David Muller, Green Sports Alliance membership director, speaks at 2015 VenueConnect.

Did you know that food waste is the largest contributor to U.S. landfills, and it is responsible for 135 million tons of greenhouse gases every year? This is one of several eye-opening facts presented at VenuceConnect this year in the Composting Mini Session. This session, presented by Mike Tully—national executive, sports, entertainment and gambling for Sodexo—highlighted to rising cost of food waste and sustainable practices that can help reduce waste and impact the bottom line. You can view a copy of the presentation here.

In the Green Sports Alliance (GSA) Mini Session, David Muller, GSA membership director, introduced IAVM members to the Greener Cleaning Playbook. This publication is a guide to help venue operators develop and maintain green cleaning programs. The presentation highlighted a several key components to consider when implementing a program: training, types of chemicals, health benefits to front-line workers, and basic RFP information. A copy of the presentation can be found here, and the complete Greener Cleaning Playbook can be downloaded from the Green Sports Alliance website here.

These mini sessions are part of the educational offerings of the IAVM Sustainability Committee, whose focus is to foster partnerships and relationships with industry organizations and provide educational content on sustainability in IAVM conferences and publications.

(Image: Orange Photography)

The 2015 Arena Management Conference features a full schedule of great sessions and amazing networking—with some amazing people working backstage to make it all happen. In addition to their full-time jobs, our rock star committee members volunteer their time to collaborate with staff on session topics, speakers, and networking events that help build a one-of-a-kind experience for every attendee.

So, while you’re enjoying the amazing view from the 360 rooftop bar at the AMC host hotel, here are a few people to connect with that helped bring it all together:

Lynda Reinhart
Chair, 2015-2016 AMC Committee
Director, Stephen C. O’Connell Center

Lynda, you took the lead as Chair of the AMC 2015 programming committee—why did you do it?
I have been active in IAVM and various conference programming for many years, and take pride in creating meaningful educational opportunities to further the growth of professionals in this industry.

What stands out this year at AMC?
There are so many great things in the program that it’s hard to pick just one. The opening and closing keynotes should be fantastic and we’ve got some really great networking events scheduled.

If you were giving the keynote presentation, what would be your walk-up song?
What’s the topic of the presentation? (I know, I’m difficult!) While the topic would ultimately determine my choice, I’ll go with “All Star” by Smashmouth.

Andrew Prince
Executive Vice President, Venue Coalition

Andrew, what’s your AMC elevator pitch?
A great event to meet like-minded arena managers and an opportunity to get up to speed on the latest and greatest in the arena business.

Anything you’re specifically looking forward to?
Since I wake up everyday motivated to book events in arenas, my top-two panels would be the music and non-music agent/promoter panels.

Why did you serve on the committee this year?
IAVM is a great organization that supports an industry I love; the least I can do is pay it forward.

If you were giving the keynote presentation, what would be your walk-up song?
“Simple Man” — Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Glenn Walinski, CFE
Facility Manager, Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena

Glenn, what do you look forward to at AMC?
Seeing old friends and making new ones.

How do you describe the conference?
AMC is the best conference for talking directly to managers of arenas of all sizes from around the country/world. You can interact with managers of all levels, and everyone shares information.

Why did you help plan AMC 2015?
I want to give back a little to an industry that has given me so much over the past 25 years, and I want the new managers in the industry to get as much education and information as possible to tack back home to their facilities.

If you were giving the keynote presentation, what would be your walk-up song?
The theme to Star Wars.

Matt Gibson, CFE
General Manager, Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena

What are you most looking forward to at AMC 2015?
I was promised that I could throw out the first pitch at the Cards game.  That’s still happening, right?

Um, well, in case that falls through… anything else?
“The Show MUST Go On!” session of course!  How can you turn away from a panel full of stories of chaos and carnage?!?

What is AMC all about for you?
It is THE annual event where a venue manager can network, talk shop, secure progressive ideas and let loose with friends and colleagues.  DON’T. MISS. IT.

If you were giving the keynote presentation, what would be your intro song?
“Enter Sandman” – Metallica.

Josh Small
Director, USC Aiken Convocation Center/Global Spectrum

What’s at the top of your AMC itinerary?
The opening reception at Anheuser-Busch! The promoter/agent panel is also always entertaining and informative.

Why did you help on the AMC committee this year?
I wanted to find a way to give back to an organization that has provided several opportunities to myself and others.

Your keynote walkup song?
“Rollercoaster” —Bleachers.

Jeff Davis, CMP
General Manager, College Park Center – UT Arlington

What is AMC?
It is THE “can’t miss” conference for anyone in the arena industry, with a great balance of education, industry hot topics and networking.

Any specific can’t miss moments for you?
All of it??? Ok, if I had to narrow to one session… I’m most looking forward to the Food & Beverage session discussing new EMV chip technology for POS terminals. It’s something we’re looking at right now in our operations, both F&B and Box Office, so very timely.

What song would play before your big presentation?
Easy…. Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville.”

Maybe that says too much about the industry… or barely scratches the surface, depending on the time of day. But it fits my laid back personality. And when it comes to work, one thing I know is that I enjoy creating experiences and memories for fans that walk through the doors. It’s rare I get the opportunity to be the “fan”… to fully enjoy the experience for myself… except when Jimmy comes to town.

Todd Hunt, CFE
Director, BancorpSouth Arena

Given your skills on a kit, let’s start with the walk-up music you would play if you were giving the keynote?
“Unchained” —Van Halen.

Why AMC?
AMC is the premier conference for arena personnel. Not only can you pick up tips on how to better manage your venue, you can also come home with content via the agent/promoter sessions.

Anything specific that you’re looking forward to this year?
Reconnecting with old friends and checking out the ballpark!

You’ve helped build AMC, and you now serve on the IAVM Board of Directors as the Arenas Director. Why?
My good friend Terry Butler convinced me that I needed to give back to the association by getting involved. As usual, his advice was spot on!

To the entire AMC 2015 crew: Thank you for your passion and creativity, and we can’t wait to experience the conference you helped build. To everyone else, check out the AMC schedule, register, book your hotel, and see you at the rooftop bar.

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: We have 307 leaders involved in IAVM’s governance structure. Our goal is to have 100% participation by our leaders; if successful, we will add 307 new members.

REWARD: The committee or council and individual that refers the most members will be recognized IN MINNEAPOLIS.

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: Kathy Lowrey, Membership Committee
• One-time initiation fee will be waived if they join by December 31, 2015 and because of your referral
  • Under the Payment Information, enter the promo code: JUSTONE
  • If applying for Professional or Supplier membership, only the dues will remain (savings of $150)

Just One affords you the opportunity to lead someone down the path of success, and help them reach their potential. Encourage your colleague, star employee, customer, etc. to become a part of our unique community. Refer them to IAVM Membership. So, get your competitive juices flowing and help us meet our goal, 307 volunteers connecting 307 new members with IAVM.

Any questions, contact Member Services at 972.906.7441 and ask for Gina or Summer.

Membership Committee

Some of you may have seen the YouTube series “College Life Presents” in which vlogger Jesse Weiland visits universities across the nation to capture the unique qualities of each respective university. Upon finding out that my alma mater, Kansas State University (KSU), was added to his collection, I was more than thrilled.

This video had captured K-State just as I remembered it. My favorite part comes in when Weiland highlights the heart of our K-State “Family,” Bill Snyder Family Stadium (BFSF). One student describes our football program as “where it all started” and others reference the electric atmosphere of the town and BSFS during football season. In watching this, I found myself reflecting on my first experience at the stadium.

In 2008, my junior year of high school, I had a friend invite me on my first real road trip to Manhattan, Kansas, for the KSU v. Nebraska game. Before this, I had only been there for a campus visit with my parents, still unsure whether this would be the place to spend my undergrad career. Gameday morning, we woke up early and prepared ourselves, decked out in purple with hand warmers at the ready. I remember showing up almost two hours before kickoff, finding our seats near the visitor section on the far south end of the field, all the way at the top. As more people filled the stadium, I felt as though the excitement became palpable. Despite the freezing cold, the energy and warmth of the fanbase amazed me. I had never been to a sporting event where I felt such a strong sense of belonging. The funniest part about all of this is that the ‘Cats were losing the game that day, but to me that didn’t matter. The stadium and “Family” had won me over.

Throughout my five years in Manhattan, I returned to that stadium every fall, ready for my “Family” reunion. I will never forget the memories made in that place, and I will go back each season, with as much excitement as my first.

The 2015 Venue Industry Awards Luncheon—sponsored by Ungerboeck Software International and emceed by Chris Bigelow, founder and owner of The Bigelow Companies—took place during the 2015 VenueConnect Annual Conference & Trade Show in Baltimore, Maryland. The awards, hosted each year by IAVM, honor exceptional venues and professionals in several categories.

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