Michele Swann, General Manager & CEO of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority, has announced that she will leave her leadership position effective December 31, 2024.

In her role with the Authority since 1995, Swann has been responsible for the administrative oversight and strategic growth of the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Galleria Specialty Shops and ArtsBridge Foundation. An announcement about a new General Manager and CEO will be made in early December.

“Michele deserves all the credit for her steady leadership and execution of the Authority’s vision – among other things – to  develop the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, create the ArtsBridge Foundation, launch the capital plan to construct the performing arts center, guide the operations through a pandemic and oversee the design and programming for the renovation and expansion of the Cobb Galleria Centre,” said Jerry Nix, Chairman of the Authority. “She has been a watchful steward of the Authority’s assets, and the longevity and tenure of her staff is a testament to her quiet, humble leadership.”

Connie Engel, Chairwoman of the Authority’s Personnel Committee, said, “I struggle adequately finding the right words, but we at the Authority (and moreover those of us in Cobb County) are extremely grateful to Michele for the dedication and heart she has put into everything she has done over the last 29 years, including the years spent integrating the Cobb Galleria campus and parking with the new Braves development. Her leadership has resulted in a successful partnership with the Atlanta Braves, Cobb County and other area stakeholders.”

A 40-year veteran of the venue management industry, Swann has opened, operated, and expanded a variety of facilities including convention centers, arenas and performing arts centers in Atlanta, College Park, Ga., Augusta, Ga., and Niagara Falls, N.Y.

The San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) announces the promotion of Mardeen Mattix to Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer, a newly created position.

Since joining SDCC in 1998, Mattix has advanced through a range of roles in event management, sales, and accounting, all contributing to her comprehensive understanding of the organization’s operations. She has served as SDCC’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since 2018. Photo: San Diego Convention Center

In her expanded role, Mattix will provide strategic direction, define and execute business initiatives, manage financial operations, and oversee daily functions to promote efficiency and excellence across SDCC. She assumes this position as SDCC generates record growth and revenue, while preparing for a critical phase of capital improvements.

“Mardeen is a proven leader with a track record of making careful, data-informed decisions to drive success,” said Rip Rippetoe, CVE, SDCC President and CEO. “Beyond her leadership abilities, her dedication to SDCC’s purpose, demonstrated by her 26-year tenure, positions her to help lead SDCC into the future.”

While serving as CFO, Mattix guided SDCC through several pivotal moments, including transforming the building into an emergency shelter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, Mattix played an integral role in implementing a new sales strategy to attract high-value events that produce significant economic benefits for San Diego. In fiscal year 2025—the center’s 35th year—SDCC events are projected to generate approximately $1.7 billion in regional economic impact, including an estimated $40.2 million in hotel and sales tax revenue for the City of San Diego.

“I plan to focus on aligning our team toward long-term strategic goals and sustainable growth,” she continued. “By fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, and partnering with key stakeholders, we’ll address critical needs to ensure our convention center remains a world-class destination. It’s about advancing a thriving economic engine that elevates San Diego and creates opportunities for everyone.”

In 2022, Women in Tourism and Hospitality (W.I.T.H.) recognized Mattix as a W.I.T.H. Honoree for her industry leadership and innovation. The following year, the San Diego Business Journal named Mattix “2023 CFO of the Year” in the nonprofit organization category.

Mattix holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Western Washington University. Outside her professional responsibilities, she is an active community member who volunteers on local school committees and mentors students, helping inspire the next generation of San Diegans.

Steve Luttazi, VP of Sales, Sports & Entertainment division, Spec Seats/Clarin

Spec Seats announced today that Steve Luttazi is joining the Spec Seats / Clarin team as their new Vice President of Sales for the Sports & Entertainment division. This marks a special homecoming for Steve, who previously led sales at Clarin Seating for over 20 years.

With decades of experience in the industry, Steve not only brings deep knowledge of Spec Seats’s products, but also a wealth of relationships he has cultivated over the years within
the venues community. Steve’s expertise and leadership is expected to help drive the company’s continued growth and success.

“We are excited to have Steve join our team,” said Spec Seats President, Jordan Hergott. “His wealth of experience and long-standing connections in the industry will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence and enhance our customer relationships.”

Our industry was the target of another news piece that lacked data and understanding of the convention center industry. A recent New York Times article missed the forest for the trees by criticizing cities for renovating existing convention centers or building new ones. Recent data directly counters this argument, shedding light on why cities—and politicians specifically—continue to support these new builds: to remain competitive, cities must adapt to customer demand for an enhanced, more immersive experience. While the industry data backs up these trends, so does your own experience of how your venue is performing. Here are a few points we want to make you aware of in case you get questions from others:

• The latest barometer from Oxford Economics for the Events Industry Council underscores this shift. Business events in North America are fully back, with future RFP activity already outpacing 2019 levels. The barometer reveals that group room rates have rebounded, marking a critical indicator of hotel pricing health for business events. Additionally, Oxford Economics forecasts that U.S. business travel spending on events will recover to within 1% of 2019 levels this year, with an anticipated 5% growth in 2025.
• Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics (an Oxford Economics company), explains in a recent email to IAVM staff, “This is separate from the massive economic benefits that these centers produce for their destinations…. Even if a center operates with a financial deficit, the destination’s economic benefits far outweigh the operating cost of the venue. These venues are catalysts of economic development as companies and investors descend on destinations and are exposed to the best of a city. Further, a convention center is a catalyst for related investment in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, which make a place more attractive for residents and investors.”
• Our President and CEO, Trevor Mitchell, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CDP, was recently quoted in Skift Meetings response to the NYT piece, noting, “The notion that a convention center is a money suck is counter to how they are operated and the ecosystem they support. Hotels, retail outlets, and restaurants all benefit when a convention is in town—not to mention the jobs created by these centers.”

Convention centers are more than venues; they are engines of opportunity. They foster a ripple effect that strengthens local economies, sustains small businesses, and brings new vibrancy to communities. When cities invest in their convention centers, they invest in a future that brings long-term benefits, not only for visitors, but for everyone who calls the city home.

Latest Global Barometer Points to Sustained

Recovery for Business Events Industry – https://eventscouncil.org/Portals/0/Release_Global%20Events%20Barometer%20Q2%202024.pdf

Global Events Barometer 2024 Q2 Executive Summary – https://online.flippingbook.com/view/740998457/

2023 Global Economic Significance of Business Events Study – https://eventscouncil.org/Leadership/Economic-Significance-Study

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Caesars Superdome. Photos courtesy of Caesars Superdome.

No one can deny the impact that Taylor Swift has had on the world, let alone on the venue industry. By the end of her Eras Tour, Swift will have performed 149 shows across 54 cities worldwide — an estimated total economic impact that will likely surpass $10 billion, according to the U.S. Travel Association.

Fans spend hundreds of dollars on merchandise, travel, and food as part of their pilgrimages to see the musician.

“Between the two of us, we are traveling over 1,000 miles one way to see this show!” said Rachel Daugherty, a self-identified Swiftie.

“I’m headed to the Indianapolis Eras Tour with my best friend who I met in Girl Scouts as a kindergartener. We are thrilled to spend the weekend empowering women, cheering on the iconic Taylor Swift, and trading friendship bracelets with friends and strangers!” said Daugherty.

Friendship Bracelets

The trend of wearing friendship bracelets to a Taylor Swift concert began with lyrics in her song “You’re On Your Own, Kid” from the album “Midnights”:

This October, Caesars Superdome (New Orleans) took this trend to the next level when they enlisted artist and sculptor Shawn Kolodny to construct giant friendship bracelets to festoon the outside of their venue.

Concertgoers attending the Eras Tour at the Superdome were greeted by the incredible sight of seven feet tall inflatable “beads” on 140 feet long “bracelets”.

“Originally, the idea was to try to figure out a way to make a friendship bracelet that would go around the circumference of the Superdome. I was doing research online trying to figure out what the best way to create a bracelet that would be able to withstand unknown weather conditions and would not cause any damage to the building,” said Abby Jones, ASM New Orleans Director of Sales & Marketing.

“I found bigshinyballs.com, and thought their product would be perfect.” She explained, “Once we received approval to move forward with the art installation, I was able to get a meeting with Big Shiny Balls’ owner, Shawn Kolodny. Through this design process, he suggested that we go with the inflatable nylon material that was used. Working within the restrictions of lead-time to create the bracelets and budget, we were able to decide on the final project. Sadly, one large bracelet to go all the way around the Superdome was not realistic, but I was more than thrilled with the final project.”

The friendship bracelet installation at Caesars Superdome. Photos courtesy of Caesars Superdome.

Taylor Swift herself spoke about the friendship bracelets while on stage at the Superdome, saying to her fans, “You’ve turned this into such a fun thing. And now I roll into New Orleans and there’s a giant friendship bracelet on the outside of the stadium — you did that.”

When asked how it felt to hear such praise, Jones said, “It was incredible! The bracelets were created to be experienced by the fans and show all of the Swifites coming to New Orleans how excited we were to have them. When she acknowledged them from the stage and knew they were a celebration of her fan’s traditions, it was the best feeling in the world.”

Adding to that feeling, Jones said, “The reaction from the fans was more than I could have ever expected. My favorite part of each night was standing out on the Plaza, watching our guests gather and take pictures underneath them.”

It was the fans who encouraged offering the giant friendship bracelets to the next stop on the tour, Lucas Oil Stadium.

“I loved that they asked us about sharing them, it got us moving on how to make it happen. The fact that we get to share this experience with the other venues and the fans attending those concerts is just the cherry on top of an amazing experience,” said Jones.

A Symbol

Lucas Oil Stadium Director Eric Neuburger said, “We were delighted and honestly, a little giddy,” to receive the bracelet installation.

“Among venues, we share ideas and best practices, and we do a lot of commiserating. While we’re technically competitors, it’s really a friendly competition, and we always cheer one another on and are pleased to see each other succeed,” he continued. “I remember when I saw the bracelets go up on the Caesars Superdome, I wished we’d thought of it, but I mostly thought, ‘Well done New Orleans!’”

“Then, when we got the call offering us the friendship bracelets, it was completely in keeping with the way venues work together and share our successes and genius ideas,” he said. “We’re profoundly thankful that Caesars Superdome reached out with this symbol of friendship and camaraderie.”

The feeling of friendship and camaraderie reached the entire city of Indianapolis — the last U.S. city on the Eras Tour — with Mayor Joe Hogsett proclaiming the first weekend of November 2024 as ‘Taylor Swift Weekend’.

When asked what that meant to Lucas Oil Stadium, Neuberger said, “It’s awesome, and it goes to show the collaborative way we do big events. Our entire city and civic organizations come out to create an ecosystem for the events we host in our buildings. We did it most recently of course with the Eras Tour, but also other big events like the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Swimming, NBA All-Stars, March Madness.”

Neuberger explained that the bracelets have since come down from the exterior of their venue, saying, “We had some heavy winds on the north side of Lucas Oil Stadium where the bracelets were hung, and they were getting pretty banged up. To be respectful of this beacon of our relationship, the decision was made to bring them in from the elements.” However, he reassured everyone, “The Lucas Oil Stadium friendship with the Caesar’s Superdome remains strong and undamaged.”

Typically, Swifties trade friendship bracelets at her concerts, which made me wonder: did Lucas Oil Stadium give Caesars Superdome something in return?

According to Neuberger, “We haven’t yet, but we’re keeping our radar attuned for good opportunities to show our thanks! Unfortunately, it’s going to be REALLY hard to top the giant friendship bracelets.”

International Reach

The installation arrived at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada, the week of November 11 ahead of Swift’s sold-out run at the venue, proving that venue camaraderie crosses international borders.

It seems likely that Swifties will get to see the now famous giant friendship bracelets travel to the next and final stop on the Eras tour, BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. Where they go from there remains to be seen, but I have no doubt that the joy they have brought to fans will be remembered, and I bet we can look forward to other exciting ideas from venues to come.

The lesson: make the friendship bracelets, but, unlike the song, you’re not on your own, kid — at least not in the venue industry.