Association Convention & Facilities magazine recently ran a cover feature on The Pacific Northwest which featured Jeff Blosser, president and CEO of the Washington State Convention Center, and Tom Norwalk, president and CEO of Visit Seattle. Both are integral in IAVM’s City-Pairs Task Force.

The magazine feature spotlighted several areas in the Pacific Northwest as destinations and hubs for meetings.

The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) announced an extended contract with its decade-long venue management partner, Spectra. The extension comes as the MBCC reopens after a $620 million renovation.

Jimmy Morales, city manager for the City of Miami Beach, said, “I feel confident that this partnership with Spectra, along with the investment we have made in reimaging the MBCC, will bring Miami Beach into the international spotlight as an elite destination for large-scale events of all kinds. I’m excited for what’s to come.”

The MBCC renovation includes the addition of a 60,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, 20,000 square foot roof top sunset view ballroom, 125,000 square feet of meeting space, along with roof top parking. In 2019, the six-acre parking lot right across the street will be converted into a public park, adding 1,287 trees to the city’s landscape. The renovated building is also LEED-certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

“We are very proud to carry on our partnership with the City of Miami Beach as we reopen one of the top convention centers in the world,” said Dave Anderson, Spectra’s senior vice president of convention centers. “The investment that the City of Miami Beach has made in the MBCC will set the standard from an operational standpoint, but also treat attendees to one of the most beautiful convention center facilities you will ever see.”

The convention center hosted the American Health Information Management Association as its first citywide event on September 26 and the first major consumer show on October 5 with the Miami International Auto Show. Other upcoming highlight events include the International Society of Plastic Surgeons in October and the world-renowned Art Basel Miami Beach, which attracts more than 90,000 attendees from around the world in early December.

“Over the past 10 years in Miami Beach, Spectra has developed strong working relationships with the community and local stakeholders, the industry’s top event organizers, and this renovation gives us the ability to host high-profile events from around the globe. It’s a world-class facility in a first-class, international destination,” said Freddie Peterson, general manager of the MBCC. “Our Spectra team is committed to excellence in customer service and exceeding expectations at the MBCC.”

Orlando Venues Chief Venues Officer Allen Johnson, CVE, announced Mike Weeman has been named security manager with oversight of Amway Center, Camping World Stadium and Tinker Field. In this position, Weeman’s primary focus will be ensuring the safety and security of all patrons, players, entertainers, and staff.

For more than 10 years, Weeman has specialized in safety, security, and guest experiences at hundreds of sports and entertainment events. In 2010, he was hired by Andy Frain Services as an assistant security manager to open the newly built Amway Center. Over the ensuing eight years, Weeman held multiple roles and in 2017, he became the vice president of operations for Andy Frain Services’ Sports and Entertainment Division. In this capacity, he provided strategic leadership for all U.S. sports and entertainment operations with a notable client list including the Chicago Cubs, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, and the University of Alabama.

“We have been fortunate to work closely with Mike over the many years he was employed by Andy Frain Services, our longtime venues security partner. We are thrilled he is now joining our team,” Johnson said. “Mike knows our culture, priorities, and venues intimately through working countless concerts and events. His professional knowledge and experiences make him instrumental to keeping our patrons safe and venues secure.”

“I am looking forward to building upon the foundation that has been established throughout Orlando Venues. As the security market continues to evolve, I hope to bring new insight in accordance with industry best practices,” Weeman said. “I am excited to work with an unbelievable team where together, we will continue to create legendary experiences for our guests.”

Weeman is a member of IAVM, National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4), and the Florida Facility Managers Association (FFMA). His passion for training and development is reflected in his roles helping create the Amway Center Legendary Playmakers Program and Andy Frain Services’ First Impressions Customer Service Training.

Weeman obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Sports Administration from Ohio University and his Master of Science in Sport and Leisure Commerce from the University of Memphis. While working toward his degree from Memphis, he served as a graduate assistant in arena operations for the Memphis Grizzlies. Following his time in Memphis, he interned with the United States Golf Association at both Bethpage, New York and Pebble Beach, California. Weeman lives in Mount Dora with his wife, Karla, and baby daughter, Quinn.

SMG-managed Van Andel Arena teamed up with the Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion Studies of Kendall College of Art & Design of Ferris State University (KCAD Fashion Studies) to design something special for Elton John’s visit to Grand Rapids, a garment for Elton himself inspired by the many looks he has flaunted throughout his career.

Ten KCAD Fashion Studies students submitted a collection of three different outfits, and each collection was displayed and voted on by the public on Van Andel Arena’s Facebook page. Student #2, Danielle Cavinder, received the most fan votes for her Elton John Collection inspired by his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. Cavinder will receive a $1,000 scholarship for her work, and one of her winning garments will be displayed backstage near Elton John’s dressing room on Monday, October 15, at Van Andel Arena.

“It’s a really awesome opportunity to be exposed through this contest as a designer. To be a winner is a great opportunity and solidifies that this is what I’m supposed to be doing and that my work is appreciated,” Cavinder said. “To be able to present my work to Elton, as a legend and as someone whose aesthetic I identify with, is amazing. I want to thank Lori Faulkner, Kelly Muschiana, Stephanie Wood, and everyone at Van Andel Arena.”

In addition to Cavinder’s winning garment all 10 KCAD student’s design sketches will be on display backstage at Van Andel Arena for Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour on October 15.

“Collaborative thinking makes great things happen and partnering KCAD Fashion Studies and Van Andel Arena/SMG is no exception,” said Lori Faulkner, Fashion Studies Chair of the Pamella Roland DeVos School of Fashion at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. “This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity for student designers to use Elton John as their muse and let their creativity run wild.”

The Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, announced the promotion of Joe Dolan to assistant general manager. Dolan joined the venue in January 2015 as director of event services. Prior to joining the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Dolan spent seven years in various roles with Comcast Spectacor and Spectra Venue Management, most recently as general manager of the Mullins Center on the campus of the University of Massachusetts.