By Kalyn Sisco

EventBooking, a cloud-based venue software company that serves over 1,000 clients worldwide, announced that they now have local representation in Europe.

To further expand EventBooking’s global footprint, President Steve Mackenzie believed it was the right time to spearhead more localized efforts in Europe, as the company did so last year in the Asia Pacific region. Tobias Lienhard and Jutta Kretzer are the appointed partners to do co—contributing to the sales, support, and implementation of VenueOps, EventBooking’s latest venue management application which debuted in 2017.

“I am absolutely delighted to announce a partnership in Europe with two incredibly talented former colleagues, Mr. Tobias Lienhard and Ms. Jutta Kretzer,” Mackenzie said. “Both have been in the venue industry for most of their careers and are a perfect fit for EventBooking. They both share our passion for providing the same top-notch service we offer in other parts of the world.”

Tobias will preside over sales efforts in the region, while Jutta will provide implementation and support services to clients. Both are based in Germany and speak multiple languages. EventBooking currently serves over 50 venues in the region, including the 02 (London), AccorHotels Hotel Arena (Paris), and Circuit Barcelona Catalunya (Barcelona).

In yet another step to better serve the international community, VenueOps will be available in German, French, and Spanish in just a few days. In regard to international security, EventBooking already offers hosting services in Europe via Amazon Web Services (AWS) so all data remains safe and secure.

Kalyn Sisco is Marketing Manager at EventBooking.

IAVM has been working hard with TwinLogic Strategies to ensure that the needs of our members are met under the CARES Act. Now, we need your help to voice your venue’s story to your congressional members. Our 7,000+ members, and the products and services that they provide, touch more than 300 million Americans annually. In order to bring the story of how the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected you, their their constituents”, we need you to reach out to those who have legislative decision-making powers and help drive the needs of our industry home.

To assist, IAVM is providing access to an Advocacy Toolkit. In this kit, you will find a general letter, which we encourage all members to send to their Senators and Representatives. You will also find social media post samples and call talking points, to help better guide you when making posts, or when you speak with your congressional members on the phone. Please take a moment and look over the toolkit and to help IAVM advocate for assistance in the recovery of our industry.

Find out more by clicking HERE

By R.V. Baugus

When IAVM Director of Education and Life Safety Mark Herrera is not on the road he is … wait, isn’t Mark Herrera always on the road? Well, not so much now as Herrera — like pretty much the rest of us during the current pandemic — is doing his best to be a responsible citizen and adhere to the safety protocols that have been set before us.

Herrera, as many an IAVM member knows, racks up the frequent flyer miles while visiting member venues to lead his renowned safety and security programs, including Situational Awareness and Active Shooter, among others.

So, even though Herrera is mostly “homebound,” he is still much in demand to comment on the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. We point you to three links that contain some of the latest appearances for Herrera in both print and over the radio airwaves.

Just know that Mark — and your entire IAVM team — strive to continue serving members proactively in matters of urgent response. We hope that you will enjoy the read and listen to some of the latest efforts that Mark shared covering a variety of topics on current and post-COVID.

Getting Back to Games

How Hotels, Convention Centers, Airlines Will Keep Travelers Safe

2020 Major League Baseball Season

The IAVM Foundation has announced the 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2020. The program, in its sixth year, is made possible thanks to the ongoing support of Ungerboeck Software International, as well as many IAVM Foundation donors.

“The Foundation Board of Trustees, along with past award recipients, spent long hours making the selections for this latest class of winners,” stated Adina Erwin, CVE, Chair of the IAVM Foundation Board of Trustees. “We thank all the candidates for participating in the process. Congratulations to the winners! We look forward to honoring you in IAVM’s first-ever virtual celebration.”

Designed to engage the best and brightest young professionals in the venue management industry, the 30|UNDER|30 program recognizes emerging leaders – and their talents – which help accelerate the industry and carry it into the future.

“The Class of 2020 will forever be remembered for the uniqueness of the year and for their hard work and passion as they continue to carve out their paths in venue management,” stated Gina Brydson, IAVM Director of Membership and Interim Director of Development for the Foundation “Those chosen exemplify the vision and talent that will serve the future of our industry well.”

Information regarding the virtual reception honoring the class of 2020 will be announced soon.

Meet the IAVM Foundation’s 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2020:

Rachel Austin, Target Center

David Ax, Memphis Grizzlies

Samantha Bernheim, Virginia Beach Convention Center

Taylor Bradford, Walton Arts Center

Trevor Chesler, ASM-Tulsa: BOK Center and Cox Business Center

Kara Cox, Sprint Center-ASM Global

Tim DeMott, The Classic Center

Kayln Denniston, EventBooking

Lauren Falco, El Paso Live

Haley Fort, The Classic Center

Kathryn Gidluck, Vancouver Convention Centre

Marina Jaramillo, Spectra Venue Management

Emily Jensen, Tacoma Venues & Events, Tacoma Dome / Greater Tacoma Convention Center

Jacqueline ‘Nicki’ Kelsch, University of Texas at Arlington – College Park Center/Texas Hall

Sarah Kraynik, Donald L. Tucker Civic Center

Katy Lang, The Grand Theater

Shelby Looker, Spectra – Alerus Center

Brittany Martin, Cobb Galleria Centre

Jordan Racine, Venue Coalition, Inc.

Cesar Ramirez, Destination El Paso

Casey Redish, Spurs Spurs & Entertainment / AT&T Center

Zakiya Smith-Dore, University of Florida Performing Arts

Alex Soltero, Los Angeles Convention Center

Therese Spaseff, Charleston Gaillard Center

Alli Stangel, Portland Trail Blazers/Moda Center

Dave Straley, Stephen C. O’Connell Center

Jennifer Tuchband, Keen Independent Research

Hannah Turner, University of Wyoming Athletics

Haley Wentzlof, Butler Arts & Events Center

Kylie Wilkerson, Bridgestone Arena

By Sam Dores, CVP

We can picture the headline now, “Mass Gatherings, Concerts and Events are Back and Better Than Ever!” While there’s no timeline for that headline, we try to remain optimistic and push forward in these tough times. We’re all very focused, and rightfully so, on the difficult changes, impact to our staff, and additional costs that this pandemic will bring, but it’s important to remember the silver linings and positive changes that will also come. As we begin the new normal, there will be beneficial changes that become part of our long-term venue and business processes.

We’re identifying new technology and processes that will make our operations more efficient and our guest experience that much better. We’re discussing the ways this will help us solve congestion issues we’re traditionally challenged by. Our venues will be safer and cleaner than ever before. Working through various financial models have forced many venues to reduce superfluous costs and find new revenue streams. Finding a way to maintain those cost savings and increased revenues when we return to normal will be beneficial as new business models are ushered in.

Working from home has shown that we can still be productive remotely, opening up the possibility of long-term improvements to work-life balance and mental health. Picture a day where all venues go to once-a-week voluntary work from home days, boosting work-life balance and even saving a little on utility costs. And who would’ve thought that we would miss 18-hour days and 100-hour weeks? Keep that appreciation for what you do, even when we’re back to those crazy hours. Lastly, remember the benefits and importance of relationships, laughter, and finding time to stay in touch as well as we are now, even when events resume. These are just some examples but each of your own circumstances and venues have the opportunity to provide more positives and silver linings.

Undoubtedly, things are difficult right now. Changes aren’t going to be easy and funding is going to be challenging. It’s important to stay realistic within your own venues’ bigger picture but allow yourself a few minutes each day to think about you and your venue’s positives and silver linings. In the midst of all of our daily stressors, this can help re-focus your energy and give you a much-needed mental boost. While none of us wishes we had to take this route to get there, there will be good that comes from this!

Stay Hopeful. Stay Positive. Find those Silver Linings.

Sam Dores, CVP, is the Director of Business Operations, Strategy and Development for ExtraMile Arena and Vice-Chair of the Arenas Committee.