By Molly Rosenberg

Entertainment consulting company Venue Coalition announced Aaron Thomas will be joining the company as Vice President of Booking. In his new role, Thomas will focus on servicing the company’s 100+ member venues across North America, assisting them with national and regional booking as well as providing them strong advocacy within the touring industry.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to join the team at Venue Coalition,” said Thomas, who most recently served as Director of Booking for Columbus Arena Sports and Entertainment (CASE). “As a client for many years, I know first-hand how valuable Venue Coalition’s services are to independent venues. I’m really looking forward to representing all the members across the US and Canada, and to drive more first-class content into their buildings.”

Thomas’ career in live events started in audio engineering and music production. In 2011, Thomas was named Production Manager at The Schottenstein Center in Columbus where he oversaw all concert productions and systems integration for the arena. He held this position for eight years while adding larger touring concerts at Ohio Stadium to his roster. In early 2019, Thomas was promoted to Director of Production with the added responsibility of Event Management. That same year, he was again promoted to Director of Booking for CASE where he oversaw booking for The Schottenstein Center, Nationwide Arena, and Ohio Stadium. He served as the primary contact for all arena requests, including schedules for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, and Ohio State Athletics.

“We are excited to add Aaron to our talented team,” said Andrew Prince, President of Venue Coalition. “His experience in Columbus booking and managing events at venues with capacities ranging from a 2,500-seat theater to over 100,000 at Ohio Stadium, including two 20,000-seat arenas, has provided him with a deep understanding of what it takes to secure and present successful shows at all levels. He is highly regarded, and his strong relationships within the industry will be a great benefit to all our members as we continue to grow”.

Molly Rosenberg is Director of Administration and Special Projects for Venue Coalition, Inc.

By Sarah Burt

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)’s Maxine Mcintyre has been named Venue Professional of the Year at the VMA’s Venue Industry Awards for her pivotal role in delivering COVIDSafe events throughout the pandemic.

The Awards recognises career excellence and those contributing to the industry as a whole.

McIntyre was responsible for developing the MCEC VenueSafe Plan which is designed to operate a safe environment with scalable control measures to ensure all employees, visitors, customers, and contractors remain safe and healthy.

“Maxine has played a crucial part in delivering COVIDSafe events throughout the pandemic in her role as VenueSafe Advisor,” said Peter King, Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. “Her consultation and collaboration with government and customers have seen her become a respected industry expert on delivering events in the new world we find ourselves in.

“She has implemented various infection control mitigation strategies throughout MCEC’s event spaces and utilised technology to deliver best practice in health and safety while also educating others in the industry to do the same.”

“The pandemic was a catalyst of change for me personally and professionally and my priority was to provide confidence and advocate for a safe return to business where venues had been almost dormant for two years,” McIntyre said.

“There was a need within the business that no one had foreseen, and I jumped at the opportunity to own the VenueSafe advisor role. Through much research, trial and error, and liaising with the best minds in our industry, I reimagined how we could work and provide the best experience for our customers.”

MCEC Manager Meetings and Events Courtney Jorgensen was also nominated for the Young Achiever of the Year Award, recognising and promoting up-and-coming venue professionals and their valuable contribution to the industry.

Sarah Burt is Corporate Communications Specialist for the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

By Liz Lytle

accesso Technology Group plc, technology solutions provider for attractions and venues worldwide, has established a new integration with PayPal to offer additional online payment flexibility for clients of its award-winning accesso Passport® eCommerce ticketing solution.

accesso first integrated PayPal into the checkout process for accesso Passport online ticketing system users worldwide in 2014. Now, through an expanded collaboration, accesso Passport client venues can offer PayPal’s popular “Pay Later” options to guests: “Pay in 41,” which allows eligible guests to pay for a purchase in four, interest-free payments over six weeks; and “PayPal Credit2” – a digital credit line that offers six months of special financing on purchases of $99+. The integration is currently live, available to accesso Passport clients at no additional cost.

The fully hosted accesso Passport eCommerce ticketing suite powers online ticketing for leisure and entertainment operators around the globe, facilitating an exceptional eCommerce experience for guests on any device while boosting revenue through delivery of strategic up-sell and cross-sell prompts. The mobile-first solution also empowers guests to plan their day with ease, allowing them to purchase anything they may need for their visit – from tickets and parking passes to dining packages and stroller rentals – with a few easy clicks.

“At accesso, we are always seeking new ways to increase conversions, maximize cart values, and enhance the guest experience for our clients,” said accesso Director, Global Payments Michael Wiggins. “Through this new integration with PayPal, our partners are able to remove the barrier of an all-in, up-front cost for guests, broadening access to higher value offerings.”

Liz Lytle is Brand Communications Manager for accesso.

By R.V. Baugus

The “Open” sign hangs proud and boldly around this year’s VenueConnect in Phoenix. Unlike 2020 in Long Beach (virtual only) and 2021 in Atlanta (open with restrictions), the Valley of the Sun is ready to host IAVM in 2022.

The always popular “A Day at the Theater” under the leadership of the Performing Arts Committee is back with excitement and anticipation building for it well in advance of the Tuesday, July 19 “day” from 10 am – 3 pm at the Herberger Theater Center.

In collaboration with The Shalleck Collaborative, the Performing Arts Committee welcomes attendees to a day that will include conversations about how PACs are building back stronger, a chance to make new friends and reconnect with old ones and reignite the joy in performing arts work.

The committee is grateful to the generous sponsors of “A Day at the Theater” including The Shalleck Collaborative, Threshold, AMS Planning & Research, LMN, Wenger and the hosts at the Herberger Theater Center.

So, tell us again committee members, why you are excited about “A Day at the Theater” and the upcoming VenueConnect?

Nine out of ten venue management professionals recommend “A Day at the Theater” as the industry’s antidote after a long, ugly shut down due to a pandemic. Come learn and get re-energized by the industry’s best and brightest! –Allan Vella

I am so excited about the in-person, hands-on material at “A Day at the Theater!” I am attending because the curriculum will give me the opportunity to connect with my fellow Performing Arts colleagues in a fun way! –Ashley Keen, CVP

VenueConnect consistently provides a space for me to connect with and be inspired by those in the industry doing incredible work. From being able to ask questions that have plagued me to learning about the newest technologies and trends in the performing arts industry, I always come away rejuvenated, inspired, and better prepared than I was before attending. –Bridget Benton, MFA

I am excited about “A Day at the Theater” because it feels new and fresh. I think it will be fun to have the PAC first day of the conference in a space that feels familiar and comfortable. My hope is that by being in an environment many of us are used to, it will spur us to exchange stories and ideas with each other. I am sure it will be a bunch of “I wish we had,” “How do you think they would make X show work in this space?” conversation starters. –Eric Slaughter

I’m going to “A Day at the Theater” at VenueConnect to connect with my friends and colleagues in the Performing Arts world. Getting to visit with everyone to hear about their experiences and engage with each other to tackle the challenges of our sector is something I look forward to every year. –Graeme Bice

I am SOOOOO excited to be returning to VenueConnect and to Phoenix! I have missed being with my IAVM peeps IN PERSON. I’m looking forward to visiting many of the Valley theaters in which I was involved over the years and getting back to communing with IAVM friends over dinner and drinks in the fabulous Phoenix restaurants. (Priorities, donchaknow!) –Jack Hagler, FASTC

The thought of spending “A Day at the Theater” as part of VenueConnect this year creates a sense of calm and normalcy within me that I have been so missing these past few years. I can’t wait to spend quality face time with my treasured colleagues and reignite my memories of years past and make new ones too with this amazing community of theater professionals. COME ONE COME ALL! –Jason Blackwell, CFM

This year’s “A Day at the Theater” will provide a place for our sector to gather together to (re)connect, learn, and have joyful moments together. I can’t wait to see you there! –Jodi Cobalt, Chair

This year’s VenueConnect promises to be a great opportunity to dig into some topics that are of particular importance to performing arts managers, both the technical side and the “soft” human side. I’m looking forward to connecting with people and finding those moments to just touch base and talk about what’s on our minds. –Kimberly Corbett Oates, ASTC

Can’t wait to be back together in person for VC and specifically for our day in the theater! Our team always comes away from performing arts sector meetings with new ideas and new connections; it’s an inspiring and collaborative way to reignite our passion for the industry. –Laura Sweet, MA

I’m heading to VenueConnect to CONNECT with my fellow Performing Art Center colleagues. Holding the “Day at the Theater” on day one is the perfect opportunity to immediately find and connect with theater people. I’m proud to be overseeing Boot Camp, PAC’s longstanding hands-on workshops. I hope you’ll join us for five rotating sessions where you’ll get to practice running a spotlight, pick up a needle and thread as you learn a quick stitch to repair a ripped drape, saddle up to a mic as you try to audio describe a performance, or perhaps stand in the spotlight as you learn a magic trick. Making a return is fan favorite Ethics, where you can join a lively discussion on a handful of sticky venue dilemmas. The Day at the Theater is bound to be a day filled with education, but moreover a day filled with laughs, hugs, and the connection we’ve all missed these past few years. –Sara Beatty, CVP

I’ve always said that if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. Our “Day at the Theater” allows us to connect with the best and brightest in the industry to learn best practices and brainstorm new ideas while having a lot of fun! –Trampas Brown, CVP, FMP

I’m so excited to see everyone in person and learn firsthand how they are coming back stronger! I always leave VenueConnect feeling inspired, brimming with ideas, and reconnected to why I love this industry. –V Fairchild

I’m excited to help reconnect and see how everyone, their organization and their venue’s mission and are being rebuilt for the comeback. — Adam Shalleck

By R.V. Baugus

Rick Nafe, a veteran of nearly 40 years in the public assembly world and one of Tampa’s most prominent leaders, passed away on May 26 at the age of 70 at St. Joseph’s Hospital North in Lutz, FL. No immediate cause was given for his death.

Sharing through Facebook, Rick’s wife, Dana, posted, “My amazing, loving husband, Rick Nafe, left us too soon last night to be with the Lord. He is the greatest gift God ever shared and if there is a stadium in the other side, he is there planning a party so all his friends can celebrate. Please pray for the joy and love that we shared and the love he showed to all to be what we celebrate in the life of my sweetest boy ever! He is, was and forever will be my everything. He loved his children, friends and family and always made us laugh and feel so special. There are no words.”

Rob Higgins, Tampa Bay Sports Commission executive director, echoed with the following: “He was instrumental in so much of what has happened here in the local sports scene. “Also made a tremendous impact nationally with his work. May he rest in peace.”

Nafe retired three years ago after a decorated career. Long-time IAVM member Mickey Farrell, senior vice president of stadium operations for the Tampa Sports Authority, was hired by Nafe 35 years ago and told the Tampa Bay Times, “All the (sports) buildings here in this community, whether it be here on this side of the bay or the other side, his fingerprints are on them. Being around Rick was nothing like being around any other human being. He left you happier than he found you through his humorous musings on situations around him and his take on life.”

The newspaper also pointed out that Nafe was one of only two venue managers to have hosted a Super Bowl, a World Series, and the NCAA Final Four.

Nafe, a Florida State alumnus, joined the Tampa Sports Authority in 1980 as director of operations and stadium director for Tampa Stadium — the Bucs’ home before Raymond James Stadium opened in 1998 — then was promoted to executive director of the TSA in 1992.

The Tampa Sports Authority tweeted: It is a sad day in Tampa, as we lost a true sports legend in Rick Nafe. Rick was a friend to so many, especially here at the TSA where he served as Executive Director for before joining the Rays. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. RIP, Rick.

Nafe is survived by his wife and three children, Travis, Parker and Katie.