|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Back to Facility Manager
Contents
|
|
|
|
by Randall Vogel How often do you hear: Travel is a luxury? We just don’t have the time to send staff to a conference? We don’t have the money? I just returned from Philadelphia and the Performing Arts Facility Administrators Seminar (PAFAS). The conference was both educational and enjoyable. Mesa Arts Center Executive Director Gerry Fathauer and I almost passed on the seminar this year because we were preparing to move into our new facility and we were cutting back on travel as a cost savings measure. In essence, we believed we could not expend the time or money. After attending this year, let me say, you can’t afford not to go. The exchange of information, the networking and the educational sessions will prove to be of substantial value to my organization. Friday, February 18 We arrived in Philly and went out to dinner with a group of 18 venue managers. I spoke with Lorrin Shepherd from Tampa Center for the Performing Arts. We discussed their recent capital project - the opening of the conservatory. Tampa instantly became another resource that I can contact for ideas on my new facility. Saturday, February 19 This year’s
Backstage Boot Camp focused on front of house issues, technology trends,
financial planning and insurance issues After Backstage Boot camp we were treated to an absolutely incredible reception at the Kimmel Center for the Arts. This is truly a remarkable venue. Sunday, February 20 The Resident
Organizations Session touched on how our venues maintain relationships with
resident organizations. One of the main issues was the communication process
with resident groups. How do we provide leadership to help these
organizations succeed? This panel reinforced several points: At the Town Hall Session attendees
asked important questions: The Insurance Session might have been the most valuable session at the conference. Many issues were discussed including: Construction Insurance, Conessions Operations, Terrorism Coverage, and Cancellation/Non-Appearance Coverage. Marketing the Arts to Tourists. Cultural tourism is an important marketing tool to promote our organizations. We should work with our destination marketing organization; however, a successful campaign requires advance planning, a collaborative spirit, knowledge of partners’ needs and clearly defined goals. Monday, February 21 The morning opened
with speaker Diane Dalto who talked about Philadelphia’s successful Avenue
of the Arts. Her comments focused on three points: The session on Generating Revenue: Innovative Ways to Fill Empty Dates, provided insight on how to build a successful venue usage program. Each speaker touched on several points that I can incorporate into generating quality relationships and revenue for the Mesa Arts Center. During the “Battle of the Books” session the microphone was passed around the room to find out how people became venue managers. The day ended with writer Richard Coniff, who wrote “Field Guide to the Rich.” He provided a humorous look at the lifestyles of the rich and famous meeting the naked ape. Tuesday, February 22 The conference ended with two Town Hall sessions. There were quite a few discussions that ranged from operational policies and procedures to dealing with sales tax. One of the most interesting discussions addressed ADA and obese patrons. During all the breaks and throughout the evenings, I had the opportunity to socialize and network with old and new venue managers/friends. I realized that a seminar of this scope could not be accomplished without the generous support of the many sponsors whose names I became more familiar with during the PAFAS. And after hearing Michael Taormina, I understood and appreciated the important role of the IAAM Foundation in also making our meeting possible. I certainly would encourage you to donate to the Foundation for the many worthwhile causes it supports. The reality is that you can’t afford to miss this seminar. By not attending this conference you miss networking opportunities, revenue generating ideas and ways of improving customer service. For these reasons, I look forward to seeing all of you next year in Denver. Mark Mettes is vice president of operations for the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He may be contacted at mmettes@herbergertheater.org. |
||
|
©
2002-2005
International Association of Assembly Managers
|
