The Academy for Venue Safety and Security welcomes Special Agent in Charge Aaron Rouse, Federal Bureau of Investigation, as the 2019 Opening Keynote.  Rouse will speak on one of the deadliest mass shooting incidents in the United States, the Route 91 Harvest Festival.

“Having Special Agent in Charge Rouse as the opening keynote for AVSS is an honor,” stated Mark Herrera, IAVM Director of Education. “His discussion on the Route 91 Harvest Festival incident and the coordinated law enforcement response that ensued in the weeks to follow is something that all who work in our industry should hear.”

Rouse began his career with the FBI in September 1996 and was first assigned to the Washington Field Office (WFO) where he worked violent crime and was on both the Joint Fugitive Task Force and the Violent Crime/Reactive squads.  During his tenure with the FBI, he has served as Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) in the Counterintelligence Division at FBIHQ, the senior liaison to the newly established Community HUMINT Coordination Center at CIA Headquarters, and Section Chief for the Clandestine Operations Section in the Counterintelligence Division at FBI Headquarters.  Currently, Rouse serves as Special Agent in Charge of the Las Vegas Division.

“The lessons learned from Rouse regarding the Route 91 Harvest Festival investigation will help set the tone for the week of AVSS classes, exercises, and activities,” noted Herrera. “It is important that venues of all types, across all sectors, hosting events small or large, hear the message that Rouse will deliver at AVSS, so as to better plan, prepare, respond, and recover from tragic events such as Harvest 91.”

AVSS will be held March 10-14, 2019 in San Diego, CA.  To learn more about AVSS or to register to attend, CLICK HERE.

SMG announced the appointment of Bob Sauter to general manager of Moscone Center in San Francisco. Sauter had been performing as acting general manager of the facility.

“Bob is a long-term SMG and Moscone professional,” said SMG President/CEO Wes Westley. “He brings his years of experience to this role. He has done a fine job leading Moscone through its exciting expansion and I have every confidence that he will continue to put forward excellent results as Moscone begins its new era with the facility’s wonderful expansion in place.”

“The City of San Francisco is delighted with the appointment of Bob Sauter as general manager,” added John Noguchi, director of convention facilities at City & County of San Francisco. “He has been a valuable partner for our industry and we appreciate the leadership he and SMG have demonstrated for over three decades of exemplary management here at the Moscone Center.”

Jam Productions Ltd. co-founder Arny Granat announced that he is departing the company, and co-founder Jerry Mickelson will continue to manage the daily operations. Granat will remain the CEO and Founder of Grand Slam Productions where he continues to explore new opportunities.

“Over the past four decades, I have enjoyed a career that has allowed me to work with some of the biggest stars on the most

memorable concerts, including the Rolling Stones, Adele, Prince and Frank Sinatra, as well as awe inspiring theater productions, and other unforgettable events,” Granat said. “I am looking forward to producing and promoting shows throughout the country in association with other partners and collaborators.”

The legendary Granat is working on a number of projects with Outback Concerts and Jam Theatricals, which under Granat’s co-direction received a total of 10 Tony Awards® and managed subscription seasons in 27 cities. Granat is also producing a travelling circus featuring the famous wire walker Nik Wallenda; bringing a Christmas Light Show extravaganza from London to Chicago in 2019 before rolling it out nationally; and producing a movie based on the book, My Last Skirt. Granat is also writing a book, titled I Said This, But I Meant That.

“I am happy where I’ve been, I am happy where I am, and I am excited for everyone to see where I go next,” Granat said.

Jeff Nickler, general manager of Tulsa’s SMG-managed BOK Center for the past six years, has joined the Oak View Group in the position of senior vice president of the Arena Alliance, where he leads the efforts of 28 professional venues working together to increase special events as well as sponsorships.

Before serving as GM at the BOK Center, Nickler was at the facility the previous five years in various capacities before earning promotions. In his new role, he works most closely with both National Hockey League and National Basketball Association venues to help drive business beyond their anchor tenants.

BOK Center earned numerous industry accolades during Nickler’s tenure, especially as a major concert venue in a secondary marketplace. The most recent honor came in October when the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) selected the venue as its Arena of the Year.

Now, Nickler looks to work much of the same magic in his new position.

By Jennifer J. Douglass, CTA, Communications and Marketing Manager

After an extensive nationwide search, Krystine St. Michael Bussiere, CMP, has been named Director of Sales & Marketing for the Baltimore Convention Center. Krystine will be responsible for leading a team of 14 who will be working with Baltimore’s hospitality partners to sell and service the Center.

Prior to coming to the Center, Krystine was the National Sales Manager for the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Connecticut. There she focused on various market segments within the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia association markets. She was awarded the 2017 President’s Award from the Waterford Hotel and Venue Services/Hotel Group for her efforts in securing new business for the facility. Krystine is a dedicated member of the Chesapeake Chapter of PCMA, where she served as President of the Board in 2017.

Krystine’s appointment as the Director of Sales & Marketing has brought her back to the place where she began her hospitality career. She began working at the Center 15 years ago after graduating from Towson University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. Krystine’s business acumen, strong sense of customer focus, and commitment to success were beneficial as she took on roles in management for convention services and sales within the organization.

“Krystine’s experience in both sales and services gives her a unique perspective for this role. Having someone who understands the type of business that is a good fit for the City of Baltimore and has the hands-on experience in servicing events in the Center is invaluable. We are pleased to have her back in this leadership role”, said Peggy Daidakis, Executive Director for the Baltimore Convention Center.

“I am thrilled to be back to serve in this important role. I have a real passion for the Baltimore Convention Center and the City of Baltimore. Our client experience, the development of our sales and services team, and the formation of meaningful industry partnerships are my cornerstone keys for success. My goal is to expand and broaden our reach as we build on our reputation industry wide,” Krystine said about her new role.

Jennifer J. Douglass, CTA, is Communications and Marketing Manager of the Baltimore Convention Center.