SeatGeek has closed a primary ticketing agreement with NFL giants the Dallas Cowboys, the most valuable sports franchise in the world.

Under the deal – SeatGeek’s second primary NFL partnership in the past four months – the operator will serve the American football team, AT&T Stadium and Ford Center.

SeatGeek will allow fans and teams to access and manage tickets through the mobile app. Fans can purchase tickets and easily transfer them to others and use their device to scan into the venue.

SeatGeek also signed the New Orleans Saints in November, making the Cowboys the second team to opt out of the league-wide deal.

“The Dallas Cowboys organization is always on the cutting edge, and it was critical that we select a ticketing platform that has the best technology on earth to power an incredible fan experience. SeatGeek provides that and more,” said Dallas Cowboys owner, president and general manager Jerry Jones. “We’re excited to truly partner with SeatGeek to shape the future of the industry together.”

SeatGeek will ticket all events at the 100,000-capacity AT&T Stadium, as well as events at Ford Center, a 12,000 seat facility located at The Star, the Cowboys complex in Frisco, Texas.

“The technology that SeatGeek had developed – from its rules-based engine to its fan-facing features – is unlike anything I have seen before,” said Dallas Cowboys vice president of ticket service and sales, Doug Dawson. “We’re thrilled to work alongside SeatGeek for years to come.”

As part of the NFL’s new open ticketing ecosystem the Cowboys will be able to use SeatGeek’s technology to integrate with other official league ticketing partners, selling verified tickets in more places than ever before.

Other events at AT&T Stadium and Ford Center will be able to use SeatGeek Enterprise’s open distribution to sell tickets directly to fans in places across the internet where they are already spending time.

SeatGeek recently partnered with Facebook to allow SeatGeek Enterprise clients to sell their tickets directly through the social network.

“The Dallas Cowboys are the pinnacle of professional sports, and we are thrilled to work with their innovative team to give one of the best fanbases in all of sports a better experience,” said SeatGeek co-founder Russ D’Souza. “We are excited to take a massive step forward in transforming the live events industry with this partnership.”

The International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) is pleased to announce the nomination of Clifford “Rip” Rippetoe, CVE, for Second Vice Chair of the IAVM Board of Directors. Rippetoe will serve a four-year term, taking on the Chairman position in 2020-2021.

Rippetoe currently serves as President and CEO of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation (SDCCC). He has a long and successful career in venue management and operations, working for both the not-for-profit and profit sectors. Previous to his role in San Diego, he was President and CEO of the Kentucky State Fair Board Venues.

“The nomination of Rip Rippetoe, CVE, for the role of 2nd Vice Chair demonstrates the thoughtful and excellent work of the Board’s Leadership Development Committee to identify a candidate who is a trusted member volunteer, proven leader, and skilled venue professional for senior leadership,” stated Doug Booher, CVE, IAVM Board of Directors Chair. “We look forward to welcoming Rip to the team!”

Rippetoe has been a member of IAVM since 1988. Previously to his tenure in the Convention Center Sector as a Professional Member, he spent over a decade as an Allied Member working for a convention contractor and as a consultant. Prior to that, he spent several years in the Performing Arts Sector. Rippetoe currently serves on three IAVM committees, as well as a mentor in the IAVM Mentor Connector Program.

“One of the benefits of reporting to the Board and its’ Executive Committee is that IAVM has quality leaders in the officer positions that care about our industry and IAVM’s members,” said Brad Mayne, CVE, IAVM President and CEO. “Over the years, Rip has been a great contributor to leadership for IAVM. His knowledge and experience as a successful venue manager in multiple sectors and diverse communities in his career make him uniquely qualified to fill the position of IAVM 2nd Vice Chair.”

Rippetoe serves locally as a Board Member for the Downtown San Diego Partnership and the Economic Development Corporation of San Diego, as well as Advisor for the San Diego Hotel/Motel Association and the San Diego Tourism Authority.

SDCCC Board Chair Gil Cabrera stated, ““We are supportive and excited about Rip’s nomination, as it recognizes his well-deserved place as a leader in venue management. The San Diego Convention Center is proud to have such a distinguished, capable, globally-engaged, and visionary individual at the helm of our organization.”

“It is an incredible honor to be nominated to serve in this position,” said Rippetoe. “I am passionate and dedicated to our industry. We all work together in public assembly venue management to convene millions of patrons to an amazing variety of events. I look forward to working with my peers to educate, advocate for, and inspire our professionals, worldwide.”

IAVM members will vote electronically in June on Rippetoe’s nomination, and if elected, he will take office in July during IAVM’s VenueConnect Annual Conference and Trade Show, July 22-25, in Toronto, Canada.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in March 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.

Lisa Adamsen, Arizona State University, Technical Director, Tempe, AZ
Omolara Adelusi, Sheba Centre LTD, CEO, Lagos, Nigeria
Jose Aquinaga, Wintrust Arena, Senior Analyst, Chicago, IL
Amanda Arboleda, Arizona State University, Program Manager, Tempe, AZ
Andrew Arnold, The Fox Theatre – Atlanta, Security Manager, Atlanta, GA
Robert Ashby, Western Kentucky University, Student, Boulder, CO
David Ax, Richmond Coliseum, Operations and Event Manager, Richmond, VA
Haley Baas, Butler University, Patron Services Coordinator, Indianapolis, IN
Jarrod Barger, Arizona State University, Technical Director, Tempe, AZ
Hilary Barker, Wintrust Arena, Purchasing Manager, Chicago, IL
Matthew Bauer, Wintrust Arena, Administrative Coordinator, Chicago, IL
Antonia Beggs, Cricket Australia, Head of Match Operations and Events, Jolimont, VIC, Australia
Penelope Bloch, Guardian Venue Management International, Director of Operations, Yagoona, NSW, Australia
Colleen Blount, Brisbane Showgrounds, Finance Manager, Newstead, QLD, Australia
Colin Brereton, Minneapolis Convention Center, Senior Supervisor Technology Services, Minneapolis, MN
Jennelle Brewer, Las Vegas Convention Center, Senior Manager of Customer Experience, Las Vegas, NV
Derek Brott, Kennesaw State University, Facility Operations Manager, Kennesaw, GA
Alisa Bryan, Western Kentucky University, Student, Radcliff, KY
Jared Burkhalter, Boise Centre, Senior Operations Supervisor, Boise, ID
Stella Butera, Wintrust Arena, Human Resources Director, Chicago, IL
Betsy Callahan, Arizona State University, Rental Coordinator, Tempe, AZ
James Carley, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc., Director of Safety & Risk Management, Fort Worth, TX
Anecia Carroll-Bankston, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Student, Denver, CO
Bailey Cash, Kennesaw State University, Technical Operations Lead, Kennesaw, GA
Tanner Cody, Curtis Culwell Center, Sales Representative, Garland, TX
John Conley, Butler University, Chief of Public Safety, Indianapolis, IN
James Cramer, Butler University, Community Relations Manager, Indianapolis, IN
Terri Cranmer, Arizona State University, Director of Facilities, Tempe, AZ
Jamie Curtis, Wintrust Arena, Director of Sales & Marketing, Chicago, IL
Morgan D’Amico, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Concessions Supervisor, Santa Rosa, CA
Amal Davis, Exhibition Park in Canberra,  , Dickson, ACT, Australia
Bryan Delaney, Peace Center, Production Manager, Greenville, SC
Megan Dennis, Wintrust Arena, Patron Services Manager, Chicago, IL
Tom Divan, University of Illinois State Farm Center, Director of Facilities Management, Champaign, IL
Wade Dixon, Moonee Valley Racing Club, Risk and Compliance Manager, Moonee Ponds, VIC, Australia
Brandon Doty, Boise Centre, Safety and Security Specialist, Boise, ID
Kate Dundas, Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Kelsey Dunn, Butler University, Programming Coordinator, Indianapolis, IN
Manchershaw Engineer, Wintrust Arena, Production Operations Specialist, Chicago, IL
Dara Falco, Hunter College – Kaye Playhouse, Manager, New York, NY
Susan Fata, Towson University, Senior Event Manager, Towson, MD
Drew Fisher, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, President & CEO, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Steven Foster, Foster + Fathom, Managing Partner, Grapevine, TX
Andrea Gates-Ehlers, Wintrust Arena, Director of Operations, Chicago, IL
Luke Gladstein, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Events Crew Chief, Santa Rosa, CA
Kathi Glasscox, Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex, Assistant Venue Manager, Birmingham, AL
Arlindo Gomes, Edmonton EXPO Centre, General Manager, Edmonton, AB, Canda
Daniel Hale, Arizona State University, Technical Director, Tempe, AZ
Victor Hamburger, Arizona State University, Director of Marketing, Tempe, AZ
Courtney Hardy, Butler University, Event Manager, Indianapolis, IN
Charlotte Hill, Sidekicker, General Manager, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Troy Hoberg, AECOM Hunt, Vice President, Phoenix, AZ
Joanna Hodges, Butler University, Marketing Manager, Indianapolis, IN
Amy Honan, Moonee Valley Racing Club, Catering Operations Manager, Moonee Ponds, VIC, Australia
Kenneth Hudson, Kennesaw State University, Guest Experience Lead, Kennesaw, GA
Xema Jacobson, San Diego Convention Center, Vice Chair – Board of Directors, San Diego, CA
Mary-Roselyn Jernigan, University of Florida, Undergraduate Student, Gainesville, FL
Cory Johnson, Wintrust Arena, 1st Assistant Treasurer, Chicago, IL
Brenda Johnston, Butler University, Event Manager, Indianapolis, IN
Cemlyn Jones, Sidekicker, General Manager, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Auntrell Jones, Western Kentucky University, Student, Hampton, FL
David Kennedy, Wintrust Arena, Assistant General Manager/Entertainment, Chicago, IL
Alecia Kennedy, Irving Arts Center – City of Irving, Event Manager, Irving, TX
Shelly Krevitt, Wintrust Arena, Production Manager, Chicago, IL
Matt LaLonde, Interkal, LLC, Vice President Sales, Kalamazoo, MI
Joe Loudabarger, Arizona State University, Associate Athletic Director, Tempe, AZ
Donald Luy, Davenport University, Assistant Professor, Caledonia, MI
Toni Manzella, Wintrust Arena, Box Office Manager, Chicago, IL
Staci Marlowe, Peace Center, Events Sales & Operations Manager, Greenville, SC
Tracey Mason, Arizona State University, Manager, Kerr Center, Tempe, AZ
Bob McDonald, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Security Supervisor, Santa Rosa, CA
Alex McKee, Overland Park Convention Center, Event Managewr, Overland Park, KS
Mendy Medlin, Wintrust Arena, Production Manager, Chicago, IL
Victoria Mercer, Harris Williams & Co., Origination Manager, Richmond, VA
Peter Michaelson, Gordon Center for Performing Arts, Director, Owings Mills, MD
Sarbjit Minhas, Vancouver Convention Centre, Manager, Facilities Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Jacqueline Mitchell, Jackson Convention Complex, Senior Event Manager, Jackson, MS
Alfonzo Moore, Columbus Civic Center, Events Coordinator, Columbus, GA
Allie Mormann, Iowa State Center, Banquet Manager, Ames, IA
Ross Moroney, Irving Arts Center – City of Irving, Operations Manager, Irving, TX
Iain Morrison, Humm Pty Ltd, Managing Director, Botany, NSW, Australia
Natalie Moten, Wintrust Arena, Controller, Chicago, IL
Matthew Mullins, Western Kentucky University, Student, College Station, TX
Jocelyn Munson, Cobb Galleria Centre, Event Services Assistant Manager, Atlanta, GA
Tony Munster, Vancouver Convention Centre, Assistant Director, Vancouver, BC, Canda
Moira O’Brien, Wintrust Arena, Director of Sales, Chicago, IL
Desiree Ong, Arizona State University, Program Manager, Tempe, AZ
Maureen Patton, Kennesaw State University, Director Events, Kennesaw, GA
Sachee Perera, Sidekicker, General Manager – WA, Perth, WA, Australia
KaSaundra Peterson, Western Kentucky University, Student, Valley City, ND
Christopher Pilkey, Lynnwood Convention Center, Director of Operations, Lynnwood, WA
Stephen Potter, Arizona State University, Contract & Facility Manager, Tempe, AZ
Michael Reed, Arizona State University, Director of Programming, Tempe, AZ
Kevin Reilly, Mohegan Sun Arena, Project Manager, Uncasville, CT
Rory Rice, Wintrust Arena, Operations Manager, Chicago, IL
Donna Rund, Butler University, Education Manager, Indianapolis, IN
Ashlie Russell, Moonee Valley Racing Club, Racing Operations Coordinator, Moonee Ponds, VIC, Australia
Joe Scheper, Wintrust Arena, Assistant General Manager, Finance & Administration, Chicago, IL
Shaun Schultz, Arizona State University, Technical Director, Tempe, AZ
Doris Schwandt, Butler University, Administrative Assistant, Indianapolis, IN
Abraham Sheckels, Butler University, Production/Event Manager, Indianapolis, IN
Andrew Siebert, Avant Acoustics, LLC, President, Lenexa, KS
Clara Silva, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc., Assistant Director of Front of House, Fort Worth, TX
Eric Slaughter, The Orpheum Theatre – Memphis, Director of House Operations, Memphis, TN
Liam Smith, Moonee Valley Racing Club, General Manager – Racing Operations, Moonee Ponds, VIC, Australia
Clayton Smith, Colorado State University – Global Campus, Student, Englewood, CO
Emily Smith, The Ambassador Theatre Group, General Manager, San Antonio, TX
Troy Sterner, Arizona State University, Coordinator, Tempe, AZ
Sasha Swift, Sunset Cultural Center, Assistant Event Manager, Carmel by the Sea, CA
Karen Taylor, Convention Bureau – Townsville Enterprise, Events Acquisition Executive, Townsville, QLD, Australia
Henry Terrazas, Arizona State University, Event Coordinator, Tempe, AZ
Tye Thede, Arizona State University, Director of Special Events, Tempe, AZ
Patrick Tompkins, Kennesaw State University, Executive Operations Lead, Kennesaw, GA
Kerry Turner, Curtis Culwell Center, Operations Manager, Garland, TX
Richard Veron, ESPAUST.NET.AU, Director, Nunawading, VIC, Australia
Vinod Viswalingam, Vancouver Convention Centre, Venue Logistics Manager, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Tiana Weiler, Wintrust Arena, Director of Event Management, Chicago, IL
Tara Whitfield, Humm Pty Ltd, General Manager, Botany, NSW, Australia
Amanda Whitney, Calgary Stampede, Manager, Venue Operations & Logistics, Calgary, AB, Canada
Jason Zimmerman, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Director of Facilities, San Francisco, CA

When author and speaker Sunjay Nath comes to Toronto and VenueConnect to keynote the International Convention Center Conference sector meeting on July 25 from 9:15-10:15 a.m. (ET), he will do so knowing that he will be speaking to an audience that seeks results in their business.

No problem.

“My programs are designed to show how by focusing on your strengths you yield the highest results,” said Nath, who travels globally sharing insights on leadership and performance and who will lead a program entitled Strength-Based Leadership: The 10-80-10 Principle. “That means, the more you can spend time with your best clients, vendors, and customers, the more likely you are to create a wonderful experience. Then those people talk about what a great experience they had and that attracts more ‘best’ clients, vendors, and customers. It’s a positive cycle that reinforces itself and over time creates an organizational culture that both employees and customers look forward to interacting with one another.”

Attendees will look forward to interacting with Nath in his presentation that is delivered in a high-energy, high-content, and highly humorous manner. The 10-80-10 Principle is a framework that allows you to increase your performance and results by focusing your energy and efforts on highest yielding activities. It also helps individuals and teams operate at a dynamic level.

The principle, in short, is that every person or group already exhibits behaviors that are Top 10 (percent) and lead to high performance or achievement. What people lack is the knowledge and a framework to consistently operate at that dynamic Top 10 level. The 10-80-10 Principle program provides a methodology to reward and grow Top 10 behaviors and neutralize Bottom 10 actions.

“I would love it if people realized that by focusing on the strengths of the team, team members, and their respective venues that will increase customer experience, job satisfaction, and fun while decreasing burnout and stress,” Nath said.

As Nath prepares for his presentation, he has discovered a public assembly venue industry that is already dynamic in nature yet has many who contribute who are still “under the radar.”

“The industry is very much made up of unsung heroes,” he said. “Meetings and conventions take place all around the continent and most people do appreciate how much work it is on the backend to get the venues ready and maintain them to maximize the experience for all of those who pass through the venue. I think that they deserve much more of the spotlight than they get.”

Nath, the father of three high-energy boys who are all competitive gymnasts, has been energizing crowds for years and began an international speaking business when he was only 19. In 2005, he became the youngest Canadian and third youngest in the world to earn his Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation, the highest internationally that a speaker can aspire to achieve.

In a time of unrest and turmoil inside and outside the workplace, Phillip Ragain, director of training and human performance and partner at The RAD Group, brings some answers to the madness and will share those keen insights during a keynote presentation at the upcoming Region 6 conference at South Padres Island, TX, the morning of April 11.

Ragain will provide attendees solid learning objectives as he explains the importance of safety intervention, how to identify and minimize the effects of five biases that commonly inhibit safety intervention, and describes strategies for making “Stop Work” part of an organization’s culture.

Ragain’s presentation, entitled Hardwired Inhibitions: Forces Keeping us Silent in the Face of Disaster, poses several questions that many simply cannot or will not answer.

Why do people stand idly by as their coworkers do things that are clearly unsafe? Why do people so reliably say nothing when they know that they should? These questions plague industries, confound leaders, and underscore the frustration felt by nearly anyone who has investigated an incident. There are a surprising number of forces that inhibit people in the moment when they should speak up to employ “Stop Work Authority.” This presentation provides an overview of the more significant but often overlooked psychological and social factors that suppress safety interventions, and provides first steps for overcoming these inhibiting forces.

Ragain’s session includes practical examples and demonstrations, as well as explanations of relevant research. As a former instructor of applied ethics and logic at Texas Tech University and author of many articles on topics such as culture, human performance, and communication, Ragain has trained thousands of people around the world and led culture-change effort for organizations in a wide range of industries.