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July 1, 2009     

Association News 

Save Time On-Site, Registration Will Remain Open Online Until July 20th

If you haven’t had a chance to register for the IAAM 84th Annual Conference & Trade Show you can avoid the long lines in registration and still register online through Monday, July 20th!

In today’s shifting environment, no one can afford to stand still. More than ever, it’s critical for each of us to master and leverage every tool, technology and strategy within reach, to stand fast against the winds of economic and social change – and succeed.

This year’s event will ignite your business with more than 50 intensive, relevant, professional development sessions to fuel your intellect, passion and confidence.
Click here for additional information or register now!  

UVMC Luncheon Keynote Presentation: New Marketing In A Fiscal Crisis

Partner, Hyperflux Global Columnist Noted Author

In the last decade, there have been revolutionary changes in our financial markets. Financial models have proven wrong and do not reflect real economic activities. This session by Dr. Joe Pilotta will present a 360-degree consumer-centric model which leverages the consumer’s multitasking and simultaneous media usage as a pivotal strategy to increase venue business. The model takes advantage of the consumers' multitasking and simultaneous media usage as a pivotal strategy to increase venue business.

Please click here for more information and to register now.

Passport Travel Information For International Convention Center Conference (ICCC)

In less than six months, we will gather at the International Convention Center Conference, October 8-10, 2009 in Toronto, Canada. As we plan the 2009 meeting, we want to share information that will help you prepare for the event.

Effective June 2009, everyone wishing to enter Canada by air, land and sea is required to produce a passport. Getting your passport is easy, but requires some advanced planning. To ensure you receive your passport in time, be sure to send in your documents at least six weeks prior to your departure date.

Full details on attaining or renewing your passport can be found by clicking here.

Important Note: If you already have a valid passport, make sure to double check the expiration date as it needs to be valid for six months following your departure.

Please click here for more information about ICCC and to register.

IAAM Public Assembly Facility Management: Principles And Practices, 2nd Edition

The brand new edition of the Public Assembly Facility Management: Principles and Practices is a college textbook and reference guide for facility managers.

The publication will be ready for the fall semester for professors and students involved in the sports management academia. Members can place advance orders for the 2nd edition at a discounted rate of $85.00 US dollars by October 1. This special offer is available only for IAAM members.

The book covers management practices and principles and is utilized by managers in public assembly facilities such as arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts venues, and amphitheatres.

The publication has been updated and expanded to include the latest data and information on facility management practices. The book includes numerous figures and appendices, a glossary of terms, and an index.

A complimentary instructor review copy of the text book is available to qualified instructors. Request your copy.

22nd Annual IAAM Foundation Friday Golf Tournament

Presented by




Friday, July 24, 2009
Pinehills Golf Club

Golfers are gearing up for business and networking at the No. 1 ranked public course in Massachusetts. We would like to thank our generous sponsors supporting this important fundraising tournament benefiting the IAAM Foundation.

2009 Golf Tournament Sponsors
Title Sponsor
MillerCoors

Tournament Sponsors
Peter Pan Bus Lines (Transportation Sponsor)
Populous (Hole-in-One Contest Sponsor)
Ticketmaster (Player Gift Sponsor)

Contest Hole Sponsors
Daktronics, Inc. (Longest Drive Contest)
Smith Seckman Reid, Inc./SS&R (Putting Contest)

Hole Sponsors
Boston Culinary Group, Inc.
CSL International
Centerplate
Hunt Construction
ISS Facility Services
M-E Engineers, Inc.
Robbins Flooring
Stage Right Corporation
White Way Sign & Maintenance Company

General Sponsors
360 Architecture
Acentech Inc.
The Bigelow Companies, Inc.
Fame and Martin, Inc.
Thornton Tomasetti, Inc.
Walter P Moore & Associates, Inc.

Registration is currently closed. Requests to be added to the wait list should be directed to: Chris Lamberth, Foundation Friday Golf Co-Chair, IAAM Allied Committee Vice-Chair, clamberth@360architects.com, 214-649-3415.

Boston Offers Full Slate Of Facility Tours

This year’s IAAM Annual Conference & Trade Show once again features popular facility tours on the last day of conference, Tuesday, July 28, from 9:15-11:15 a.m. All buses will be picking up from the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel. Here is the list of tours that will take place:

Fenway Park Tours – The Boston Red Sox

Sponsored by American Seating Company;          
Home to over 33,000 American Seating Chairs!

Fenway Park Tours consist of a walking tour of the ballpark. Tours are 50 minutes in length and contain lots of history and information. Please arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of your tour. Tours normally visit the Press Box, the Green Monster seats, the Right Field Roof Deck, the EMC/Hall of Fame Hallway, and the lower grandstands. Occasionally we will go onto the warning track, but all tour stops are always subject to availability.

NOTE: Cameras and video cameras are allowed at all stops on the tour. Please leave bags in the car or on the bus. If you do have a bag, you may bring it in, but it will be subject to search.

Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
Designed with input from association and corporate meeting planners as well as trade show producers worldwide, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) is an easy day trip for any East Coast visitor. Flexible, easily configured spaces — 516,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, 160,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 40,020 square foot column-free ballroom, and over 300,000 square feet of registration and function space — make the BCEC the perfect choice for both large and small-scale events. Exhibitors, presenters, and attendees enjoy the latest high-end support technologies and utilities, plus superior event management — one-stop shopping, with personalized, first-class service, from set up to move out.
NOTE: No photographs/videotaping of concurrent events.

The Citi Performing Arts Center
Take a backstage tour of Boston’s Historic Wang Theatre in Boston’s Theatre District. The Wang Theatre (formerly the Metropolitan Theatre), along with the Shubert Theatre, the two theatres operated by the non-profit Wang Center for the Performing Arts, has been converted into a grandiose performing arts center that, until spring of 2005, delighted movie audiences with occasional showings of classic films. A theater whose beauty is really the “big” thing, the Wang Theatre has state-of-the-art sound technology along with beautiful decorations and gold plated figures. It also features a large stage, with the auditorium containing a 1,500 seat balcony, a mezzanine, and 20 box seats along its edge.

TD Garden (formerly TD Banknorth Garden)
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the TD Garden, New England’s world-class sports and entertainment arena, and home to the NHL’s Boston Bruins and NBA’s Boston Celtics. Tour the 19,600 seat, state-of-the-art arena, including three private restaurants, cutting edge premium seating concepts, as well as front and back of house operations.

Plan To Attend The Allied Members Meeting At Annual Conference

As an Allied Member, you spend money for your booth space and for your staff to come to the IAAM Annual Conference & Trade Show. You understand the value of exhibiting your products and/or services to the industry’s foremost buyers and decision-makers. To help maximize your return on investment, plan to attend the Allied Member Meeting that takes place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in Room 253C at the Boston Convention & Exposition Center.

This is the perfect time to take a break from your booth set up to hear what is going on in the Allied Member world from your colleagues and peers who face the same challenges and opportunities that you do. Plan to join Jack Lucas, Allied Chair, as he guides this important meeting. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Brenda Pennington at brenda.pennington@iaam.org.

Courting The Press In Boston

IAAM invites members of the media to cover this year’s Annual Conference & Trade Show in Boston. Over the years media have played an important role by covering the Association’s premiere event and this year will be no different. For more information about credentials, coverage and registration, contact Brenda Pennington at brenda.pennington@iaam.org or at 972/538-1013.

Sustainability Committee Offers New Resources

IAAM and the IAAM Sustainability Committee are pleased to announce a new resource for you and your Green Teams: http://www.iaam.org/sustainability/home.asp. Do you want to implement the Green Tip that was in May’s newsletter but can’t locate it? The Green Tips are archived under the IAAM Created Resources on the webpage. Your boss asked you to dispose of your e-waste properly but you have no idea what e-waste is? Your problem has been solved; you can look up e-waste in the Glossary of Terms. The site also contains various tools so carbon footprints can be calculated, environmental impacts of different types of paper can be compared and “Green” related articles from Facility Manager magazine can be referenced. There are also links to useful sites so you can enroll your facility in the Energy Star program, learn how to start or enhance a recycling program, etc. That’s all there and more. Just click, learn and continue to enhance your green initiatives. It’s the right thing to do for our environment and our organizations.

On behalf of Rip Rippetoe, chairman of the Sustainability Committee and its members, we want to thank IAAM staff, especially Dana and Kayla, for their assistance in making the Green Initiatives resource webpages a reality.

Jan Addison, CFE, Orange County Convention Center  

Sustainability Showcase Debuts In Boston

The IAAM Sustainability Committee encourages each of you to come to the IAAM Annual Conference in Boston next month and visit Booth 571. The first IAAM Sustainability Showcase, sponsored by Populous, will include numerous sustainability initiatives from all types of facilities. Come with questions; leave with answers and valuable contact information. Learn from your peers. Do you want to know more about Solar power? Talk to a member about his/her experience with installing a Solar Photovoltaic System. Review Request for Proposals related to green initiatives. Don’t miss out. Come ready to share and to learn about green initiatives in our industry.

Jan Addison, CFE, Orange County Convention Center  

In Any Language, We Say Thank You!

Ta, Do Jeh, Xie Xie, Tak, Merci, Danke, Efharisto, Sukria, Terima Kasih, Grazie, Kamsa Hamnida, Takk, Salamato Po, Dziekuje, Obrigado, Spasibo, Gracias, Istutiy, Asante, Tak, Kawp-kun krap/ka', Tesekkür Ederim, Dêkuji, Thanks Ya’ll, Thank You:

IAAM would like to say “thank you” to our sponsoring companies for their contribution, dedication and commitment to our industry and to IAAM. It is through this support we are able to maintain the high value of the education and networking opportunities you will find at our meetings.

This experience is made possible through the participation of these sponsoring companies. Please join us in saying thank you to the companies listed below and support them whenever possible.

Global Sponsors


   
    Daktronics, Inc



     Populous


     Ticketmaster


Annual Conference & Trade Show – Boston
Acentech, Inc.
AEG
American Seating Company
Anheuser-Busch InBev
ARAMARK
Carbonhouse, Inc.
Comcast-Spectacor Family of Companies
Contemporary Services Corporation
Daktronics, Inc.
Feld Entertainment
FREEMAN
GuestAssist
HNTB Architecture, Inc.
IMPARK (Imperial Parking)
Landmark Event Staffing Services
MillerCoors
National Association of Concessionaires (NAC)
Northwood University
PC Sports
Populous
Reachmaster
SMG
Superior Uniform Group
Tai Ping Carpets
Ticketmaster
Tickets.com
TicketsWest
VenuWorks
VISION

University Venue Management Conference – Boston
AEG
Barton Mallow/Cannon Design
Comcast-Spectacor/Global Spectrum
Guest Assist
Hussey Seating Company
Nutter Center/Pepsi
TheaterMania.com/OvationTix.com
Ticketmaster

Arena Management Conference – Providence
American Seating Company
Caddy Products
Contemporary Services Corporation
Daktronics, Inc.
Dunkin Donuts Center
Feld Entertainment
FREEMAN
GuestAssist
Irwin Seating Company
Landmark Event Staffing Services
Nutter Center/Pepsi
Populous
Robbins Sports Surfaces
Staff Pro
Ticketmaster

International Convention Center Conference – Toronto
AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions
Contemporary Services Corporation
Daktronics, Inc.
Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services
FREEMAN
GES Canada Exposition Ltd./Showtech Power & Lighting
GuestAssist
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Populous
Smart City
Ticketmaster
Trade Show Executive Magazine
Westin Harbour Castle Hotel

International Crowd Management Conference – Charlotte
Contemporary Services Corporation
FREEMAN
GuestAssist
Nutter Center/Pepsi
TEAM Coalition
Ticketmaster

Performing Arts Managers Conference – Seattle
FREEMAN
GuestAssist
Irwin Seating Company
Schuler Shook
TALASKE | sound thinking
Ticketmaster
Wenger Corporation
Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams, Inc. (WJHW)

For more information on the above Specialty Meetings, please go to http://www.iaam.org/MeetingSponsorship_09.pdf 
 

INDUSTRY NEWS


Ticketmaster, Feld Entertainment Ink Global Ticketing Agreement

Ticketmaster and Feld Entertainment, Inc. announced a multi-year global pact that extends upon the companies’ more than three-decades-long association.

During the first year of the new agreement, the companies expect to ramp-up sales for more than 6.5 million fans in more than two dozen countries for Feld Entertainment’s top tier family and motor sports events including the iconic Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey® Circus and Disney On Ice events that continually rank among the Top 5 Ticketmaster Most Requested events each year. Additionally, Ticketmaster will now oversee national and key international ticketing for Feld Entertainment’s newly established Feld Motor Sports events, which includes marquee brands Monster Jam® and the AMA Supercross motorcycle racing series.

“Feld Entertainment’s extended and expanded relationship with Ticketmaster allows our customers around the world access to Feld Entertainment’s premier events,” said Jeff Meyer, senior vice president with Feld Entertainment. “This new agreement is right in line with Feld Entertainment’s business plan, specifically to continue to increase Monster Jam and other Feld Motor Sports events overseas.”

“Feld Entertainment has set the bar developing family live entertainment that is universally beloved by audiences of all generations throughout the world,” said Eric Korman, president of Ticketmaster. “We believe our more than 30 year alliance has provided us with a knowledge and understanding of their fans that is second only to their own. We look forward to many more years together and helping to connect fans with Feld Entertainment’s various productions around the world.”
 

AmericanAirlines Arena Joins AEG Facilities’ Roster

AEG Facilities has established a venue services agreement with the AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, announced Eric Woolworth, president of HEAT Group Business Operations, and Bob Newman, chief operating officer, AEG Facilities.

As a result of the agreement, executive members of the AEG Facilities staff will work directly with the management team at AmericanAirlines Arena to design and provide various support services and resources to stimulate additional revenue growth, identify operating efficiencies and create new revenue streams for the organization while enhancing existing business practices. The overall focus of the consulting agreement will be to maximize event activity, create new marketing partnerships and generate new sales and guest services initiatives for the venue.

“The unique and unparalleled collection of assets, resources and experience that AEG Facilities can provide this great arena is unmatched in our industry,” said Newman. “The combination of our position in the regional and national marketplace with our operational expertise and industry-leading leverage will provide valuable support to the great management team already in place at AmericanAirlines Arena, which will result in increased revenue growth across all areas of event programming and venue operation.”

“So far, 2009 has been a year full of milestones for the AmericanAirlines Arena. With the arena being among the first in the country to receive LEED certification for an existing building and the recent unveiling of our MiamiMediaMesh, this is the perfect time to join forces with AEG,” said Woolworth. “Their experience will ensure that AmericanAirlines Arena’s existing partners, as well as new ones, are fully capitalizing on our most cutting edge offerings.”

Green Tips: Heat Island Reduction

Green Tips is furnished by Tambra Thorson, HNTB, a member of the Sustainability Committee.

The term “heat island” is defined as a temperature difference between developed and undeveloped areas. The use of dark, non-reflective surfaces for hardscape, parking, and roofs can create a heat island affect by absorbing the sun’s heat and radiating it into the surrounding areas. Temperatures in urban areas are often elevated by 2-10 degrees compared to undeveloped or suburban areas. This results in increased cooling loads during the summer months, requiring greater electricity consumption, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Common sense measures to reduce the effects of summertime heat islands include:

     o Increase tree and vegetative cover
     o Install architectural canopies (with integrated solar panels)
     o Use “cool pavement” materials such as open grid-pavement systems or light colored surfaces
     o Install white roofing material. According to the EPA “cool roofs can provide an average yearly
        net savings of almost 50 cents per square foot”
     o Install and maintain a vegetated area on a portion of the roof

For more helpful tips and basic information about heat island effect, its social and environmental costs, visit the EPA’s website at: http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/index.htm.

Gotta Lovett! CleanEvent Founder Places On ABC Carbon 50 List

Cate Blanchett tops the list of the 50 most influential people in Australia who are committed to the environment, the planet and for the future of life on earth. They are advocates for climate change awareness and action at home and abroad, as well as campaigners for clean energy and energy efficiency. Some are very well known. Some are new discoveries. The list was compiled by ABC CARBON from nominations received. While the international actress and Oscar winner placed first on the list, none other than CleanEvent founder Craig Lovett came in at No. 44 on the list thanks in large part to the company’s sustainable practices. For more information, go to
www.abccarbon.com.

Omaha Baseball Stadium Becomes TD AMERITRADE Park Omaha

In 2011, TD AMERITRADE Park Omaha will usher in a new era in sports, entertainment and community development for the city of Omaha.

The Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA) announced that TD AMERITRADE Holding Corporation has secured the naming rights to Omaha’s new downtown baseball stadium, which is currently under construction. The 20-year naming rights and services agreement is valued at approximately $20 million over the duration of the contract.

For MECA and the city of Omaha, this agreement with TD AMERITRADE will be key to funding the estimated $120 million needed to build the new facility. The new facility will host teams competing for the NCAA Men’s College World Series, an Omaha tradition for 60 years, thanks to an agreement reached last year between the city, the NCAA, College World Series Inc. of Omaha, and MECA to continue the relationship for another 25 years.

“TD AMERITRADE was founded in Omaha more than 34 years ago,” said Fred Tomczyk, president and chief executive officer at TD AMERITRADE. “More of our associates live and work in this city than in any other location in the country. We understand what this new stadium means to the city, and we want help make it a reality.”

“One of our top priorities was to secure naming rights with an Omaha-based company, and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement with TD AMERITRADE,” said Roger Dixon, president and chief executive officer of MECA. “In addition to college baseball, we expect to host a number of additional events, as well as concerts, at TD AMERITRADE Park Omaha, bringing new entertainment and economic benefits to our community.”

Crawford Sweeps Design Awards

Darwin, Australia’s new convention centre has swept the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2009 Northern Territory Architecture Awards – winning three major awards, including the territory’s most prestigious architecture prize.

Announcing the 2009 winners, Jury Chair Rob Cheesman said the Darwin Convention Centre by Crawford Architects of Kansas City had been awarded (1) the Tracy Memorial Award, (2) the Reverend John Flynn Award for Public Architecture and (3) the Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture. The Tracy Memorial Award is the most prestigious award given to the best building of the year, from any category.

Jurors commented, “The design encompasses a complexity of parameters for assembly, crowd management, services, celebration, and display. Notwithstanding, the architects have developed an entirely functional and enjoyable flow of spaces which overview the public domain and the harbor while progressing through well arranged and very adaptable meeting and conferencing facilities. This is a masterful piece of public architecture and a proud addition to the Darwin Waterfront.”

The Darwin Waterfront Master Plan also received the Award for Urban Design, with the Convention Centre being the pivotal project in the development. The new Centre includes 43,000 square feet of exhibition space with a 1,500-seat, tiered plenary hall and ample meeting room and breakout spaces.

According to Stacey Jones, designer and partner at Crawford, “The inspiration came to me from a source of food for the indigenous tribes, the mussel shell. The form suited the program well, and embraced the history and culture of the community. When reflected in the water, the other half of the image completes the picture of an open shell which is a very welcoming and apt signal for a convention centre to convey to the City’s visitors.”

Jet Ice Wants You To Join In Celebration Of Company’s 30th Anniversary

As Jet Ice embarks on its 30th year of operation, the company is looking to hear from people touched by founder Doug Moore’s incredible legacy. Whether it’s a personal anecdote, a testimonial, a newspaper article, or a heartfelt moment you’d like to share, Jet Ice is putting together a 30-year retrospective of the man that started it all – Doug Moore. And your contribution and submissions are welcome.

Moore’s unofficial mantra was to share everything he learned, which is why the Jet Ice team is inviting you to return the favor. Help the company by sharing your memories of how Doug might have played any small role in changing your personal or professional life through general conversation, a classroom environment, major event, or even a social setting! Simply send your stories, quotes, pictures, articles – whatever you think is relevant to assist in putting together a commemorative profile of Doug Moore.

Submissions will be accepted at the following addresses: Jet Ice, 1091 Kerrisdale Blvd.,
Newmarket, ON Canada L3Y 8W1, Tel: 905-853-4204 / 1-800-585-1079, Fax: 905-853-8484. Electronic submissions can be sent to: info@jetice.com. Any questions can be directed to Susan Jessop at susan@jetice.com   

Scoreboard Of Chomp-ions
 
Coming off their second national championship in three seasons, University of Florida football fans will watch the Gators begin their title defense in 2009 with two of the largest video screens in college football. The new displays, designed, manufactured and installed this summer by Daktronics, Inc. are part of an integrated system that will provide a clear view for fans in any seat at “The Swamp.”

“The HD-X displays will provide a dramatic improvement to the fans’ game day experience in the Swamp. The resolution, coupled with the boards’ size, will make a tremendous impact on our stadium,” said Mike Hill, associate athletic director for external affairs. “Daktronics produces an outstanding product and we are excited about the project.”

Fans will watch the Gators chomp up the competition on state-of-the-art video displays featuring Daktronics industry leading HD-X LED (light emitting diode) video technology. Located in both end zones of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, Daktronics will retrofit to the existing structures. The larger south end zone video display will measure approximately 136 feet wide by 30 feet high with another display measuring approximately 71 feet wide by 24 feet high soaring over the north end zone. The video boards can operate as single giant displays or be divided into multiple zones (windows) to show a wide variety of statistics, information, graphics, animations and live and recorded video.

Art Gallery Of Ontario, Metro Toronto Convention Centre Partnership Brings Art To The Community

The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) is bringing a Canadian art collection to visitors through a partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). As part of a number of enhancements to the Centre, the MTCC has decorated its walls with seven initial pieces of artwork by contemporary Canadian artists.

“Toronto has a thriving arts culture; visitors to the city can access such gems as our new AGO and Royal Ontario Museum, and events like Nuit Blanche and Luminato,” said Barry Smith, President & CEO of the MTCC. “Now, we are excited to bring the work of Canadian artists directly into the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for the enjoyment of visitors and Torontonians alike.”

The partnership is made possible through the AGO’s Art Rental and Sales Program, which makes artwork available for sale to the public and for rent by members of the AGO. The Gallery’s Rental and Sale collection includes paintings, drawings, photographs, original prints and sculpture. The program also includes a consultation service to pair the right pieces in each space.

“Our program allows the public to access and really connect to original works of art, and all proceeds from the rental help support educational programs and acquisitions at the AGO,” says Kirstin Mearns, general manager retail at the AGO. “By partnering with MTCC we can extend this unique experience and its benefits to an even larger community.”

TSEA Advocates For Trade Show Housing Policy Changes

The Trade Show Exhibitors Association announced a formal position statement urging show organizers that changes should be made to many trade shows’ housing guidelines and rules. Exhibitions are setting rules that put pressure on exhibiting companies to stay in show housing or otherwise face penalties and fines. These rules are placing additional burdens on exhibitors that increase the difficulty with which exhibitors justify their continued participation in the convention.

“TSEA has had a high level of concern from its members and the exhibition industry as a whole with reference to the subject of convention housing,” said Margit Weisgal, CME, President and CEO of TSEA, “and show management, meeting organizers, hotels, housing bureaus and ‘housing brokers’ need to realize that they are partners in the success of their exhibitors and not a hurdle they need to overcome.

“It is becoming apparent that most attendees and exhibitors want to find the most budget-friendly place to stay while at a show. When you demand that exhibitors stay at a high-priced hotel with no alternative options, the increase to their housing costs squeezes the budget for the show. They may have to cut back on the number of booth personnel, promotion, size of the booth, sponsorships or other tools that will enable them to generate new revenue and exposure and would actually help show organizers’ bottom line. This practice needs to come to an end.”

Embassy Suites Going Up Near George R. Brown Convention Center

Within the shadows of the George R. Brown Convention Center, the Hilton Americas-Houston hotel and Discovery Green Park, Houston city officials and hotel developers break ground on a 262-room Embassy Suites hotel that will be built two blocks from the convention center. Participating in the ceremonial event are, from left, Houston City Councilman Peter Brown, Vicki Massad, chief operating officer of project developer American Liberty Hospitality, Houston City Councilman James Rodriguez, Nick Massad Jr., president and CEO of American Liberty, Houston Mayor Bill White, Billy Glass, president of Gentry Mills Capital, and Ted Ent, vice president of Hilton Hotels Corporation. The hotel is expected to open in March 2011.

Ticketmaster Appoints Jane Kleinberger Executive Vice President Of College Athletics

Ticketmaster has appointed Jane Kleinberger to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, College Athletics. The announcement was made at the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) conference by David Butler, President, Ticketmaster North America.

“Jane brings a passion to college athletics, our industry and our employees, and a commitment to building life long partnerships with our clients,” said Butler. “Her energy and experience in this key area of our client base will help us continue to understand and respond to their unique needs in new and innovative ways that will benefit everyone.”

In her new role, Kleinberger will oversee Ticketmaster’s partnerships with more than 140 college athletic organizations and work to drive key new ticketing initiatives that best serve the needs of their fans, students, and donors. Kleinberger previously served as Chairman of the Board of Paciolan, a venue ticketing software company she co-founded in 1980, which was acquired by Ticketmaster in 2008. Under her leadership, Paciolan introduced several innovative e-commerce solutions to the ticketing industry. She will be based in Ticketmaster’s Irvine and West Hollywood offices.

Daktronics Introduces New Show Control System

Daktronics announced the release of its new Show Control System (SCS), a display control solution that merges operator software, clip playback, live video and deep data integration into a fully integrated package. The SCS can function as a stand-alone control solution or work in combination with other production devices to provide single-point control for LED video displays, LED ribbon boards, LED marquees and flat-panel digital display networks.

Powering the system is the SCS Software Suite, a collection of design and operation software specifically developed for live events. The Content Studio provides the ability to quickly composite text, graphics, video and real-time data while the Display Studio delivers immediate, property-wide presentation control through a variety of innovative features including user-defined workspaces, configurable smart buttons and convenient dashboard widgets.

The Daktronics SCS software suite also features a new generation of tools for generating playback reports, for scheduling display content and for managing and presenting real-time information – including scores, statistics, times and news feeds.

“The system hits the mark for both display operators and sales and marketing personnel,” said Tony Kuck, Daktronics SCS Product Manager. “We listened closely to our customers before and during the development of the SCS. The operators asked us for ease-of-use and integration with other production devices, such as switchers and CGs. The marketers were focused on sellable inventory and how the display presentation could be packaged for sponsors. We feel the SCS will deliver exceptional value and new opportunities for both groups.”.

Freeman Wins Three Awards In InfoComm/LSA Awards Competition

Freeman has won the top awards in three of five categories in the InfoComm/Lighting & Sound America Staged Events Awards 2009. The awards were presented at a ceremony held at the annual InfoComm International Show on June 17.

Freeman received the award for Best Overall Staging for a Corporate or Association Event with a budget of $50,000 - $199,000 for the Miller Brewing Annual Distributors’ Conference. Its work in staging the Microsoft Management Summit won the award for Best Overall Staging for a Corporate Event with a technology budget over $200,000. Freeman also received the award for Best Use of AV Technology for the AETN exhibit at the 2008 National Association of Cable Television trade show.

“We are proud that our work has gained the recognition of our peers in this dynamic industry,” said Ken Sanders, president of Freeman’s U.S. audio visual division. “AV technology and production performance standards are continually advancing. We are committed to providing the very best AV solutions available to clients in the face-to-face marketing arena.”

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Debuts Dramatic Exterior Makeover

Two years after undergoing a $60 million interior makeover, the New Orleans Morial Convention Center turned its paint brushes to the building’s exterior for a dramatic change. Earlier this year, work crews began applying the first coats of deep blue paint needed to replace the building’s 279,000 square foot brick red stripe.

Conceived in 1981, the building’s original exterior color scheme of light beige, brick red and dark green was based on certain colors particular to the neighborhood, an area crowded with small 19th century warehouses. The palette was designed to make the new, modern building better harmonize with its old-world surroundings.

Over the years, the convention center’s brisk business helped spur the Warehouse/Arts District’s revitalization, dramatically transforming it to an area flourishing with fine dining establishments, hotels, art galleries, commercial and residential development.

Today, the red brick color has given way to “Convention Center Blue,” a custom color by Richard’s Industrial Coatings. “The new shade of deep blue appropriately reflects our relationship with one of the most famous bodies of water in the world, the Mississippi River,” said Bob Johnson, the convention center’s president and general manager.

The new color gives the building a more classic look and complements the building’s redesigned interior palette, which is exhibited in 88,000 square yards of carpet and 26,000 new meeting room chairs.

“We’ve gotten incredible feedback from our client base about the new color. It’s amazing how this one cosmetic change can make such a huge difference in our appearance,” said Johnson.

SGA Production Staging Acquires ASI Production Services And All Staging Unlimited

SGA Production Staging announced the simultaneous acquisitions of ASI Production Services and ll Staging Unlimited. The combined company will begin joint operations immediately as SGASi Production Services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

SGA is an industry leader in the design and execution of scalable event seating and staging solutions, including seating systems and audience risers. ASI is the nation’s leading rental provider of theatrical drapery and temporary stages with warehouses in Atlanta, Orlando, Las Vegas and Ft. Lauderdale. ASU is a premier provider of scenery, production automation and sets. SGASi will provide the broadest range of venue transformation capabilities to the events marketplace. SGASi will be led by Tom Hilton, president. ASI’s President, Dennis Smith, will remain at SGASi as executive vice president.

”I’m very pleased and excited to announce the merger of SGA Production Staging with ASI and ASU,” said Hilton. “The combined rental assets, the expertise and artistry of ASU and the support of the most experienced production team in the industry sets the stage for an extremely powerful combination. Our customer base will notice the expanded range of product offerings, which enables us to provide an unsurpassed level of services. We proudly welcome Dennis and the rest of his team to SGA.”

San Diego Convention Center Receives Award For Excellence In Energy Management

The San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCCC) has received the “Large Champion Honoree” award for excellence in energy savings from the San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E). The award is presented to energy responsible businesses who have demonstrated comprehensive participation in SDG&E programs for demand response, efficiency and conservation with credible results. The convention center, along with other award winners, was honored during the 2009 Energy Showcase held June 9 at the San Diego Convention Center.

“The San Diego Convention Center is a large facility, so we’re continually looking for ways to help reduce our carbon footprint,” said Brad Gessner, general manager at the convention center. “Our partnership with SDG&E has reduced our energy consumption, and going forward we continue to look for ways to cut back.”

During the 2006 and 2007 energy crises, the convention center reduced energy consumption by 46% by retrofitting lighting fixtures and installing motion sensor controls throughout the building. By upgrading the building’s central plant with energy-efficient electric chillers, it saves 2.7 million kWh annually, the equivalent of enough energy to power 460 homes for one year. Looking ahead, preliminary plans are being made to install roof top solar panels to offset energy consumption even further.

Now celebrating 20 years of success, the convention center has generated $18.3 billion in regional economic impact, $364 million in tax revenues for the City of San Diego and supports 12,500 jobs countywide.

Lakefront Arena: One Year Later

This May the Lakefront Arena at the University of New Orleans celebrated its first year since its grand reopening post-Katrina. On May 2, 2008, after being closed more than two and one-half years, the Lakefront Arena reopened its doors to the UNO and New Orleans community and concert and family promoters.

Over the last year, the Lakefront Arena has provided a venue for concerts and family shows, a stage for UNO’s graduates to grace and a court for the UNO Privateers! Since its reopening, shows and concerts such as Disney On Ice, Carrie Underwood, Robin Williams, Fall Out Boy, Disney Live, The Wiggles, Ne-Yo, Widespread Panic, Jeff Dunham, and Maya Angelou, to name a few, have performed at the Arena.

Last month and throughout the summer, the Lakefront Arena was and will be home to local high school, UNO and other university graduations, dance revues, basketball games, special events such as the WYES 26th Annual International Beer Tasting, Dane Cook, R. Kelly, and family shows such as Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes to Town and the return of Playhouse Disney Live in December.

According to Marco Perez, general manager, Lakefront Arena, “We are excited to be back in action. It’s been a rewarding experience as we have been able to bring back the mid-size venue that has been missing from the New Orleans area since Katrina. The entertainment industry has truly embraced us.”

With upgrades to the exterior lighting, a new state of the art sound system, upgraded Box Office, a new basketball floor and a new marquee on the way, there have been several milestones for the Arena.

A much-anticipated return of the Aquatic Center is also on its way this summer (end of July) with an updated sound system that will be used for public swim time and swim meets, a new automated chemical treatment for the pool, an updated timing system, as well as a new, modern scoreboard.

The Lakefront Arena has returned quality of life and entertainment to the New Orleans area, along with their contribution of more than $2 million annually to The University of New Orleans. As an economic engine for the University and the New Orleans entertainment industry, it has been able to regain steam with more surprises ahead.

Smart City Networks Provides Technology Services To Pittsburgh’s Convention Center

Smart City Networks announced that the Sports and Exhibition Authority (SEA) of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County has awarded the company a three-year contract to provide event technology services, including telecommunications, Internet, networking, data services, and Wi-Fi™, to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. Smart City Networks will be performing upgrades to increase the network backbone capacity by 10-fold and significantly expand the Wi-Fi™ network.
 
The David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, managed by SMG, will be the site of the G-20 Global Economic Summit September 24-25. Smart City Networks is working with officials at the convention center to determine the event’s technology needs that will host some 4,000 delegates and 2,500 domestic and foreign members of the media.

“Smart City Networks has extensive experience in providing superior telecommunications services for high-profile events across the country,” said Mark Haley, president of Smart City Networks. “We’re honored that the SEA approved our contract and look forward to working with the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on all types of upcoming events, including the G-20 Summit. We will ensure all of the attendees and personnel at this global event have the world-class Internet and telecommunications connectivity they need.”

Smart City Networks has provided telecommunications services for various large-scale national and international events, including the G8 Summit as well as Republican and Democrat National Conventions.

“Over the years, Smart City Networks has provided us with excellent customer service as well as a distinctive program of data, telecom and technical services that we will continue to rely upon in the upcoming years, especially as we welcome world finance leaders at the G-20 Summit in September,” said Mark Leahy, SMG general manager of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Boston Culinary Group Signs Agreement With Columbus Civic Center

Boston Culinary Group announced that the company has signed a five-year agreement for the food and beverage services at the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia. Boston Culinary Group is one of the nation’s leading providers of food, beverage and merchandise services in the recreation and leisure industry. The company will begin operations on July 1, 2009.

The Center is a multipurpose public assembly facility with 10,000 arena seats, 23,000 square feet of flat floor space and 5,000 square feet of hospitality suite. “We are very excited about this opportunity at the Columbus Civic Center. We have put together a great plan for improvements to the physical plant and the food and beverage operations,” said Greg Fender, BCG Regional Vice President. “Our capital plan will go towards upgrading the concessions and fit out the kitchen to enable us to compete for more of the local banquet business.”

The Civic Center is home to two professional sports franchises: the South Professional Hockey League’s Columbus Cottonmouths, and the American Indoor Football Association's Columbus Lions.

The bid process included the selection committee visiting arenas currently operated by the proposers. The committee viewed BCG’s operations at the Tsongas Arena in Lowel, MA and liked what they saw. “Columbus Civic Center is excited to have Boston Culinary Group in our building. Patrons will be thrilled with all of the new menu items, not to mention the outstanding quality of the food. Plus, having a chef on staff full-time will open the door for many new opportunities,” said Dale Hester, Columbus Civic Center director.

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