By R.V. Baugus

Charles Curran, founder and CEO of Bedrock, a Boston-based startup building a dynamic self-service advertising marketplace for IP TVs and LED screens in sports and entertainment venues and university campuses, shared a podcast he recently led that included a Who’s Who of New York’s finest women leaders including Jessica Gaffney, New York Jets & ALSD; Jade Burroughs, National Football League; and Eboni Wilson, New York Islanders (UBS Arena).

The Charles in Charge Podcast has now run three episodes and features a fun story in the first episode in the 3:18-4:38 mark from the San Francisco Giants’ Anne Hastings about “Brandon Crawford (wink, wink): delivering a Happy Birthday message to a 10-year-old fan. Another fun story in the 5:50-7:30 mark comes from long-time IAVM member David Touhey (former president of venues at Monumental in Washington, D.C.) sharing about how WCW wrestler Goldberg changed the life of another 10-year-old fan.

To hear the first podcast, click here.

To hear the second podcast, click here.

Volunteers are at the heart of what we do, and it is only because of the time and knowledge our volunteers contribute that we are able to fulfill our purpose. We hope, therefore, that you will consider responding to this Call for Volunteers for the term August 2022 through July 2023.

As a volunteer, you will be making a difference to this industry, and giving back to other members. You will get value out of your service, making connections with other IAVM leaders and learning about the issues that face us all.

To volunteer, complete the survey and tell us where your interest, skills, and abilities will allow you to make the greatest contribution.  Even if you currently serve on a committee and wish to continue, you must indicate your interest on this application to be considered for renewal as all committee appointments have a one-year term (unless an issue arises and term limits need to be extended or changed). You may indicate your interest for no more than three committees, so please make sure that you rank your choices with 1 being your highest preference. Finally, given the level of interest in service, we can generally only place you on one committee with few exceptions, such as the Industry Affairs Committee which is partially filled by specified representatives (sector directors of the board, for example).

The deadline to respond to the Call for Volunteers is March 31, 2022; appointments to region volunteer positions will be completed by the Region Director; appointments to board committees will be made by the First Vice Chair, while appointments to management committees will be made by the CEO in consultation with the committee chairs and vice chairs. Volunteers will be notified of their management or board committee assignment no later than the end of June. 

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Rosanne Duke.

By Jessica Holtzman

ASM Global New Orleans and the Caesars Superdome have partnered with local nonprofit Arc of Greater New Orleans (ArcGNO) to help achieve their goal of recycling one ton of beads from this year’s Mardi Gras festivities. The initiative is part of ASM Global’s new corporate social responsibility platform, ASM Global Acts, which launched in October 2021 to protect the environment, invest in people, and strengthen communities around the globe.

This unique partnership not only reduces the huge amount of waste typically produced during carnival season but also creates jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who are hired to sort through the donated throws. The throws are later sent to ArcGNO’s Mardi Gras Bead Store and the funds help support over 80 market-wage, year-round jobs in the New Orleans Metro Area.

Following this year’s Endymion Extravaganza, which rolled through the Caesars Superdome on Saturday, Feb. 26, ASM Global New Orleans was able to collect and donate approximately 1,800 pounds of Mardi Gras catches to ArcGNO.

“The return of Carnival following the pandemic was not only an exciting time to welcome parades back to New Orleans but an opportunity for us to partner with ArcGNO to help serve our community,” said Zane Collings, General Manager for Caesars Superdome. “In alignment with the goals of our ASM Global Acts Program, we were thrilled to be able to contribute to creating a sustainable environment and a diverse local workforce.”

Through its community employment services, ArcGNO coaches and places participants with IDD in community businesses such as Rouses, Mr. Ed’s Oyster House, the U.S. Naval Base and more. Through group employment services, participants with IDD are paid by ArcGNO to service contracts that the nonprofit secures, which includes ground crews, janitorial crews and the Mardi Gras Recycling Center. Participants and volunteers who work at the Mardi Gras Recycling Center sort and package Mardi Gras throws that are later sent to the bead store for future purchases.

Jessica Holtzman is ASM New Orleans Event Marketing & Media Manager.

By Sarah Burt

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) with newly created partnerships with technical education providers to elevate MCEC as an inclusive employer for female graduates in traditionally male-dominant areas.

This year’s IWD theme was ‘Break the Bias,’ and MCEC was proud to be empowering women to follow whichever path they choose, having recently launched an internship program born from a commitment to supporting female recruitment and work experience.

The purpose is to encourage more female participation in operational and technical areas, to broaden the general candidate pools, and to improve opportunities for greater diversity and inclusion in the workforce.

Recently hired intern Ebony Watts is a graduate of the RMIT Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services course and was offered the role in a six-month, full-time level 1 placement capacity.

Ebony said the opportunity MCEC has given her is exciting and diverse.

“This is a big step for me. This is my first real job and I never thought I would be working in a venue like this,” she said. “I have tagged along with lighting techs, multimedia techs, and even venue techs in addition to the general AV crew I have been rostered with. Everyone I’ve met is really nice and has warmly welcomed me.”

“My interest is primarily in lighting tech and I’m fairly confident with basic vision tech,” she added. “I’m nervous to learn more about audio as it’s currently my weak point but I know it’s a necessary part of AV and I’m confident I will get the appropriate support to delve into that area at MCEC” she added.

Sarah Burt is Media and Content Specialist at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

By Stadium Business

ASM Global has been selected to manage the historic Olympia London venue, which is undergoing a major transformation.

ASM Global will take on management responsibility for Olympia’s exhibitions and events business.

Olympia London opened in 1886 and is one of the city’s busiest venues. The overall Olympia site is currently being redeveloped as a wide-ranging district spanning art, culture, education, entertainment, exhibitions, music, offices, and food and drink space.

The $1.7 billion redevelopment, which will be completed in 2024, includes a 4,400-capacity music venue, a 1,575-seat performing arts theatre, a school for creative arts, 100,000 square feet of restaurants, bars and eateries, two renowned hotels, 550,000 square feet of offices and 2.5 acres of new public space.

ASM Global and Olympia London’s management teams have begun collaborating on venue enhancement plans for the reimagined conference and hospitality facilities.

ASM Global president and chief executive Ron Bension said: “We are proud to partner with Olympia London, Yoo Capital and Deutsche Finance International on this amazing and historic venue, positioning it at the forefront of the industry for the next 100 years.

“Our commitment to guest and partner satisfaction aligns with the reputation of Olympia London, and we look forward to continuing to serve existing and new clients’ event schedules at Olympia London and developing the program with other signature events.”

ASM Global’s UK venue portfolio already includes London’s OVO Arena Wembley and the AO Arena in Manchester. The company has more than 300 venues in its global network.