This quarter, the YP Connection event will feature Matt Hollander, CFE, general manager of the Miami Beach Convention Center, operated by Spectra Venue Management, on Friday, May 20, 3 p.m. (EST). The Miami Beach Convention Center recently broke ground on a $651 million expansion and renovation project that is slated to be completed in 2018. We briefly spoke with Hollander to learn more about his thoughts on renovations.

How are you seeing security measures being implemented into venue renovations?

Matt Hollander: Security is a major issue and a very important consideration during design. Major systems need to be designed with resiliency and redundancy in mind to help minimize downtime in the event of an incident. The designers need to consider hardening of the physical structure to minimize the risk of intrusion into the building by vehicles. And access control, surveillance, and screening technology must be evaluated based on the attractiveness of the venue as a potential target. The operators, designers, and contractors all play a role in this process.

What is your best advice to young professionals dealing with construction or renovations for the first time at their venues?

MH: Despite the best planning, nothing ever goes exactly as planned. Be prepared to adjust course many times during the process and enjoy the ride. It is a special honor to be a part of a renovation or new construction project. You will forever be a part of the history of that venue. Enjoy every minute.

How do you see convention centers evolving in design over the next five years?

MH: I think we will continue to see an emphasis on the non-traditional spaces for networking and impromptu meet-ups. I think this will continue to shape the selection of furnishings as well as redefine where and how technology is deployed within the convention center.

Please sign-up here to join the hangout and let us know if you want to be one of the eight face-to-face participants. You can also choose just to view the interview. See you on Friday!

Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will offer food and beverage options at low prices when it opens next year, venue leadership said. For example, look at these price points:

$2 – Non-alcoholic beverage products with unlimited free refills (at freestanding refill stations)
$2 – Dasani bottled water; hot dogs; pretzels; popcorn
$3 – Peanuts; pizza; nachos; waffle fries
$5 – 12 oz. domestic beer

“We focused from the beginning on building a unique fan experience at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a goal of helping those who visit to leave the stadium with great memories shared with family and friends, not aggravation and frustration about their experience,” said Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank in a statement. “We have listened to the concerns of the fans on the food and beverage experience and have responded to those concerns in a way that honors our commitment to providing the best possible fan experience at our events.”

Speed and quality of service will be improved, too, with more than 670 concession points-of-sale, self-service soda refill stations not near concession stands, and whole-dollar pricing.

“To truly reimagine the food and beverage experience, we needed to first and foremost offer fans the best value possible,” said Mike Gomes, senior vice president of fan experience, in a statement. “Value starts with pricing but also includes improved quality and freshness, a variety of options that can appeal to all fans and the best speed of service – all of which we have delivered on through Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s innovative approach to the food and beverage program.”

(Image: Atlanta Falcons)

The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AZSTA) Board of Directors selected SMG to operate the University of Phoenix Stadium. Beginning July 1, 2016, SMG will provide full management and operational services for the stadium for five years. AZSTA will receive a $1.5 million up-front capital investment, too.“SMG is honored that AZSTA has chosen our firm to manage the venue, and we are excited to have an opportunity to

“SMG is honored that AZSTA has chosen our firm to manage the venue, and we are excited to have an opportunity to work with the board, the Arizona Cardinals, and Fiesta Bowl in the years to come,” said Wes Westley, SMG’s president and CEO, in a statement.

The University of Phoenix Stadium is the sixth NFL stadium under SMG’s management. Other stadiums include Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana; EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida; Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois; NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas; and the new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

“The AZSTA Board of Directors conducted a thorough RFP process, which resulted in the selection of SMG as our stadium management firm,” said AZSTA President and CEO Tom Sadler in a statement. “We are pleased to welcome SMG and feel that they aligned best with AZSTA’s vision and mission. They represent a tremendous opportunity for growth and look forward to continuing a tradition of excellent execution at all of our major events.”

The management transition will begin immediately and will be completed before the NFL season starts.

“We welcome University of Phoenix Stadium to our SMG network of facilities, and will use all of our resources to present the best in sports and live entertainment to the citizens of Maricopa County,” said Doug Thornton, SMG’s Executive Vice President, in a statement. “University of Phoenix Stadium is among the finest facilities in the country. We recognize the significant role that it plays in the region and the standard of service that is needed to ensure its continued success. We look forward to working with all of the stakeholders in making that happen.”

(Image: Gage Skidmore/Creative Commons)

Greetings IAVM Friends,

At the end of April, the Board of Directors (BOD) had its spring conference call and we wanted to share some key updates with all of you.

• The CEO search is well underway with interviews of the top five potential candidates to take place on June 20 and 21 in Dallas, Texas. The interview committee is eager to meet with this talented pool. As we go through this process, the search remains open so if an additional exceptional candidate appears SearchWide would still review the person’s information for consideration.
• The Interview Committee is comprised of varied voices and perspectives from multiple venue types, international insight, allied, and young professional…all perspectives that encompass IAVM:
  • Karen Totaro, CFE – Chair
  • Mark Mettes, CFE – 1^st Vice Chair
  • Doug Booher, CFE – 2^nd Vice Chair
  • Kim Bedier, CFE – Past Chair
  • Jack Lucas – President, TicketsWest and WestCoast Entertainment
  • Bob Hunter – Chief Project Development Officer, Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment
  • Lauren Simpson – Booking and Events Manager – Grand Ole Opry House
• Financial reports show year end with the IAVM coming in US$166,560 with a budget of $80,000 (a variance to the positive of $86,560). The key factors in this increase were due to increases in membership, the AVSS program, and PAMC. Great job by all!
• The BOD reviewed an in-depth survey done of our Allied members and discussed the information provided that will assist the BOD as we work toward a review of the conference strategy.
• Request for the Safety and Security programs continues to be strong and has Mark Herrera and his team booked through June. Please review the program options that you can bring to your venue online via the IAVM website.
• Gensler is in the final stages of the IAVM Branding Initiative “Design Phase” and will be having interactive conference call meetings with the Executive Committee in May and the full BOD in June.
• In June, the staff and Executive Committee will be sharing the conference strategy updates with the committees once again for additional feedback regarding the latest information before bringing it forward to the full IBOD on a call in late June and then to VenueConnect in July.
• Upcoming Foundation fundraising efforts will be focused on the committee giving challenge encouraging all committee members to give a minimum of $25 by July 15, 2016.
• The Foundation 30|UNDER|30 Program continues to grow with 73 nominations this year compared to 51 last year which is exciting for all. The 2016 class will be announced at the end of May.

IAVM continues to thrive as we work towards VenueConnect 2016. We have so much to share with you in Minneapolis and we certainly hope that includes introducing all of you to our new president and CEO. Sign up today for VenueConnect 2016 and be part of the next Chapter of IAVM.

The Young Professionals (YP) Committee is dedicated to finding new and innovative ways to engage the under-30 membership base. One of these ways is by hosting quarterly “Hangouts” with industry veterans.

This quarter, we’ll be having a conversation with Matt Hollander, CFE, general manager of the Miami Beach Convention Center, operated by Spectra Venue Management, on Friday, May 20, 3 p.m. (EST). The Miami Beach Convention Center recently broke ground on a $651 million expansion and renovation project that is slated to be completed in 2018. We’ll talk to Matt about what advances he’s hoping to include in this renovation along with a general overview of what is entailed when taking on such a large undertaking.

Bring your questions regarding these topics along with any general career-centric questions to this 45-50 minute conversation with an industry veteran and your YP colleagues.

Please sign-up here to join the hangout and let us know if you want to be one of the eight face-to-face participants. You can also choose just to view the interview. We hope to see you there!

(Image: Joe the Goat Farmer/Creative Commons)