TED talks are simply the best, and here we have one from Jason Wexler at TEDxMemphis. Wexler is the president of business operations for the Memphis Grizzlies and the FedEx Forum. In the video, he talks about how a team helps generate social connectivity and how you can measure the social value of that connectivity. The talk is 11 minutes and well worth your time.

The International Exposition (I-X) Center in Cleveland, Ohio, designed and installed a flexible, live performance space that includes sound walls, telescopic seating, and custom seating. It can go from a 3,500-seat theater to a 7,000-capacity arena, for example.

“Previously, our barriers attracting major concert promoters and national touring acts included a lack of elevated seating and the sound quality in this industrial complex,” said Jeremy Levine, I-X Center vice president of business development and creative force behind this project, in a statement. “We now offer a state-of the art performance space with remarkable flexibility and world-class sound. The acoustical environment has already blown away expectations and will only get better as we tweak the room.”

The new performance space is a 300-feet by 400-feet enclosed area with acoustic drapery and mass loaded sound panels. A vertical drape “canopy” flows above the audience at different heights for sound management. Also, an expanded flat-floor festival plan in the I-X Center can accommodate more than 23,000 guests in a single room.

“I-X Center’s new transitional arena/theater is a wonderful addition to the facility that already hosts large trade and consumer shows, as well as our growing portfolio of self-produced events,” Levine said. “We’re extremely excited with the capability to add live concerts, family shows, theatrical productions, and corporate events to our calendar, while I-X Center continues to serve as an economic and entertainment engine for Northeast Ohio.”

The center is working with VC Strategic Partners, a division of Venue Coalition, to develop content and introduce the venue to the live performance industry.

“We’re excited to be working with the I-X Center in Cleveland to introduce the market to this new performance space,” said Jeff Apregan, president of Venue Coalition, in a statement. “This new venue will offer multiple venue configurations and can host intimate reserved seat shows for 3,000 to 5,500 with general admission capacities that are much greater. Imagine an indoor music festival for 23,000! Best of all, when you step off your plane at the airport next door, you are only five minutes away from the backstage area.”

(Image: Joe Kleon)

The Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship program is now accepting applications for all 2016 events. Scholarships + Internships will be awarded for the Academy for Venue Safety & Security, the Performing Arts Managers Conference, Venue Management School, VenueConnect, the Arena Management Conference, and the International Convention Center Conference.

“Applying for the VMS internship is the best decision I’ve ever made,” said Miah Moore, a student at Missouri State University student and a 2015 Venue Management School intern. “I want to encourage any students reading this to apply. Take the time and apply for all of the opportunities, because I promise you that you WILL take something away from your experience. You won’t regret it.”

The Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship Program was established after the untimely passing of Joseph A. Floreano, CFE, a long-time IAVM member, Foundation Trustee, and the first and only Honorary Chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees. Floreano was known for giving selflessly in both time and money to worthy industry causes. His leadership was aspirational, and he took great pride in mentoring and supporting the advancement of the venue management industry. The contributions Floreano made to the Foundation are immeasurable and with that we believed that the naming of the scholarship + internship program would be the most appropriate way to honor his legacy that will forever leave a mark on the Foundation.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity given to me by the IAVM Foundation,” said Kenneth Gaudinez, an event manager at the Orange County Convention Center and a 2015 Venue Management School (VMS) Scholarship Recipient. “I never thought I would attend VMS until the Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship program was created. The IAVM Foundation is providing opportunities to those who may not have the resources to attend IAVM’s conferences, schools, or professional development courses. I encourage everyone to take full advantage of these opportunities and apply for the various scholarships they have to offer.”

Thirty-seven Scholarships + Internships were awarded in 2015 thanks to the support of committed donors. Recipients receive full complimentary registration to the respective conference or school in addition to a stipend to assist with travel expenses or hotel accommodations. For more information about the Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship program, click here. If you have any questions about the program, please contact IAVM Foundation staff at Foundation@iavm.org.

“Having the privilege to be part of VenueConnect as an intern was extremely rewarding, and I can’t thank IAVM enough for the opportunity,” said Ashley Molina, a University of Florida student and 2015 VenueConnect intern. “Not only is EVERYONE approachable, but they are also willing to share insight on the industry… I made valuable connections at VC15, especially with the interns. We clicked so well we felt like family by the end. I can’t wait to attend the next conference and be reunited with these wonderful people.”

The Orlando Magic announced today that the organization will implement the VenueNext technology platform into the Amway Center, starting with the 2015-2016 seasons. Guests will experience a new version of the Magic’s mobile app with services that include mobile tickets, wayfinding, and the ability to order food and drinks from their seats.

“In continuing the Orlando Magic’s commitment to our fans and their experiences at Amway Center, we are thrilled to partner with VenueNext,” said Magic CEO Alex Martins in a statement. “VenueNext’s revolutionary innovation will give our fans the ability to be mobile-enabled for Magic games in the Amway Center. In essence, we are turning our patrons’ mobile devices into remote controls for the live experience. We are proud to be the first team in the NBA to launch this application in the fall, as we continue to make our patrons’ experience legendary.”

The Magic became the first NBA team to offer Apple Pay in December 2014. The organization also installed iBeacons throughout the venue, and was the first NBA team to sign a deal with FanDuel.com.

“The Orlando Magic is one of the most innovative, forward-thinking and fan-focused in the NBA,” said VenueNext CEO and Founder John Paul in a statement. “We’re excited to collaborate with this team, not only to improve the fan experience, but also to bring new insights to the Magic about the fans attending the technology-enhanced Amway Center.”

(Image: VenueNext)

These are selected news articles that showed up in our inboxes on Monday morning that we want to pass along to you.

Minnesota Vikings to Install Lactation Suites in TCF, U.S. Bank Stadiums (Minneapolis Sun Times)
“The Vikings say they are the first NFL franchise to offer lactation suites in a stadium to fans.”

Donald L. Tucker Civic Center Sound Set for Upgrade (Tallahassee Democrat)
“With 62 new arena sound system speakers being installed along with a state of the art sound board, the improvements come as a birthday present for the Civic Center building, which celebrated its 34th year in operation on Sept. 14.”

John Carmack Wants to Make Virtual Reality eSports Stadiums (PC Gamer)
“Carmack described a virtual crowd in the thousands that attendees can move through to find groups they want to hang out and cheer with.”

New Caterer to Take Over at Kentucky Exposition Center This Week (Louisville Business First)
“Chicago-based Levy Restaurants has been named the exclusive food and beverage caterer of KEC by the Kentucky State Fair Board after a request for proposals was pursued by the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet.”

Venue Q&A: Jacksonville Jaguars’ Larry Rosen (Sports Video Group)
“In his current role since 2014, he leads the Jags Cinema video-production team, which is responsible for creating a dynamic in-game production for EverBank Field’s new 8K video displays.”

With so much great industry news out there, we’re sure we may have missed some articles. If so, please email and share them with us. Thank you.

(Image: Minnesota Vikings)