From JacksonvilleIcemen.com and R.V. Baugus

The Jacksonville Icemen, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s New York Rangers and the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack, are pleased to announce today that the team has named Nick Luukko as the team’s new Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations.

If the name is familiar, Nick is the son of venue management icon Peter Luukko, who currently serves as executive chairman with the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League and serves on their Board of Governors. Luukko is most known in the industry having served as president and chief operating officer of Comcast Spectacor, Luukko was the long-serving president of the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL, a position he held until December 2013. In February 2014, Luukko accepted a position on the board of Pointstreaks, a sports technology company. He then joined the Florida Panthers as executive chairman in February 2015.

Nick Luukko, 29, becomes the second head coach in Jacksonville Icemen history, after serving the past two years as an assistant coach with the Reading Royals (ECHL). Luukko helped guide the Royals to an impressive 37-17-6 record during the 2019-20 regular season.

“I am extremely honored to be the next head coach of the Jacksonville Icemen,” Luukko said. “The passion and commitment that Andy Kaufmann and Bob Ohrablo have for building a successful franchise is extraordinary. I would like to thank the Icemen Family for providing me the opportunity to lead Jacksonville to future successful seasons and the ultimate goal of winning a Kelly Cup. I would also like to thank the Reading Royals and Kirk MacDonald for giving me the opportunity to be a player, captain and assistant coach in the organization. Their support over the last six years has led me to where I am today.”

As a player, Luukko played four seasons as a defenseman with Reading totaling 87 points, the most all-time by a Royals defenseman. Luukko showed his leadership capabilities as he served as an alternate captain for the Royals for two seasons before being named the team’s captain during the 2018-2019 season. He also made seven American Hockey League (AHL) appearances with the Leigh Valley Phantoms. during his career. Luukko won Clark Cup Championship with the Dubuque Fighting Saints during the 2010-2011 season.

Luukko joins the Icemen after the team’s previous head coach Jason Christie accepted an assistant coach position with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres in late July after four seasons in Jacksonville.

“We are through the roof excited to welcome an up-and-coming coach in the hockey world to our Icemen Family,” said CEO of Zawyer Sports Andy Kaufmann. “During our search, Nick’s name kept coming up in the hockey world as a strong coaching candidate. Nick is as excited about our organization as we are about him. This is the next step for us to in becoming a perennial force in the league and for our quest to bring a Kelly Cup to Jacksonville.”

The West Chester, PA resident, Luukko, was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the sixth round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. In addition, he played four seasons at the University of Vermont from 2011-2013.

“Nick has been a consummate professional over his six years as a Royal,” said Reading Royals Head Coach Kirk MacDonald. “From a rookie pro player to a trusted staff member and friend, he has been integral part of our organization on and off the ice. His detailed knowledge of the game and ability to relate to players will serve him well in his new role as head coach. We are excited to see him take the next step in his coaching career, and wish him nothing but the best!”

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in July 2021. 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.

 

Billie-Jo Aasen, DraganFly, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Tim Allen, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Arianna Alosi, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Stuart Ascher, State Farm Arena – Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta, GA

Jeanice Baker, America’s Center, Saint Louis, MO

Tim Barr, Forum Info-Tech, Inc., Corona, CA

Ron Berkebile, Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA

Andrew Bianchi, Live Nation Entertainment, Austin, TX

Rebecca Black, Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill, NC

Mike Blanton, BB&T Center – Florida Panthers, Sunrise, FL

Lisa Bleakley, Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA

Joshua Boyd, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC

Scott Bridgeman, PhoneSoap, Hudson, OH

Darrow Bronner, Riverside EpiCenter, Austell, GA

Dale Bronner II, Riverside EpiCenter, Austell, GA

Jeff Brosz, Athletica Sport Systems Inc., Shakopee, MN

Stephanie Brown, America’s Center, Saint Louis, MO

Mackenzie Burkett, University of Florida Performing Arts, Gainesville, FL

Ronnie Burt, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ

Miranda Call, ASM Tulsa, Tulsa, OK

Chris Caluya, Martin Harris Construction, Las Vegas, NV

Darrell Cardona, City of McAllen: Convention Center/Performing Arts Center, McAllen, TX

Michael Chatham, HHCP Architects, Inc., Orlando, FL

Jake Clark, Orlando City Soccer Club, Orlando, FL

Chip Cossar, Landers Center, Southaven, MS

Jacey Coursey, ASM Tulsa, Tulsa, OK

Jake Crownover, DraganFly, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Amanda DeWalt, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX

Dan Donahue, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Sharon Dunaway, ASM Tulsa, Tulsa, OK

Jared Elliott, PhoneSoap, Naperville, IL

Arianna Fake, East Montgomery County Improvement District, New Caney, TX

Evan Falat, ASM Tulsa, Tulsa, OK

Lissa Frenkel, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC

Tammy Genovese, Crossroads Arena, Corinth, MS

Jessica Gonzalez-Garza, City of McAllen: Convention Center/Performing Arts Center, McAllen, TX

Janet Grant, PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA

Dave Gwozdz, MIS Security LLC, Tallahassee, FL

Lyric Hamilton, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Tori Harris, ParkHub.com, Dallas, TX

Ryan Hemenway, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Donnis Hendrix, ASM Tulsa, Tulsa, OK

Sara Hicks, The Lerner Theatre, Elkhart, IN

Sims Hinds, Oak View Group, Pawley’s Island, SC

Taylor Holloway, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC

Ryan Johnson, C.H. Johnson Consulting, Inc., Chicago, IL

Kiara Jones, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN

Nathan Jones, ExtraMile Arena, Boise, ID

La’Shaina Joseph, Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA

Tondrae Kemp, City Parks Foundation – SummerStage, New York, NY

Nicole Kinney, Forum Info-Tech, Inc., Corona, CA

Jamey Kirby, Florence Center, Florence, SC

Miranda Korniloff, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX

Jason LaGrange, Lancer Worldwide, San Antonio, TX

Philip Laws, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Matt Lentell, BancorpSouth Arena and Conference Center, Tupelo, MS

Kaelin Leonard, ABM Industries, Inc., Atlanta, GA

Adam Logan, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX

Kenneth Mann, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX

Melanie Margarum, Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex, Raleigh, NC

Karen Massicotte, Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Tom McFlynn, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Marisa Montoya, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX

Cindy Moore, DraganFly, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Maritza Morales, City of McAllen: Convention Center/Performing Arts Center, McAllen, TX

Aida Moreno, City of McAllen: Convention Center/Performing Arts Center, McAllen, TX

Jourdon Morgan, America’s Center, Saint Louis, MO

Cydney Mosby, Appetize Technologies, Los Angeles, CA

Brad Munda, Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill, NC

Ashleigh Nader, Virginia Beach Convention Center, Virginia Beach, VA

Dennis Nickerson, Portable Solar Inc., Pinecrest, FL

Hee Soo Oh, DeKalb CVB, Tucker, GA

Aly Pane, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Tim Perez, Threshold Acoustics LLC, Chicago, IL

Norberto Perez-O’Neill, Puerto Rico Convention Center District Authority, San Juan, PR

Benson Phoumsavath, Marcus Performing Arts Center, Milwaukee, WI

Karla Puente, City of McAllen: Convention Center/Performing Arts Center, McAllen, TX

Michael Reynolds, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ

Kenny Robinson, Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, Concord, NC

Robert Rockhill, City of McAllen: Convention Center/Performing Arts Center, McAllen, TX

Alicia Rodriguez, ExtraMile Arena, Boise, ID

Isidro Rodriguez, City of McAllen: Convention Center/Performing Arts Center, McAllen, TX

Jim Salamenta, DraganFly, Vancouver, BC, Canada

John Sandoval, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX

Alyssa Sandvig, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN

Cole Satterfield, ExtraMile Arena, Boise, ID

Falynn Schmidt, OTJ Architects, Washington, DC

Tony Sciulli, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Lisa Scoville, Vivint Smart Home Arena, Salt Lake City, UT

Virginia Sheppa Shupe, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC

Casey Skarecki, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ

Alex Smith, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Dan Smith, Legends, New York, NY

Jaime Solis, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX

Barry Sutherland, Henderson Engineers, Lenexa, KS

Keiko Sutton, Kotobuki Seating, New York, NY

Garry Swearingen, Clark Construction Group, LLC, Roswell, GA

Cynthia Tapia, City of McAllen: Convention Center/Performing Arts Center, McAllen, TX

Erin Tappel, University of Kentucky – Department of Arts Administration, Lexington, KY

Greg Thompson, Downtown Springdale, Bentonville, AR

James Tsismanakis, DeKalb CVB, Tucker, GA

Martins Udotai, SitEat, Bronx, NY

Kerry Warner, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX

Megan Wein, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI

Alex Weinrich, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and Atlantic City Convention Center, Atlantic City, NJ

Brenda Wharry, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX

Megan Whitaker, Memorial Hall, Chapel Hill, NC

Andre Wright, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN

Josie Yang, Wisconsin Center District, Milwaukee, WI

By Ashley Dabb

ASM Global, the global leader in venue and event strategy and management, announced the promotions of Mary Ann Torres, Dominique Bonds, Dwight Bazemore, and Melvin Smith.

Mary Ann Torres, CMM, has been promoted to the Director of Event Management and Business Analysis. With more than 20 years of experience as a leader in the events industry, Torres is an award-winning and respected industry expert. Torres will lead the events department as well as continuing to provide relationship management, client retention, and assist clients in their long-range planning efforts. During her career, she has built a reputation among event planners and colleagues as a reliable, transparent, knowledgeable subject matter expert within the event services industry.

Dominique Bonds, a 23-year veteran of the Center, has been elevated to Director of Engagement. During the past year Bonds, has been spearheading the Center’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in addition to her previous role as Guest Experience Director. In her new role, Bonds will continue leading the Center’s DEI initiatives as well as coordinating the Center’s customer and guest experience efforts and will provide thought leadership in the areas of talent engagement.

Dwight Bazemore, previously the Network Administrator, has been promoted to Assistant Information Technology Director. Information Technology infrastructure and services are vital to the meetings and events industry and to general business continuity, and Dwight Bazemore has done a great job leading the IT efforts of the Center during the past 16 months. Bazemore’s promotion solidifies his increased leadership role in the department as the Center ramps back up its operation.

Melvin Smith has been promoted from Senior Accountant to Accounting Supervisor. His eagerness to learn and grow professionally along with his willingness to step up whenever he is needed has made Smith a valuable asset to the finance department. In his new role, he will take on greater responsibility in the finance department which will also include the direct supervision of the staff accountants.

“The last 16 months have been extremely challenging for us all. During that time, Mary Ann, Dominique, Dwight and Melvin have all stepped up to meet the unprecedented demands of the time and took on additional responsibilities to aid the overall operation. Their commitment to the mission, to their colleagues and to our customers have been exemplary and these promotions are well deserved.” said Kelvin D. Moore, CMP, ASM Global Regional General Manager.

“The ASM Global team has consistently brought top talent to the Center, and these hard working staff are no exception” said John J. McNichol, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority (PCCA). “These promotions reflect the Center’s commitment to deliver the best possible guest and event experience. Congratulations Mary Ann, Dominique, Dwight, and Melvin!”

Ashley Dabb is Senior Communications Manager for the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

By ISSA and R.V. Baugus

From concerts to sporting events to art exhibitions to weddings, people are rediscovering the joys of attending in-person events as more facilities reopen and lift occupancy limits. This week, Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. in North Bethesda, Md. has earned GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council™, (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, for three of its venues: AMP by Strathmore, The Mansion, and The Music Center. Joining the Strathmore facilities with new accreditations are the Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., numerous commercial offices and hotels, a Maryland-based salon, and transportation provider.

“GBAC STAR accredited facilities know how to effectively clean to uphold the health of all building occupants and visitors,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “With an increasing number of larger venues reopening for events, it’s important to look for the accreditation seal. With the online GBAC STAR Facility Directory, people can easily locate accredited facilities so they know whether best practices are being followed.”

Strathmore brings nearly 400 events to North Bethesda each year, including concerts, festivals, art exhibitions, and more. Its venues are also sought after for private events like parties, training sessions, weddings, and mitzvahs. Meanwhile, the Toyota Arena is a 225,000-square-foot venue that can accommodate more than 11,000 guests. It hosts more than 125 events annually and is home to several sports teams, including Ontario Reign (American Hockey League), Ontario Fury (Major Arena Soccer League), Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario (G League Basketball), and LA Temptation (Legends Football League).

This week, the following facilities have earned GBAC STAR accreditation:

Stadium or Arena

Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif.

Theatres or Performing Arts Centers

Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. – AMP by Strathmore in North Bethesda, Md.
Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. – The Mansion in North Bethesda, Md.
Strathmore Hall Foundation Inc. – The Music Center in North Bethesda, Md.

“The GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation program is based on quality management system principles and ensures facilities have a clear map in place for training, preparation, prevention, and more,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett.

Learn more and apply for GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation at gbac.org/star.

Find accredited facilities and those pursuing accreditation via the GBAC STAR Facility Directory at gbac.org/directory.

IAVM members seeking to apply for accreditation through GBAC, please use the link https://gbac.issa.com/iavm/!

By R.V. Baugus

Hail Caesar!

And now, hail the iconic Superdome in New Orleans with the announcement that a new naming rights deal will result in the storied venue to become the Caesars Superdome. Toga’s optional.

Indeed, the NFL New Orleans Saints confirmed a 20-year partnership with Caesars Entertainment for naming rights to its Superdome stadium.

The deal officially rebrands the venue as the Caesars Superdome. The agreement was confirmed afterLouisiana state lawmakers approved the deal.

The deal, which was first reported in March, is said to be worth $138 million NOLA.com reported that the money will be paid directly to the Saints as part of the team’s agreement with the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, which oversees the venue.

Caesars replaces Mercedes-Benz as the naming-rights sponsor of the Superdome. Mercedes-Benz had sponsored the stadium since 2011 but the company confirmed last May that it would not be extending its deal.

In September, the Saints appointed Oak View Group to sell naming rights for the Superdome. It had been hoped that a new deal could be struck by this month, with the Mercedes-Benz agreement having expired on July 15.

Caesars Superdome will host the Super Bowl in 2025, as well as next year’s NCAA Men’s Final Four, the annual Sugar Bowl and College Football Playoff contests, and a range of concerts and other events.

The Superdome is currently undergoing extensive renovation work worth $450 million ahead of the 2025 Super Bowl and in January the team shared further details on the next phase of improvements. The Saints have pledged to spend the Caesars income on this project.

Saints owner Gayle Benson said: “This partnership sends a strong message about the positive future for the New Orleans Saints. That message states that companies with the global reach of Caesars Entertainment is investing in our city, state and region.

“Caesars has long been one of the world’s most respected entertainment companies. Caesars is in the midst of creating a first-class multi-million-dollar entertainment facility in downtown New Orleans, this significant investment also demonstrates the strength of their commitment to our state and region. We are proud to partner with a company that is dedicated to the economic growth of our city, state and region.”

Tom Reeg, chief executive of Caesars Entertainment, added: “All of us at Caesars are proud to be part of New Orleans’ vibrant culture. We understand that the Caesars Superdome is more than an iconic venue, it’s the symbol of a resilient and innovative community.

“We’ve had a strong relationship with the New Orleans Saints for nearly two decades and we are thrilled with the opportunity to strengthen it and celebrate our commitment to the city, the state, and the entire Gulf Coast region.”