The Foundation is now accepting nominations for the inaugural 30 | UNDER | 30 class of 2015!

Thanks to the generous support of SearchWide and Ungerboeck Software International, the 30 | UNDER | 30 program will be launching at VenueConnect, IAVM’s Annual Conference & Trade Show in Baltimore, Maryland, Aug. 1-4, 2015. This program focuses on identifying and developing the talent of venue industry professionals, 30 years of age and under, through increased access and exposure to industry networking and thought leadership. The program provides year-round continuing education for professional growth in the venue industry and helps program participants become better, more productive employees.

“Identifying and developing future leaders is an important priority, and IAVM has stepped up to the plate in a big way with this initiative. Venue management is an exciting and challenging career path, and it is crucial we prepare this group for the complexities of leading this industry forward,” said Mark Gnatovic, senior vice president of SearchWide and a Foundation Trustee. “Having access to industry education and industry leaders will create significant learning opportunities for these individuals. I’m looking forward to meeting the 2015 IAVM 30 | UNDER | 30 inaugural class.”

Selected applicants will receive one full, complimentary registration to VenueConnect, a travel stipend of US$850 to be used on travel accommodations, and a one-year complimentary Young Professional IAVM Membership. Honorees will be recognized throughout the annual meeting and formally at the Venue Industry Awards luncheon on Monday, Aug. 3, 2015. Nominees do not have to be current IAVM members; however, the person nominating must be a current IAVM member.

To learn more about the 30 | UNDER | 30 program, please click here. To nominate a young professional from your organization, please click here.

I was on vacation last week, and while out, I purposely chose to ignore a lot of the news happening around the world. For example, I hear the Grammy’s happened and Kanye West did something…don’t tell me. I’m still catching up on things.

That’s why I’m just now finding out some news that, if you haven’t heard already, may be interested in as a venue manager. U.S. President Obama released his budget proposal on Monday, February 2. In it, tax breaks would be eliminated that are associated with city-funded professional sports stadiums. Here’s the proposal:

The proposal eliminates the private payments test for professional sports facilities. As a result, bonds to finance professional sports facilities would be taxable private activity bonds if more than 10 percent of the facility is used for private business use. By removing the private payment test, tax-exempt governmental bond financing of sports facilities with significant private business use by professional sports teams would be eliminated. The proposal would be effective for bonds issued after December 31, 2015.

“According to the proposed budget, as much as $542 million could be raised by 2025 through the elimination of the so-called private payment test, which allows governments to use proceeds from tax-exempt bonds for stadium projects unless more than 10 percent of the debt service comes from a private business and more 10 percent of the facility’s usage is dedicated to private interests,” Jared Dubin reported for CBSSports.com.

There’s also a proposal in the budget that would stop the deduction available to fans for donations made to get seats at college sporting events. Here’s the proposal:

Current Law
Under current law, donors who receive benefits in exchange for their contribution must reduce the value of their charitable contribution deduction by the fair market value of the benefits they receive. However, the law currently provides that donors to colleges and universities that receive in exchange for their contributions the right to purchase tickets for seating at an athletic event may deduct 80 percent of the contribution.

Reasons for Change
Some colleges and universities give exclusive or priority purchasing privileges for sports ticket sales to donors, with the priority often dependent on the size of the gift. Donors may deduct 80 percent of the contribution, even when the value of the right to purchase tickets is far in excess of 20 percent of the contributed amount.

Proposal
The proposal would deny the deduction for contributions that entitle donors to a right to purchase tickets to sporting events. The proposal would be effective for contributions made in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015.

This change could seriously affect how U.S. universities generate revenue from sports.

“Contribution totals, and season ticket policies, vary significantly across the NCAA’s top division,” Margaret Collins and Richard Rubin reported for BloombergBusiness. “The University of Washington, which requires a donation for its premium football season tickets, reported $19.1 million in football contributions in 2013-14. Rival Washington State’s program reported $2.1 million by comparison.”

As in the past, these proposals are just that, proposals, and often do not get passed. However, it’s wise to keep an eye on the subject.

(Image: Official White House Photo by Amanda Lucidon)

The Foundation is proud to announce the Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship Program recipients for the 2015 Performing Arts Managers Conference (PAMC), recognizing five, deserving individuals who demonstrate leadership, character, community involvement, and the potential to be future leaders in the venue management industry. The Foundation also offers scholarships + internships to a variety of other IAVM conferences and schools, click here to learn more and to apply. Thanks to the support of committed donors, together we are Building Amazing Futures. Click here to learn more about the Foundation’s annual campaign.

Let’s say you’re trying to get someone to buy your product and you want to purchase an ad. Do you go with a black-and-white or color ad? Well, that depends on where you want to draw attention.

“Black-and-white images can lead consumers to focus on the abstract, essential, and defining components of a product,” wrote authors Hyojin Lee, Xiaoyan Deng, H. Rao Unnava, and Kentaro Fujita (all The Ohio State University), in a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research. “In contrast, color images can draw attention to the concrete, sometimes unimportant and idiosyncratic features of the product.”

The researchers had consumers in one study look at either black-and-white or color pictures of four shoes (plain sneakers, leopard print sneakers, plain heels, and leopard print heels) and asked them to categorize the shoes into two groups. Those who saw the black-and-white images most likely categorized the shoes based on function (high heels vs. sneakers) instead of differences in aesthetic design.

“Color has become dominant in marketing because it attracts attention and promotes favorable attitudes,” the authors wrote. “However, there may be times when companies might prefer to use black-and-white advertising. If a product’s primary features are superior, companies can successfully promote the product by using black-and-white images. On the other hand, if a product’s secondary features are superior, companies should consider using color images to draw attention to these otherwise easily overlooked features.”

(photo credit: Thomas Hawk via photopin cc)

Good news. Let’s add beer to the list of beverages that are good for your health. According to a report in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a compound from the ingredient hops could protect brain cells from damage. The report specifically points out that it has the potential to slow down the development of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

“One compound found in hops, called xanthohumol, has gotten the attention of researchers for its potential benefits, including antioxidation, cardiovascular protection, and anticancer properties,” the American Chemical Society reported. “In lab tests, the researchers found that the compound could protect neuronal cells and potentially help slow the development of brain disorders. The scientists conclude xanthohumol could be a good candidate for fighting such conditions.”

The scientists plan to keep researching their findings. In the meantime, if you drink beer, make sure it’s in moderation. Too much is bad for your health (and your belly).

(photo credit: JoseXL via photopin cc)