BY StadiumBusiness.com

The NBA Indiana Pacers announced Indianapolis-based digital financial services company Gainbridge as the new naming-rights sponsor of its home arena.

As a result, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, which also serves as the home of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, will be renamed as Gainbridge Fieldhouse with immediate effect. Gainbridge has signed a multi-year deal with Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

Health insurance firm Bankers Life acquired naming rights to the Fieldhouse in 2011. The deal expired in 2019 but the arena retained its moniker, with PS&E having stated at the time that there was no deadline to replace Bankers Life.

According to reports, Bankers Life’s deal with the Pacers was among the lowest arena naming-rights agreements in the NBA. Financial terms of the team’s deal with Gainbridge were not disclosed.

It is hoped the agreement will provide Gainbridge with the platform to continue expanding its brand. Gainbridge became the presenting sponsor of the showpiece Indianapolis 500 motorsport event in 2019 and has made a number of business and philanthropic investments in Indiana and around the US.

Rick Fuson, president and chief operating officer of PS&E, said: “Just as the Fieldhouse is so much more than simply a basketball arena, the chance to partner with a bold, forward-thinking company like Gainbridge means so much more than just putting a name on a building.

“Our organizations share a vision for engaging new generations of consumers, strengthening our city and state economies, and investing in our community with intentionality. We could not have asked for a better aligned partner, and we look forward to growing together for years to come.”

Dan Towriss, president and chief executive of Gainbridge, added: “We couldn’t be more excited to join the Pacers and Fever at the new Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It really is the ‘Fieldhouse of the Future’, where we’ll be hosting a wide range of exciting sports and entertainment events with new and improved space, infrastructure and technology.

“This unveiling is such a critical moment for us as we join in experiencing this amazing venue with a bold new Gainbridge Fieldhouse brand. This partnership goes farther than just this new venue because together, we can make an even bigger impact with our aligned commitment to improving communities through sports and education.”

In January, the Pacers completed the first phase of renovation work at the arena. The team is in the midst of a three-year renovation project for the venue, with the first phase having been completed with a focus exclusively on the interior.

Join your IAVM Foundation and the IAVM Diversity and Inclusive Leadership Committee at ENCORE 2021, October 5 from 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM CT, to launch this year’s E3 discussions, learn a new cocktail from an industry mixologist, and network during a fundraising reception!

Topic – Lean Circles, Resource Groups or Listening Sessions in Your Workplace: How to Provide Opportunities to Share Thoughts Supporting Diversity, Inclusion and Equality.

Moderator – Eboni Wilson, Vice President, Guest Experience – UBS Arena 

Panelists – Shelley Albanese, General Manager – Visalia Convention Center; Stefanie Tomlin, General Manager – Kings Theater; Joiel Alexander, VP of New Business – Levy

If you are not yet regsitered for ENCORE 2021, what are you waiting for!  CLICK HERE to register now, and be sure to mark your calendars to attend the DILC reception!

iCommit, IAVM’s member referral campaign, began July 1^st. The challenge is designed to increase membership. As of today, 138 new members have been added because you have encouraged your employees, colleagues, interns, part-time staff, and suppliers to join your Association!

The lead recruiters right now are:

• Gilles Bouchard, CEM, Director of Event Management Services – Exhibition Place – Region 2 – 12 new members
• Blake Malcolm – Senior Director, Event Services – Wells Fargo Center – Region 1 – 8 new members
• Kelsey Smith – Manager, Ballpark Operations – T-Mobile Park – Region 4 – 7 new members
• Analisa Terrell, Manager, Sustainability & Administration – George R. Brown Convention Center – Region 6 – 7 new members
• Sam Dores, CVP, Director, Business Operations, Strategy and Development – Extra Mile Arena – Region 6 – 6 new members
• Michale Maxwell – Executive Assistant – Wisconsin Center District – Region 3 – 6 new members

The campaign runs through October 31, 2021. For each new member you refer by the deadline, your name will be entered into a raffle to win one of five, $500 Apple Gift Cards. The more members you refer, the more chances you have to win!

• PrizesThe grand prize will be a complimentary registration to VenueConnect 2022 (value up to $1,000).
• Win one of five, $500 Apple Gift cards – receive one raffle entry for each new member you refer.
• The IAVM Region that adds the most new members will choose one recipient to apply for the CVP designation; we will waive the $125 application fee (the Region Director will choose the recipient within the winning region).

To ensure you are eligible to win one of the prizes, ask your applicant to do the following:

• List your name in the Application Section titled, “Who Recommended IAVM To You/How Did You Hear About IAVM?”
• Enter “iCommit” in the Promotional Code field in the online membership application.
• For new Professional or Allied members only, the $150 one-time initiation fee will be waived*

*Some membership types do not have an initiation fee; the dues will not be discounted.

All winners of the gift cards will be notified in January 2022. Contact membership@iavm.org if you have any questions.

By R.V. Baugus

Threats exist today like never before. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some are seen and some are invisible. But one that always lurks that keeps IAVM members and those who visit the venues vigilant is that involving threats with mass gatherings, which essentially defines the world of public assembly venues.

Dr. David Mussington, Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security at the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), brings his expertise and honors IAVM members with his presentation of Protecting Mass Gatherings in the Evolving Threat Environment at IAVM’s virtual ENCORE October 5-6.

Public gatherings and crowded places are increasingly vulnerable to terrorist attacks and other extremist actors because of their relative accessibility and large number of potential targets. Organizations of all types of sizes, whether businesses, venues, schools, or houses of worship face a variety of security risks: active shooters, vehicle ramming’s, unmanned aircraft systems, and insider threats. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency has a wide variety of resources that can assist organizations with meeting these challenges.

As Executive Assistant Director, Dr. Mussington helps lead CISA’s efforts to secure the nation’s critical infrastructure in coordination with government and the private sector. Key areas of focus include vulnerability and risk assessments; securing soft targets and crowded places; training and exercises; and securing high-risk chemical facilities.

Prior to joining CISA, Dr. Mussington was Professor of the Practice and Director for the Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise at the School of Public Policy for the University of Maryland. His research and teaching activities focused on cyber physical system risk management, election cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure security risk management. He has published articles in academic and professional journals. This includes handbooks published by the University of Oxford in the U.K., working papers co-written with partners at the U.S. Naval War College, and peer reviewed articles in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) outlets about metrics and risk frameworks for cyber defense. Most recently, he conducted projects on election cybersecurity, social media information security issues, and the security of Internet and Communications Technology supply chains.

Before Dr. Mussington shares his wealth of knowledge and insights, we were able to visit in advance about the session and more.

WHAT AREAS DO PUBLIC ASSEMBLY VENUES IN WHICH IAVM MEMBERS WORK NEED TO BE VIGILANT ABOUT IN THE CURRENT CLIMATE?

COVID-19 has not dissipated. Venues should still consider the use of masks, robust cleaning and sanitizing services, touchless/cashless payment options, and social distance requirements. In addition, venues must consider the threat of targeted violence. Threats such as active shooter, improvised explosive devices, and the use of vehicle as a weapon should be planned for and appropriately addressed. Venues should consider the use of law enforcement presence, venue security personnel presence, screening detection technologies, bag searches, security cameras, security wands, and the use of K-9 units as possible mitigating measures.

MUCH HAS RIGHTLY BEEN DEALING WITH THE PANDEMIC OVER THE RECENT MONTHS, BUT HOW IMPORTANT IS IT FOR OUR INDUSTRY TO NOT “LET ITS GUARD DOWN” WHEN IT COMES TO OTHER OUTSIDE POTENTIAL THREATS?

Critically important for venue managers to continue building capacity to address the dynamic threat environment. In addition, the FBI has received 791,790 complaints for all types of internet crime—a record number—from the American public in 2020, with reported losses exceeding $4.1 billion. This represents a 69 percent increase in total complaints from 2019. The number of ransomware incidents also continue to rise, with 2,474 incidents reported in 2020, representing a 20 percent increase in the number of incidents, and a 225 percent increase in ransom demands. With many fans, communities, and organizations heavily invested in sporting events, venues have become an ideal target for cybercrime. Cybercriminals are very attuned to global sporting events and take advantage of the spectators’ and industries’ reliance on technology. These damaging attacks often lead to financial losses, information theft, and reputation damage.

WHAT WILL SOME OF THE PRESENTATION HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE THAT WILL ENSURE A MUST-ATTEND SESSION?

Overview of the evolving threat environment facing public assembly venues, from the perspective of a senior government expert in cyber and physical security with decades of experience in both the public and private sectors and in two presidential administrations. This will include discussion of the threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems, domestic violent extremism, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other risk factors.
Invitation to take advantage of the resources provided by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency—all offered for free—that make venue managers lives’ easier: best practices, vulnerability assessment capabilities, protective measures guides, training and exercises, and more. Also, we will mention COVID-19, and the work of the CISA COVID TF in identifying “hidden” risk factors that flow from dependencies.

IS THERE A TAKEAWAY YOU WOULD LIKE ATTENDEES TO RETURN TO THEIR VENUE WITH AS THEY GO ABOUT DOING THEIR JOBS AND ENSURING THE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF THEMSELVES, THEIR STAFF, AND THE GUESTS WHO ENTER THEIR VENUES?

CISA’s mission is to lead the national effort to understand and manage cyber and physical risk to our critical infrastructure and vision for a secure and resilient critical infrastructure for the American people, but the agency’s work is only possible by partnering with the owners and operators of the spaces where Americans gather every day. Through our efforts to understand and advise on cyber and physical risks to the nation’s critical infrastructure, we help partners strengthen their own capabilities. By connecting with CISA, venue managers can get better connected to resources, analyses, and tools to help them build their own cyber, communications, and physical security and resilience, which in turn strengthens national resilience.

Not yet registered for ENCORE?  You can still register now HERE!

During the last 19 months, we’ve learned the importance of remaining connected as venue professionals in the live event industry.

We found out through our virtual VC20 last year that even when we can’t come together physically, the use of technology allows us to connect and learn together, which is important to our members. I understand and respect that as venues continue to deal with the fallout of the pandemic with opening our venues for events with fewer staff and continued budget concerns…collaboration with other professionals is paramount to a quicker recovery.

ENCORE is our answer that allows for more ways to meet you where you are as you continue to battle COVID restrictions and budget constraints on travel and professional development. ENCORE affords our members, at every level, the opportunity to experience what only those who have been able to attend VenueConnect in person have previously been offered…networking and education with the best and the brightest in the industry. Each session allows for professionals to chat, ask questions and participate together.

ENCORE is being recorded, and the program will be available for twelve months for those who register, allowing you access to sessions from ENCORE as well as General Session from VC2021 in Atlanta.

In my opinion, $99/$49 registration is an incredible investment for each and every person in the live events industry. I hope you will join your colleagues in strengthening our industry and the communities you serve by joining me for ENCORE.

CLICK HERE to register now!

Brad Mayne, CVE
IAVM President & CEO