By R.V. Baugus

While COVID-19 has played havoc with all kinds of scheduling and events, the IAVM Certification Board announced that CVE applications will be accepted beginning on September 1 with a due date of November 1.

“COVID-19 has impacted everything, and the Certification Board is trying to be flexible to ensure our programs are accessible to all certification candidates during these challenging times,” said Rick Haycock, CVE, Chair of the Certification Board. “Whereas the certification exams have typically been staged during live IAVM events, testing can now be accommodated using local services, such as with a venue’s HR director or legal counsel, a testing center or other professional services. Similarly, for the first time, this year we will conduct all CVE Oral Interviews remotely (via Zoom). With these adaptations, certification candidates will be able to continue their certification journey unabated during this crisis.”

Meanwhile, CVP applications are still being accepted as they always are on a “rolling” basis all year. The application can be emailed once completed and can be found here.

Once an application has been received and approved by the Certification Board, a candidate may start the process of scheduling the exam.

Historically the exam has been given at IAVM events and with special permission through local testing centers. Due to current limited travel and in-person events, candidates are able to use a local CVE (IAVM Headquarters can provide a list for the candidate to reach out to) or their HR Director. Proctors must still be approved, but the goal is to provide more flexibility to allow more testing.

Since the CVP exam has been digital, this remains the same test that would have been given at an IAVM events. No special software is needed, only internet access.

After #COVID19 forced the Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to furlough 13 of its staff including operations, the venue’s full-time administrative staff stepped up and is participating in #MowMonday!

From left behind the masks:

Jared Lillard – Director of Finance

Sandra Stewart – IT Coordinator

Jeremy Flynn – Sales Manager

John Gillis – Director of F&B

John Dippel – Director of Ticketing

Madison Saulsbury – Senior Accountant

Joe DeGeorge – Director of Event Services

Wesley Holmes – Assistant GM

Michael Marion – GM

Ronnie Aultman – Operations Manager

Shay Matyja – Security Manager

By Holly Beal

After a two-year Vision Tulsa renovation, Cox Business Convention Center (CBCC) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the grand re-opening of the venue’s east side with city partners, staff, guests, clients, and leadership in attendance. The event included the following speakers during the program: CBCC Assistant General Manager, Angie Teel, CMP, City of Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, Tulsa Public Facilities Authority (TPFA) Chair Marcia MacLeod, President & CEO of T.D. Williamson and Tulsa Regional Tourism Executive Board member Bob McGrew, and Cox Communications Vice-President and Tulsa Market Leader and Tulsa Regional Chamber Board of Directors Chair Roger Ramseyer.

The 2018-2020 renovation complements the existing convention center constructed in 1962, and the renovation of the venue’s northwest side as part of Vision 2025. The building’s unique architectural design is preserved and even highlighted by the new three-story glass atrium entrance and the creation of CBCC’s official “front door.” A renovated South Plaza and valet and ride share drop-off area have already been completed outside (with a public art install still to come), and inside there’s a new security and staff entrance area and over 8,000 square foot of natural-light filled space in Grand Gallery. The former 9,000-seat arena was converted into Grand Hall – a 41,470 square foot multi-use event space with 36” waving wood ceilings. The project also includes a new kitchen, box office, restrooms, sensory room, and escalators.

“Thank you, Tulsa voters, for supporting this improvement to Cox Business Convention Center,” said Mayor G.T. Bynum. “This Vision Tulsa renovation brings our 20th century convention center into the 21st century, with updated design and functionality. This improved and expanded facility will help Tulsa attract top quality events and conventions to our world-class city.”

The $55 million project was funded by Vision Tulsa with a development team including MATRIX Architects Engineers Planners, Inc., Forest for the Trees, and Tulsa Vision Builders.

“I am grateful for the support Tulsa votes have given to important Vision Tulsa projects like this,” City Council Chairman Ben Kimbro said. “Their forward-thinking investment in Cox Business Convention Center will allow Tulsa to compete for conventions and other events previously unavailable to us.”

CBCC provides over $30 million in economic impact to Tulsa annually and hosts visitors from around the country. The venue has been recognized as an EXHIBITOR “2020 Center of Excellence” and deemed a top 20 convention center in North America, as well as just winning Tulsa People’s 2020 Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Event Venue.” With the renovation the venue now offers over 275,000 square foot of event space and provides conference attendees with a seamless flow while allowing CBCC to host large events, sport events, and social galas concurrently.

“We’re grateful for all of the city partners and supporters who have brought this idea to life and provided Cox Business Convention Center with a greater connectivity to our downtown neighbors and spaces to better accommodate our clients, guests, and staff,” said CBCC Assistant General Manager Angie Teel, CMP.

Holly Beal is Marketing & Communications Manager for ASM/Cox Business Convention Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Photo: Mayor G.T. Bynum, Councilor Phil Lakin, and Angie Teel, CMP.

By Beckie Liwacz

Spectra announced that industry veteran Jeffrey Goldenberg will be the new general manager for Middlesex County’s Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center. He officially began his new role on Monday, July 27.

Goldenberg comes to the performing arts center with 20-plus years of industry experience, most recently serving as general manager at the House of Blues in Boston, Mass. During his tenure from 2013 to 2019, the venue was ranked the No. 1 club by Billboard Magazine and No. 1 club in the world by Pollstar. As general manager at Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center, Goldenberg will oversee operations, project management, strategic marketing, business expansion, vendor relations, sponsorship sales, and contract negotiation.

“When I left my home state of New Jersey to embark on my career in the entertainment industry, I always had hopes of coming back to my roots here–I couldn’t be more excited to do so at the new Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center,” Goldenberg said. “I’m honored and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the team at Spectra and introduce this brand-new center to the greater Middlesex community and beyond.”

Opening later this year, the Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center will transform the region of Middlesex County, N.J., housing a 1,650-seat large, flexible meeting and performance space, 300-seat black box theater, 5,000-sq. ft. art gallery, and a rooftop space accommodating up to 300 people. The venue will host live performances—comedy, theater, music, and more—plus trade shows, meetings, and social events.

Carteret Mayor Daniel J. Reiman added: “Spectra has artfully helped us navigate the opening of our new facility through these challenging times, and we’re happy to have a seasoned professional like Jeffrey onboard to help guide the performing arts center into the spotlight of Carteret’s budding Arts District.”

Spectra—whose local clientele include the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, the Atlantic City Convention Center, and CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton—has been signed on to the Carteret project since it first broke ground in 2018.

“With its prime location in close proximity to major hubs in the greater New York and Philadelphia metropolitan areas, we look to have top-notch acts coming through here as soon as it’s safe to do so,” Mike Ahearn, Senior Vice President of Operations for Spectra, said. “During today’s difficult times, we need a strong and steady hand driving this operation. Jeff is an exceptionally talented manager and the perfect person to lead the Carteret team into its grand opening this year.”

Beckie Liwacz is Communications Publicist at Spectra.

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