A new, transformative solution now exists to meet the global demand for specialty coffee and customizable, on-demand experiences. Those working or attending any events at the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) in Houston will be able to enjoy their favorite java from one of the most innovative coffee solutions in the world. Houston First, which owns and operates the GRB, and its hospitality team powered by Levy, Houston Inspired Catering, have partnered with Austin-based Briggo to launch the first robotic, connected coffee service in Houston. ​
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“We’re excited to partner with Briggo and bring more smart and innovative products to Downtown Houston,” said Luther Villagomez, chief operating officer of Houston First. “Adding a robotic Coffee Haus to the convention center adds a layer of convenience and elevates the visitor experience, which is always our number one priority.”​
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“We’re thrilled to make Houston our first market outside our home base and deliver our gourmet, connected coffee experience to residents and global visitors,” said Briggo CEO Kevin Nater. “Since launching Briggo inside Austin-Bergstrom Airport last summer, we have been overwhelmed with demand for our service. Houston is an epicenter for business and innovation and an obvious fit for Briggo. We are so pleased to be broadening our service with Levy Restaurants and the Houston First team.”​
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Briggo’s Robotic Coffee Haus serves hot and iced coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, chai, hot chocolate, and other favorites 24/7 using gourmet whole-beans, fresh dairy and syrups. Customers can order ahead from the app, or customize their favorite drinks on the Coffee Haus touchscreens, and enjoy their drinks within minutes. The new Coffee Haus, located across from the Marriott Marquis Houston’s skywalk, will serve guests visiting the GRB during all public and private events.​
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“Technology like Briggo blends high quality service and memorable experiences, and that’s what we strive to deliver to our guests,” said Katherine Paynter Putnam, regional vice president for Levy Convention Centers, the team behind Houston Inspired Catering. “We’ve seen guests gravitate to the Coffee Haus in other spaces and it will be a great addition to the wide range of amazing Texas-raised food and beverage options at George R. Brown Convention Center.”​
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Named one of Austin’s “Best Places to Work,” Briggo’s Houston location is the latest in their multi-market network of Coffee Hauses and their fifth opening since SXSW in March of 2018. In addition to Austin-Bergstrom Airport and Austin’s Convention Center, Briggo operates inside three global tech firms, including two Coffee Hauses at Dell’s Round Rock headquarters. The company plans to continue expanding their network of Coffee Hauses into airports, convention centers, universities, hospitals, and additional locations where 24/7, on-demand specialty coffee is essential. ​

Maria Joe has been named event manager at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center – the sixth largest convention center in the nation. In her new capacity, she will be responsible for managing all aspects of the event planning process. As a liaison between the Center and clients, she will guide clients through event preparation and show set-up, monitor in-house events, and oversee all related activities for her clients to ensure successful events.

Joe brings more than 11 years of event management experience with the Pennsylvania Convention Center authority where she served as an event manager. In her former role, she managed services for events in Pennsylvania, ranging in attendance from five to 200,000 people. As a meeting manager at Fernley & Fernley, Joe’s most recent role before joining the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, she handled all aspects of event management, such as venue, vendor, transportation, and operational logistics.

“We look forward to drawing on Maria’s experience in order to continue the proud tradition of excellent customer service here at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center,” said Donna Sakelakos, director of events.

On December 8, 2018, the Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC), owned by the City of Los Angeles, celebrated five years of successful operations by AEG Facilities Management.

The public-private partnership has exceeded expectations and established the LACC as an integral centerpiece of convention and special event development in Downtown LA.

When AEG Facilities was awarded the management contract in 2013, the privately-owned company set out to increase the number of events, increase revenues, reduce expenses, as well as make capital improvements to the aging facility.

With nearly 250 events and 2.5 million visitors per year, the LACC is now generating approximately $781 million per year in economic impact for the City of LA and has built an operational profit of $35.6 million in five years, much of which has been reinvested in the convention center.

The City also requested that AEG Facilities build a financial reserve of $2.1 million within the five years of its management agreement. This goal was exceeded in less than two years with the reserve currently standing at $8.1 million. Other aggressive goals set by AEG include implementation of environmentally conscientious practices and building renovations, improvement of food & beverage services, increase in event bookings, and strengthened relations with the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (L.A. Tourism).

To celebrate this momentous anniversary, five executives weigh in on five years of success at the LACC:

“AEG Facilities has been an ideal partner for the City of Los Angeles in the management of the LACC,” said Jon Vein, president of the Board of Los Angeles Convention and Tourism Development Commissioners. “The LACC team has been incredibly efficient, having taken the budget from a deficit to a significant annual operational surplus in a very short period.”

“The LACC serves as a powerful economic engine for the City of Los Angeles; its success is integral to the vitality of our local economy,” said Ernest Wooden Jr., president & CEO of L.A. Tourism. “L.A. Tourism has helped secure a record number of citywide conventions at the LACC during the past five years and through our strong partnership with AEG, we will continue to promote the LACC around the world as a premier site for meetings and conventions.”

“We have experienced the most success in the LACC’s 47-year history through our partnership with AEG Facilities,” said Doane Liu, executive director of the City of Los Angeles Department of Convention and Tourism Development. “The occupancy rates increased from 53 percent to over 70 percent; the continuous prosperity of the LACC demonstrates the excellence of this public-private partnership.”

“Since 2013, AEG Facilities has implemented numerous revenue generating, efficiency and service delivery improvements at the LACC,” said Brad Gessner, senior vice president of the LACC and Convention Centers at AEG Facilities. “In partnership with the City’s Convention & Tourism Development Department and L.A. Tourism, AEG has increased event programming and occupancy, elevated the guest service experience as well as made significant building improvements to the convention center resulting in record economic impact for the City of Los Angeles.”

“In five years, we have been honored to be recognized with 30 awards,” said Ellen Schwartz, AEG Facilities general manager of the LACC. “This past year was especially significant when we received the state’s highest environmental honor, the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA). Additionally, we plugged in a 2.21 megawatt solar array that will save close to $500,000 annually and unveiled an innovative 9,500 square foot rooftop garden. These accomplishments serve as a catalyst to continue to push boundaries to make the facility best in class. We are proud to be part of this historic anniversary at the LACC and we look forward to celebrating more initiatives and continued success of this partnership.”

VCCash is now available for a limited time only!

Don’t miss your opportunity to purchase VCCash and secure your chance to attend VenueConnect 2019 in Chicago at the same low price of VC18’s Early Bird Rate!

Why purchase VCCash?

• Purchasing your VCCashnow will allow you to use your current year’s professional development dollars, but wait to use them later when registration for VenueConnect2019 in Chicago opens mid-February.
• VCCashis available now for the same low price of last year’s early bird rate, helping you to avoid the increases in conference costs at VC19.
• Once VC19 registration is open, you will register via a custom link that IAVM will provide to you, and your VCCashwill be applied to pay for your upcoming conference experience.

 
VCCash is available only until January 31, 2019, so don’t miss out! 

**This special offer is only available to IAVM members, and cannot be used for any other event. Limited to one VCCash voucher per member. 

PURCHASE YOUR VCCASH NOW!

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in November 2018. Thank you for being a part of the association!

Also, let us get to know you better by participating in the I Am Venue Management series. Please visit http://www.iavm.org/i-am-venue-management-share-your-story to share your story and photo.

Masae Aitoku, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Stage Electrician/Herbst, San Francisco, CA
Americo Alers, Irving Arts Center, Security Officer, Irving, TX
Samantha Allen, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Green Room Manager, San Francisco, CA
Maureen Andersen, The International Ticketing Association (INTIX), President & CEO, Indianapolis, IN
Mario Arrotta, Oilers Entertainment Group Canada Corp., Manager, Security Operations, Edmonton, AB, Canada
John Aspholm, Irving Arts Center, Sr. Theatre Technician, Irving, TX
Chris Bailey, Irving Arts Center, Security Manager, Irving, TX
Steven Balocco, EventPro Software – Australia, Solutions Consultant, Milsons Point, NSW, Australia
Tanya Bannyan, OC Fair & Event Center, Event Coordinator, Costa Mesa, CA
Randall Barnes, Case Western Reserve University, Executive Director, Cleveland, OH
Peter Barton, Duke Energy Convention Center, Sales Manager, Cincinnati, OH
Tandon Berry, Western Kentucky University, Student, Atlanta, GA
Alexander Biggs, Western Kentucky University, Student, Bowling Green, KY
Kevin Brown, Orlando Venues, Booking Division Manager, Orlando, FL
William Brumfield, Western Kentucky University, Student, Crossville, TN
Nathanael Burke, Seaside Civic and Convention Center, Event Coordinator, Seaside, OR
Larry Burns, Duke Energy Convention Center, Assistant Security Manager, Cincinnati, OH
Joclynne Bynoe, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Event Services Manager, Boston, MA
Chris Chelko, Anaheim Convention Center, Event Manager, Anaheim, CA
Emily Chiappazzi, Duke Energy Convention Center, Sales Manager, Cincinnati, OH
Renuka Christoph, Music City Center, Director of Communications, Nashville, TN
Scott Christopher, The Fox Theatre – Atlanta, Director of Operations, Atlanta, GA
Elizabeth Clark, PS Furniture, Vice President Marketing, Mequon, WI
Drew Clevenger, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Hospitality Services Assistant Manager, Fort Worth, TX
Charles Coffey, University of Florida, Student, Gainesville, FL
Tony Cordeiro, Shaw Conference Centre, Director, Sales, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Jeff Coyne, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, House Manager, Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco, CA
Khori Currie, Encana Events Centre, Events Manager/Box Office Manager, Dawson Creek, BC, Canada
Jamye Divila, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, House Manager, Opera House, San Francisco, CA
Kathy DuBose, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Vice President & CEO, Fort Worth, TX
Brandon Elms, The Projects Group, President, Fort Worth, TX
Will Eubanks, Walton Arts Center/Walmart AMP, Production Administrator, Fayetteville, AR
Sean Farnan, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, IT Manager, San Francisco, CA
Vallie Finaly, Palmerston North City Council, Venues and Events Coordinator, Palmerston North,
Hillary Gentry, Duke Energy Convention Center, Event Manager, Cincinnati, OH
Nick Goddard, Shaw Conference Centre, Senior Manager Event Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Marnie Gomes, Shaw Conference Centre, Assistant General Manager, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Jake Griesenauer, Ungerboeck Software International, Product Manager, O’Fallon, MO
Hannah Guinn, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Contracts and Scheduling Manager, Fort Worth, TX
Trevor Hahn, Alerus Center, Operations Supervisor, Grand Forks, ND
Mike Hamrin, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Assistant Director of Safety and Risk Management, Fort Worth, TX
Jeffrey Harding, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, House Manager, Herbst Theatre, San Francisco, CA
Kevin Hatcher, Alerus Center, Concessions Manager, Grand Forks, ND
Todd Hawkins, Irving Arts Center, Executive Director, Irving, TX
Arthur Hill, Prime Electrical & Exhibition Services, Vice President, Chicago, IL
Kevin Hill, Chesapeake Energy Arena, Controller, Oklahoma City, OK
Erin Holderman, Western Kentucky University, Student, Bowling Green, KY
Michelle Hopewell, Duke Energy Convention Center, Regional Director Marketing, Cincinnati, OH
Kelsi Jones, Western Kentucky University, Student, Oakwood, GA
Dorian Jordan, Western Kentucky University, Student, Frankfort, KY
Roger Keim, d&b audiotechnik, Marketing Manager US & CA, Asheville, NC
Kevin Kelly, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Building and Grounds Superintendent, San Francisco, CA
Kevin Kendro, Irving Arts Center, Archivist, Irving, TX
Dione Kennedy, Performing Arts Fort Worth, President & CEO, Fort Worth, TX
Michael Kim, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Acting Security Director, San Francisco, CA
Chad Knecht, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Senior Director, Building Security & Safety, Indianapolis, IN
Jenn Landry, Irving Arts Center, Museum Director, Irving, TX
Matt Larsen, Orlando Venues, Operations Manager, Orlando, FL
Detris Lawrence, Georgia World Congress Center, Event Coordinator, Atlanta, GA
Kima Lee, Austin Convention Center, Facility Services Specialist, Austin, TX
Roderick Mack, Western Kentucky University, Student, Tallahassee, FL
Mirjam Maggio, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Hospitality Services Assistant Manager, Fort Worth, TX
Mevisha Maistry, Shaw Conference Centre, SCC Marketing & Communications, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Kellie Masters, Western Kentucky University, Student, Kent, WA
Keith Mays, University of South Carolina, Student, Lexington, KY
Heather McDaniel, Anaheim Convention Center, Parking Supervisor, Anaheim, CA
Paula McElheney, UTA Special Event Facilities, Director of Booking and Contracts, Arlington, TX
Mark McGreal, Western Kentucky University, Student, Battle Creek, MI
Christopher McIlvain, Austin Convention Center, Director of Safety & Security, Austin, TX
David McKay, Melbourne Stadiums Limited, Marvel Stadium, Facilities Coordinator, Docklands, VIC, Australia
Amber McWhinnie, Shaw Conference Centre, Director, Guest Experience and Security, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Daniel Meggers, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Assistant Production Manager, Amarillo, TX
Rosie Meng, Irving Arts Center, Assistant Exec Director Administration, Irving, TX
Anthony Moreno, Irving Arts Center, Sr. Maintenance Mechanic, Irving, TX
Mackenzie Morris, Western Kentucky University, Student, Owensboro, KY
Heather Murphy, Anaheim Convention Center, Event Manager, Anaheim, CA
Elizabeth Murray, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Managing Director, San Francisco, CA
Christopher Muyo, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Budget Director, San Francisco, CA
Susan Norman, Fort Smith Convention Center, Event Coordinator, Fort Smith, AR
Patrycja Obokowicz, Credit Union 1 Arena, Arena Facilities Supervisor, Chicago, IL
Shannel Ortega, Georgia World Congress Center, Event Coordinator, Atlanta, GA
Justin Perrin, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Special Events & Hospitality Services Assistant, Fort Worth, TX
Devon Perry, Berry Center, Event Coordinator, Houston, TX
Carrie Petroski, Tavares Pavilion on the Lake, Pavilion Manager, Tavares, FL
Derek Piekarczyk, Alerus Center, Operations Supervisor, Grand Forks, ND
Woodrow Plunkett, Slim Furniture, Owner, West Chester, OH
St John Pound, University of Tasmania Stadium, Admin Officer, Launceston, TAS, Australia
Lindsay Powell, Western Kentucky University, Student, Cincinnati, OH
Nathan Prenger, KAABOO LLC, Senior Vice President, Operations, Leawood, KS
Milland Reed, Walter E Washington Convention Center, Manager, Security Services, Washington, DC
Dave Reedy, Irving Arts Center, Technical Theatre Coordinator, Irving, TX
Rich Regan, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Vice President, Chicago, IL
Delores Reyes, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Event Supervisor, Amarillo, TX
Carey Rogers, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Assistant Director of Building Services, Fort Worth, TX
Katie Root, St. Augustine Amphitheatre and Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Development & Client Services Manager, St. Augustine, FL
Ruben Rosas, Irving Arts Center, Sr. Theatre Technician, Irving, TX
Mikaela Ryan, Duke University Athletics, Assistant Director of Game Operations, Durham, NC
Heather Sanregret, Shaw Conference Centre, Manager, Marketing & Communications, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Kerri Schell, Shaw Conference Centre, Director, Event Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Lynn Schoug, Shaw Conference Centre, Manager, Safety & Security, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Zubair Serang, Anaheim Convention Center, Event Manager, Anaheim, CA
Tim Shafer, Detex Corporation, Marketing Manager, New Braunfels, TX
Sarah Skyles, St. Charles Convention Center, Executive Assistant, St. Charles, MO
Lia Smith, Duke Energy Convention Center, Event Manager, Cincinnati, OH
Stephanie Smith, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Booking Administrator, San Francisco, CA
Lorinda Smith, Walton Arts Center/Walmart AMP, Assistant to VP of Operations, Fayetteville, AR
Diane Solem, City of Ocean Shores, Sales & Marketing Manager, Ocean Shores, WA
Alycia Sparkman, Austin Convention Center, Division Manager, Events & Exhibitor Services, Austin, TX
Kaitlyn Spinney, Alerus Center, Director of Conference Sales and Marketing, Grand Forks, ND
Krystine St. Michael Bussiere, The Baltimore Convention Center, Director of Sales, Services and Marketing, Baltimore, MD
Kevin Stark, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Event Solutions Manager, New York, NY
Jaime Tamsin, INTRUST Bank Arena, Event Manager, Wichita, KS
Crystal Taylor, Weber State University, Manager, Ogden, UT
Andrea Taylor, Walter E Washington Convention Center, Senior Event Manager, Washington, DC
Dwayne Tidwell, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Director of Building Services, Fort Worth, TX
Iris Tovar, Irving Arts Center, Booking Coordinator, Irving, TX
Tim Tunks, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Stage Electrician/Wilsey Center, San Francisco, CA
Courtney Urquhart, Walter E Washington Convention Center, Senior Event Manager, Washington, DC
Michael Vela, HKS Architects, Principal, Office Director, Salt Lake City, UT
Gil Viveiros, Shaw Conference Centre, Sr. Sales & Client Service Manager, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Dionne Walker, Walter E Washington Convention Center, Acting Assistant Manager, Support Services, Washington, DC
Stephanie Walker, Chesapeake Energy Arena, Acct Manager, Oklahoma City, OK
Sharon Walton, San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, Marketing & Special Events Manager, San Francisco, CA
William Weatherholt, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Assistant Production Manager, Amarillo, TX
Jorrit Weerman, Parking Network, CEO, Maastricht, Netherlands
Katrina White, Austin Convention Center, Facility Services Specialist, Austin, TX
Greg Wilhelm, Raymond E. Maritz Theater, Theater Production Manager, Fenton, MO
Jen Williams, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, Event Supervisor, Amarillo, TX
Mark Williams, Hot Springs Convention Center & Bank of the Ozarks Arena, CTO, Hot Springs, AR
Jason Wise, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Director of Programming, Communications, and Sales, Fort Worth, TX
Richard Wong, Shaw Conference Centre, General Manager, Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Ben Zarhoud, Los Angeles Convention Center, Vice President Finance, Los Angeles, CA