The IAVM Foundation is now accepting applications for the Joseph Floreano Scholarship Program and the 100+ Women of IAVM campaign. Deadline for all applications is June 27th, so apply today!

To apply for a sector scholarship available through the Floreano program CLICK HERE.

To learn more about the scholarship criteria and apply for the 100+ Women of IAVM campaign, CLICK HERE.

By R.V. Baugus

Congratulations to Tim Seeberg, who was named the General Manager of the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, Illinois.

The move takes Seeberg back closer to his native home of Chicago after serving as General Manager of the Fort Smith (AR) Convention Center for almost nine years. Prior to that, Seeberg served as GM for the City of Grand Junction (CO) – Management and before that as GM of the Two Rivers Convention Center. His other industry experience came as GM of the Millennium Centre in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Seeberg has also been very involved over the years in Region 6 and has displayed tremendous leadership skills regardless of location or position.

Congratulations once again!

By Paul Pettas

Centerplate, a Sodexo company and the leading hospitality partner to North America’s premier entertainment venues and convention centers, announced Sufi Karaien as the new Executive Chef for the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC), beginning this month. Karaien previously served as SDCC’s Senior Executive Sous Chef under Executive Chef Daryl O’Donnell.

“This is a dream role for me. I love our team, our city and the events we execute for our loyal clientele here in San Diego. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to step into this leadership position and continue to develop new and creative approaches to catered experiences that truly reflect the thriving local culinary scene,” Karaien said.

Since joining Centerplate in 2017, Karaien has helped lead food and beverage service for countless receptions, festivals, plated dinners and community events. Catering multi-course meals for tens of thousands of guests requires a special blend of culinary and managerial skills, and Chef Sufi ensures a careful attention to detail every step of the way.

“Sufi has built a strong rapport with our employees, partners and clientele through his excellent work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to supporting extraordinary events,” said Bobby Ramirez, Centerplate and Sodexo’s General Manager. “His emphasis on ingredient sourcing and local flavors will continue to highlight the best of the San Diego region and promote sustainability—building on the successful foundation that Chef Daryl established here.”

Daryl O’Donnell, also known as “Chef D,” worked at Centerplate for 22 years, serving as Executive Chef since 2013. He moved to Tennessee this month to reside closer to his family.

“I have been proud to be a San Diegan and represent the San Diego Convention Center for more than two decades. I’ll miss the sushi, tacos, the views of the Pacific Ocean and our longtime client partners,” O’Donnell said. “After supporting hundreds of meetings and conventions, and then serving the emergency shelters in our building during the pandemic, I leave with great pride for the levels of service, teamwork and community spirit we established here.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Centerplate has operated two kitchen teams within SDCC, one led by Karaien and the other led by O’Donnell. They maintained a strict separation between the teams to minimize potential exposure and ensure continuity of operations. With careful protocols, Centerplate served more than one million meals for Operation Shelter to Home and several thousand meals per day for a federal emergency intake site for unaccompanied children (operating in the building until July 15). Together with SDCC leadership, Centerplate is preparing to safely welcome meetings and conventions back to the San Diego Convention Center on August 1.

“Chef Sufi and Chef D are the best in the business,” said Rip Rippetoe, CVE, SDCC President and CEO. “We’re thankful to have Sufi’s talent and experience already on this team, which assures a smooth transition for all our clients and adds to the excitement for the return of conventions to San Diego this year.”

Paul Pettas is Communications Director for Centerplate.

By Mabel Hung

Thousands of art lovers, luxury goods and antique collectors, and connoisseurs flocked to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (“HKCEC”) over the last 10 days for three long-awaited events – Art Basel Hong Kong 2021, Art Central, and Christie’s Hong Kong Spring Auctions 2021. This is the first time the three events were held over the same period, creating synergy and presenting attendees a total artistic experience at the HKCEC.

Both Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central were cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were thrilled to finally meet face to face. Although international exhibitors and buyers were still not able to attend physically due to travel restrictions, international galleries were represented and local art lovers and collectors came out to support.

Exhibitors were excited to be able to meet and make new connections with collectors.

“We have a lot of clients who want to purchase our artworks,” said Yiping Deng, Gallery Assistant of Avenue Des Arts Contemporary Art Gallery. “This is the best time to catch up with the clients to show our works.”

Kelvin Yang, Managing Director, Galerie du Monde, pointed out the essence of physical shows: “Online display could not replace the experience of physically appreciating the artwork, to feel its volume, colour and structure.”

Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Management Limited (“HML”), is confident in the progressive recovery of Hong Kong’s exhibition industry as the local pandemic situation eases off. “We are grateful to the event organisers who work with us to shape the new normal. We had a fabulous week at the HKCEC, having the three prestigious art events under one roof to re-energise the art scene and create a unique synergy. We see strong demand for physical events. Already some 20 exhibitions and 67 conferences and other events have taken place successfully at the HKCEC since January 2021. HML works closely with organisers to implement stringent preventive measures. Exhibitions also benefitted from the HKSAR Government’s Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme.”

Mabel Hung is Director – Communications & Sustainability for the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.

Kentucky Venues announced the promotion of Ian Cox to Executive Director of Communications. Kentucky Venues operates the Kentucky Exposition Center and the Kentucky International Convention Center, as well as produces six signature events that include the National Farm Machinery Show, North American International Livestock Exposition, and Kentucky State Fair.

Since June 2019, Cox has served as the Assistant Director of Communications for Kentucky Venues after starting with the company in 2017 as an intern for the Kentucky State Fair. He has served in four different roles within the organization prior to his promotion. In his new role, he leads the communications department responsible for public relations, marketing and promotion, as well as serving as spokesperson for the in-house shows and facilities.

“Ian Cox has served as the head of the communications department for the past two years, during a time when we needed his leadership the most. He has proven his dedication to our organization and a willingness to take on more responsibility, even outside of his role, when needed. We’re grateful he’s chosen to represent us in the community as our colleague and spokesperson,” said David S. Beck, President and CEO of Kentucky Venues.