New Jersey Venue Sets Re-opening Date After Rebuilding from Superstorm Sandy
As the 2013 hurricane season begins, one venue in Sayreville, New Jersey, is reopening seven months after its near destruction at the hands of Superstorm Sandy.
The Starland Ballroom has completed extensive repairs and renovations and begins selling tickets on June 7 in advance of a scheduled September re-open. Country star Billy Currington performs on September 7 in a much-anticipated return to music for the entire community.
“The months following Superstorm Sandy have been challenging here in New Jersey,” said Colin Conway, vice president, AEG Live – Eastern Region and general manager of Starland Ballroom. “Like many of our neighbors and area businesses, we sustained significant damage but we are determined to persevere. We’ve looked forward to the announcement letting the public know we’re back. We have a few more months of renovations remaining, but we’re now positioned to announce these shows and triumphantly announce Starland’s return.”
Excerpts From VenueConnect Keynote Speaker Wendell Pierce Interview
Wendell Pierce, native son to New Orleans, accomplished television and film actor and stage personality, is counting down the days before he delivers a keynote message during IAVM’s VenueConnect from July 27-30 in Pierce’s home town.
When Pierce is not appearing in HBO’s Treme, he is busy helping revitalize communities in New Orleans, specifically the region around Pontchartrain Park. He also recently opened his first Sterling Farms grocery store in an area where quality and healthy produce and food is hard to get.
Facility Manager magazine recently interviewed Pierce about the above topics as well as his appearance before the IAVM audience in New Orleans. Here are some excerpts from the article that will appear in the June/July issue of the magazine.
Industry News Weekly Roundup
Super Bowl L Will be Smartest Stadium in NFL
–The Examiner
Goodbye, cold, grungy Candlestick Park. Hello, high-tech, shiny new Levi’s Stadium.
Fifty-four years after $32 million Candlestick Park opened, the 49ers are building a $1.2 billion showcase of a stadium that is almost twice as big, wired to the hilt and opening its doors just in time to host Super Bowl L in the heart of the Silicon Valley.
Arriving just five years after the debut of Cowboys Stadium, Jerry Jones’ $1 billion showcase for his club, the 49ers are aiming to redefine state of the art, as team officials made clear on a recent tour. Continue Reading →
The Popular Vote Says No Sessions During Exhibit Hours
(Editor’s Note: IAVM does not conduct education sessions during trade show hours.)
Should you have concurrent educational sessions during exhibition hours, or separate dedicated hours for each? Is your event a conference and exhibition, or an exhibition and conference? There is a big difference—especially for shows under 5,000 attendees.
I’ve managed (and attended) shows using both models. After seeing both in action, I think time should be dedicated to either education or to the exhibit floor, not both.
Cash ‘N Carry: Thieves Heist ATM From Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center
Woe unto the Automated Teller Machine. If these tried-and-true cash dispensers affectionately known as ATMs could ever have a voice, surely they would seek assault damages from thieves who try and steal them for being kicked, punched, tied up, dragged, shoved, tossed and yes, even cursed at.
Most of these thefts take place where machines are either outside or just inside the door of an establishment, which makes the case of the stolen ATM from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, even more remarkable in that the machine was pilfered from the second floor of the venue.