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July 1, 2008      

Association News

IAAM Foundation Silent Auction Bids Surpass $10,000!


The bidding wars have begun, with popular items surpassing a total of $10,000 in bids to date! The most popular items include lobsters, gift cards, memorabilia and tickets, tickets, tickets! Go to www.iaamfoundation.cmarket.com and get in on the action.

FIND IT

If you seek you will find and we want to help you find it all for the upcoming IAAM Conference and Trade Show!

Find a new opportunity with our Career Resource Center located in the Anaheim Convention Center, 2nd Level, South. Stop by if you are a student or employee looking to advance your career. Here you will be able to network with key leaders in the industry and find out the right path for you. There will also be a place to post your resume and you can even have an HR professional review it and offer suggestions for you.
Find out what is going on with your association in the Press/Media Room located in the Anaheim Convention Center, 304A. Here there will be recent press releases and information to keep you up to date about IAAM and our news.
Find your inner child with Twilight Discounted Disney tickets. IAAM is offering a special for you to take advantage of the free time and get a discount to visit the parks where Dreams Come True.
 
FREE TIME SCHEDULE:
1. Friday, July 25, ALL DAY, Disneyland® Park and/or Disney's California
Adventure® Park
2. *Monday, July 28, Twilight only, 4:00pm to Midnight, (Disneyland® Park) or
4:00pm to 10:00pm, (Disney's California Adventure® Park)
3. Tuesday, July 29, Noon-Midnight, Disneyland® Park and/or Disney's California
Adventure® Park

*Monday, July 28 is also Fun Night at House of Blues from 6:30pm to 10:30pm located in the Downtown Disney® District. You are able to come and go to both events as they are located next door to each other.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:
• Skip the lines
• Save Money
• No Service Charge for Mailing
• Bigger Discount by using the Disney Ticket Store online

**This Special is not available at the Theme Park ticket window

For advance purchase of specially-priced Disneyland® Resort Theme Park Tickets SHOP NOW.
Find time to compare notes as a young professional. For the first time at Annual Conference IAAM is hosting a Young Professionals Reception on Sunday, July 27th from 6:00 pm -7:00 pm. If you are a student or young professional in the industry use this opportunity to discuss challenges that you face.
Find answers to all of your questions as a member at the IAAM Membership booth #1483 on the Trade Show floor. Here IAAM representatives will be available during trade show hours to assist you with your needs as a member or potential member of the association. Come by and see us!
Find out about all that Southern California has to offer. The Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau is offering a Show Your Badge & Save Program. This program is open to any conference attendee while in Anaheim and will help you save on things such as restaurants, attractions, and much more. All you have to do is show your conference badge at participating local establishments to help you save. To learn more about where you can save while attending the Annual Conference click here.

We hope you find everything you are looking for at the upcoming 83rd Annual Conference & Trade Show. If you would like more information visit our website at www.iaam.org.

IAAM Staff Spotlight: Timberly Eyssen

Name: Timberly Eyssen
Position: Foundation Development Associate
Describe some of your responsibilities: My main responsibilities are to manage the Silent Auction at the IAAM Annual Conference, assist in the development of the Annual Campaign, manage all donor records and recognition, and administratively support the efforts of the Foundation Director and Board of Trustees.
How long have you been with IAAM? I think I am the “newest” kid on the block, having joined IAAM this past November. Previously, I was the development and marketing associate for a nonprofit in child, youth and family services in New England. I managed the largest NEN Polar Plunge in the Boston Bay in 2006!
Favorite Part of IAAM: Learning all the facets of IAAM and the various things the organization and Foundation encompass. I learn new skills every day and I am impressed by the great accomplishments for which IAAM is responsible.
What are some exciting things coming up in your area that you would like our members to know about? I am trying to become more eco-conscious so I am very excited about the Conference this year and the going-green concept. Hopefully all our members will recognize the importance and impact of what we all can do – as individuals and organizations. I am also very excited about all of the Foundation activities for conference this year. The Golf Tournament, the Harley Ride and the Silent Auction are going to be fantastic events. We have over 200 items for our Silent Auction this year, which is a new record. There are some amazing items for bidding and I know it will be hard for people to pick just one!
How do you hope to add value to the IAAM Members? I hope to be a personal contact for anyone needing help or advice in donating to our organization and inspiring anyone helping to contribute to our wonderful funding opportunities. I look forward to meeting many members in person that I currently only know through email and phone.
Who/What inspires you? My son, Connor. Being a single child raised by a single mom is hard on both. This past freshman year he decided to get into cheerleading and is motivated to do well to hopefully obtain a full scholarship to college, as male cheerleaders are often highly scouted. Last year he made 2nd place in state and this year is heading to nationals with the Varsity team – and he just started this year!
What is something that the members don’t know about you? In high school and college, I earned several first place medals and awards in debate and theatre, which garnered me several scholarships. I placed first in the state of Texas for my Public Relations internship with the Communities Foundation of Texas. I am a big advocate for human and animal rights and have been both a donor and PR/marketing coordinator for local branches of the ASPCA, Sierra Club and the Human Rights Campaign.
Hobbies: My hobbies are fun, varied and definitely not the “norm”! I love to spin fire poi (Google it!). It is a semi-hazardous hobby if you don’t have the right training. I missed my calling in life as a forensic pathologist or CDC biohazard scientist - so I live their lives vicariously by reading and watching nonfiction stories about their experiences. I was a pirate (or PC “Buccaneer American”) long before Johnny Depp made it cool, by performing in local renaissance faires.  

The Best X-TREME Trade Show Ever Is Around The Corner

The prizes have never been greater, nor has the excitement that is building to a crescendo for this year's X-TREME Trade Show. This is your opportunity to win fabulous prizes, many that have never been offered before. The X-TREME Trade Show takes place on Saturday (6 pm-9 pm), Sunday (12 pm-5 pm) and Monday (9 am-11 am).

Here are some of the fabulous items with a high-tech twist that you will find at the X-TREME Trade Show:

The rules of the game are as follows:

•  Full IAAM and NAC Conference Registrants are allowed to participate.
•  IAAM employees, NAC employees, Exhibitors, Spouses, Students and Youth are Not Eligible
•  Visit participating exhibitors’ booths and receive a two-part ticket. You will receive only one
   ticket per booth, but you may visit as many booths as time allows.
•  Drop one portion of the ticket in the hopper at the IAAM Membership Booth #1483, and retain
   the other portion.
•  Winning ticket numbers will be posted in the Mitsubishi Booth #1187 at 11:00 am on Monday,
    July 28th.
•  No more than one prize can be won per person.
•  You must have your winning ticket to claim your prize.
•  Winners can pick up their prize at the IAAM Membership Booth #1483.
•  You must be present to win.
•  Winners are responsible for all shipping costs and delivery of your prize.
•  IAAM reserves the right to withhold prizes based on compliance to the rules listed above.

The 9th Annual University Venue Management Conference (UVMC) is dedicated to providing you the tools and resources you need to run your facility effortlessly, efficiently and economically.

A taste of this year’s program from July 25-27 includes:
    • UF Taser Incident: Is your venue vulnerable for negative attention?
    • Going Green on Campus
    • Renovating University Performing Arts Centers
    • University Venues: Competent? Competitive? Or just Complacent?

Click here for a complete program. 

Foundation Friday is coming soon, July 25th in Anaheim! Don’t miss your opportunity to participate in these excellent networking events, designed for fun and fundraising!

The IAAM Foundation Friday Golf Tournament presented by Miller Brewing Company is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, with new contests and awards added at last year’s price! Go to www.iaamfoundationgolf.com to register.

Be a rebel, at least for a day, on the 2nd Annual Harley Ride! A scenic adventure is planned, with plenty of stops, curves, straightaways, and photo opps. To register, go to the Foundation Friday section of the IAAM Conference pages or click here. 

Visit the IAAM Membership Booth, #1483, to enter a drawing to win a $200 Gas Card of your choice.

The catch – You must update your membership record for the 2009 Member & Services Guide. You could drive on us for free for weeks! More details in the membership booth. While visiting with us, get more information about your membership benefits, purchase IAAM educational products and more. All roads lead to IAAM; drive by and see us at Booth #1483.

Chapter Buzz: Bay Area, Arizona Meetings

IAAM District VII - Bay Area Chapter Meeting

The Monterey Conference Center served as the host facility for a chapter meeting held on June 27. Tish Sammon, Community Resources Coordinator, City of Monterey, presented “Power and Challenge of Four Generations – Communicating & Working With the Generations.” Also, “Making Your Facility Green” was presented by Kathleen Hennesey, Recycling Manager, Moscone Convention Center.

Attendees toured the Monterey Conference Center after the event.

Dan Concepcion, General Manager, Monterey Conference Center, organized the event. “Our goal for this meeting was to reach out to the Central Coast/ Northern California colleges, universities, adult schools, shopping centers, etc.," said Concepcion. IAAM WHQ provided membership information for the attendees to learn more about the industry.

IAAM District VII – Arizona Chapter Meeting

A chapter meeting is scheduled for July 14 at the Glendale Civic Center in Glendale, AZ. Mark Mettes, Vice President, Herberger Theater Center, is the organizer. Mark is also the Chair of the Chapters Committee. Contact him for more details if you’d like to participate at (602) 254-7399 x 107 or email him at: mmettes@herbergertheater.org.

Would you like more information about organizing a chapter meeting in your city or university? Contact Gina Brydson, Membership Marketing Manager, at IAAM WHQ, (972) 906-7441 or email her at gina.brydson@iaam.org.

Apply Now For August 16-22 Academy For Venue Safety & Security

The Academy for Venue Safety & Security (AVSS) is comprised of five full days of intensive training in security planning and life safety management for the public assembly venue industry. AVSS provides an in-depth approach to prepare, prevent, respond, and recover from many of the types of emergencies that occur at public assembly facilities. It also offers the most relevant and current safety and security training available to venue managers. The faculty is made of industry leaders and recognized experts in safety and security, who will give you the tools to enhance the safety of your patrons, staff, and event.

Click here for the core curriculum and how to obtain more information about AVSS.

The responsibility for preparedness and essential crisis management in this day and age is critical to our way of life. AVSS features experts on terrorism, legal concerns, accountability issues, preparedness techniques and the lessons learned from real incidents that could happen at your venue. The role of venue managers and the responsibility of the safety and security of your event, patrons and staff should be factored into your annual training program. AVSS provides the training that your staff and security team needs to be prepared, to know how to prevent, to respond and how to recover from incidences that we don't want to face but must. Don't wait until it is too late, be ready.
Join Opening Speaker Sue Mencer at AVSS and learn how what happened at the Columbine High School incident can help you be more prepared. Are we more or less prepared nine years later? Are you?

Ms. Mencer is a 20-year veteran of the FBI, and former executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety. As part of her duties, Ms. Mencer was the director of the Columbine Commission, responsible for reviewing law enforcements reaction to the tragedy at Columbine High School. The Commission explored the problems that occurred in the aftermath, with the command and control, media, and the impediments that arose surrounding this tragedy. She led the charge with analyzing the response to this massacre and not only recommended but implemented changes in the system. Ms. Mencer brings her personal perspective to a huge national crisis that occurred in her backyard.

From 2003-2005, Ms. Mencer was the Director of the Office for Domestic Preparedness (ODP) within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Appointed by President Bush and confirmed by the United States Senate, she managed a $4 billion budget and directed federal initiatives to help states, local jurisdictions, regional authorities, and tribal governments plan for, prepare for, prevent, and respond to acts of terrorism. Ms. Mencer administered more than 25 programs and initiatives to equip, train, exercise, and assist state and local first responders.

APPLY NOW to attend AVSS this August.
 

There are plenty of conference highlights for the September 13-16 Arena Management Conference in Kansas City. Want to know why you should attend? Here are a few reasons:

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
       • Guest Relations Training Expert
       • Customer Service Disaster – Averted!
       • Safe Not Sorry: Working Together for Venue Safety
       • Brand X: The Power of National Brands in Arena’s Food & Beverage
       • It’s the Law: Facility Legal Issues
       • Ed Burch Memorial Golf Tournament at Ironhorse Golf Club
       • The ever popular ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Early-bird registration for the AMC runs through July 14, so register today.

Register Now And Save For IAAM’s 27th Annual International Convention Center Conference

Portland is host to the September 25-27 International Convention Center Conference. If you register today, you will enjoy Early Bird savings for a conference that offers the following:

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
       • Golf Tournament at Stone Creek Golf Club
       • Keynote Speaker: Larry Miller, President, Portland Trailblazers
       • Convention Center Industry Outlook
       • New Developments in Tradeshow Labor
       • Going Green – Where to Focus?
       • The Facility Disconnect – Planners vs. Buildings
       • Facility Management outside the U.S.
       • Managing the Unexpected Event – Tornado!
       • Closing Hurricane Party

Portland, OR is hosting IAAM’s 27th Annual International Convention Center Conference. ICCC will provide you with the latest information in the convention and exhibit facility management. From new technology to the state of the industry, updates on important issues facing convention center managers will be on the agenda. Early-bird registration is available through July 28.
Register today!
 

ICMC Proves A Good Offense Is The Best Defense

Register online today for the 26th Annual International Crowd Management Conference taking place October 25-29 at the Wyndham Hotel in Phoenix. Early-bird registration runs through August 25.

ICMC offers a forum for sharing, exchanging, and practical application of crowd management techniques.

THIS YEARS PROGRAM INCLUDES:
     • Boot Camp – An introduction to crowd management fundamentals
     • Opening Keynote: Cortez Trotter, VP & Director, James Lee Witt Associates
     • Crowd Celebration: Management by Planning
     • Drug Induced Behavior
     • Managing Protest
     • Evacuating the Disabled: Training and Programmatic Issues
     • Life Safety Code – Training Requirements for Crowd Managers
     • Facility Tours
     • Golf Tournament at Aguila Golf Course


Join ICMC in Phoenix where the educational sessions are motivating, informative and offers real solutions while hosted in a city that is vibrant.

Register today.

The EAVM is a two-year course which, upon completion, gives pupils an internationally recognized certificate of competence. This is an educational opportunity for directors, managers, supervisors, and others responsible for building and event operations in arenas, stadia, congress centres, performing arts theatres and other similar venues. The Academy has been modeled upon IAAM’s very successful Public Assembly Facility Management School in the U.S.A, which celebrated its 21st Anniversary last year, and the Public Venue Management School in Australia, for the Asia Pacific region.

Click here for more information.   

Be sure to stop by the IAAM Membership Booth at the Annual Conference & Trade Show, Booth #1483 and pick up the most up-to-date IAAM Calendar of Events. Coming up . . . .

February 7-10, 2009
Performing Arts Managers Conference (PAMC)
Renaissance Waverly Hotel
Atlanta, GA

February 21-27, 2009
Academy for Venue Safety & Security Winter 2009 (AVSS)
American Airlines Training & Conference Center
Fort Worth, TX

May 14-16, 2009
International Stadium Management Conference (ISMC)
TBA

May 30-June 4, 2009
Public Assembly Facility Management School (PAFMS @ Oglebay)
Wheeling, West Virginia

June 22-25, 2009
Senior Executive Symposium (SES)

JuLy 24-25, 2009
University Venue Management Conference (UVMC)
Boston Convention Center
Boston, MA

July 24-28, 2009
84th Annual Conference & Trade Show
Boston Convention Center
Boston, MA

Turner Madden Elected Vice Chairman Of PCIS Council

The Partnership for Critical Infrastructure Security ("PCIS"), which consists of two representatives from all 18 Homeland Security Sectors, has elected Turner Madden Vice Chairman of the Council. This will further help IAAM's efforts with its relationship with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In order to cooperate successfully on a full range of security issues relevant to critical infrastructure protection, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is committed to developing comprehensive security partnerships through the Sector Partnership Model described in the National Infrastructure Protection Plan.

All of these private sector councils have representation on PCIS which serves as the primary umbrella Council for the partnership between DHS and the private sector on security-related issues. Sectors included on PCIS include: Banking and Finance, Chemical, Commercial Facilities, Commercial Nuclear Reactors, Materials and Waste, Dams, Defense Industrial Base, Drinking Water and Water Treatment Systems, Emergency Services, Energy, Food and Agriculture, Information Technology, Postal and Shipping, Public Health, Telecommunications and five Transportation subsectors. For more information on PCIS, go to www.pcis.org .     
 

Record Flood Damages Cedar Rapids Venues

Record flooding from the Cedar River severely damaged one city-owned venue and profoundly affected two others in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. All three venues are managed by VenuWorks.

The Paramount Theatre, built in 1928 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was devastated by the flood, which reached a record crest of 31.2 feet—nearly 20 feet above flood stage and 12 feet above the previous record flood set in 1929. The flood overran more than 400 city blocks, displacing an estimated 24,000 residents in a city of 120,000. The entire downtown area was engulfed in water and initial damage estimates were in excess of $730 million.

At its crest, waters from the flood lapped at the marquee signage above the Paramount’s main entrance. The Paramount Theatre, which underwent a $7.8 million renovation in 2003, had its “Mighty Wurlitzer” organ ruined, and most of the exterior glass and doors were cracked or blown out by the force of the water.

Damage was minimal at the U.S. Cellular Center, four blocks northwest of the Paramount. Nearly six inches of water breached the building, but sandbags reinforced vital areas.

“I want to commend our staff for their heroic efforts to save the Paramount Theatre and U.S. Cellular Center,” said Scott Schoenike, executive director of all three Cedar Rapids facilities. “The water was so much higher than anyone could have anticipated. The entire city was
overwhelmed.”

In Memoriam: Howard Persina

Howard Persina, an IAAM member since 1981 who served on the board for District 1, has died at the age of 84.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Persina saw active duty as a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. His public assembly facility career included stints at Grand Central Palace in New York; New York Coliseum; and Atlantic City Convention Center Authority as executive director.

He is survived by his daughters, Donna Meyer and her husband, William, and Susan Persina; five grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Those who wish in lieu of flowers may make donations in Howard Persina’s memory to the AtlantiCare Hospice, 1406 Doughtey Road, Pleasantville, NJ 08232, or to the Humane Society of Atlantic County, 1401 Absecon Boulevard, Atlantic City, NJ 08401.

Atwood A. Olson, IAAM president in 1959 and recipient of the Charles A. McElravy Award in 1969, passed away on February 10 at his home in Sun Lakes, Arizona. He was interred at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis next to his wife, Sharon.

Condolences may be expressed to his daughter, Candi Parras, at 850 21st Street, Hermosa, CA 90254.

TEAM ONE ATLANTA recently opened a 40,000 square foot facility in Las Vegas. This new expansion now extends the finest exhibit design and production services to another of the nation’s premier trade show destinations. “In addition to our quality craftsmanship, this full-service exhibit shop will provide customers with unprecedented access to warehouse storage and rental equipment from coast to coast. Since transportation costs are placing such a major burden on exhibitors today, we created a base in the west to reduce costs and increase the value of our services,” said Bill Groff, TEAM ONE president and founder. The new office, which includes a full sign shop, is conveniently located in North Las Vegas.

TEAM ONE delivers dynamic environments for tradeshows, museums, and retail venues. In-house designers, experienced project managers, talented craftsmen and cutting-edge technology allow TEAM ONE to provide cost-effective solutions for all of your exhibit requirements.

Learn more at www.teamoneexhibits.com.

The San Diego Convention Center received the 2007 Association Meetings Inner Circle Award from Association Meetings magazine for being one of the top-rated convention centers in the nation. The venue was the only center on the West Coast to receive this honor and one of just 15 convention centers nation-wide. Award winners are selected by an annual reader’s survey of the best convention centers, convention and visitors bureaus and hotels in the meetings industry.

“We are honored to be chosen for this prestigious industry award,” said Carol Wallace, president and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation. “The meetings and convention industry is highly competitive, and the fact that this award is based on votes from our clients really emphasizes the superior customer service and outstanding facility we provide.”

Readers of the magazine are asked to consider customer service levels, flexibility of meeting and exhibit space, quality of food and beverage service and the value of local hotel room rates when casting their ballots. 

Speaking Of The San Diego Convention Center …

The San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCCC) was presented with one of the largest rebates ever given by San Diego Gas and Electric Company for upgrading the facility’s central plant, which reduced energy consumption by 2.7 million kWh annually. The total rebate, $441,905.00, was presented in two installments—the most recent check, $161,243.44, on May 5, 2008; and the previous installment, $280,661.56, was paid in 2006.

“The Convention Center has long been a supporter of energy conservation and sustainability. It’s always been among our highest priorities—we believe it’s the right thing to do,” said Brad Gessner, SDCCC general manager.

The Convention Center adopted a “reduce, reuse and recycle” policy nearly 20 years ago when it opened and firmly embraces the concept of hosting green meetings. Waste minimization, energy and water conservation, environmental purchasing and food composting are among the programs expanded through the years. Presently, the SDCCC is in the process of conducting a solar energy analysis and once completed, anticipates the installation of rooftop panels in 2009 to help generate electricity.

(Pictured, from left): Ron Barham, building superintendent, SDCCC; Robert DeNofrio, director of operations, SDCCC; Brad Gessner, GM, SDCCC; Bob Ross, assistant building superintendent, SDCCC; Jane Verbeek-Groth, account executive, SDG&E; Connie Bergmark, engineer, SDG&E; and Kathe Cordova, commercial and industrial services manager, SDG&E.

Toronto Venue Gets Name Of Allstream Centre

The Council of the City of Toronto has approved a multi-year sponsorship agreement between Exhibition Place and MTS Allstream Inc., which sells enterprise communications services across Canada under its Allstream brand. The new conference centre being built within the heritage façade of the former Automotive Building will be named Allstream Centre – A Conference & Convention Centre at Exhibition Place.

“We are pleased to announce that our facility will be referred to as the Allstream Centre as of summer 2009,” said Exhibition Place Chair and Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone. “This relationship with Allstream is another major step toward world-class excellence in the facilities and services offered at Exhibition Place. With the support of MTS Allstream, the Allstream Centre will be a showplace of cutting-edge technology as well as North America’s best conference and convention destination.”

The 10-year agreement includes a title sponsorship of the centre and offers Allstream exposure on signage and a technology showcase area. Full details of the arrangement and the Allstream Centre’s launch will be made public in Summer 2009 during a special launch event.

Three SMG Arenas Named Top 10 Fan Favorite Minor League Venues

Three SMG arenas are named in the top 10 of an online poll conducted by MLN Sports for its digital magazine, SZ. The poll asked fans to vote for their favorite minor league sports venue. More than 11,700 votes were cast for facilities representing more than 800 baseball, football and lacrosse teams.

The Arena at Gwinnett Center (Duluth, GA) ranked third in fan voting. Gwinnett Center is home to the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL and the Georgia Force of the AFL. The Rabobank Arena (Bakersfield, CA) is home to the ECHL’s Bakersfield Condors and ranked seventh.

Rounding out the three is the Sovereign Center (Reading, PA), which ranked eighth and hosts the Reading Royals of the ECHL, the Reading Express of the American Indoor Football Association and the Reading Railers of the Premiere Basketball League.

Louisville Arena’s Interior Design Brings Kentucky History Indoors

During its monthly meeting, the Louisville Arena Authority unveiled new images of the downtown arena’s interior designs. HOK Sport, the architecture firm selected to design the 700,000 square-foot arena, presented renderings of the state-of-the-art facility to the Authority and attendees at the meeting.

As the future home to the University of Louisville basketball teams, the arena combines modern designs with the history and energy of the community to create a lively atmosphere that is both functional and entertaining.

“We’ve brought the story of the Louisville Arena exterior inside,” said Steve Hotujac, HOK Sport principal. “Outside, the arena speaks of the city and its surroundings. Inside, the arena continues that theme by celebrating the region’s rich history.”

The arena will have 22,000 seats with over half located in the lower bowl. The projected opening date is November 2010. 

Global Spectrum Facility Management To Operate General Motors Centre

The City of Oshawa announced that Global Spectrum Facility Management has assumed the operations and management contract for the General Motors Centre. As the operator of the facility, Global Spectrum will be responsible to operate, manage, program, maintain and repair the facility for and on behalf of the City.

“Global Spectrum has a solid track record across North America in making venues of all sizes vibrant and exciting,” said Mayor John Gray. “We look forward to finally seeing the GMC operate at its full potential with Global Spectrum’s vast network in attracting an array of events that are sure to entertain all of the citizens of Oshawa.”

“We would like to thank the City of Oshawa and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment for this tremendous opportunity,” said Global Spectrum COO John Page. “We have support from our neighboring facilities in Ontario, and we are looking forward to working with everyone at the GM Centre.”

Phoenix Convention Center Earns LEED Award

The Phoenix Convention Center held a ceremony announcing that the convention center’s West Building has been awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the USGBC’s leading rating system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy efficient and high performance buildings.

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, a champion of sustainability in Phoenix, announced the official silver level LEED designation. Pictured from left in the presentation are Phoenix Convention Center’s Jay Green, Mayor Phil Gordon and Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau President Steve Moore. 

University of Mississippi Contracts With Daktronics

The University of Mississippi has chosen to partner with Daktronics Inc to design, manufacture and install a $6 million integrated system featuring a large high definition video display at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium/Hollingsworth Field, home of Rebel football.

“We are very pleased to have teamed with an industry leader in Daktronics,” said Ole Miss Athletics Director Pete Boone. “With their experience and state-of-the-art technology, the company has shown their ability to handle large projects, particularly in our time sensitive situation.”

The video display will be the largest true high definition display in the Southeastern Conference. Scheduled to be installed and operational for the home opener on August 30, 2008, the display incorporates the latest high definition technology from Daktronics. 

Pasadena Conference Center Expansion Tops Out June 25

The Pasadena Conference Center celebrated the topping out of its new ballroom and exhibit hall with a semi-formal evening ceremony on June 25. The highly anticipated $122 million, 194,500-square foot expansion and renovation designed by Fentress Architects is on schedule to be completed by spring 2009.

The expansion, located in “Old Pasadena,” will create an aesthetic compliment to the center’s focal point, the renowned, historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium, and enhance the center’s role as a Pasadena landmark. 

Comerica Park Implements Hand Hygiene Program

High fives to the facility managers at Detroit’s Comerica Park in connection with the stadium’s recent implementation of hand sanitizing kiosks that have been strategically located throughout the venue. The nearly six-foot tall devices have been provided by Chicago-based Clean Media, LLC, and offer companies a unique opportunity to sponsor the kiosks with eye level advertisements.

“We’re very pleased that Comerica Park has joined hands with a growing number of large audience venues that have implemented SaniPost devices, as each of our partners are focused on efforts that raise awareness about proper hand hygiene and are taking proactive steps to help to reduce the spread of commonly transmitted germs, bacteria and viruses within their facilities,” said Dan Teuscher, CEO of Clean Media.

The devices are provided as a courtesy for use by fans and stadium employees. Each Sani Post kiosk is equipped with large-scale signage, and double-time as advertising vehicles for national and local sponsors. Each device incorporates a touch-less device that dispenses an alcohol-free, kid friendly hand sanitizer in a foam format that is rinse free, fragrance free and dye free. 

Montana State Upgrades To FieldTurf

Montana State University has selected FieldTurf for Bobcat Stadium. The Bobcats, who have been playing on a natural grass surface since 1893 at their old stadium and the current Bobcat Stadium, will have FieldTurf installed in time for the 2008 season.

“FieldTurf is a leader in our industry, and we’re excited about this choice,” said Montana State University Athletic Director Peter Fields. “Adding FieldTurf changes the complexion of our stadium and improves the opportunity to compete for our student-athletes." 

Atlantic City Plans Nation’s Largest Solar Roof

The Atlantic City Convention Center plans to install what it says would be the largest single-building solar energy project in the United States, providing more than a quarter of its daily electrical needs. Under a 20-year agreement, the center is hiring a private company, Pepco Energy Services of Arlington, VA, to install the solar panels on 290,000 square feet—or about two-thirds—of its main roof. Pepco will pay to install the panels and the convention center will then buy the electricity they generate from Pepco.

The center says it will save about $4.4 million in electricity costs over the contract while also reducing greenhouse gases and helping the environment. It currently spends about $1.4 million a year on electricity.

“We have a great building to do this on and we wanted to be the first kid on the block to get in on it,” said Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. “This helps a young industry grow into a mature one, helps reduce our dependence on oil, and produces electricity that does not increase carbon emissions into the air.” 

Monona Terrace Receives Wisconsin Forward Award

Governor Jim Doyle and Department of Workforce Development Secretary Robert Gassman announced that the Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center has received the Proficiency Level of recognition of the 2008 Wisconsin Forward Award.

The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed facility was touted for a commitment to continuous improvement, a successful participatory horizontal management style, and a strong customer service philosophy, as evidenced by the 99% willingness to return rate surveyed from clients.

Wisconsin Forward Award Inc., the state’s premier organization for the promotion and recognition of high-performance management principals, was created in 1997 by the Governor’s Council on Workforce Investment to advance the competitive position and world-class status of Wisconsin organizations in the international marketplace, and to enhance learning, continuous improvement, and enterprise performance. The award promotes excellence in organizational management, recognizes the achievements and results of Wisconsin organizations implementing performance excellence systems, and publicizes successful performance excellence management strategies. 

City Of Las Cruces Selects Global Spectrum To Manage New Las Cruces Center

The City of Las Cruces (NM) Selection Advisory Committee made a recommendation to enter into negotiations with Global Spectrum to manage the new Las Cruces Center, a $26-million convention and exhibition hall currently in development.

“Global Spectrum has an outstanding reputation for operating similar facilities,” said Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Ken Mompellier. “They will be a tremendous asset to the City of Las Cruces in making our new center the crown jewel of our revitalization of the region.”

“Las Cruces is a terrific market for us,” said Global Spectrum’s John Page. “With numerous synergistic opportunities within the Global Spectrum family of facilities, we see great things for the Las Cruces Center and the residents throughout the region.” 

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