By R.V. Baugus

Since 2014, Todd Hunt, CVE, has served as an instructor at IAVM’s Venue Management School. He has had an opportunity over those eight-plus years to hear other’s names called as recipients of the prestigious Ray Ward Award, so named after the father of industry professional development, Ray Ward. You may now add the name of Todd Hunt to that impressive and decorated list of winners.

For the past two years, Hunt has served as senior vice president at Venue Coalition, a live entertainment consulting company focused on booking artists, Attractions, and touring productions in arena and theater venues.

Hunt, who for most of his career is known as a venue professional in his beloved home state of Mississippi, expressed both surprise and gratitude when his name was called in early June at IAVM’s VMS at the Saddlebrook Resort near Tampa, Florida.

“I was certainly surprised yet very honored to receive this year’s Ray Ward Award,” Hunt said. “To be recognized for my contributions to education within our industry is a remarkable feeling. As a second-generation venue manager, this industry means a tremendous amount to me.

“I also come from a long line of educators, so teaching at VMS is something that is truly in my blood! It’s quite an honor to be included with the legends who are previous recipients of the award.”

Save for a couple of years early in his career when Hunt worked at the UTC Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, his home has been in the Magnolia State of Mississippi first at the Tupelo Coliseum followed by an almost eight-year stint as Director of Humphrey Coliseum and Athletic Concessions at Mississippi State University (where he earned his B.B.A. in Management and to this day is one of the most ardent Hail State supporters). From there it was on to BancorpSouth Arena and Conference Center once again in Tupelo before moving on to Venue Coalition.

Hunt also earned an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi, so the role of education is obviously important in his life and career.

“I first attended VMS as a student in 2006 and began my teaching career in 2013,” he said. “I joined the Board of Regents in 2015, served as the VMA exchange instructor teaching at the Australian school in 2016, was selected to go through the leadership chairs in 2017, and served as chair of the school in 2019.

“Being selected to join the faculty ranks alongside many of the same instructors who taught me just a few years prior was a dream come true. Now to receive the Ray Ward Award? Truly a fantastic feeling!”

Hunt went on to acknowledge the greatness of Ray Ward while also thanking those who have propelled him in his distinguished career.

“Ray may have been small in stature, but he was a giant in the industry,” Hunt said. “His dedication to VMS and to lifelong learning set a great example for us to follow.

“I certainly wouldn’t be in this position without the support of my family, who have graciously allowed me to spend a week each year at the school. And Michael Marion and the late Terry Butler were the two venue managers who encouraged me to give back to the industry. Teaching at VMS is one of the most fulfilling things I have done in my professional career.”

That fulfillment is now capped by receiving the highest honor given by VMS.

By Karen Caro

The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority announced the promotion of Nick Panter to the position of Executive Chef at the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Panter joined the culinary team in 2015 as Chef de Cuisine and has been promoted throughout his tenure to Sous Chef and Executive Sous Chef. As Executive Chef, Panter will oversee the entire kitchen and stewarding operation at both venues.

Born in Texas, Panter grew up in Oklahoma and New Mexico where he learned the art of creating powerful, spicy and craveable dishes drawing inspiration from Southeast Asian cuisine. Passionate about giving each guest a unique dining experience, Chef Panter plans to build upon the use of sustainable sourcing while expanding the network of local purveyors.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Panter is married with three daughters.

Karen Caro is Marketing Manager for Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center announced that Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP, has been named as the facility’s Senior Director of Sales and Event Services. In this new role, Williams will be responsible for developing and overseeing the Sales and Event Services functions from planning to execution.

Williams’ career in the Convention Center began with ARAMARK in 1996 when she was named Sales Manager. While working for ARAMARK, Williams rose through the ranks to achieve the positions of Director of Sales, Director of Operations, and Interim General Manager. She joined the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center sales team in 2007 as a National Sales Manager. Most recently, Williams served as the Director of Sales for the facility.

In May 2021, Williams became the first facility representative in the history of the International Association of Exhibits and Events (IAEE) to earn an Advanced Professional certification in Exhibition Management.

“Elaine recently celebrated her 15-year anniversary working at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “Her contributions have been meaningful, and she consistently exceeds the expectations of our internal and external customers. Placing her in this new role demonstrates our faith that Elaine will continue to achieve great heights in our industry for many more years to come.”

By Danica Tormohlen

As part of ASM Global’s new strategic convention and meeting space initiative, the ASM Global managed Huntington Place in Detroit hosted and sponsored the launch of the first-ever EVX on June 22. EV Exchange serves the electric vehicle (EV) and energy infrastructure market—a surging sector with EV sales expected to increase by 37% from 2021 to 2022 in the U.S, according to a forecast by market consultant AutoPacific. Globally, sales of electric cars have increased significantly in 2022, with 2 million sold in Q1, up 75% from the same period in 2021, according to IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2022.

With EV sales soaring, local, state and national government officials are seeking infrastructure solutions to support U.S. President Joe Biden’s goal of EV sales encompassing 50% of auto sales by 2030. At the same time, a lot of work on changing consumer attitudes and beliefs needs to be done to reach this goal, as studies have found that consumers continue to be leery of EVs because they aren’t comfortable with the idea that taking a long trip in one requires advance planning and multiple recharging stops, reported by Forbes.

To respond to this burgeoning market need, MAD Event Management and Sitarian Corporation joined forces to produce the first-ever Electric Vehicle + Energy Infrastructure Innovation and Sustainability Exchange conference (EVX).

Held June 22, EVX brought together key stakeholders to network and educate each other about the operations, infrastructure, investment, cost recovery, regulatory, and policy issues with the expanding deployment of EVs and EV infrastructure to execute and achieve goals for effective EV deployment and to meet climate change goals and balance policy issues around ESG.

The event drew 60 invited attendees, including EV manufacturers, private sector infrastructure companies and federal, state and local government officials. Visit Detroit is the presenting sponsor of EVX.

“As electrification becomes crucial to the future of automobility, EV Exchange is the perfect vehicle for Detroit to command center stage as the world leader in automotive innovation,” said Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit. “Coming out of the pandemic, we are so proud to host this transformative event.”

At a luncheon at EVX, Bob McClintock, executive vice president, convention centers, ASM Global, said, “Welcome to Huntington Place in Detroit, the auto innovation capital of the world.” McClintock serves on the EVX advisory board. “As a representative of ASM Global, we are here to support our customers, the venues we manage and the Detroit metropolitan region. We want to facilitate the creation of new products for the communities our building’s serve, and we are committed to promoting innovation in growing markets, particularly those that will help with sustainability initiatives.

“ASM Global continues to support the work of industry associations like PCMA, IAEE, MPI, ASAE and SISO; but the EVX launch represents our first investment with an independent organizer,” said McClintock. “We have a longstanding relationship with MAD Event Management, and ASM Global’s support of their vision for this expanding sector is an indicator of our commitment to the future of meetings and conventions.”

MAD Event Management also produces the Long Beach Comic-Con at ASM Global-managed Long Beach Convention Center.

“ASM agreed to sponsor EVX for at least its first two years to allow it time to grow and establish its place in the market,” continued McClintock. “We recognize the importance of EV, and we are dedicated to bringing new business to the communities we serve. When MAD approached us about sponsoring, we couldn’t think of a better way to support Detroit as the auto innovation capital of the world.”

Martha Donato, founder and president of MAD Event Management, agreed. “There’s no better city on the planet for the EV Exchange to launch and run this premier EV and next-generation mobility program,” she said.

“With support from ASM Global and Visit Detroit, it was amazing to have the opportunity to bring this program to fruition. EVX’s mission is to create a positive impact on domestic and global climate and environmental green initiatives,” said Paul Sitar, CEO of Sitarian Corporation and creator and director of the EV Exchange.”

Danica Tormohlen is a media rep for ASM Global.

By stadiumbusiness.com

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United, has claimed a first for a professional sports stadium after it was awarded Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE) precertification for its zero waste efforts.

TRUE precertification is administered by Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI) and recognizes buildings and projects which have implemented the foundational programs and policies needed to effectively pursue zero waste.

Since March, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has diverted over 90% of accumulated waste from landfill at all major events, including five Atlanta United matches and concerts from Kenny Chesney and Coldplay.

The stadium employs various green practices and programs, which allow it to achieve zero waste status on event day and in the building’s administrative offices. Initiatives have included recyclable and compostable supply-chain items and leveraging a 6,000-square-foot resource recovery room to reclaim, sort and divert materials from landfill.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium has also launched sustainability education and engagement programs for fans, associates, and food and beverage partners, while it has pledged to fit recycling and compost bins at every stadium suite by August.

Dietmar Exler, chief operating officer at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, said: “We are excited to announce that we have earned TRUE precertification, which is a major milestone on our journey to becoming a fully certified zero waste facility.

“Since construction, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has been committed to creating a sustainable environment both in and around the stadium to reduce our overall environmental footprint. This is just the next step in our overall journey.”

In 2017, Mercedes-Benz Stadium became the first professional sports venue in North America to achieve the highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System certification.

The stadium also employs water retention, energy conservation, alternative transportation, urban garden and agriculture programs. The venue works with partners Coca-Cola, Georgia Power, Novelis, Phade, and Waste Management to further enhance its efforts.

While Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the first stadium to achieve the TRUE certification, it is not the first venue overall. State Farm Arena, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, achieved this in April.

In 2019, State Farm Arena diverted only an average of 10% of its total waste but since May 2021, the venue has consistently diverted a minimum of 90% of fan-generated waste from landfills.