-deal. And while it’s very easy to get lost in the magical moment of an intense bidding war, physically attending an auction is not the only way to find incredible deals.

Of course, this information isn’t news. I mean, everyone has heard of eBay, right? But what if I told you that the money earned from a specific auction could go straight into your very own industry? Whoa. I’ll give you a second to catch your breath.

By going to the IAVM Foundation‘s Bidding for Good auction page, you can place your bid electronically on incredible entertainment packages, sports memorabilia, and other great items. And YES, all of the money raised goes straight back into the venue industry! “How,” you ask? 

The IAVM Foundation supports industry educational programs, development, and funds research. Some of these programs are things like 30 | Under | 30, VenueDataSource, Venue Management School, and the Certified Facility Executive and Certified Venue Professional certifications.

Since the start of the 2016 Online Auction (which began on August 16), more than 50 items have been donated from venues, organizations, and individuals all over the world. From those 50 items, we have raised more than $6,239 so far, which will be funneled straight back into those Foundation funded programs we just mentioned. But we need your help to reach our goal of having your continuous support of the Foundation.

The auction as a whole doesn’t end until January 15, 2017, so it’s not too late to visit our web page and place your bid. But be quick, because each item has its own individual end date, and that’s the deadline you don’t want to miss.

Unfortunately, you don’t have the pleasure of an auctioneer rambling off numbers to you while you anxiously wait to see if you’ve won. But the satisfaction from claiming an item as your own is just as prominent and rewarding as a physical auction victory. And the bonus is that no one can see you jumping around with excitement while you’re doing your happy dance.

Take a look at some of these hot auction items, or visit our main page to view all of our available items. See how giving back can also give back to you.

The post Going Once… Going Twice… appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

As we roll into the holiday season, giving becomes a second nature for many of us, and there is no better time than right now to exercise our desire to give back.

“#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.” (Information from givingtuesday.org)

On or before Tuesday, November 29, we are asking sectors and individuals/groups to give to your IAVM Foundation. Giving is a simple yet rewarding endeavor, and you can even make it enjoyable.

AND in the spirit of giving, we are offering the organization or individual who donates the most money and the venue with the most participants one complimentary registration each to the 2017 VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee.

Think of it like buying a lunch for a friend or a colleague. And in the words of Winston S. Churchill, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

The post #GivingTuesday appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve IAVM’s diverse membership. It’s been an eye-opening experience to move from being a member to actually working in the association industry. I always thought I knew what IAVM staff members did, but have learned that they do so much more. I am proud to say I am part of a team of professionals who are passionate and want to serve our member’s needs.

I want to thank our members and let you know what a phenomenal resource you are to the betterment of our association. Separately, our members individually support one another. Together, and more importantly, our members are strong economic and social influencers and difference makers. Your collective work and success in the local community give us all additional strength in our communities.

My successful career was made possible through participating in IAVM committees, task forces, boards and special projects, and many of you have accomplished the same results. Those of you who have not participated in giving your resources are missing out on the rewarding feeling of serving others in the association. In my 30 years of IAVM membership, I learned that as I gave my time, talents, and funds that I experienced a greater return on my investment than I have in many of my other endeavors.

As we journey into the thanksgiving holiday, I hope you’ll consider giving to others, and that you’ll consider giving some of that to the International Association of Venue Managers.  

Enjoy your family, friends, and colleagues during the Thanksgiving holiday. Be a fountain, not a drain, and make our world a better place to reside.

Brad Mayne

The post Dear Members: Thank You appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

The IAVM iCommit campaign is still going strong. You have just over a month to refer a friend or colleague for your chance to win some amazing prizes! Do you have interns, students or young professionals working for you now? Is there a long-time employee who hasn’t gotten involved yet? Encourage them to become a part of our network. If you know of a venue in your community that is not a part of IAVM, encourage them to consider Group Membership. As of today, 112 active venues are participating as group members.

What’s In It For You?

More members means more collaboration, a bigger and more diverse network for you, and a greater pool of experts to create inspiring and motivating educational content. Besides feeling good about supporting your association, for each new member you refer, your name will be entered into a raffle to win one of five, $500 Apple gift cards to apply toward the purchase of any Apple product, sponsored by Ungerboeck Software International. OR if you are drawn as our grand prize winner, you’ll win a complimentary registration to VenueConnect 2017 in Nashville (value $895). And the IAVM region that adds the most new members will have one CVP application fee waived; the Region Director will choose the recipient within that region.

The more members you refer, the more chances you will have to win in the raffle. The campaign ends December 31, 2016. 

We would like to thank the following members for their impressive involvement in the referral program. The current leaders are shown below but please review the leaderboard for a complete list of participants. 

Hurry! Start referring new members today. Contact me or Summer Beday, member care manager, at 972.906.7441 for a copy of the recruitment tool, “Why be a member of IAVM?” – for speaking points to encourage prospects to join.

We value and appreciate your support of IAVM!

(photo credit: SimpleSkye via photopin cc)

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I drove from the IAVM Headquarters near Dallas back in early 2013 to visit Dean Justice, CFE, in Austin and to view the association’s archives that he oversaw at an off-campus location from the University of Texas at Austin. As the former IAVM president in 1981-82 greeted me, I could tell that he did not want to waste any time in showing me the mammoth collection from the industry that ran decades and decades back into a history that Justice devoured and loved.

More than three years later, Justice would pass away peacefully from colon cancer on October 29 with his son, Blake, daughter, Tracy, and wife, Sharon, at his side at home. He was 88.

“He loved the industry even to the end,” Sharon said. “The minister would come out every 10 days or so and Dean would often talk about the entertainment industry. He would talk about shows that had been at the Erwin Center and about the IAAM and the membership. It was nice to hear him tell those stories of different acts and stay positive.”

Justice opened the Frank Erwin Center on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin in 1977 as its first director until his retirement in 1990. He was an innovator who introduced the full-service in-house concept with ticketing, marketing, catering, box office and more handled within the venue.

“Dean was a true innovator,” said Jimmy Earl, CFE, senior associate director of the Erwin Center. “He gave me an opportunity to be the first events manager at the Erwin Center and for that I am forever grateful. It got me started me on my path. I was just a young 22-year-old kid and been at it 40 years now.”

“Dean had a real sense of history and he enjoyed history,” Sharon added. “He felt like that was a blank spot in history when it came to the industry. It needed to be taken care of and people needed to know about those shows and what they meant to people. He did a lot of work on that after he retired.”

Justice was also the first director of the SIU Arena at Southern Illinois University. Born on March 23, 1928, in Chanute, Kansas, Justice graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Emporia State College in Kansas in 1950.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, served four years in the Korean War and returned to work in the insurance adjustment industry before becoming SIU’s first manager in 1964. He later moved to Austin and became intimately involved with the then International Association of Auditorium Managers.

During the mid-80’s, Justice became aware that the history of his association as well as the professional touring entertainment industry was not being preserved. There were facilities for preserving the history of “The Headliners” and events occurring on Broadway, but no facilities existed for preserving the history of events that toured the country or the industry and individuals who supported touring events. 

Justice led the way for this preservation by persuading The Center for American History at The University of Texas (later known as the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History) to establish the Professional Touring Entertainment History Archive in 1995. He also established a non-profit corporation to solicit collections from significant segments and individuals associated with the industry and to support the work of The Center in preserving and managing the archive. When the Advisory Council for the Dolph Briscoe Center was established, the President of The University President appointed Justice as a member. 

“Even before he retired he started working on that,” Earl said. “He had a passion for the industry and people and the history of it. He started the collection and various entities and really encouraged his contemporaries to send in history and explain why it was important. He was passionate about it like he was with people. He also encouraged his staff and spoke highly of them and did the best for them. He was a great guy for the business. He wanted excellence and demanded it out of himself and everybody around him.”

Travel was also a passion as Justice stayed in or visited 38 of the 56 national parks in the country where his memories were preserved through his love of photography.

“We saw a lot of presidential libraries when we traveled,” Sharon said. “Once again it was that history kind of thing. We looked at the various presidents through the eyes of their libraries. He liked that a lot.”

The final days were difficult and Sharon said that it was not because of the cancer but because of her husband’s sight being robbed by a stroke in one eye and laser treatment in the other eye.

“That was probably the hardest part,” she said. “He loved his Texas Longhorns. I thought about him last Saturday when they lost to Kansas, because he was originally from Kansas. At the end, he couldn’t see but he could hear what was going on. I had to tell him about (football coach) Charlie Strong and that we didn’t know if Charlie was going to stay. He listened to every word.

“I don’t think there was a men’s or women’s basketball game he missed when he was the director of the Erwin Center. Oh, he loved those games. He was so proud of the women’s team when they won the national championship (in 1986).

“The association and industry also meant so much to Dean. He always believed the association was on the cutting edge whether it was technology, lighting, seating, vendors or whatever it might be. He always looked forward to the national convention and the opportunity to see his colleagues and to learn. He always felt like he learned a lot. Here he was toward the end of his career and he would still go to every session. He always said he could learn something more. He never quit learning.”

Memorial contributions may be sent to one of the following: The Briscoe Center for American History in support of the Professional Touring Entertainment Archive, The University of Texas at Austin, Arno Nowotny Building, 2300 Red River Street, Stop D. 1100, Austin, Texas 78712, or All Saints’ Episcopal Church, The Clergy Directors Fund, 209 West 27th Street, Austin, Texas 78705. An obituary and memorial guestbook are available online at www.wcfish.com.

Reflecting on his former boss, Earl noted that, “Dean was the association president and I got chance to be the president (in 2004-05). Dean won the McElravy Award and I got to receive it. So, he impacted me in a very positive way with him being an icon in the industry. He was a great man and I will miss him. His contributions to the industry are well documented.”

The post In Memory of Dean Justice, CFE appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

Industry veteran Jason Rittenberry, the former chief strategy officer for Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, has been named the president and chief executive officer for the Kentucky State Fair Board, which manages the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville.

“Jason is a go-getter and brings new energy and insight to the work of the Kentucky State Fair Board and its two properties,” said Dr. Mark Lynn, chairman of the board. “Jason is a proven venue, entertainment and sports professional and the board was drawn to him as a forward-thinking executive. The board recognizes the benefit in his experience with entrepreneurial revenue generation and strategic business development.”

Rittenberry will oversee the operations of the two venues as well as the shows operated by the Fair Board — the Kentucky State Fair, the North American International Livestock Expo and the National Farm Machinery Show. In his new position, Rittenberry serves in the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet for the Commonwealth, on the Louisville Convention & Visitors Commission, and on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Derby Festival.

“The board is confident that Jason can bring additional bookings and business, and increased revenue while improving the guest experience at the venues,” said Amanda Storment, vice president of communications of the board.

The Fair Board is charged with contributing to the economic progress of the Commonwealth and advancing Kentucky’s agriculture and tourism industries through conventions, trade shows, public gatherings, and other events at the Kentucky Exposition Center and the downtown convention center.

The post Jason Rittenberry Tabbed For New Post In Kentucky appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

If I wasn’t doing this I’d be a: public relations consultant.

Most impressive person I’ve ever met is: Boni Johnson. She is a former board member who has become a dear friend. She is vivacious, artistic, quirky, fun, and a person who loves her community and friends with her full heart. She embodies the true definition of be who you are by walking to her own beat.

I unwind by: listening to music and spending time with my husband on our boat.

On my desk right now is: paperwork, my beta fish, Sunset, a few pelicans (I collect them), and a “take what you need” box that contains happiness, inspiration, patience, and other medallions for when someone is having a bad day.

My favorite IAVM program I ever attended was: while I have enjoyed all of them, the Senior Executive Symposium. It was a tremendous opportunity to supplement my leadership skills and style through classes taught by leading professors in the hospitality industry and build lifelong relationships all while soaking in the beautiful campus at Cornell.

If I were on the other side of the seats, I’d be a: show promoter. I co-founded a mentor program for women, so I would enjoy the opportunity to produce events designed to empower and bring women of all ages together.

One trait an up-and-coming venue manager should have is: the ability to remain calm under any given situation while thinking on your feet for creative solutions.

One of my goals for this year is to: successfully manage our facility’s election efforts to renew our operational millage in December and ensure funding for the next 10 years. I also intend to complete the CFE process.

How do you plan to help elevate the profession? I will continue to perform my job in the most professional, ethical, and efficient manner possible, while providing development opportunities for our team members to grow in the industry. I will also continue to volunteer and assist the efforts of IAVM in whatever capacity I can to move our profession forward.

Where do you see new growth opportunities in the profession? Technology is certainly a focus for continuing to improve efficiency. However, I think that there is a growing opportunity for a refocus on personal and one-on-one experiences. The personal touches are what people—our clients, sponsors, and the community—will remember long after they walk out of our doors. People will never forget how you made them feel.

How do you stay current with industry trends and developments? Involvement in IAVM, reading research and industry publications, and interacting with fellow industry professionals.

Who are three people you’d invite to a dinner party and why? I would invite my three daughters. Because as they continue to grow older and have families of their own and as I continue to maintain the busy schedule that is the norm in venue management, I’d love to have just a quiet evening reconnecting with them.

Kathy Lowrey is the General Manager at Northshore Harbor Center in Slidell, Louisiana.

The post I Am Venue Management: Kathy Lowrey appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

Congratulations to the following individual who was recently awarded the Certified Venue Professional (CVP) designation.

Thanks to the generous funding and support from the IAVM Foundation, the CVP program was launched in August 2015 at VenueConnect in Baltimore. It recognizes the competence of middle-to-senior-level managers of public assembly venues as well as assisting the managers in creating a professional roadmap in the venue industry.

The CVP designation says three important things about an individual: he or she is a capable professional, is committed to the industry, and is pledged to continued professional growth and development. Venue professionals who earn the CVP designation are recognized, by those inside and outside the industry, as skilled in their profession.

Harold Peterson, CVP

The post Congratulations to Our Latest CVPs appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

Last week (November 22), a U.S. District Judge in Texas issued a nationwide temporary injunction against the Department of Labor’s (DOL) overtime regulation, which was scheduled to take effect on December 1, 2016. The nationwide temporary injunction puts a hold on the overtime rule until a final decision can be made in the case, meaning that, for now, the overtime rule will not take effect as planned December 1, but it could still be implemented down the road.

IAVM Members and their entity should consult with their legal counsel to prepare accordingly for what could come next.

IAVM has been an active voice in sharing information with our members, the impacts of the new overtime regulation, and will continue to update members as more information becomes available. The following is an article from SHRM written by Lisa Nagele-Piazza, SHRM-SCP, J.D.

How to Proceed After Last-Minute Overtime Rule Freeze by Lisa Nagele-Piazza, SHRM-SCP, J.D.  

A judge’s surprising decision to stop the federal overtime rule the week before its Dec. 1 effective date has left many HR professionals confused about what to do next.

Judge Amos Mazzant of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas placed a nationwide hold on the rule, leaving the existing Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exempt salary threshold intact—for now.

FLSA Overtime Rule Compliance

For more overtime compliance news, tips and tools, check out the SHRM resources provided below:

· FLSA Overtime Rule Resources Guide
· Overtime Rule Blocked: Now What?
· Compliance Checklist · Infographic

The ruling is temporary, and the final outcome could depend on a number of factors, including Mazzant’s final ruling in the case, a potential Department of Labor appeal and the stance that President-elect Donald Trump’s administration will take on wage and hour issues.

“We have been telling employers to sit tight while the uncertainty persists,” said Michael Arnold, an attorney with Mintz Levin in New York City. “Legally, there is nothing they have to do for now, but there are business decisions that will need to be made.”

The current salary threshold of $23,660 would have been raised to $47,476 if the new rule had taken effect. Many employers had the option of raising salaries above the exempt threshold or reclassifying exempt employees to nonexempt.

What an employer’s course of action is going to be may depend on how far down this path it has traveled already, according to Michael Jones, an attorney with Reed Smith in Philadelphia.

[SHRM members-only toolkit: Calculating Overtime Pay in the United States]

Regardless of how they decide to move forward, employers should have a clear communications strategy and an open dialog within the workplace, said Russell Bruch, an attorney with Morgan Lewis in Washington, D.C.

They may want to have a designated HR staffer to answer employee and manager questions alike and to ensure a consistent message, he added.

“If an employer is in a position to [reverse] changes scheduled to take effect next week, it can do so with some confidence, solely on the basis of this decision,” said Gerald Hathaway, an attorney with Drinker Biddle & Reath in New York City. “Many employers, however, already have the changes teed up to go into effect next week. Those employers can send a communication to employees indicating the changes were made based on the regulation taking effect Dec. 1, but the changes will be re-evaluated as further legal developments occur.”

Already Made Changes?

Some employers are asking if they are legally obligated to revert back to the current rule if they have already reclassified employees to nonexempt or bumped their salaries to comply with the higher threshold, Arnold said.

“Employers have no legal obligation to unwind the changes,” he explained. “They will have to consider what costs they will incur if they do roll back the changes, including cost to employee morale and the administrative expenses. If those potential costs outweigh the possible labor-cost savings, employers may want to think twice before reversing.”

Arnold emphasized that employers that do decide to reverse any changes they have already implemented can’t recoup wages they already paid at higher rates.

Whether employees’ salaries were raised or they were paid overtime wages in anticipation of the rule, those payments can’t be taken back, he said.

If an employer has already implemented the changes, it has to weigh the pros and cons of reverting back, Jones said. From a morale standpoint, the employer may want to leave a change in place, especially if it wasn’t a large increase.

In industries with tight profit margins, such as the retail and restaurant industries, employers may be at a labor cost disadvantage if they implemented the rule early and their competitors never put the changes in place, Jones noted. Absorbing costs that their competitors aren’t could have a significant impact on margins, so those employers might have to think harder about whether to revert back, he said.

“Some of those employers have been planning and communicating with employees but haven’t actually made changes,” Jones added. “They may have to walk back the message that these changes were coming, but that’s a little easier than adjusting pay back down.”

On the flipside, some businesses may be less competitive if they don’t put the changes in place and can’t attract qualified workers because other employers in their industry already made the changes and are offering higher wages.

“In some cases, you may be in a business where an employee is looking for career development opportunities and would welcome being converted back to exempt,” Arnold said. “That might not be the case for other businesses.”

“There’s no hard-and-fast rule here,” he added. “It really is an employer-by-employer or industry-by-industry evaluation.”

Haven’t Made Changes Yet?

The injunction isn’t final, and it isn’t clear when the district court will make a final determination or what will happen if the DOL appeals the ruling.

“Take it with a grain of salt, but a lot of the information out there suggests that the new administration is going to make some changes and may revisit the overtime rule,” Jones said. “If employers haven’t implemented any changes yet, they may want to wait and see what the final decision on this looks like.”

He said it is impossible to know for sure, but there could be a smaller increase to the salary threshold and the implementation could be phased in over time.

Employers in states like New York and California need to consider pending laws that will increase the state salary threshold for exemption, Arnold said. Employers in those states may decide to move forward anyway in anticipation of those state-law changes.

Bruch said employers should think about the reasons they were planning to make the changes. “If an employer hasn’t made the changes yet and was just doing this to comply with the law, it should probably hold off.”

He suggested that employers can say, “We think you were properly classified as exempt, and we aren’t going to make the change at this time.”

He noted that there could be other reasons employers are implementing these changes. “They may be taking the opportunity to address misclassification issues or may simply be moving up a merit increase to Dec. 1 that was initially scheduled for Jan. 1.”

Those employers might choose to move forward with the changes.

“Other employers that have already communicated the changes may want to move forward to avoid uncertainty and to be consistent with one message,” Bruch said. “They might decide not to rock the boat.”

The post DOL Overtime Rule Information (November 22) appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

AEG Ogden, part of the world leading Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), has overnight added to its growing network of entertainment arenas and theatres.

AEG Ogden, part of Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), announced it will manage the new, state of the art 20,000 seat Dubai Arena when it opens in 2018 for Meraas, a Dubai-based holding company with operations and assets in the United Arab Emirates, and would provide experienced operator input into the design of the venue.

Company Chairman and CEO Harvey Lister said AEG Ogden was excited to be working with Meraas to deliver an innovative world class, NBA standard arena that will put Dubai on the international entertainment touring circuit and make a major contribution to the Emirate’s continued development as a major tourism destination.

“Meraas has established itself as a key innovator in the UAE and is to be commended for strengthening Dubai’s global position through redefining industries in the property, hospitality, retail, healthcare, leisure and entertainment sectors,” Lister said. “Dubai is strategically positioned to capitalize on acts coming out of or flying to Europe via AEG’s established network of venues in Australia and Asia. 

“Dubai Arena joins AEG Ogden’s growing network in the Asia Pacific region which includes arenas in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Newcastle and three in China, convention centres with entertainment theatre inclusions in Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Kuala Lumpur and Oman, plus the 52,000 seat Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and will be a valued addition to AEG Facilities’ family of 130 plus iconic venues worldwide.

“It will also strengthen AEG’s position in the Middle East where stage one of the US$1.5 billion Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre opened last month and work is proceeding on stage two which includes a 3,200-seat theatre.”

Dubai Arena will be the only all-purpose indoor air-conditioned arena of its size in the region and will boast an advanced infrastructure allowing it to accommodate mega-events.

The venue is designed to have automated malleable seats which enables the arena to transform according to the scale of the event being held, no matter how small or big it is. It will also be able to host large scale weddings requiring extremely grand decorations and unconventional set-up which cannot be accommodated elsewhere. The project will attract distinctive and unique events that will appeal all audiences and will allow Dubai to be included alongside other key international cities such as London, Sydney and New York in hosting major touring events.

The project management contract for the destination was awarded to DXB Entertainment PJSC, who are responsible to oversee the design and construction of Dubai Arena.

The post AEG Ogden To Manage New Dubai Arena appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

Industry icon Vince Egan, best known as the founder of VEE Corporation and a kingpin for the touring show industry, passed away on Wednesday, November 30 following a lengthy illness. He was 74.

Kevin Kulas, SVP Marketing/Booking for VStar Entertainment Group, the name of the company following Egan’s retirement and selling of his company in 2015 to Blue Star Media, issued the following internal statement as more details are gathered to share concerning Egan’s passing.

“We are saddened to learn today that Vince Egan passed away early this morning from complications after a long surgery earlier this week. He was a part of our family for over 35 years and an icon in the industry. His vision, many years ago, touched the lives of millions of families around the world. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family in this difficult time. We will update you when we know more about services being held and we will accommodate those that would like to attend. 

Among his many contributions to the industry, Egan is best known for creating the Sesame Street Live! touring show.

“Vince was a pillar of this industry for decades,” said Randy Brown, executive vice president and general manager of the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, IN. “He was one of the early developers of family entertainment. It was his concept creating Sesame Street and a few other productions that followed that. You could call him old-school with his work, but at the same time he had a huge costume shop not just for what they do there, but they have outfitted Super Bowls and so many other huge events.

“He is surely one of the gentlemen of the industry. He was always very well dressed and just very dignified. In may ways you would say Vince was a visionary with kids and family entertainment. Somebody had to be first and he was right there.”

We will update this story as more information is gathered.

The post VEE Corp. Founder Vince Egan Passes Away appeared first on International Association of Venue Managers.

Mayor Marilyn Strickland and the Tacoma City Council recently approved US$21.3m to renovate the iconic Tacoma Dome – Washington State’s largest indoor venue – in the 2017-18 Biennial Budget presented by City Manager, T.C. Broadnax.

The City-owned facility will be revitalized with new seating, exterior beautification, renovated restrooms, modernized backstage areas and upgraded loading docks and security systems.

City of Tacoma Director of Tacoma Venues & Events, Kim Bedier, said:

The Tacoma Dome is an icon, a ‘must-play’ venue hosting world-class events for more than 33 years. We are looking forward to this exciting transformation and setting the stage for the Dome’s continuing legacy as the premier arena for live entertainment in this region.

Mayor Strickland said:

Investing in the infrastructure and long-term future of the Tacoma Dome is vital to the continued growth of arts and tourism in the region. The sustained economic vitality of the Dome will continue to advance Tacoma’s reputation as a destination. 

City Manager, T.C. Broadnax, added:

The City of Tacoma is committed to excellence and high standards in service. The revitalization of this legendary venue will not only impact the skyline but also boost community pride.

Renovations will begin in the summer of 2017. New seating will be installed during summer of 2018, with all renovations to be completed by the autumn/fall of 2018.
State-of-the-art telescopic seating will be installed, eliminating the portable seating from parking lots and providing a more comfortable experience for fans while improving operational efficiency and safety. Upgraded and additional restrooms will further elevate the guest experience.

Modified loading docks, offices and dressing rooms will redefine the experience for promoters, event producers, and artists. Exterior renovations include new siding, paint, and signage. Fire alarm and security advancements will further augment safety measures put in place earlier in 2016.

Since opening in 1983 with David Bowie, the Tacoma Dome has hosted the world’s top touring artists, including Drake, AC/DC, Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, U2, George Strait, Paul McCartney, Kenny Chesney, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5 and countless more.

Renowned for its unique wooden roof and excellent acoustics, the Tacoma Dome is the largest indoor arena in Washington. Along with touring shows, the venue hosts 125 events annually, including community events like state high school football championships and 27 graduations each year. The facility welcomes more than 500,000 guests annually and is consistently ranked by music industry publications amongst the top venues in the country based on gross ticket sales. Events already confirmed for 2017 include Eric Church, Bruno Mars, Roger Waters, Tim McGraw + Faith Hill, Blake Shelton and Chris Botti.

The improved efficiency and modernization of the facility are expected to increase the number and variety of events, guest satisfaction, and overall attendance.

About Tacoma Venues & Events (formerly Public Assembly Facilities)

The City of Tacoma enhances the quality of life for the community and drives economic vitality through its premier venues and diverse entertainment opportunities. Tacoma Venues & Events manages these renowned venues, which include the Tacoma Dome, one of the world’s largest wood domed structures, with flexible seating configurations ranging from 5,000-23,000; the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, artful and modern with its trademark glass walls and 119,000 square feet of event space; Cheney Stadium, home of the Tacoma Rainiers; and the Broadway Center’s historic Pantages and Rialto Theaters, and Theatre on the Square. The department collaborates with Travel Tacoma and Tacoma South Sound Sports to generate events for the region.

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