By R.V. Baugus

John “Casey” Wells announced that he will be retiring from his position of Executive Director of Erie (PA) Events effective January 2023. Wells made the announcement at a recent meeting of the Erie County Convention Center Authority’s board meeting. It will mark the end of a distinguished career that carried more than 40 years of employment with the Authority.

Wells might most be known on the local scene for his success in the development and completion of nearly $300 in projects that include the Erie Insurance Arena, Warner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park, the Sheraton and Marriott Hotels, and the development along Erie’s bayfront.

“I will miss the challenge of development projects, the excitement of live events, and the everyday friendship of my employees and colleagues,” Wells told us. “I’ve been so fortunate to have had a very capable staff and so many friends in the venue management industry who always selflessly shared their knowledge and talents.”

Wells is credited with increasing economic development in Erie, enhancing the quality of life, and providing the community with first-class convention, sports, and entertainment facilities.

Wells also cited the role of IAVM in his career and for future generations of venue managers to come.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed IAVM and know that it will continue to assist with the growth and development of its members as it has for me for the past 41 years.”

To read a local feature story on Wells, click here.

William Blackford, Chairman of the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium Commission, announced that the Commission has selected Roger Newton as Chief Executive Officer of Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium effective October 3.

“Roger’s extensive background in the management of public assembly venues along with his connections in the concert and entertainment industries make him a great fit for this position,” Blackford said. “His work as a consultant for the Auditorium over the past few months has demonstrated to the Commission what we believe the Auditorium can become under his leadership. We are excited about the future of the Auditorium and are confident in Roger’s ability to lead the organization into this new chapter in the history of this iconic venue.”

Newton has an extensive career in the management of public assembly venues, including his tenure as General Manager of Nassau Coliseum in Long Island, New York; General Manager of the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Canada; EVP/GM of the FTX Arena in Miami, Florida; General Manager of the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota; President/General Manager of the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina; and President/General Manager of the CCNB Amphitheater in Simpsonville, South Carolina.

“I am honored to be the new CEO and the successor of an incredible leader, Steve Jones, who served as General Manager of the Auditorium for 35 years,” Newton said. “The Commission board members are engaged, enthusiastic, and excited about the future of the Auditorium. I share in their vision and look forward to working with each of them, the Auditorium staff, and the Spartanburg community to grow the number of events and increase activity at the Auditorium.”

“Spartanburg is experiencing tremendous growth, and the Auditorium is well-positioned to work hand in hand with community leaders to bring more events and add to the quality of life of this great city,” added Newton.

Newton will oversee all aspects of the management and operation of the Auditorium including but not limited to managing an annual budget, supervising staff, facilitating capital improvements, and managing improvement projects. Newton will also be responsible for soliciting and booking events at the Auditorium, marketing, sponsorships, ticketing, and maintaining relationships with media outlets, community leaders, and government officials.

By Mary Klida

Marlon Wilson joined the ASM Global operations team in Huntington Place as the new Director of Public Safety. Wilson assumes the senior leadership responsibilities of overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Department of Public Safety and Security, taking on proactive initiatives with a focus on protection and service.

“Safety is one of the top concerns for meeting planners,” said Karen Totaro, CVE, general manager of Huntington Place/ASM Global. “Having the depth of Marlon Wilson’s experience along with his ability to articulate plans in a way that makes our clients feel safe and cared for will be instrumental to our future.”

Wilson comes to the venue with 26 years of law enforcement and critical management experience. Most recently, Wilson served as Deputy Chief of the Detroit Police Department (DPD) and as Executive Officer in both the Major Crimes and Organized Crime Divisions. He rose through the ranks throughout his career in the DPD since 1995 receiving numerous awards including Officer of the Year. He formed the agency’s Cyber Crimes and Arson Units. He also served as Commanding Officer of the Professional Standards Bureau.

“This is truly a monumental moment in my career, and I am extremely excited to have this role launch the next phase of my law enforcement and public safety journey,” Wilson said. “For over 27 years, I have been given the honor and privilege to help protect and serve the citizens of Detroit.”

Public Safety is increasingly becoming a top priority for convention centers and other venues. Wilson will be working to train Huntington Place staff on the latest safety and security protocols for venues in conjunction with the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) later this year. The IAVM is committed to provide innovative safety and security guidelines and training so as to assist venues and their executive teams in managing with the priority of protecting all aspects related to life-safety and physical assets. They also provide education, resources, advocacy and certification to event industry professionals and venue managers.

“I look forward to continuing my mission of the highest standard of safety and security for every team member, patron, and vendor who visits and interacts with Huntington Place,” Wilson added. “I plan to use my longstanding law enforcement background to implement protocols and procedures that create the safest and most conducive environment possible for all.”

Mark Herrera, director of safety and security for the IAVM, oversees the industry’s Academy for Venue Safety and Security and will work with Wilson to roll out the training in Huntington Place. Herrera has seen a growing demand for guidance related to security issues in the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol. He has conducted over 420 training sessions to leadership and frontline teams on Behavioral Indication and Risk Mitigation through Guest Service Interjection. The training emphasizes developing teams capable of providing exceptional focus, performance, and control in extreme situations.

“Facilities such as Huntington Place under the direction of GM Karen Totaro pride themselves with creating better experiences within the venue industry inclusive of all facilities which is more important now than ever before,” said Herrera. “The goal is to help others build elite teams within their organizations focusing on developing diverse cultures centering themselves around safety, security, and health awareness.”

Convention centers across the country are coming out of the COVID pandemic with changed sets of customer expectations for service delivery and environmental hygiene. Public safety departments have broadened their reach to not only include crisis communications, crowd control, and policing strategy, but also guest experience and customer service. Wilson’s Detroit focus and vast experience puts him at the right place (Huntington Place) at the right time in the venue’s history.

“We are thrilled to add this new role into Huntington Place’s Public Safety department,” Totaro said. “With Marlon having an extensive background in law enforcement and knowledge of our community, it makes sense that he is the right fit for our team. We are excited to bring Marlon onboard and know that he will take us to the next level.”

Mary Klida is Senior Marketing & Communications Manager at Huntington Place.

By Mychael Ramirez

Footprint Center in Phoenix has announced several internal promotions and the addition of a seasoned event executive following an incredible season of high-profile NBA and WNBA games and world-class concerts and events.

Tasked with leading arena operations through a high volume of business and the return of live entertainment following the pandemic, these promotions and new roles will further enhance the fan experience, promote higher levels of service, improve operational efficiencies and advance key strategic priorities. Promotions include:

Sarah Schock
Assistant General Manager & Vice President, Footprint Center

Alvan Adams
Vice President, Sustainability

Gary Gillespie
Vice President, Facility Management

Steven Kargol
Director of Arena Marketing

In addition, Vanessa Ward joins the team as Vice President of Event Services overseeing guest services, guest relations, security and traffic support. Ward comes to Footprint Center from the Chicago Cubs where she served as a project manager and Director of Guest and Associate Experience at Wrigley Field. Prior to the Cubs, Ward worked at Walt Disney World where she launched the Guest Experience Center.

The team’s efforts will maintain Footprint Center’s position as a preeminent sports and entertainment destination as the arena celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Since opening its doors in 1992, legendary musicians and basketball greats have drawn millions to the downtown Phoenix venue. The arena recently underwent a $245 million transformation and in 2021, partnered with Footprint, a material science company focused on reducing single-use plastics.

In addition to arena naming rights, the long-term partnership with Footprint includes the commitment to using Footprint’s plant-based fiber alternatives to plastic throughout the arena. Fans visiting Footprint Center will find food served in Footprint’s biodegradable, compostable or recyclable products and educational points about the positive impact of making a switch from single-use plastics in their everyday lives.

Mychael Ramirez is Manager, Brand Communications at Footprint Center.

By Blair Cardinal

Oak View Group, the global venue development, advisory, and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industry, announced the appointment of veteran hospitality executive Chandra Allison as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Growth for Meetings, Conventions & Exhibitions.

In the newly created role, Allison will oversee the strategy to grow the convention center business across the OVG360 portfolio and elevate the omnipresent OVG guest experience. She will also design and develop meeting spaces and programming for OVG’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino project, the $3 billion entertainment district that includes a 20,000-seat arena, 2,000-room hotel, meeting space, and casino. Using her industry and in-market experience, she will help the team fulfill the ambitious vision of the facility.

“I’m passionate about meetings, conventions, and exhibitions as chief economic drivers in any prosperous city or community,” Allison said. “I’m excited to join the team because I believe in the foresight of OVG’s leadership for where the industry could and should be in five years, 10 years and beyond. The entrepreneurial spirit, the culture, and the growth opportunities are astounding, and I’m excited to get started.”

Allison joins OVG following a 24-year tenure at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, which began as part of the integrated resort’s pre-opening team and concluded most recently as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing – M.I.C.E and Leisure. She assumed her new role with OVG on September 19 and reports jointly to Greg O’Dell, OVG360’s president of venue management, and Randy Morton, president of OVG Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.

“We’re thrilled to have Chandra on board,” O’Dell said. “She brings three decades of executive-level leadership and deep relationships with high-end, blue-chip clients to the table. She is an accomplished and recognized leader known for delivering powerful results through collaboration, creative negotiations, innovative sales deployment, people development, and group and leisure marketing strategies – all with the goal of providing a paramount guest experience.”

“Very few individuals possess Chandra’s degree of skill and wisdom – in Las Vegas and beyond – within the meetings and conventions, exhibitions, hotel, leisure and hospitality space,” Morton said. “As someone who started her career as a front desk agent at the Reno Hilton nearly thirty years ago and ascended to one of the top positions at a world-renowned property, she knows how to navigate a nuanced and competitive business. I’m excited to have Chandra on the team during this integral stage in development as we make our way toward our 2026 opening.”

Focused on education, fundraising, advocacy and research to advance the industry, Allison sat on the executive committee, board of directors and finance audit committee for the U.S. Travel Association and the global board of trustees, executive committee, and international board of directors for the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Foundation. She also served as a board member of Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International – Las Vegas (HSMAI) and Meetings Mean Business Coalition.

Blair Cardinal is Vice President for OVG 360 Communications.

Photo by Oak View Group