Even as the state of North Carolina takes the brunt of Hurricane Florence, public assembly venues in the state have rallied to assist evacuees in the spirit that venues have become known for.

An emergency shelter for Hurricane Florence evacuees opened Wednesday at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem. While the shelter opened to accommodate people evacuating from the coast, people in the area are also welcome to stay.

The Red Cross indicated that those choosing to come to the shelter should be prepared to bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents, and other comfort items.

Meanwhile, last night the Boston College-Wake Forest football game took place at BB&T Field. The game was moved up two hours to get the game in and get the people out and to safety. A number of other college games around the state were cancelled including West Virginia-NC State, East Carolina-Virginia Tech and UCF-North Carolina.

Further inland, the Charlotte Motor Speedway also opened its Rock City Campground at noon Tuesday for evacuees heading west or inland from Hurricane Florence.

With severe weather in the forecast for other southeastern states, accommodations will be available as long as possible prior to potential landfall. Evacuees will have access to bathhouse facilities on speedway property.

“While the Charlotte area is not completely out of the region that could face the effects of Hurricane Florence, for many of our neighbors to the east it is a safer alternative or a good stopping point as they seek shelter elsewhere,” said Greg Walter, executive vice president of Charlotte Motor Speedway. “We look forward to welcoming anyone who needs a place to stop and to showing them the hospitality they deserve as we ride out this storm together.”

Wilmington is the coastal city that in the early stages has taken the greatest fury of Florence. Even so, the spirit of humanity shows up. Representatives from the corporate office of Waffle House in Norcross, GA, arrived in Wilmington to a local Waffle House and opened it to feed hungry first responders.

(From Region 6 newsletter)

In the year since Hurricane Harvey struck Houston, the city has been defined by its resilience and strength.
While the majority of the city was back and open for business just a few short weeks after the storm touched ground,
many of the city’s neighborhoods and important institutions were deeply affected by Harvey. The Wortham Theater
Center, located in the heart of the Theater District, and one of Houston’s artistic cornerstones, is one such institution
that has faced a longer road to recovery. After almost a year of restoration efforts, the Wortham Theater Center
opened its doors for the Theater District Open House on Sunday, August 26, 2018.

A much-anticipated annual event, this year’s open house festivities held special significance for the city’s
arts groups hosting the event. For the past year, tenant companies Houston Grand Opera (HGO) and the Houston
Ballet have performed in different venues throughout the city, including Resilience Theater, a temporary theater
built in the George R. Brown Convention Center to host the HGO’s Fall Season. Finally back in their home at the
Wortham, the open house was an opportunity for artists and art-lovers alike to celebrate a return to normalcy and
generate excitement for the theater’s upcoming season of events.

The Wortham Theater Center will open officially for its first performance on Wednesday, September 26,
2018—just over one year since Hurricane Harvey hit. The first performance will feature Placido Domingo, who
performed in Verdi’s Aida when the theater first opened thirty years ago. The sold-out performance kicks off a full
season for the theater and Houston’s arts groups, who have shown adaptability, creativity, and spirit for Houston
over the past 12 months. The Wortham is back and ready to showcase the best Houston has to offer in arts and
culture.

For more about the Wortham Theater Center: http://www.houstonfirsttheaters.com/Wortham-Center.

The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (“HKCEC”) continues to be the preferred venue for international organisers staging world-class exhibitions and conferences in Hong Kong. During the fiscal year 2017-2018 (July 2017 to June 2018), a total of 1,061 events were held at the HKCEC, including 118 exhibitions and 166 international and local conferences, along with hundreds of corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment events. During the year, the HKCEC welcomed an attendance of over 8.2 million*, including exhibitors, trade buyers, conference and meeting delegates, event visitors, banquet guests, and restaurant customers.

The 118 exhibitions and 166 international and local conferences cover diverse topics such as start-up, franchising, diving and resorts, technology for the elderly, finance, medical science, cloud technology, amusement and theme park, etc.

Seven new exhibitions and 69 new conferences were successfully held at the HKCEC, including Gourmet Asia 2018, and China Guardian (HK) 2017 Autumn Auctions, The 33rd Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress, and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Annual Conference 2018.

The outstanding business performance is complemented by 23 awards and certificates, in recognition of service quality, community service, and environmental protection. These recognitions include Champion in the “Outstanding Venue Award” at the 2017 AFECA Asian Awards, organised by Asian Federation of Exhibitions and Convention Associations; “Best Convention and Exhibition Centre in Asia-Pacific” in the 2018 CEI Readers’ Choice Award conducted by CEI Asia magazine; 15 Years Plus Caring Company logo by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service in 2018.

Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (“HML”), the professional and private management company of the HKCEC, commented, “We are proud of the results, but we will not rest on our laurels. We continue to look for opportunities to improve and share our success with our business partners, staff members, and community at large. The commitment is reflected in the 30th anniversary slogan: Breakthrough‧Advance Together. A series of infrastructure and technological upgrade are already in progress.”

The Membership Committee is asking the leaders of IAVM to help us achieve a bigger, more diverse network. Our community is more than numbers. The venue management industry is comprised of influential individuals involved in every aspect of the sports and entertainment market. IAVM is the link to bring this unique, global community together — venue managers, our sponsors and allied partners — to have a passionate and vibrant exchange of ideas and best practices. You represent the very best of venue management. Now, it’s time to identify the next round of leaders that will propel IAVM to new heights, but more importantly, provide you with expanded connections to give you more vibrant experiences and discussions at our schools and conferences. By having a larger more diverse network, everyone benefits. We encourage you to share your unique vision and passion with the next generation to help them become trailblazers for our great industry. Encourage them to join today.

GOAL:  Our goal is to have 100% participation by our volunteer leaders.

REWARD: The committee, council or task force and individual that refers the most members will be recognized at VenueConnect in Chicago 2019.

To receive credit for your new member, ask your referral to complete these fields in the online membership application:

• How did you hear about IAVM – Enter “JustOne” and the committee you want to receive credit; important if you serve on multiple committees
  • Example: JustOne-Membership Committee
• If a person referred you, provide name:
  • Example: Alexis Berggren, Membership Committee
• One-time initiation fee will be waived because of your referral if they join by December 31, 2018.
  • Under the Payment Information, enter the promo code: JUSTONE
  • If applying for Professional or Supplier membership, only the dues will remain (savings of $150.00)

JustOne affords you the opportunity to help someone reach their potential and have access to resources that ensures their success. Encourage your colleague, star employee, customer, etc. to become a part of our unique community. Encourage them to become an IAVM member. So, get your competitive juices flowing and help us meet our goal, 300 volunteers connecting 300 new members with IAVM.

Questions, contact Member Services at 972.906.7441 and ask for Gina Brydson or Robin Covington.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in August 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.

Scott Abts, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Marketing Coordinator, Portland
Lucy Albers, Denny Sanford Premier Center, Senior Marketing Manager, Sioux Falls
Lee Alberts, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Food & Beverage Manager, Eugene
Allison Alfano, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Assistant Director of Marketing, Portland
Gillian Antopol, Rose Brand, Marketing Manager, Seacaucus
Nicole Barnes, Suncorp Stadium, Senior Event Manager, Milton, Australia
Maurio Bates, FedExForum, Conversion Coordinator, Memphis
Darcy Beal, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Finance Manager, Eugene
Jason Beam, Boyd Gaming / Orleans Arena, Director of Operations, Las Vegas
Natalie Belman, Yonge-Dundas Square, Manager of Events & Partnerships, Toronto, Canada
Sean Bianchini, Prospera Place, Event Manager, Kelowna, Canada
Libby Buick, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Business Improvement Advisor, South Wharf, Australia
Hannah Bulkley, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Booking and Marketing Coordinator, Eugene
Quinn Burgoyne, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Custodian, Eugene
Jill Caldwell, Raleigh Convention Center, Event Coordinator, Raleigh
Erin Calhoun, MGM Resorts International, Director of Booking, Las Vegas
Tommy Cantrell, Blumenthal Performing Arts, Direct of Front of House Operations, Charlotte
Dana Catchpole, Belmont Abbey College, Adjunct Professor, Charlotte
Gabriela Cervantes, Ascension, Sales Manager, Tucson
Joe Chynoweth, City of Tacoma, Venues & Events, Operatoins Supervisor, Tacoma
Cameron Cooper, FedExForum, Arena Ops Intern, Memphis
Kellie Cosner, University of North Florida Fine Arts Center, Events Coordinator, Jacksonville
Kurby Court, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Vice President, Experience, Calgary, Canada
Jennifer Cumberworth, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Sr. Administrative Specialist, Eugene
Wendy Delano, Salem Civic Center, Director of Civic Facilities, Salem
Fred Dennis, Bossier Civic Center, Operations Manager, Bossier City
Adam DeVries, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Assistant Box Office Manager, Eugene
Cody Disbennet, Houston Texans, Event Operations Manager, Houston
Jeffrey Doggett, Austin Convention Center, Event Coordinator, Austin
Kala Dralle, City of Tacoma, Venues & Events, Program Development Specialist, Tacoma
Chris Dyer, FedExForum, Ticket Operations Coordinator, Memphis
Scott Earl, DeJoria Center, Director of Security, Kamas
Chris Engler, MGM Resorts International, Director of Operations, Outdoor Venues, Las Vegas
Nicole English, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Financial Program Specialist, Eugene
Brian Ference, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Technical Director, Eugene
Patrick Fitzmaurice, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Concessions Coordinator, Eugene
Robert Flournoy, STAPLES Center, Operations Manager, Los Angeles
Jim Foss, Jim Foss Consulting, Owner, Peoria
Nikki Haffner, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Facilities Manager, Eugene
William Harris, University of Central Florida, Student, Orlando
Lachelle Harrison-Cook, Walter E Washington Convention Center, Event Manager, Washington
Rich Hobby, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Marketing Director, Eugene
Ursula Hunting, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Events Manager, Facility Rentals, San Francisco
Vicki Infinito, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Booking Manager, Eugene
Marcia James-Gluz, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Box Office Manager, Eugene
Emily Jensen, City of Tacoma, Venues & Events, Marketing Coordinator, Tacoma
Tessa Jimenez, El Paso County Parks and Special Events, Special Events Coordinator, El Paso
Nate Johnson, FedExForum, Operations Manager, Memphis
Felita Kahl, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Supervisor of Security Services, Portland
Thomas Kaucheck, Phoenix Convention Center & Venues, Security Systems Supervisor, Phoenix
Rebecca Kaufeld, Grand Wayne Center, Guest Experience Manager, Fort Wayne
Susan Klinedinst, York College of Pennsylvania, Assistant Professor, York
Stephen Koetter, Palm Beach County Convention Center, Marketing Manager, West Palm Beach
Mike Krewson, SMG/Savor, General Manager, Waco
Rebekah Laibson, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Audience Services Manager, San Francisco
Amy Lindsey, City of Spokane Parks and Recreation, Park Programming & Marketing Manager, Spokane
Naomi Link, AT&T Performing Arts Center, Event Manager, Dallas
Nicole Loh, Ungerboeck Software International, Software Consultant, CHERMSIDE, Australia
Julie Mae Lopez, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Interime Director of Human Resources, San Francisco
Corrine Lucas, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Production Manager, San Francisco
Vince Macoline, Melbourne Cricket Club, Yarra Park, Jolimont, Venue Presentation Coordinator, East Melbourne, Australia
Devin Maddox, FedExForum, Assistant Manager of Ticketing Operations, Memphis
Stephen Marquez, Broadmoor World Arena and Pikes Peak Center, Event Services Manager, Colorado Springs
Abby Marr, Hartman Arena, Director of Sales & Marketing, Park City
Kyle Matlock, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, IT Administrator, San Francisco
Herschal McCathern, FedExForum, Guest Relations Coordinator, Memphis
Melvin Merritt, The Baltimore Convention Center, Human Resource Generalist II, Baltimore
Anna Milne, Melbourne Cricket Club, Yarra Park, Jolimont, Event Workforce Coordinator, East Melbourne, Australia
Rafael Miranda, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Desktop Support Administrator, San Francisco
Nick Morales, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Production Supervisor, Portland
Stephen Muoio, Kennesaw State University, Facility Operations Manager, Kennesaw
Clifford Olson, Blumenthal Performing Arts, Director of Volunteer Services, Charlotte
Raymond Pan, Pacific National Exhibition, Event Manager, Vancouver, Canada
Kendra Pannell, Kennesaw State University, Box Office Manager, Kennesaw
Margie Paolacci, Stateguard Integrated Solutions, Client Relationship Manager, Craigieburn, Australia
Elizabeth Paul, UC Davis Conference and Event Services, Event Manager, Davis
Eric Perry, Prismview – A Samsung Electronics Company, Marketing Coordinator, Logan
Carlos Pittman, Park Theater at Monte Carlo, Event Manager, Las Vegas
Shelby Poindexter, BancorpSouth Arena and Conference Center, Social Media Manager, Tupelo
Hans Pregler, Young Auditorium, Technical Director, Whitewater
Michelle Puckett, Center Stage, Director of Operations, Atlanta
Katherine Putnam, Levy Convention Center Restaurants, Vice President of Operations, Austin
Victoria Radford, Raleigh Convention Center, Event Coordinator, Raleigh
Chautebriand Redding, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Senior Event Manager, Washington
Paula Richmond, FedExForum, Senior Staff Services Manager, Memphis
William Robinson, Phoenix Convention Center & Venues, Parking Venues Manager, Phoenix
Michael Rose, FedExForum, Manager of Ticket Operations, Memphis
Heath Sampson, Ticketek Pty Ltd, State Manager, Hindmarsh, , Australia
Neil Sandhoff, Evolv Technology, Vice President, Gainesville
Paul Scherzinger, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Senior Operations Supervisor, Portland
Will Shaw, Conservatory of Flowers, Public Events Coordinator, San Francisco
Jeremy Slavens, Arrowhead Events & Kansas City Chiefs, Director of Events, Kansas City
Lisa Smith, FedExForum, Assistant Manager of Ticketing Operations, Memphis
Mendy Solorzano, City of Port Saint Lucie Civic Center, Sales Specialist, Port St Lucie
Debbie Storey, AT&T Performing Arts Center, Interim President and CEO, Dallas
Michael Sullivan, FedExForum, Event Services Manager, Memphis
Scotty Swanger, FedExForum, Conversion Supervisor, Memphis
Seth Tackett, FedExForum, Event Manager, Memphis
Allison Taylor, Centennial Management Group, Inc, Event Services Manager, West Valley City
Anastasia Volsko, SMG, Director of Operations, Cleveland
Sidney Walker, City of San Angelo, Civic Events Manager, San Angelo
Jayson Wasielewski, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Security Manager, Milwaukee
Kim Weiland, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Concessions Coordinator, Eugene
Candace Whitehead, Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA), Senior Event Manager, Charlotte
Jenna Wilson, Viking Pavilion, General Manager – Viking Pavilion, Portland
Jennifer Wolcott, Hot Springs Convention Center & Bank of the Ozarks Arena, Director of Operations, Hot Springs
Louise Woodward, Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, Production Supervisor, Portland
Aubrey Zhou, Ungerboeck Software International, Software Consultant, CHERMSIDE, Australia