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Northeast China’s Exhibition Growth Potential Reflected In EXPO’s Inaugural Successes

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The Shenyang New World EXPO has begun its second operating year experiencing raving reviews by organizers, exhibitors, and visitors alike.

Immediately following its first anniversary on March 1, EXPO held four back-to-back exhibitions averaging 21,116 sqm of rental space and 13,112 visitors per event day to begin its second year of operations. The four exhibitions attracted 10,464 exhibiting companies.

From left: Diane Chen, EXPO general manager; Cliff Wallace, CVE, Shenyang New World EXPO (Management) Ltd. chairman; Yanji Wang, chairman of China Security & Protection Industry Association; and Liqun Zhang, president of event organizer Liaoning Public Security Products Association.

“We are so very encouraged and confident that the future is bright and that Shenyang will lead northeast China in becoming a more significant part of China’s growing exhibition industry,” said EXPO General Manager Diane Chen.

The first four shows of EXPO’s second operating year were:

20th China Northeast International Dental Equipment & Affiliated Facilities Exhibition Symposium on Oral Health – March 16th to 19th, organized by Liaoning Northern Industrial and Commercial Exhibition Service Co. Ltd.

2018 Northeast China AD Exhibition & 25th Liaoning AD/Sign/LED Lighting Expo – March 23rd to 25th, organized by Shanghai Modern International Exhibition Co. Ltd. (an UFI Approved Event)

2018 the 24th China Northeast International Building & Decoration Exhibition – March 29th to 31st, organized by Liaoning Northern Industrial and Commercial Exhibition Service Co. Ltd.

20th Public Security Exposition Northeast China – April 19th to 21st, organized by Liaoning the Great Wall Exhibition Advertising Co. Ltd.

Cliff Wallace, CVE, chairman of EXPO’s professional and private management company, said, “I cannot say enough about the support of our initial organizers and their commitment to raising all standards relative to their exhibitions. The exhibitors are impressed with the success of attendance and the venue including facilities and amenities unmatched in northeast China. Our management team and staff are amazingly enthusiastic and responsive and that is a key factor in the potential.”

In the coming months, the venue will also host two national conferences anticipated to attract upwards of 5,000 delegates each which Chen and Wallace again feel indicates confidence in the EXPO and Shenyang City.

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Ron Tite To Keynote VenueConnect Arena Track On “How To Thrive In The Expression Economy”

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To get your customers to show up at your arena and open their wallets, there is first the little matter of getting them to invest with their time. It’s a jungle out there, and one that marketing, branding, and creativity expert Ron Tite knows too well.

Tite, found and CEO of Church & State, a content marketing agency based in Toronto, will speak on the topic of “How to Thrive in the Expression Economy” during the Arena Track at VenueConnect on Tuesday, July 24, from 10:45-11:30 am.

Tite’s work includes an impressive list of clients including Air France, Evian, Hershey, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft, Intel, Microsoft, and Volvo. Addressing a variety of topics surrounding branding, corporate strategy, creativity, content, and social media, Tite’s presentations are not only information-packed, they’re also infused with his unique humour–guaranteed to have you laughing while you learn. It is that expertise that should connect Tite quite well to his VenueConnect audience.

“I spent 15 years as a touring comedian and producer,” Tite said. “Now I do 70 speeches a year all over the world so I’ve seen more venues in more towns than even I would care to admit. You know those horrible green rooms we’ve all heard about? Yup. I’ve been in all of them. I know what performers want and need for a successful show. More importantly, I’ve helped global brands create a face to face experience that creates a show worth seeing. At the end of the day, we all want (and need) to be heard. Just because we say it, doesn’t mean they’ll hear it. I’ve helped the world’s most respected brands and people win the battle for time.”

Tite went on to identify some concrete challenges that exist.

“Low production costs, easy distribution, and suddenly, everyone’s a creator,” he said. “Consumers can now fill their day with content dedicated to their hobbies, passions, and the things that interest them most. For business, that’s a problem. Consumers used to vote with their wallets. Now, they vote with their time. And you know who’s winning the battle for time? Other consumers. Right now, your customers are more creative than you are. They’re more innovative than you are. They’re more authentic than you are. Often, they’re even more helpful than you are.

“In the battle for time, your competition isn’t the category leader–it’s the consumers. It doesn’t matter if you’re selling a product, pitching a new idea, or trying to get a raise, your biggest challenge is getting a customer to willingly give you the time to do it.”

Before an edge of despair sets in, Tite said that attendees at his session will instead return home more energized and action-ready than before.

“You’ll be inspired. You’ll be informed. You’ll be entertained,” he said. “More than that, though, you’ll understand why things have changed, not just that they have. I think that’s important. There are too many thought leaders screaming, ‘You have to be more creative! You have to be more innovative,’ without providing a perspective on why.”

Tite does his own personal education survey about the public assembly venue industry and sees where he can make a difference with his personal toolbox of skills.

“Usually, I want to know what industry morale is like,” he said. “I think that’s a pretty good indicator of how business is. I like to immerse myself – but as an outsider. The strength of bringing someone from outside the industry is that you get a completely fresh perspective. So it’s doing enough research to be informed but not enough that you lose the outsider’s view.”

Expect to also have some belly laughs at the session and enjoy the elixir that comes from Tite’s comedy background.

“I was trained at Toronto’s legendary Second City,” he said about his career, which also includes producing and hosting a show called “Monkey Toast” for five years. “After performing a one-man play, I was caught in a hotel fire and had to be pulled from a 5th floor window. The next day, the headline in the paper read, “Fire no laughing matter for comedian.”

brooke porter

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IAVM Foundation Announces 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2018

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The IAVM Foundation has announced the 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2018.  The program, in its fourth year, is made possible thanks to the ongoing support of co-founding partners SearchWide and Ungerboeck Software International, as well as many IAVM Foundation donors.

“There were many extremely qualified and worthy applicants this year,” stated Kathryn Eades, IAVM Foundation Director of Development.  “Tough choices were made by the Foundation’s large group of judges, which included members from the Foundation Board of Trustees and numerous CVP’s.  Those chosen exemplify the characteristics of leadership and developing talent necessary to the future of our industry.”

Designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the venue management industry, the 30|UNDER|30 program recognizes emerging leaders – and their talents – which help accelerate the industry and carry it into the future. The Class of 2018 will convene for the first time at IAVM’s VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show in Toronto, July 22-25.

Award recipients will receive full complimentary registration to VenueConnect, as well as an $800 travel stipend.  They will also be provided opportunities for professional development in the venue industry to help better prepare them for continued career growth.

“As we embark on the fourth year as the founding partner, we continue to be proud of this program and thank IAVM for their commitment to it,” said Mark Gnatovic, Senior Vice President of SearchWide and a Foundation Trustee. “The 30 individuals selected this year show remarkable leadership potential in the venue management industry. We are confident the industry will be excited to meet these young professionals and offer guidance and mentorship to them as they continue their career paths.”

Meet the IAVM Foundation’s 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2018:

Billy Langenstein, Director Event Services, U.S. Bank Stadium (SMG)
Matt Christine, Marketing Manager, SMG Managed Santander Arena and Santander Performing Arts Center
Jericha McGill, Event Coordinator, SMG/Cox Convention Center & SMG/Chesapeake Energy Arena
Jack Wentzell, Senior Operations Manager, Spectra Venue Management/CFE Arena at UCF
Megan Dennis, Patron Services Manager , Wintrust Arena 
Carly Cuene, HR Generalist, Resch Center
Sarah Mathis, Senior Manager of Fan Experience, Jacksonville Jaguars- EverBank Field
Mevisha Maistry, Marketing and Communications Specialist , Shaw Conference Centre 
Craig Spillman, Director of Food and Beverage, VenuWorks of Ames / Iowa State Center
Geri Koenig, Visual & User Experience Designer, San Diego Convention Center
Justin Carlson, Senior Event Coordinator, Minneapolis Convention Center
Meghan Foehl, Engagement Coordinator, Walton Arts Center
Kevin Murphy, Event Services Manager, SMG Tulsa/BOK Center
Andrew Landrigan, Event & Meeting Coordinator, Exhibition Place
Courtney Urquhart, Event Manager, EventsDC/Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Justin Brand, Operations Manager , Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center 
Shannon Thomas, Event Manager , Walton Arts Center
Shelby Rich, Denver County Fair Event Manager/Complex Event Coordinator, National Western Complex
Kalyn Smith, House Manager, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Zachary Sloman, Booking & Marketing Manager, SMG/John Paul Jones Arena
KelVon Greer, Events Services Specialist, City of Dallas/ Fair Park
Alexandra Capitolo, Event Manager, San Francisco Giants
Grant Jones, Operations Manager , SMG/INTRUST Bank Arena 
Lisa Niess, Marketing and Communications Manager, U.S. Bank Stadium – SMG
Mario Duran, Operations Manager, Event Center at San Jose State University
Kaitlin Higgins, Venue Manager, Old Town School of Folk Music
Myra Palacios, Event Coordinator, Curtis Culwell Center
Andrias JW Murdaugh, Senior Event Manager, Events DC at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Taylor Hight, Senior House Manager, Walton Arts Center
Philip Costa, Director of Client Services, Baltimore Convention Center

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Industry Legends Ray Ward, Bill Cunningham Pass Away Six Days Apart

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Yesterday was a difficult and sad day at IAVM with word received of the passing of two of the greatest men to serve in the history of the public assembly venue industry and within the Association in Ray Ward, CVE, and William “Bill” Cunningham, CVE.

Ray Ward passed away on May 2 while Bill Cunningham passed on May 8. Ward served as an assistant to Cunningham and eventually followed Cunningham in guiding the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Cunningham served as president of IAAM (as both were known at the time) in 1973-74 while Ward held the reins in 1988-89. They were both in their positions in Oakland at the time they served as the top volunteer leaders in the Association.

Both share a massive list of accomplishments within the industry. For brevity at this time, Ward’s legacy will carry on after the establishment of the Ray Ward Award bestowed annually at his beloved Venue Management School at Oglebay Park. The award recognizes an individual associated with VMS whose dedicated service and extraordinary contributions over a period of at least six years have resulted in significant and long lasting improvements to the overall success and quality of the school. The award was created and initially presented to Ward in August 1996. Those who have earned the award over the years cite Ward in their remarks for his contributions to the school and the industry.

Cunningham began his industry career in 1957 as an assistant director at the Philadelphia Trade & Convention Center before moving to Oakland in 1964 to help open the Coliseum. He was among the first 27 recipients to receive the newly created Certified Facilities Executive (now Certified Venue Executive) designation in 1976. In an article that appeared in Facility Manager magazine, Cunningham cited as his most tangible accomplishment during his term as president the publication of the Industry Profile Survey, a compilation of the most comprehensive statistical analysis ever published in the public assembly field.

Those who knew the icons best expressed their sadness upon hearing the news.

“Bill was simply a mentor beyond mentors while Ray was another dear, dear friend,” said Cliff Wallace, CVE, who served as Association president in 1984-85. “Goodness, a tough day.”

Mike Kobluk, Association president in 1990-91, said upon receiving the news about Cunningham that, “Bill was a fine gentleman, an ultimate professional with a wonderful sense of humor. In many ways I considered him to be a major part of the backbone of our industry, one who was always willing to share his thoughts, ideas, and procedures, and was always there when you needed answers or just a smile and a word of encouragement. Though I haven’t been in contact with Bill since my retirement from the industry some years ago, I will always have fond memories of my times with Bill.”

While I did not personally know Cunningham, I certainly knew of him from what his friends shared throughout the years about a man almost bigger than life. In this profession, it is safe to say that he was larger than life.

Ray Ward will always be memorable to me for not just occasionally calling to the office to tell me that I was doing a good job with the magazine, but for his presence at VenueConnect in the later years of his life when he used a cane to walk around. While many utilize the benefit of networking at the annual conference, Ward would do that, but he was also always a constant presence on the front row of education sessions, a man who by example proved you are never to old to want to learn.

With the news of the passing of Ray Ward and Bill Cunningham fresh, we will update with information about services, memorials, and donations as they become available in the next few days, along with additional comments from industry colleagues and friends.

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IAVM Welcomes Amy Duncan as Membership Sales Specialist

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The International Association of Venue Managers has named Amy Duncan as its new Membership Sales Specialist. Amy joined the team on April 23, 2018. She was previously the Membership and Fitness Benefits Coordinator for the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas, where she increased membership sales by over 18% during her tenure.

“I was at a point in my professional career where I wanted more of a challenge,” stated Amy. “When I saw the opening on LinkedIn, it literally felt like everything I had been wanting and praying for!”

Amy’s primary focus will be to generate new business and new members across all sectors, as well as help drive revenue growth.

“The nerd in me is looking forward to the globalization aspect of our association,” she noted. “Being able to communicate with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and socioeconomic points of view is really awe-inspiring. The geography of the Earth is so massive but with technology our tangible world has become really small. I mean, I had to Google what time it was in New Zealand this morning to see if it was an appropriate time to send an email. How cool is that???”

Amy is originally from Louisiana, but she called Dallas home in 2001 when her family moved to Texas. She is wrapping up her Associate of Science in Business Administration at Richland College. An avid live concertgoer, she is looking forward to seeing events at our member venues!

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AEG Proposes $1.2-billion Expansion Of Los Angeles Convention Center, JW Marriott hotel

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It has been a few years since the Los Angeles Convention Center was expanded, 20 of them to be exact. Now, following a proposal by venue owner Anschutz Entertainment Group, that could change to the tune of a $1.2 billion to the facility, one that would definitely change the financial landscape for the venue and the city.

For the full scoop and story on the proposal, click here.

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Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Gets “Safest 70” Award

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The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has received a “Safest 70” award from the Louisiana Workers Compensation Corporation (LWCC), the largest workers’ compensation carrier in the state. The award acknowledges excellence, outstanding performance, and commitment to workplace safety, and is given to the top 70 of over 16,000 entities insured by LWCC.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was recognized based on the effectiveness of their safety efforts in preventing injuries and maintaining a consistent workplace safety history in 2017.

“It is an honor for our facility to be recognized by LWCC,” said Michael J. Sawaya, President and General Manager of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. “Providing a safe work environment is our highest priority and is a team effort. We consider our employees internal customers and value their input while collaborating on ways to continuously improve our facility. Philosophically, this in turn results in a safer environment for our patrons/external customers as well.”

Left to right: Brett Slocum, Assistant Director of Public Safety; Tim Tumminello, Director of Human Resources; Tanya Smith, Human Resources Coordinator; Darren J. Kimball, Lead Safety Services Consultant, LWCC; Susan Paisant, Client Relations Representative, LWCC; Mark Kaufman, Director of Public Safety.

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Birmingham Lands Sports Commissions Convention

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Birmingham is set to host a convention of sports event professionals, and it could mean millions of dollars in future bookings for the greater Birmingham area.

The National Association of Sports Commissions announced at their meeting this month in Minneapolis that Birmingham has won the bid to host their 2021 Annual Symposium.

As the only non-profit trade association in the U.S. sport tourism industry, the NASC is considered the most essential resource for sports commissions, sports destinations, vendors, and sports event owners. Nearly 800 member organizations lead, manage and execute sports events of all sizes.

“Hosting the NASC will be a rare opportunity for us to promote area sporting facilities and to meet one-on-one with industry professionals who plan sports events,” said J. John Oros, Jr., Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau president and CEO. “From the Birmingham Crossplex and the Hoover Metropolitan Complex to the BJCC Legacy Arena, we have a lot to show off.”

More than 1,000 attendees are expected for the 2021 Annual Symposium, resulting in about 4,000 room nights. Direct visitor spending during the event is estimated by NASC officials to be more than $1 million.

“While the economic impact of this convention is important, it is bookings in the aftermath that can benefit us for years to come,” Oros said.

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Los Angeles Convention Center Hires Nancy Walker As Vice President Of Sales & Marketing

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The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), owned by the City of Los Angeles and managed by AEG Facilities, announced the appointment of Nancy Walker as the new vice president of sales and marketing.

Nancy joins the LACC with more than 20 years experience in the events and trade show industry, most recently as the director of sales, North America at Reed Travel Exhibitions. Prior to her work as director of sales, Walker was the vice president and associate publisher at Tradeshow Week Magazine.

“Nancy will be a great addition to the outstanding LACC sales and marketing team,” said Ellen Schwartz, assistant general manager at the LACC. “Her expertise and fresh perspective will strengthen our Sales and Marketing Department and the facility as a whole.”

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Bill Cunningham Service Set For May 18

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William Arthur “Bud” Cunningham, of Manteca, California, born on June 29, 1928 in Newark, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at age 89 on May 8, 2018.

William is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Theresa Cunningham. Mary and Bud moved to Manteca in 2001 – after 37 years in San Leandro. Their life together was filled with adventure, excitement, love, and laughter.

He is also survived by his five children: son, Bill Cunningham (Joanne); daughters, Mary Anderson (Dennis), Kathy Pietrunti (John), Nancy Calderon (Phillip), and Theresa Stevens (James); seven grandchildren: Colleen Anderson Guidi (Scott), Michael Anderson, Stephen Pietrunti (Maria), Megan Pietrunti, Lindsey Calderon, Nicole Stevens, and Andrew Stevens; and two great-grandchildren: Ryan Guidi and Mia Guidi.

William is a graduate of Panzer College, East Orange, N.J., and completed graduate business studies at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

He was in the Facility Management industry for most of his career. He served at the Philadelphia Trade and Convention Center as an Assistant Director from 1957-1964; at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Complex as General Manager until 1980; and Coliseum Consultants as the President until retiring in 1995. He was elected President of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) from 1973-1974, then received the Charles A. McElravy award in 1978, the industry’s highest honor, for his contributions to the organization and profession. His career coincided with multiple championships for his beloved Oakland Athletics, Oakland Raiders, and the Golden State Warriors.

“Bill Cunningham will always be remembered for his passion for the profession of public assembly venue management, his consistent willingness to mentor anyone new to the field who expressed an interest, and of course, his terrific sense of humor,” said Bob Mayer, CVE, a long-time friend and also a fellow past IAVM president. “He helped and mentored me in many ways during my years on the Board with some special guidance, direction, and advice. His love of the Association was sincere and a part of his fabric. He will be missed.”

Friends and family can pay their respects at the memorial service on Friday, May 18 from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 6404 Washington Street, Yountville, California, 94599. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charity in his memory.

For an article that speaks greatly to his work in the public assembly venue profession, click here.

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In Her Own Words: Rose Mary Ward Shares About Her Beloved Husband, Ray

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February 7, 2019 would have marked the 60th wedding anniversary of Ray and Rose Mary Ward. The milestone was not lost on Rose Mary, who had many memories to share during a phone interview about her beloved husband, Ray, who passed away on May 2. It is too easy to toss around words like legend, icon, and giant, but Ray Ward was truly all of those and so much more to an industry he loved and to hundreds of people he groomed and mentored to likewise excel in the profession of public assembly venue management. In her own words, Rose Mary reveals so much about her husband in his prime as well as some poignant reflections as he was moved to a memory care facility in June 2017 to gallantly fight Alzheimer’s and congestive heart failure.

On Ray’s impact on people:

He didn’t talk much about mentoring. He would tell me about these special people and their qualities and how he admired them, but he didn’t talk about how he helped anybody. I knew he did, though, because I would run into people at a conference or something and there would always be a group of people in a room that came up to him and I just sat back and kind of watched. He loved the IAVM. He truly, truly loved it. He loved seeing it grow from when he went in and how much it had changed. It was amazing.

Everyone gravitated toward Ray. Even our sons’ friends would call him in the middle of the night, not their own father. Jonathan is our oldest, and then Stephen is the middle, and Daniel is the youngest. They all relied on their dad.

On Ray as a lifelong learner:

He was always reading and always learning. He remembered everything. He was always educating himself. There is always something you can learn. One of his sayings was that when your mouth is moving, you’re not learning anything. That was aimed at me!

On the passing of Ray’s close friend Bill Cunningham, who deceased on May 8 and was responsible for hiring Ward at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum:

Bill was the one that hired Ray when the Coliseum was just a hole in the ground. Those two were very close and had the same values with family so important. Bill had done a number of things so that Ray could coach the boys’ teams and stuff where he would come home to coach the team and then go back to work the Coliseum at night. He passed away just a week after Ray. Both of them always talked about the Coliseum and the different people in there.

On the disease that took over her husband:

Ray had Alzheimer’s and congestive heart failure. With Ray it was like with my mother. You lose a little by little. The man that died was not Ray. It was, but it wasn’t. He would hate what had haopened to him. It was like a relief. He wasn’t suffering any more. I have that I can look at and smile and say, you’re happy now. You’re not suffering. I do have the boys, my three boys, and they’re just wonderful.

It’s like a part of you. Every day you seem them going a little bit more. The disease took over his brain. You know, though, he remembered so many things about the Coliseum. How many years ago was that? He could remember all that. I was sharing with Brad (Mayne, IAVM president and CEO) how in the home Ray wasn’t about to do any of their little arts and crafts or little exercise groups.

I got him a big tablet and pen and pencil. He would watch and make lots of notes. He got so he wrote so little and tiny that you could barely read it. He would say, I’m telling you people you’re very inefficient at what you do. He was making all kinds of notes of how this place could be a real money make. Then the other thing he would do … they would call me in the middle of the night and I told them to quit doing that, but they would call me. He knew how to set off all their alarms. He would watch them setting things and stuff and then he would hide in a little alcove and watch them run down and turn them off and after walking back they’d see him and they’re laughing.

I said, I’m sorry. I started laughing, but you have to see the humor in this. I told them he is absolutely bored. You have to find jobs. He likes solving problems and he he likes working. He doesn’t know recreation and how to deal with that. He was the only one they called Mr. Ward or sir. Everybody else was by their first name. They knew he was not used to taking orders. He was used to giving orders. They would always ask him what do you think we should do today, or how should we handle this? They might make a suggestion and he might follow their suggestion. They did not tell him what to do.

I said, this is the real Ray Ward. At the end hospice came down. The nurse from the memory care had called them. He would go on plateaus but all of a sudden he just took a nosedive. I talked to the hospice doctor and he said that 99% of the time I can’t say absolutely for sure, but when it happens this quickly then it is that they usually have had a stroke. In a matter of about three weeks he went from me going in and I would get one of their soft ballsand would throw it to him. My son was there one time and he said, boy, he remembers exactly how to catch that ball and how you bat it back. He did not miss. He went from being like that to I would take a spoonful of something and put it in his mouth and asked if he could eat it. He would just keep his mouth open. He just stared and couldn’t even eat.

I got a phone call at 6 in the morning. They said they found him and he had died. I said I would be there as soon as I can. I took care of a few things and made a couple of phone calls. I went down there and went straight to him. I didn’t see anybody else. I looked at him and he was so peaceful looking. His face was always kind of scrunched up and he had a lot of pain from the heart disease. There was like a little smile. His mouth was open but it sort of turned up. I went down to the nurse and she said his hands were crossed across his chest. He looked to her like he was smiling. They closed his mouth and said his whole face was so relaxed and so peaceful. She said he just went in his sleep like that. That’s how I want to go.

On plans to honor her husband:

When my younger sister passed away, we had at my niece’s a little family get-together, memorial. That was about four years ago. On the way home, Ray said, That’s what I want. I don’t want any big-to-do thing. I just want the family or those real close. Just do it at the home. I am going to respect his wishes and that’s what I’m doing. It’s going to be in June. Just kind of a family thing. We are going to do an Irish wake and tell stories about dad, and uncle Ray. He was very important in the family, like the Godfather. It will be a happy time.
We were 20 years in Granite Bay, just outside of Sacramento. I just moved further up the mountain here. I checked with the boys and two of them said he told him the same thing. It was his wish.

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SEE, SAY, DO SOMETHING Encourages Students Of Dallas ISD To Become Situationally Aware

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Craig Miller, chief of police for the Dallas Independent School District Police Department, had moments earlier finished addressing a crowd of 6,000 mostly students sprinkled with educators and administrators at the American Airlines Center in Dallas at a community outreach program involving the arena, school district, and IAVM, when he commented on just how essential and impressive the event was.

Then, he added, in a somber tone, “It’s kind of ironic we are doing this right after what happened last Friday.”

That day, of course, was when a student at Santa Fe High School near Houston unleashed a volley of shots into a classroom that resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and wounded several more. The student voluntarily surrendered and is in custody.

Titled, SEE, SAY, DO SOMETHING, IAVM and Director of Education Mark Herrera brought together a diverse range of presenters from various backgrounds to share with students over the course of more than two hours the importance of boldly speaking up when anything is suspicious. It is a refrain that is common and certainly not novel, but a refrain that cannot be pushed enough at a time when data validates the troubled times that have plagued schools since Columbine on April 20, 1999. In fact, a show of hands in the crowd revealed that most were not even born when Columbine took place and know about it only by what they hear and read.

Herrera noted that the United States holds the unwanted distinction of having the most active shooter events with 21 such incidents already recorded at schools in 2018.

“Students had knowledge of 80% of the school shootings,” Herrera said. “These aren’t just sudden events. These are talked about in advance on social media, in the cafeteria. Over 90% of students planned the attack in advance.”

Whose Responsibility?

Chief Miller looked out at the sea of students that his department represents and implored their help.

“Our mission is to work with the campus administration,” he said. “Arrests are not our goal, but when we are challenged with situations we have to do often what we don’t want. Major change comes as a result of a major crisis. Columbine changed the way we respond. Then 9/11 changed forever how we do things. Sandy Hook (elementary school shooting in Connecticut on December 14, 2012, in which a shooter killed 26 people) brought about incredible changes in our schools and how we protect them.”

Chief Miller noted traveling to Parkland, Florida, 11 days after an attack on February 14 at the high school there in which 17 people were killed by a shooter. “You realize how personal this is now for people,” he said.

“Each of you in this crowd has a job to do,” he added. “Our job is to provide a safe learning environment for you. Your job is to supply information.”

Before addressing the crowd on the topic of Active Shooter – Making Prevention a Reality, John Skillestad, FBI Supervisory Special Agent, Office of Partner Engagement Violence Reduction Unit, Active Shooter Program, echoed much of Chief Miller’s theme.

“We cannot predict active shooters, but we can prevent them,” he said. “There are ways to prevent an active shooter. It’s not by looking at an individual and saying, ‘Oh, this person looks like an active shooter. I can tell by the way he’s dressed or she’s dressed.’ It’s all based on behavior. The behavioral aspects of what they do to share information out there that is basically a cry for help.”

It is a cry that often ends up being acted out and has dire and often deadly consequences.

“They are doing things unconsciously,” Skillestad said. “They may do it in writing, they may just go by their actions and showing that, hey, I am going down a pathway that people need to know that is not the pathway of normalcy.”

Again, Skillestad cautioned against making blanket summations of individuals, even though cues and hints get dropped along the way by the perpetrator. Such was the case at Santa Fe where the killer proudly displayed a “Born to Kill” shirt on social media.

“If this is something that he has never worn before to school or other behavior like that, then perhaps,” he said. “What we see is a lot of people will say, well, violent video games are the root cause of this. Well, how many kids play violent video games? Violent music where everybody listens to Marilyn Manson or whoever? Are they active shooters? No. It’s just part of the overall makeup of these individuals. What we believe they have is some type of deep-seeded angst for whatever reason. They were picked on, they felt slighted by not being chosen for an academic team or an athletic team. They just don’t feel like they are part of the community.

“My message is that each and every one of us, not only the students and not only the teachers but each and every member of the community, has to have the fortitude to stand up to someone who’s a bully or is picking on someone and saying that we are not going to have that. Then put it on those in positions of responsibility to make it incumbent on them to stop this. It may work in some situations and it may not, but if we don’t do anything nothing is going to change.”

Skillestad said that individuals need to be “upstanders as opposed to bystanders.”

“We don’t want people watching and saying, oh, isn’t that nice? We want people to react and respond and be a proactive force in the community.”

Addressing Vulnerabilities

Scott Breor, director, Protective Security Coordination Division with the Department of Homeland Security, leads a group that looks at the vulnerabilities within soft targets. Schools fall into that category.

“If you think about a facility or a venue where there is a large gathering of people, you often have an openness that schools have, that our churches have, vulnerabilities that can be exploited,” he said. “You could look at a school because it does have students populated, it does have open access to some extent. Newer constructed schools are better positioned to limit access with access controls, but schools typically have a vulnerability that can be exploited.”

Breor said he really had just one main message to implore the students, and that is to get involved.
“They need to assist whether it is a suspicious activity that another student might exhibit,” he said. “Think about the actions that are available to you if you were to hear a gun shot … if a gun shot went off in this room right now, where are the exits? Did you even think about that as you walked into this room?”

Breor emphasized that while students can be eyes and ears, the professionals are on the scene for a reason.

“Students don’t need to become security professionals but they need to get a level of awareness within the environment they are in,” he said.

The spectrum of speakers also included Cheryl Shannon, Dallas County District Judge, who spoke about the consequences of words, Dr. Tamara Madensen, UNLV Professor of Crowd Dynamics, who spoke on that topic, and Bob Kolasky, DHS Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Infrastructure Protection.
The school district was represented on a teen panel that included students Glenda Meyer, Molina High School, Alexandra Brooks, Woodrow Wilson High School, Reagan Ruffin, Skyline High School, and Lucky Lawhorn, Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. The students took turns asking questions of another panel made up of some of the presenters.

In addition to the education, students got to enjoy performances by dance teams of the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars, while the drum lines from Bryan Adams High School and Carter High School energized the crowd.

Dallas Maverick Dwight Powell opened things by welcoming the students. “We remember our middle school and high school days,” he said. “Take and protect your future as well as your classmates. It is exciting to see the good work you are doing for your community.”

Breor noted that this rollout at an IAVM member venue is a great start and one that has potential for future growth throughout the country.
“As this model possibly rolls out to other localities and metropolitan areas, our department wants to further along this relationship with IAVM so we can be not only supportive but also take part to show that there really are no lines where something belongs to this department, something belongs to the community, this belongs to the school district. We are all part of a community and we all need to address this for our schools.”

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New LED Displays Headed To Mississippi State University From Daktronics

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Daktronics has continued a long-standing relationship with Mississippi State University to provide two new LED video displays on campus in 2018. Bulldog soccer and volleyball fans will see the visual improvements at home games this fall as Mississippi State Soccer Field and Newell-Grissom Building are receiving new technology.

“The installation of new videoboards at soccer and volleyball will provide an enhanced game-day experience for our fans and student-athletes,” MSU Director of Athletics John Cohen said. “We’re thrilled to partner with Daktronics as we continue to elevate the Mississippi State brand at our venues.”

The new display at Mississippi State Soccer Field will measure 18 feet high by 32 feet wide and will feature a 15HD pixel layout with wide angle visibility to bring crisp, clear imagery to Bulldog fans at every game. It features industry-leading environmental protection to survive the elements while operating as expected.

Inside at Newell-Grissom Building, Bulldog volleyball fans will be looking at a new display measuring 10.5 feet high by 16.5 feet wide featuring an in-ward curvature to add extra appeal. It will feature 6-millimeter line spacing to provide an excellent picture with great contrast. Additionally, stat panels will be installed on each side of the main display to keep fan informed during the match.

“These installations expand the LED video technology on campus for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, their student-athletes and fans,” said Andrew Rice, Daktronics sales representative. “They will be game changers in terms of the overall fan experience at volleyball and soccer matches. We’re looking forward to seeing the impact when the displays are up and running later this year.”

Each display is capable of variable content zoning allowing them to show one large image or to be divided into multiple zones to show any combination of live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages.

In addition to the LED products being installed, the Bulldogs will also receive digital content from Daktronics Creative Services to help bring the displays to life. Content will be produced and delivered at the request of the university.

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MCEC’s New Expansion Close To Completion

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The finish line is in sight for Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) $200-million expansion site, which is under two months away from opening.

Once completed, the new space will cement MCEC’s position as the largest convention and exhibition space in Australia, with an increased total size of over 70,000 square meters. The 20,000-square-metre expansion includes 9,000 square metres of exhibition space plus additional flexible, multi-purpose event space, 1,000 seat plenary theatre, multiple meeting rooms, a banquet room, and the Goldfields Café and Bar.

MCEC Chief Executive Peter King said customer experience was front of mind when planning the design. “We want to ensure our facilities suit the needs of our customers, rather than constraining them to fit within our space. A multi-purpose area with a retractable 1,000-seat theatre and adaptable meeting rooms are just two of the many flexible features throughout the new building.”

More than 300 events have been confirmed or are being negotiated for the new expansion space, between July 2018 and the end of 2024.

Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Hon. John Eren, said the expansion will cement Melbourne as the business events capital of Australia. “Not only will this redevelopment boost tourism, it will create more than 900 new jobs and provide a massive boost to our visitor economy by attracting more events and thousands more visitors to Victoria each year.”

The 1st Malaria World Congress will be the first event held in Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s expansion space, from July 1-5. Malaria is one of the world’s leading health problems, causing death and severe illness to millions each year across the world. “It’s a privilege to bring together the global community who are working to help eradicate malaria, as our inaugural event in the expansion,” King said.

Club Melbourne is owned and led by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre with support and collaboration from Melbourne Convention Bureau and the Victorian State Government.

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Minneapolis Convention Center Unveils New Client Sustainability Reports For 2018

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The Minneapolis Convention Center (MCC) officially announced it has rolled out a new initiative to help meeting planners understand the environmental impact of their events. Customized client sustainability reports provide detailed analysis on energy and water usage, as well as how much material was recycled by each specific conference, meeting, or tradeshow. The MCC is a leader in sustainability, achieving a recycling rate of 61% for 2017.

“Limiting our environmental impact is extremely important, and our success is interconnected with the groups that hold their events with us,” said Director of Facility and Event Services Mark Zirbel. “Waste is sorted and accounted for, so we have the data available. Sharing that detailed information with meeting planners and event coordinators arms them with valuable insights. It also allows them to see their success or how they could be more proactive in making a positive impact on the environment.”

The Midwest Poultry Federation, which held its 2018 Annual Convention at the MCC in March, was among the first to receive a tailored event sustainability report. Their report showed sustainability efforts reduced the carbon impact of the annual meeting by 50%, or the same amount of carbon offset by 30,345 trees in one year. The MCC sustainability report uses visuals, including trees, to help planners put their numbers into context.

“Our attendees are poultry farmers and they work hard every day to reduce their carbon footprint on the farm,” said Lara Durben, assistant executive director for the Midwest Poultry Federation. “They will be very interested to see how the responsible use of water and energy along with the recovery of waste from our show makes a big difference to MCC’s overall sustainability program.”

MCC numbers:

• In 2017, the Minneapolis Convention Center produced 1,037 tons of waste, equal to the weight of 259 elephants. Staff recycling efforts recovered 61% of that waste, or 158 elephants.
• MCC used enough energy in 2017 to power 790 U.S. homes for one year. Through energy conservation, the MCC has reduced energy use by 13% since 2009, or enough to power 116 U.S. homes for one year.

“The Minneapolis Convention Center is a 1.6-million square foot facility that hosted 380 events in 2017,” said Executive Director Jeff Johnson. “By using our resources responsibly, we make a positive impact on our natural environment in this beautiful state.”

Tracking of the MCC’s recycling efforts began in 2012, when its recycling rate was 41%. By posting quarterly results, employees – who are integral to the success of the recycling program – see how their efforts can significantly impact the facility’s sustainability numbers. Staff embraced the program, which has allowed the MCC to reach its goal of a 60% recycling rate.

In addition to the client sustainability reports, ongoing initiatives include a roof-top solar array, a storm water run-off system that can divert 5 million gallons of untreated run-off from the Mississippi River every year, LED digital signage, and water bottle refilling stations to discourage the use of single-use water bottles. The Minneapolis Convention Center is also LEED certified, and has earned a coveted Green Meetings Industry Council certification.

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Former IAVM Education Director Don Hancock Reflects On Ray Ward, Bill Cunningham

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During my years as education director at IAAM, I worked continuously with Ray on many projects. We warmed up to one another, he in a mentor role to me. Am I the only person Ray mentored? I worked briefly with Bill Cunningham in the mid-90s when IAAM was collecting its history for its 75th anniversary. At lunch in Austin, Texas after visiting the IAAM archives at the University of Texas, Bill told the story of his decision to hire Ray at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum as his assistant. I believe Ray had recently finished a master’s degree at the University of California-Santa Barbara and included in his job application a reference from some sports-related agency he had interned with. Bill called the reference and received a glowing recommendation except that Ray sometimes seemed to be too much of a perfectionist. With that warning, Bill said he knew Ray was the right man and hired him. So these two perfectionistic, Type A personalities, by all accounts were masterful as facility managers and as longtime leaders of IAVM.

Editor’s Note: Don Hancock will share more about these industry legends in the July/August issue of Facility Manager magazine. We invite anyone who has a memory of Ray Ward and/or Bill Cunningham to please email your brief comments to R.V. Baugus at rv.baugus@iavm.org to be part of the tribute package that we will be paying to honor these men.

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Facility Manager Magazine Wants Your Tribute Comments About Ray Ward, Bill Cunningham

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The July/August VenueConnect issue of Facility Manager magazine will include a special section to honor the memories of several industry members who have passed away in recent months, including Ray Ward and Bill Cunningham, two former IAVM presidents who had a huge impact on so many in the profession.

Only you know how either of these industry giants moved along your career or just said something that has remained with you to this day. We would love to capture those thoughts or any brief stories you have to share about Ray, Bill, or both.

Please submit by email those tribute memories to Facility Manager Senior Editor R.V. Baugus by June 8 at rv.baugus@iavm.org. If you have a photo you would like to include with your comments, we welcome and encourage those as well.

Help us honor and remember these true industry legends and the role they played in shaping the Association and the profession.

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Foundation Events at VenueConnect

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Dear Fellow IAVM Members:

Summer is beginning, and the excitement that is VenueConnect is drawing nearer every day.  I hope you are all planning to attend as this is one of the best ways to make connections with other professionals in our industry, obtain new information and training, meet with vendors who are exhibiting on the tradeshow floor and much more.   If you have not yet registered for VenueConnect, now is the time to do so as we are only about 7 weeks away from the event!  When you register, I also encourage you to register for the Foundation Golf Tournament and for any of the many tours and activities offered for your pleasure on Sunday.

There are also numerous sponsorship opportunities available.  We have opportunities for sponsorships to the golf tournament and various Foundation programs.  This is an excellent opportunity for you to spotlight your business to your customers.

As you may know, the Foundation Silent Auction will take place on the tradeshow floor again this year and is looking better than ever.  This year we are happy to announce that the Silent Auction will be brought to you by Spectra, our title sponsor.  To make this Silent Auction even more spectacular we need your help in providing auction items to the Foundation.  The auction is only so good as the items we have to offer, so please consider providing something from your venue or an item that people might be interested in.  Please contact Kathryn Eades with questions or to donate.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all in Toronto!

 

 

 

Stephanie Curran, CVE

Chair, IAVM Foundation Board of Trustees

 

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Foundation Launches 100+ Women of IAVM Campaign 2018

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Today is the day! Time to launch 2018’s  100+ Women of IAVM Campaign! – specifically created for women by women.

Behind every great woman is a strong Foundation and this is my chance to say thank you once again for being one of the 108- 2017 donors. You made it all possible!

Please take a moment today and be among the first to support our new campaign for 2018.  I’d like to encourage you to join this elite group by visiting the 100 Women of IAVM fundraising page to make your donation. 

Meet the five women who were awarded last year due to the 100+ Women Campaign 2017:

  • Arenas – Eboni Wilson –  Event Manager, MGM Resorts International, Las, Vegas NV
  • Conventions – Dianne Javier, Event Manager, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA
  • Stadiums – Megan Max – Executive Assistant, National Music Publishers Association, Washington, DC
  • AMP & FG – Lori Marshall, Chief Executive Officer, Cow Palace Arena & Event Center, Daly City, CA
  • PAMC – Tori Morgensai – Technical Theatre Coordinator/Production Coordinator, Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ

Your investment in 100+ Women of IAVM has the potential to change the lives of the women in our industry. Each scholarship recipient will not only be able to attend one of our education packed events to further grow in their field, but also network with the great leaders in the industry as well.  

“I am so honored to have been awarded this scholarship and look forward to this opportunity to continue learning and networking with colleagues in this great industry” –  Lori Marshall, Chief Executive Officer, Cow Palace Arena & Event Center

Remember, the idea is simple – 100 Women each giving $100 means $10,000 each year! By paying it forward and giving $100 each, we can provide five (5) women a full scholarship to VenueConnect, as well as one (1) to AVSS for both years. 

I’m proud to be part of this amazing group of 108 donors and hope to see you join me again this year. Thank you for your support!

 

Kerry Painter, CFE | IAVM Foundation Trustee
Assistant General Manager | Cox Business Center

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Calling All Allied Members – Foundation Golf Needs You!

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Calling all Allieds!  We need your help to make our golf tournament a huge success.  We still have numerous sponsorship opportunities available for the Foundation Golf Tournament at VenueConnect 2018 in Toronto, July 22, available.  We need you to invest in your foundation and help make this year’s golf extravaganza the best ever.

Foundation Golf is a classic combination of business development, networking, sport, relaxation, and philanthropy. Average attendance is 120 golfers. Attendees are active IAVM Members, including decision-making facility managers, and Allied IAVM Members, made up of business representatives for various consultants, service providers and vendors.

This year’s tournament is heading to Lionhead Golf and Conference Centre, which boasts beautifully landscaped grounds that incorporate the natural beauty of meadows, wetlands, forests and natural foliage on 520 acres of land. Designed and groomed to excite every level of golfer.

This is your chance to expand your brand recognition through targeted sponsorship opportunities.  By making your presence known at the Golf Tournament, you will have the chance to personally communicate with our members. gain prime, credible exposure and make a long-term impact among a highly influential audience, and exude a message of commitment and support to attendees and our industry.  All while having fun, networking with potential clients, and playing a best ball, par is your friend, scramble format, played on one 18-hole course.

Want to know more?  Contact Katheryn Eades or visit our online prospectus now!

Thank you to our current sponsors for continuing to help make the Foundation Golf Tournament possible: Feld Entertainment, Covermaster, SICOUngerboeck Software International, Smith Seckman Reid, Inc., ON Site Audio Visual, Robbins Sports Surfaces, Dant Clayton Corporation, AECOM, Walter P. Moore, DLR Group, Carol Wallace & Associates, TicketsWest.

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