By StadiumBusiness.com

Paycor, a human capital management company, has agreed a deal to become the first naming-rights sponsor of Paul Brown Stadium, home of the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals.

As part of the deal, the venue will be officially known as Paycor Stadium. New branding will be integrated throughout the stadium in the coming months.

The Bengals did not disclose terms of the deal, but the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the agreement will run for 16 years.

Cincinnati-headquartered Paycor has served as the Bengals’ official and exclusive HR software provider since 2018. The company was represented by Excel Sports Management’s brand marketing division during the stadium sponsorship negotiations.

Paul Brown Stadium had been one of just three NFL venues without a naming-rights partner, alongside the Green Bay Packers’ Lambeau Field and Chicago Bears’ Soldier Field.

Reports emerged last month that the Bengals were close to signing a stadium sponsor and a deal has now been struck with Paycor ahead of the team’s first regular-season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 11.

Since opening in 2000, the stadium has been named in honor of Bengals founder Paul Brown, who died in 1991. The Bengals said that Brown’s legacy will “live on forever” despite the name change.

Raul Villar Jr., chief executive of Paycor, said: “As Paycor continues to grow and reach customers throughout the US, our mission of empowering leaders to build winning teams perfectly aligns with the defending AFC champions. As long-time fans, this is a big point of employee pride, and we are honored to support our local team and build on the legacy of Paul Brown.”

Bengals president Mike Brown added: “This is a move that I think my father would have agreed to. He was always for what is best for the football team. This partnership allows the Bengals to continue to compete at the highest level in the NFL and exemplifies our long-term commitment to the community.”

The agreement has been signed after the Steelers last month struck a stadium naming-rights deal with Michigan-based insurance brokerage Acrisure. The 15-year deal will see the venue formerly known as Heinz Field renamed Acrisure Stadium.

In April, Paul Brown Stadium was deemed suitable to remain the long-term home of the Bengals, with the proviso it will require a minimum of $493 million in upgrades, according to the findings of a study by design and architecture firm Gensler.

By Melinda Hartline

The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation announced the top ten (10) finalists for the class of 2023. Voting to select three (3) Circus Ring of Fame inductees began on August 3. The online voting will close September 5, 2022, at midnight. The induction ceremony will take place Saturday, February 4, 2023.

“This year the nominating committee was very thorough in its deliberations,” said Bill Powell, Chair of the Foundation. “We believe the candidates are all worthy of consideration but only three will be the deserving inductees representing the highest of achievement in circus arts and culture.”

The Circus Ring of Fame final top ten nominees are:

1. The Alexis Brothers – Marco and Paulo Lorador have performed their artistic hand balancing to millions of fans worldwide, including Queen Elizabeth and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

2. Circus Hermanos Vazquez Family – Producers of the highly successful Circus Vazquez and Flip Circus. The Vazquez brothers started in Mexico in 1969 and their show has grown into one of the top traveling circus operations in America.

3. Sacha Houcke Family – This multi-generational European circus family is considered circus royalty. The Houcke family and their animal partners performed with every major show in Europe and toured more than a decade with Ringling. Sacha created the center ring Living Carousel at Ringling and Sara was featured as The Tiger Whisperer. The Family won multiple accolades at festivals including the International Circus Festival of Monte Carlo.

4. Jeanette Williams – Jeanette comes from Germany’s famous Circus Williams family. She performed with liberty horses and assorted animals in Europe and the USA. Jeanette later owned her own show in America and became a prominent booking agent for circus arts talent.

5. David “The Bullet” Smith Family – David “The Bullet” Smith is the heir to the throne of being the world’s most accomplished Human Cannonball. David currently holds five Guinness World Records for the highest cannonball shot and the farthest cannonball shot, having broken his own record three times. Most recently he was featured on America’s Got Talent Extreme.

6. Wayne McCary – Highly regarded circus producer as well as fair and exhibition executive. Over more than 30 years Mr. McCary produced many Shrine Circuses and the circus at the Eastern States Exposition (The Big E). His accomplishments received recognition in John. H. McConnell’s “A History of the Shrine Circus” and Robert L. Parkinson’s “Directory of American Circuses 1793-2000.”

7. Marco and Philip Peters – The Peters brothers started their careers in the circus arts in Europe before coming to America as a feature attraction on Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey. Marco and Philip performed incredible daring feats on a rotating sky wheel 40 feet in the air and are credited with inventing the double sky wheel. They performed with Bengal tigers in one interpretation of their sky wheel performance.

8. Father Jerry Hogan — Father Hogan, a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston for 46 years, served for three decades as the national “Circus Chaplain” under the direction of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Father Jerry was frequently on the road ministering to different circus troupes and performers. He was a fixture in the circus world and loved by thousands.

9. Peggy Williams – Peggy Williams’ contributions to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and the circus industry literally made history. In 1970, she became the first female graduate of Clown College. In 1980, Peggy distinguished herself again by becoming the first woman assigned as performance director in the company’s history for the Special International Edition of The Greatest Show On Earth that visited Japan. Peggy also worked to create Ringling’s Department of Education Services. Under her leadership Circusworks was created and gained national attention as educators entered into the world of Ringling’s cultural heritage and then created lesson plans that they took back to their students.

10. Eva Williams – From her early beginnings as a star artist on the high wire to her acrobatic talents performing with multiple animal species the circus has defined Eva Williams. After Eva’s performing career, she became a prominent agent booking talent on productions around the world. She continues to contribute to the industry and proudly supports the circus arts.

The global circus community is encouraged to register and vote for their favorite three (3) nominees using the following online link: https://www.circusringoffame.org/vote/

The new inductees to the Circus Ring of Fame will join the 150 honored since 1987. Each of those recognized have made a significant contribution to the art and culture of the circus. Updates on the ceremony will be posted on the website and social media.

About the Circus Ring of Fame Foundation – The Circus Ring of Fame Foundation is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the core purpose of recognizing the highest of achievement in circus arts and culture.

Social page: https://facebook.com/circusringoffame

Website: https://www.circusringoffame.org

By Mike Tishka

Trex Commercial, a leading national provider of architectural railing and custom staging systems for commercial building applications, has tapped industry veteran Raymond Byrnes to serve as Western Regional Sales Manager for the company’s Staging Concepts business. With more than 12 years of experience in commercial and contract seating, Byrnes brings a wealth of expertise to the company and its customers across the western United States.

“Ray is a highly qualified and experienced sales professional with an impressive track record of success,” said Tim White, vice president of sales for Trex Commercial. “He is known throughout the industry for his market expertise and solutions-oriented sales approach. His knowledge of the Western region and proven sales acumen promise to further elevate and broaden opportunities for Staging Concepts in this important region.”

In his new role, Byrnes oversees sales activity across the western U.S. for Staging Concepts, which engineers and produces custom modular staging solutions for all types of venues, including performing arts spaces and production companies, sports facilities, worship venues, convention centers, hospitality settings and special events. He is responsible for developing strong relationships with existing and potential clients within the commercial arena, actively managing sales processes and driving high-value project opportunities.

Byrnes has spent much of his career in contract seating, most recently as Western Regional Sales Manager for Irwin Seating, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of audience seating for movie theaters, auditoriums, stadiums and arenas, performing arts centers, military bases, and places of worship. In his seven years with Irwin, Byrnes managed direct and channel sales, as well as prospecting, and was essential to growing the company’s sales from 7 million dollars to 16.7 million dollars during his tenure.

Prior to that, Byrnes worked with San Diego-based Seating Concepts, where he served as Regional Sales Manager and, ultimately, National Sales Manager. Over the course of five years, he helped to more than double the company’s sales and contributed to significantly expanding its dealer network.

“Ray has extensive experience working with architects, theater consultants, facility managers and general contractors, and possesses a deep understanding of the markets we serve,” said Laura Rygielski-Preston, president of Trex Commercial. “Combined with his proven leadership abilities and success in key account management, he is a welcome addition to our team as we continue to expand our footprint and build upon our industry-leading reputation for quality and service.”

Mike Tishka represents Staging Concepts for L.C. Williams & Associates.

By Nicole Bowman, MBA

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) announced the following promotions within the organization following the departure of Scott Craighead, CEM, who is leaving for an opportunity with a destination marketing organization.

Lisa Buchanan – Vice President, Engagement and Digital Strategy
Hannah Deters, CEM – Director, Event Management
Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM – Senior Vice President, Events and Learning Experiences
Stacy Powers – Director, Learning Experiences
Lisa Buchanan and Marsha Flanagan report to IAEE’s EVP/COO Cathy Breden, CMP-F, CAE, CEM, as does IAEE’s Vice President of Marketing, Nicole Bowman, MBA.

“IAEE is fortunate to have such amazing talent on our team. When one door closes, another opens, and this was the right time to realign staff to play to their strengths,” said IAEE President and CEO, David DuBois, CMP-F, CAE, FASAE, CTA.

The IAEE team is comprised of 22 industry professionals whose sole purpose is to advance and support the business of face-to-face events and to enhance the IAEE member experience. These dedicated individuals work tirelessly to provide key resources to the global show organizer community and the suppliers that support the exhibition industry ecosystem.

“We have long recognized the need to change with the times,” DuBois said. “The association recently completed an extensive digital transformation strategy project and have begun implementation of key processes to better serve our members. Further, IAEE is in search of an addition to the marketing team to assist in high-level content development and project management as well as an event coordinator to support the administrative efforts of the events team.”

Nicole Bowman, MBA, is Vice President, Marketing and Communications for IAEE.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in July 2022. Thank you for being a part of the association! Also, let us get to know you better by participating in the I Am Venue Management series. Please visit http://www.iavm.org/i-am-venue-management-share-your-story to share your story and photo.

Matthew Agnew, Gas South District, Duluth, GA

Corey Albright, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA

Raphael Alfonzo, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON, Canada

Allison Alonzy, Strathmore, North Bethesda, MD

Jillian Alspach, America’s Center, Saint Louis, MO

Erika Anderson, Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND

Adam Armit, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON, Canada

Paul Banuls, FedExForum, Memphis, TN

Deneen Bennett, Oak View Group, New York, NY

Christopher Bird, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON, Canada

Brandon Brite, Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK

Madelyn Buckman, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK

Joel Burdeos, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA

Chris Carton, RiverCenter | Adler Theatre, Davenport, IA

Rich Claffey, MSG Sphere, New York, NY

Katherine Cosgrove, CAPA – Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, Columbus, OH

Carrie Fankhauser, @the Grounds, Roseville, CA

Andrea Fierro, Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, TX

Allison Focht, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando, FL

Tiffany Freeman, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK

Greg Frey, Murray State University Athletics, Murray, KY

Lindsey Friend, Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center, Aurora, CO

Bryan Fulton, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK

Ryan Golpeo, MSG Sphere, Las Vegas, NV

Amanda Grantham, Burton Coliseum, Lake Charles, LA

Scott Greenban, Etix, Morrisville, NC

Katie Groth, Resch Center, Green Bay, WI

Shelbi Guerrero, Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ

Trevor Hamilton, Peace Center, Greenville, SC

Marisa Hanke, Bank of America Performing Arts Center, Thousand Oaks, CA

Daniel Hartman, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Duluth, MN

Brett Hawkins, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK

Anjanette Heath, Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND

Derrik Hester, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

Rebecca Hill, Georgia International Horse Park, Conyers, GA

Jaylen Hinton, Walter E Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC

Kyle Holden, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Sandy, UT

Sue Hollenbeck, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK

Ileia Hook, Belmont University, Nashville, TN

Jose Jimenez, City of Stockton – Economic Development Department, Stockton, CA

Jason Kile, UTA Special Event Facilities, Arlington, TX

Lexy Kingsbaker, Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center, Aurora, CO

Kimberly Koniecki, Dallas Symphony Association, Dallas, TX

Chris Krog, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK

Ken Latham, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN

Candace Lawson, Calgary Stampede, Calgary, AB, Canada

] Lesher, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK

David Lewis, Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, Tallahassee, FL

Alex MacKenzie, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC

Hunter Mackenzie, Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL

Bryan Martineau, BAM Public Safety, Manchester, NH

Troy McCanna, Robotic Assistance Devices, Sylvania, OH

Abigail McGlynn, Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND

Alina Milauskas, FLA Live Arena – Florida Panthers, Sunrise, FL

Michelle Mills, Bonnetts Energy Centre, Grande Prairie, AB, Canada

Alejandro Morfin, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA

John Morgan, AECOM Hunt, Dallas, TX

Erin Mullally, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON, Canada

Stephanie Ovall, Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls, SD

Kayla Pendergast, Venue Management/UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

Chris Petrelli, Plainfield Performing and Fine Arts Center, Westfield, IN

Cheryl Pickett, Wings Event Center, Kalamazoo, MI

Kasey Porec, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK

Stefano Robb, MSG Sphere, Las Vegas, NV

Brad Roberts, Miller High Life Theatre, Milwaukee, WI

Carter Roberts, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Springville, UT

Tim Roberts, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC

Thomas Samperi, MSG Sphere, New York, NY

Michael Sauder, MSG Sphere, Las Vegas, NV

Andrew Schendle, AECOM Hunt, Dallas, TX

Charlene Scott, AT&T Center, San Antonio, TX

Austin Setzer, Venue Management/UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC

Angela Smith, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK

Nick Smith, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando, FL

Zevin Starks, East Montgomery County Improvement District, New Caney, TX

Stacey Stepek, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ

Corey Stone, Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND

Morgane Stuart, MSG Sphere, Las Vegas, NV

Breanne Sypherd, Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND

Brian Thomas, Los Angeles Football Club/Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, CA

Monte Thurmond, AECOM Hunt, Dallas, TX

Justin Tinder, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK

Adam Tyhurst, T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO

Haley Wessel, Gainbridge Fieldhouse – Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis, IN

Jock Williams, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando, FL

Brittney Wilson, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC

Laurel Wilson, Oklahoma City Convention Center/ASM Global, Oklahoma City, OK

Alex Wolters, America’s Center, Saint Louis, MO

Peter Wu, North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center, North Charleston, SC

Austin Young, Chase Field – Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix, AZ

James Zadai, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA

Daniel Zeregaber, Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC