By Alexandra Serrano

Exhibition Place, Canada’s premier destination for conventions, exhibitions, events, and entertainment, will be returning to the 2023 Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEE) and launching its immersive Virtual Reality (VR) Tour of the Beanfield Centre.

Through this tour, meeting and event professionals will be able to immerse themselves in a “digital twin” of Beanfield Centre and its state-of-the-art facilities, renowned for thoughtful design and a distinctly modern approach that prioritizes digital connectivity. Beyond being able to explore the space virtually, planners will be able to navigate through various room layouts at the site. From theatre and banquet to classroom — these setups will allow planners to better envision how the venue’s versatile spaces can be used for events of all shapes and sizes.

The VR tour caters to the industry’s demand for digital connectivity and reflects Exhibition Place’s dedication to being at the forefront of innovation.

We’re excited to be one of the first venues in Canada to offer this leading-edge technology, enhancing the site visit experience for meeting planners. Similar to our debut of Wi-Fi 6 at the Beanfield Centre in 2022, this VR Tour responds to the need for enhanced digital connectivity across the meetings and events industry,” said Laura Purdy, CEM, CMM, General Manager, Exhibition Place.

Planners will be able to interact with this VR Tour for the first time at the Canadian Meetings + Events Expo (CMEE) from August 15-16, 2023 at Exhibition Place’s Booth (#1010). Branded VR Viewers will also be available to take home and by request following the 2023 CMEExpo.

To learn more about Beanfield Centre’s offerings, click here.

Alexandra Serrano is Manager, Marketing and Communications, at Exhibition Place.

By Mabel De Beunza and Amanda Batista

In partnership with IAVM and in support of local, national, and global efforts to continuously and consistently enhance public safety and security in an ever-changing landscape, the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) conducted an advanced Venue Safety and Security Training on Thursday, August 10, 2023 for over 325+ registered attendees from 1st responders to venue security professionals from key stakeholders, partners, event and performing arts centers, convention centers, stadiums, arenas, hotels, nightclubs, government emergency departments, including local and federal agencies and also supported by the Department of Homeland Security Protective Security Advisor and the DHS Commercial Facilities stakeholders division. The training was led by Mark Herrera, the Director of Safety and Security IAVM & OVG360 (Oak View Group), reflecting a collaboration of the highest standard to implement best practices, protocols, and procedures that create the safest and most conducive environment for our employees, guests, and contract partners.

“As always, the health, safety and security of all who enter the MBCC and our Campus is our number 1 priority,” said Freddie Peterson, General Manager of the MBCC. “Ongoing training and emergency preparedness are paramount as we want to ensure that we exceed the expectations of those who interact with the MBCC’s Campus. Together with our amazing first responder community, coupled with our wonderful contract partners, we remain committed to all aspects of life safety while delivering excellence in customer service and venue management.”

The training included:

· De-escalation training for frontline teams

· Active threat/active shooter preparedness & response

· Situational awareness & risk mitigation through guest service interjection

· Building a resilient & all-inclusive security culture: best practices for developing leadership and frontline staff in or to build a resilient security culture.

Miami Beach Convention Center hosted a community wide all-inclusive security training not only to bolster their own security but to also contribute to the resilience and preparedness of the entire community. By coming together, the partners have created a safer environment for all throughout various locations and venues in South Florida

David Whitaker, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, emphasizes the unified mission: “In the face of everything from severe weather to constant threats of cyber security, our destination and our customer’s safety and security must be at the forefront. It’s about being prepared in advance, not just when an incident occurs. Our collaborative efforts with our top destination venues exemplify thought leadership and enable us to implement leading-edge safety measures and confidence across the board.”

Herrera, who has years of experience working in law enforcement special operations and the Department of Homeland Security, led the training. “It’s inspiring to see the dedication of the Miami Beach Convention Center to provide a safe and secure environment not only for their facility but the industry as a whole,” he said. “Their commitment to the highest standards sets a precedent in the industry and is vital for the safety of the community.”

As part of its ongoing effort to ensure a secure environment, MBCC continues to work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The event follows a series of similar successful trainings across the country and stands as a testament to MBCC’s commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence.

“With the training and expertise now in place, we are more prepared than ever to offer our clients a secure, world-class experience,” added Jac White, MBCC Director of Safety & Security. “We will continue to work closely together with the City of Miami Beach and our partners to innovate and adapt to future trends in safety and security, reinforcing our position as one of the leading convention centers in the nation.”

Sponsored by and in collaboration with IAVM, ESCA-Exhibition Services & Contractors Association, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Smart City Networks, Sodexo Live!, Everlast Productions, A6 Security, and OVG360 – Oak View Group, MBCC has taken significant steps to enhance the security protocols and safety measures in place to protect all visitors and participants. The Miami Beach Convention Center is owned by the City of Miami Beach and managed by OVG360 (Oak View Group).

Mabel De Beunza and Amanda Batista are with Deepsleep Studio.

By Tammy Austin

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) Chief Administrative Officer Alita Caparotta was recognized as a “Power 20” honoree in a recent Tourism and Hospitality issue of New Orleans CityBusiness, a weekly business newspaper. A special section that publishes quarterly, each edition represents a different industry and features 20 of the most influential leaders in that industry.

Chosen for this honor through an anonymous nomination process, Caparotta has been instrumental in cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and enhancing the NOENMCC’s reputation and credibility. This is evident in both Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investor Services recently designating high ratings to the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority. Under Caparotta’s financial stewardship, the Convention Center maintained financial solvency and its staff throughout the pandemic and met operational and capital improvement program expenditures and refunded existing debt. In May 2022, as the travel and tourism industries began recovery, Caparotta led a cost-of-living adjustment for all Convention Center employees.

“Alita’s leadership and financial expertise, along with her strategic management acumen regarding stewardship of the Convention Center’s funds, are instrumental in our continued financial successes,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO. “Her laser-focus and unwavering dedication demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, ingenuity, and achievement. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”

Since joining the Convention Center staff as an accounting manager in 2000, Caparotta’s talent and discipline helped her progress through subsequent promotions. In her current role as Chief Administrative Officer, she manages several departments and oversees the financial aspects of the Convention Center’s ongoing $557 million Capital Improvement Plan.

Caparotta holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama and maintains her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designations. She holds memberships in several professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Louisiana State Society of Certified Public Accountants (LSSCPA), the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Women in Public Finance, and the International Women’s Forum.

Tammy Austin is with The Ehrhardt Group.

By Blair Cardinal

The Tulsa Public Facilities Authority (TPFA) awarded Oak View Group the venue management and food service contract for the premier sports and music venue BOK Center and the 275,000-square foot Cox Business Convention Center.

During a special meeting on July 28, TPFA unanimously voted to begin exclusive negotiations with OVG360 and OVG Hospitality to manage venue operations, booking, partnerships and sponsorships, and food and beverage operations at the two award-winning venues in the heart of Downtown Tulsa.

OVG will focus on creating momentum in three main areas: ensuring Tulsa is the top destination for major concerts in Oklahoma, continuing to grow the city’s national and regional convention business, and assisting the city and its stakeholders in the development of a full-service convention center hotel.

“The BOK Center and Convention Center are key economic drivers in our community, and their success is critical to Tulsa’s future vitality,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “As a thriving world-class city with world-class entertainment venues, we must always be focused on continuous improvement – not self-satisfied with the success of today but focused on being even better tomorrow. I have complete confidence in OVG and their ability to build upon the success we’ve enjoyed at the BOK Center and Convention Center over the last fifteen years.”

Oak View Group is no stranger to the Tulsa market. In fact, current OVG executives have nearly four decades of collective experience overseeing operations at BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center. John Bolton, senior vice president at OVG, opened BOK Center in 2008 and served as general manager of both the arena and convention center for six years; Jeff Nickler, senior vice president at OVG and general manager of Austin’s Moody Center, spent a decade in Tulsa booking many of the largest concerts in BOK Center history; Casey Sparks, vice president of OVG Austin, served as general manager of the two Tulsa venues for three years; and Joe Giordano, formerly assistant general manager at BOK Center, is now vice president leading OVG’s Arena, Stadium and Theater Alliances. These executives will serve on a special senior advisory council to support the transition at both venues.

“We know the potential of the Tulsa market, and we know BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center are centerpieces of that forward movement,” Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oak View Group, said. “Oak View Group has a number of leaders – John, Jeff, Casey, and Joe – who have deep roots and a profound respect for the market, coupled with long-time relationships with the City’s key stakeholders and among the community. OVG working in Tulsa will feel like coming home, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Food and beverage at the BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center will be authentically Tulsa. OVG will work with more local partners, introduce more local flavors, and implement the newest technology to optimize the fan and guest experience.

In addition to working with local and regional partners who have historically played a prominent role at BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center, OVG will also leverage relationships with national brands to develop new partnerships and sponsorship opportunities with companies that recognize the vitality of the Tulsa market.

Chris Granger, president of OVG360, said, “We’re proud the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority has selected Oak View Group as their partner to chart the course forward, build upon the BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center’s legacies, and take the venues to the next level. Tulsa has become a must-visit city and BOK Center a must-play tour stop. OVG will help solidify the arena’s place as one of the country’s top music destinations.”

“While thanking ASM Global for its excellent management over the past 15 years, we would like to welcome Oak View Group to Tulsa as the new management firm for the BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center,” Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, said. “With the BOK Center approaching its 15th birthday and the Cox Business Convention Center enjoying its recent $55 million renovation, these facilities continue to be recognized internationally as premier venues for concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and more. OVG has the kind of global resume that will elevate these two facilities even further.”

“OVG shares our passion for providing the most innovative and engaging opportunities for guests across the region,” Anna America, Chief of Culture and Recreation for the City of Tulsa, said. “While we are changing the management firm, we want to express our confidence and pride in the local staff here in Tulsa and hope to see most of those employees choose to stay here and continue as part of the new team.”

“The CBCC and BOK Center have been massive contributors to Tulsa’s rise as a world-class destination, as they have attracted visitors from all over the world for events like the Bassmaster Classic, NCAA DI Wrestling Championships and – most recently – the USA Gymnastics Championships,” Renee McKenney, senior vice president of tourism for the Tulsa Regional Chamber and president of Tulsa Regional Tourism, said. “Thank you to the ASM – Tulsa team for your consistent partnership, and for going above and beyond to host those incredibly valuable events. Our team is looking forward to working closely with OVG through the transition and beyond, and I am thankful for the thoughtful insights from everyone involved in ensuring the continued success of our city’s major event venues.”

Blair Cardinal is Vice President, Communications at Oak View Group.

By NBA.com

The San Antonio Spurs announced that they have reached an agreement in principle introducing Frost Bank as the new naming rights partner for their home arena, which will be known as the Frost Bank Center. The arena naming rights designation will celebrate Frost’s position as the Spurs longest-tenured partner and bank, with the relationship dating back 50 years.

“We believe in San Antonio – it’s our hometown. We want this relationship with the Spurs to demonstrate our unwavering sense of pride for San Antonio’s rich history and its bright future,” said Frost Chairman and CEO Phil Green. “The longevity and success of both the Spurs and Frost Bank are rooted in our shared values of integrity, caring and excellence. These values ultimately help strengthen and shape our entire community. For 50 years, we have been proud to be a sponsor and a partner with the Spurs. Por Vida. Go Spurs Go!”

Frost and the Spurs first joined forces in 1973 when Tom C. Frost provided the financing necessary to move the franchise to San Antonio. Throughout the 50-year partnership, Frost has been an integral part of Spurs history in many exciting ways, including as the team’s first-ever jersey patch partner from the 2018-19 through the 2021-22 seasons and partner for the soon-to-be-opened Frost Plaza at The Rock at La Cantera, which will serve as a hub for community events to bring Spurs fans together. Frost recently expanded its W. W. White Financial Center in the East Side area that is home to the Spurs arena. Through this expanded partnership, the Spurs are excited to support Frost’s mission of pioneering financial belonging in San Antonio and beyond by increasing financial access and knowledge.

“We’re so excited to bring together two of San Antonio’s most treasured brands in a new and meaningful way to represent our community,” said R.C. Buford, SS&E CEO. “Fifty years ago, our two organizations envisioned the potential of what a professional sports team could mean for our community, and it is only fitting that we’re joining efforts to welcome fans into the home of the San Antonio Spurs. Aligning the Frost and Spurs names in such a major way celebrates both our enduring presence in Texas and our shared commitment to communities we have the privilege of serving.”