Join us at VenueConnect 2021, August 2-5, in Atlanta, GA, during our All Venues sessions to explore Workforce Development: How to Create Sustainable Hiring Funnel for Your Venue!

The Classic Center identified a need to create what we call the continuum of education. This continuum is a multi-level pathway of education and hands-on experience in our industry. They have created four unique programs that educate, enhance, and inspire all walks of life to enter or continue their pathway of hospitality at The Classic Center. Whether you didn’t finish high school or you are a high school student, a college student, or an executive already in the industry, you are able to utilize the benefits of the continuum through our Learning Lab Model. The Classic Center has partnerships with Bread for Life, a not for profit that offers second chance employment, Community Career Academy, Athens Technical College, Piedmont University and the University of Georgia. Over the course of 25 years, they have been able to leverage this continuum to recruit, retain, and develop our staff in a way that shows them and their community that they care about their future in our industry.  

“When you start with the end in mind, an inspired staff, and meet people where they are in life, the steps to their pathway become clear,” stated Paul Cramer, President & CEO, The Classic Center.

Early Bird registration ends June 25th!  CLICK HERE to register now and save!

By R.V. Baugus

Nick Zazal, CVP, formerly Director of Events & Patron Services for Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, AR, has been named General Manager of the Walmart AMP in Rogers, AR.

In his new role, Nick will oversee operations for the Walmart AMP including front of house, food and beverage, production, facilities, and security. He will also oversee event rentals and special events at both Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP.

Nick has been in his previous role with Walton Arts Center since 2013. He is a Certified Venue Professional, a graduate of the IAVM Venue Management School, and currently serves as the Assistant Director for IAVM Region 6.

Previous experience also includes time with the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (Urbana, IL), International Festival of Arts & Ideas (New Haven, CT), Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts (Little Rock, AR), and the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon. He holds a BFA in Stage Management and an MS in Recreation, Sports and Tourism both from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

By ISSA and R.V. Baugus

Historic Wrigley Field in Chicago is the latest professional sports stadium to achieve GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council™, (GBAC), a Division of ISSA. Additional facilities that can now display the accreditation seal include Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City and Alley Theatre in Houston.

“When a facility has an organized approach to cleaning, disinfection, and infection prevention, employees have a clear picture of their roles and responsibilities,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger. “GBAC STAR accreditation helps organizations create and execute a plan for minimizing risks associated with infectious agents. This makes it an ideal fit for historic places like Wrigley Field, newer hotels, and everything in between.”

Built in 1914 and known as the “Friendly Confines,” Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs for more than a century. In 2004, the City of Chicago named the ballpark a Chicago Landmark, and in 2020, the site was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The ballpark, which is the second-oldest active MLB ballpark, averages more than three million fans per year, and is a sought-after destination for sports enthusiasts around the world.

The latest public assembly venues to earn GBAC STAR accreditation include:

Convention Centers

Las Cruces Convention Center in Las Cruces, N.M.
Yakima Convention Center in Yakima, Wash.

Stadiums or Arenas

Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, home of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder
Wrigley Field in Chicago, home of the MLB’s Chicago Cubs

Theatre or Performing Arts Center

Alley Theatre in Houston

“As more people return to the places where they work, eat, shop, watch sports, and socialize, they want reassurance that these environments are safe,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “The GBAC STAR seal is a clear sign that a facility knows how to properly manage biorisks and prevent future infections through cleaning, disinfection, and other best practices.”

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 Sue Oxarart

Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., announced the position of General Manager has been filled by Michael Fallon. He took on the day to day duties of General Manager as of June 1, 2021.

“We are pleased to welcome Mike to Ontario and look forward to his expertise in managing our entertainment venue,” said Michael Krouse, Regional Vice President of SMG Worldwide. “His vast experience in the industry, core strength of arena operations and working in Southern California will ensure we will continue to meet our goals to provide excellent entertainment experiences for our guests. Mike will lead the team as we prepare to re-open the venue on June 15, 2021.”

Fallon began his career in the finance department of the entertainment industry in Florida. He has worked for some of the top venues in the United States, including Madison Square Garden in New York. Most recently Fallon was the Vice President of Operations for The Forum in Los Angeles. He also served as US Payroll Manager for Microsoft Corporation in Fargo, ND.

The knowledge and work experience in several locations and positions in the entertainment management business will provide Fallon the tools to educate and lead the team at Toyota Arena. He has a B.S. in Accounting form Kean University and a Master’s Degree in Management from Nova University.

Sue Oxarart is Director of Marketing and Communications for the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau and Ontario Convention Center.

From Wire Reports

Delaware North has agreed a deal to manage on-site food and beverage services at Climate Pledge Arena, “pledging” the future home of NHL expansion franchise Seattle Kraken and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm will offer a F&B experience “unlike any in the industry” at present.

Due for completion in October, Climate Pledge Arena is a complete redevelopment of the former KeyArena on the Seattle Center campus. The development is led by Oak View Group (OVG) and Delaware North will play a significant part in building ‘The Climate Collective,’ the arena’s unique F&B program featuring curated vendors, local ingredients and partners that aim to capture the spirit of the Pacific Northwest.

“‘The Climate Collective’ will be an innovative, sustainable, fan-focused food and beverage program that brings all of the flavors of the Pacific Northwest to life,” said Steve Mattson, executive vice-president and general manager of Climate Pledge Arena. “I’ve worked with Delaware North for many years and know firsthand how invested they are in our success at Climate Pledge Arena. They will help us never lose track of what’s most important – our fans.”

Delaware North CEO Charlie Jacobs added: “Climate Pledge Arena is a glimpse into the future, in terms of fan experience and sustainable venue operations. This type of forward thinking perfectly aligns with our core values, and we are excited to deliver our innovation and distinct brand of hospitality. Our partners at Oak View Group and the Seattle Kraken are setting a new standard, and we are thrilled to be part of the team.”

In addition to owning and operating TD Garden – home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics – Delaware North operates concessions, premium dining, event catering, year-round restaurants and retail at more than 50 venues across the US, UK, Australia, and Asia.

“We’re working hard behind the scenes as we speak to bring together an arena food and beverage experience unlike any in the industry at present,” said Ken Gaber, vice-president of strategic operations for Delaware North Sportservice. “Climate Pledge Arena will have abundant local flavors and brands, and it’ll feature conveniences never before seen at this scale.”

The team has already brought on Steve Dominguez as general manager and Molly D. De Mers as executive chef. Dominguez most recently served as a district manager for Centerplate, overseeing operations at T-Mobile Park, Seattle Aquarium, Washington State Ferries and Yakima Convention Center. He came to Seattle in 2010 as general manager of then-Safeco Field.