Congratulations to IAVM member John Christison, principal and managing member at BCI+Network, on being named a 2014 inductee into the Convention Industry Council (CIC) Hall of Leaders!

“The CIC Hall of Leaders is the highest honor to be bestowed in our industry. This year’s class truly embodies the qualities that are the hallmark of this award. They are the influencers and forward-thinkers who have shaped this industry and inspired many of us to be better leaders,” said IAVM member Karen Kotowski, CAE, CMP, CEO of the Convention Industry Council. “We are pleased to be back in Las Vegas for IMEX America week where the industry’s best and brightest will meet face to face.”

The awardees will be formally recognized at the Hall of Leaders Gala on Sunday, October 12, 2014, at the MGM Grand Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, kicking off IMEX America week.

The Hall of Leaders recognition program draws attention to the contributions that the meetings industry has made to the larger society as a whole by highlighting the specific achievements of industry pioneers and emerging leaders who not only changed the landscape of the profession, but changed the culture of business as well. Nominations are submitted either by CIC member organizations or the general industry community and honorees are recognized during the culminating awards ceremony and their stories housed virtually at www.conventionindustry.org/vhol.

If you or your staff are directly contacted by anyone claiming to represent IAVM that asks you to alter your hotel reservations or tells you that our Portland conference block at VenueConnect 2014 is full, please know that this is a scam that we are actively monitoring and responding to. You can always reach (the actual!) IAVM staff by calling 1-972-906-7441 or through email meetings@iavm.org.

Here’s one way to impress meeting planners: convertible seating.

Consider, for example, the new Swiss Tech Convention Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, which features a 3,000-seat amphitheater that is fully modular. It houses a system of motorized swivel pins attached to each row of seats and concealed under the platform structure. The seats are raised or lowered, depending on what is needed for the meeting or event. The transformation takes approximately 15 minutes.

The convention center also features dye-sensitized solar cells, called Grätzel cells, that convert electricity similar to photosynthesis in plants.

“What we are doing with this convention center is a display of technology, a platform intended to draw attention to a remarkable device invented at our labs, to full-scale test this technology and to demonstrate its significant architectural potential,” Francis-Luc Perret, vice president for planning and logistics at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, told Phys.org.

Really, though, you should watch the video below. Now only will you learn more about the convention center’s convertible seating capabilities (around the two-minute mark), you’ll also be treated to the most serious sounding music I’ve ever heard accompany a venue marketing effort.

KWTV is reporting that Oklahoma University will expand its stadium.

“The project would commence following the final home game of the 2014 season against Oklahoma State on Dec. 6, with work being basically done around the clock,” Dean Blevins reported for KWTV.

The Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium expansion will cost an estimated $350-400 million dollars, and seating will increase from 82,112 to 88,000. Suites will be upgraded, new suites will be installed in the south end zone, and training and dressing facilities will be upgraded.

Check out the KWTV website for more information about the expansion and upgrades.

(photo credit: Curtis Simmons via photopin cc)

We’re accepting Venue Education Award nominations through Friday, May 30. The award acknowledges allied organizations, venues, and academic institutions that demonstrate active student involvement, excel in available educational opportunities as well as demonstrate leadership in education. The award also honors individuals who are actively involved in the education and continuous development of the venue management industry. Self-nominations will be accepted.

Last year’s recipient was Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE), and the award was accepted by Bob Hunter, CFE (pictured above, right, with Dr. Tim Nash from Northwood University). What made the organization stand out was that it worked with area colleges and universities to develop and execute on formal and rewarding internship programs to the benefit of the venue and educational community and to the students. MLSE also worked with the community in inviting area educational institutions K-12 and beyond to bring student groups through the venue to promote the business, teams, concerts, and events while simultaneously promoting job opportunities and careers.

“This allows students to familiarize themselves with other areas within venue management and network with other employees while contributing to charitable initiatives within the community,” MLSE wrote in its application. “It also gives them an opportunity to gain exposure to some unique events such as rink/court/pitch refurbishments, fundraising dinners/galas, and other exciting opportunities for learning, growth and development.”

If you’re actively encouraging and facilitating educational opportunities for members and future leaders of the venue management industry, then please apply for the Venue Education Award by Friday, May 30.