By Mary Klida

With the return of events, Huntington Place in Detroit is transforming public safety and guest experience. To enhance guest experience, the Public Safety Department in Huntington Place has broadened its reach to include improved union communications and relations. The center is rolling out measures designed specifically to improve union relations in the venue including participation in future workforce development, quarterly meetings with union leadership, and a new position of Public Safety Operations Manager among others.

“Union relations is always a top priority for me as a General Manager, but also for ASM Global overall as we understand the critical nature of working with all the skilled trades,” said Karen Totaro, CVE. “Our team focuses on communication as a key aspect of any successful relationship. The more correct info we can share, the more positive impacts for our clients.”

Serving as liaison between union labor and venue management for day-to-day operations in event labor services concentrating on exhibit hall floors and dock locations, the new Public Safety Operations Manager is part of the Public Safety department. Supervisor Matt Lancaster was promoted to the position, coming into it having strong relationships with union labor in the venue already established.

In his new position Lancaster focuses on monitoring exhibit halls and dock areas during events; educating contractors on show move-in and move-out processes; quality control of exhibit hall floor space and dock areas; and facilitating collaborative relationships between customers, contractors, and vendors among other duties. He works closely with union labor to develop strategies and policies associated with maintaining a safe and secure environment in Huntington Place.

“Matt recently told me the union teams are all starting to call him directly now when they need help with something on the show floor or on the dock . . . SUCCESS!” Totaro said. “We are already way ahead of all I hoped for by simply hearing that the communication is indeed happening and that Matt respects their roles and they respect Matt’s role, and both are optimizing that communication. Love it when we make magic happen (through a lot of hard work).”

Quarterly meetings including collaborative agendas with labor and management are now held regularly. Several new amenities for labor have been established in the venue including renovated offices back of house with a break room and smoking areas with benches and heaters outside the exhibit hall docks in two locations. Additionally, a new protocol for trouble reports includes a response requirement from management within 24 hours or the next business day.

But the new program that excites Huntington Place staff and union labor the most is the student group tours in Huntington Place coordinated by various union trades along with Lancaster. Recently the IBEW Local 58, Detroit Workforce for the Future, and the Operating Engineers Local 324 brought in students to give them exposure to the skilled trades and encourage them to see trade work as a possible career.

On May 18, a group of 16 students toured of the Automate 2023 event move-in at Huntington Place. Conversations were facilitated between students and laborers from IBEW, Operating Engineers, Iron Workers, and Carpenters setting up the event, letting students see the construction of Automate’s 800 exhibits firsthand. Students also enthusiastically watched demonstrations of robot programming. The show ran May 23-25 in Huntington Place with 28,000 attendees and was the largest trade show to date in the 22= year history of Automate.

“The relationship that has been established in such a short period of time between Matt and our partners in union labor exemplifies how we operate as unified team here at Huntington Place,” said Marlon Wilson, director of public safety for Huntington Place/ASM Global. “We are all focused on one mission, to provide our visitors and clients with the very best guest experience. Matt has played a critical role in the success of Huntington Place for many years and in his new position, allows the center to continue to improve upon the strong relationships within our community.”

The Detroit Workforce for the Future is a sixteen-week free training program that introduces high school students to the construction industry. For the sixth consecutive year, the program is available to Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) at Cody, Osborn, Pershing, Chandler Park Academy, Covenant House Academy, and Randolph High Schools. Detroit Workforce of the Future is made possible by the partnership of construction industry associations, unions, schools, other local agencies that work together to create incentives and inspiration for a cohort of students. Graduates receive tools, work boots, and safety gear at no charge and are paid an hourly wage as part of the program.

“We see the value in exposing the next generation to a career in the skilled trades,” Totaro said. “It is so much fun to watch their faces as they see a show being built and start understanding the organized construction by various local union laborers working together to accomplish a successful event. It is the best way to get them excited about considering a career here.”

Mary Klida is Senior Marketing & Communications Manager for Huntington Place.

From MLB.com

The A’s unveiled the first renderings for their proposed new ballpark in Las Vegas on Friday.

The project calls for a 30,000-seat ballpark on the nine-acre Tropicana site, which is located on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. The stadium would feature a partially retractable roof with a playing surface that will allow for the outfield to open to the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard for a view of the Strip.

In addition to A’s games, the state-of-the-art venue will be a hub for sports, entertainment, and community engagement by hosting concerts and other events.

“We are excited to share our vision for the A’s potential new home,” A’s team president Dave Kaval said in a statement. “As our first conceptual design, we will continue to refine the look and feel of the ballpark over the next year. We hope our project goes beyond a traditional ballpark and serves as a catalyst for community development and engagement. It follows in the footsteps and success of the professional sports teams that come before us, in creating union jobs, stimulating economic growth and fostering investments in the community.

“Thanks to the vision of Bally’s and GLPI, we have the opportunity to bring baseball to one of the most energetic locations in Las Vegas. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Nevada governor, legislative leaders, Clark County commissioners and the Southern Nevada communities as we move forward with plans on our new home.”

The design of the ballpark is being handled by Brad Schrock of Schrock KC Architecture and pays homage to the rich history of the A’s as well as the unique spirit of Las Vegas. The plan will feature innovative architecture, sustainability and environmental consciousness, and modern amenities that focus on the peak of excellence in fan experience.

“From the minute we stepped onto the Tropicana site nearly two years ago, it was immediately obvious what a fantastic fit it would be for a new A’s ballpark in Las Vegas,” Schrock said. “The natural orientation of the ballpark creates not only some of the best views and connection to the Las Vegas skyline from the seating bowl, but also opens up the ballpark to the corner in a way that creates opportunities for an amazing energetic public space with open and expansive views into the ballpark.”

With the A’s and the state of Nevada having come to a tentative agreement on public financing for the new ballpark, the next step in the process is for the bill to formally be introduced to the Nevada Legislature, which could happen as soon as this weekend.

In accordance with IAVM policies and bylaws, the slate for the 2023-2024 Board of Directors is now available online. As in previous years, members will have an opportunity to cast their votes electronically.

Members can read about the candidates online during their leisure in preparation of casting their votes.

The ballot box will open June 26, 2023 and will close on July 19, 2023.  In the interim take advantage of the opportunity to read all about those individuals slated to lead the Association during the next year.

New Orleans CityBusiness, a weekly business newspaper, has named Chris Bundick, the Director of Financial Planning and Reporting at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, as a CityBusiness Money Maker. This special distinction is given to local financial professionals for achievements in their respective industries and their community involvement. The Money Makers list is comprised of 50 professionals whose fiscal work has set the pace for their company and the region.

Bundick joined the Convention Center in 2022 and is responsible for providing strategic leadership in managing of financial planning, budgeting, analytics, and the comprehensive reporting process for the Convention Center.

Bundick brings more than 24 years of experience in financial planning and reporting to his role at the Convention Center. He began his career as an auditor for the Office of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor in Monroe. He continued on his career path, sharpening his skills as the Controller for the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he oversaw all of their financial accounting processes for its multi-million-dollar budget, financial audits, post office operations, investments, and more.

Before joining the Convention Center, Bundick served as the Vice President of Finance and Operations (CFO) of the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans. There, he managed a multi-million-dollar budget and emphasized a culture of unity and transparency. Bundick managed a team of more than 20 staff members with expertise in various fields from accounting to facilities operations to technology and beyond. As he did in his prior positions, Bundick was able to establish a culture and system of accountability that proved to be successful, leading his former organization through ten consecutive annual audits without any material weakness findings.

“It is a great honor for one of our directors to be listed among the 50 most effective financial professionals in New Orleans,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “Chris has made an impact on our financial operations in his short time here. He is an expert in his field and is absolutely deserving of this honor.”

“As an expert in financial planning, Chris assists our organization in staying financially efficient and ensuring our financial goals are met as we continue to expand our offerings as a leader in our industry. Chris is a team-oriented, results-driven professional and we are proud that he is being recognized,” said Alita Caparotta, Convention Center Vice President of Finance and Administration.

A special publication of New Orleans CityBusiness profiled those named to the Money Makers list and was published in the May 19, 2023, issue of CityBusiness magazine. A virtual event was held the same day to honor Bundick and the rest of the Money Maker honorees.

By Maddison Devoy

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) announced the next instalment of THE LUME Melbourne experience, Connection, opening in June 2023.

Connection is the largest representation of First Peoples art and culture ever assembled, featuring more than 500 works from over 110 visual and music artists. Visitors are invited to step inside the works of Australia’s most celebrated First Nations artists in an experience spanning 3,000 square metres with projections four story’s high.

Art, music, and performance have long served as a storytelling means in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Connection will weave these elements together with evocative aromas and an inspired food and beverage offering for a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.

MCEC’s culinary experts have created bespoke breakfast, cocktail, and gala dinner menus, drawing inspiration from the experience and showcasing Australian native and locally grown ingredients. Each dish carries a cultural legacy and is paired perfectly with Indigenous-focused cocktails. The menus extend the experience of the exhibition to incorporate taste and smell, fusing native food in a contemporary menu.

Recognising its unique and tailored offering for The LUME Melbourne, MCEC was recently awarded the Meetings and Events Australia Victorian Banqueting and Catering Award.

For corporate event organisers, MCEC offers opportunities to host exclusive events as well as events on the mezzanine level overlooking the main gallery in the city’s most creative business events venue. Guests can enjoy the Connection experience from an intimate setting, providing a unique conference experience and an opportunity for delegates to authentically engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

MCEC Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM said the Connection experience will build on the success of THE LUME and leave a lasting impression on visitors.

“This partnership is such an exciting opportunity and we have already seen so many visitors enjoying THE LUME Melbourne since its opening in 2021.”

“Connection engages visitors with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture, music, and food on a whole new level and will offer a totally different experience from what visitors have previously seen at Monet & Friends and Van Gogh. The new experience promotes inclusiveness, reconciliation and respect, it’s something that all Australians can be proud to participate in,” she added.

Continuing our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, MCEC has recently embarked on a journey to develop our first Reconciliation Action Plan. MCEC has registered with Reconciliation Australia to formalise this Plan and support meaningful action through the core pillars of relationships, respect, and opportunities.

Owner and Founder of THE LUME Melbourne Bruce Peterson said, “THE LUME Melbourne is Australia’s most unique and immersive event venue. Our catering and events partnership with MCEC means that we can merge world-class culinary delivery with our limitless creative content to deliver unforgettable brand experiences in a truly transformative environment.”

The Connection experience will open on June 23 inside Australia’s first multi-sensory experience digital art gallery, THE LUME Melbourne which has a permanent home at MCEC on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River).

Maddison Devoy is Corporate Communications Specialist – Media.