To understand exactly what the March 1 imposed sequestration means to the public assembly venue industry it is first best to understand exactly what the term means. Essentially, sequestration is a term used to describe the practice of using mandatory spending cuts in the federal budget if the cost of running the government exceeds either an arbitrary amount or exceeds the gross revenue it brings during the fiscal year. Essentially, it is the employment of automatic, across-the-board spending cuts in the face of annual budget deficits. Beyond that and relevant to our industry, sequester can (and does already) mean loss of events and venue-related jobs.

Jan Addison, CFE, deputy general manager of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, has become intimately familiar with the word and the definition and has her own opinion on the subject. Continue Reading →

At VenueConnect 2011, IAVM’s annual conference and tradeshow, the SMG managed BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla. was presented one of the Association’s most prestigious awards – the Venue Excellence Award (VEA). This yearly award recognizes the best of the best in venue management in arenas, convention centers, stadiums and performing arts halls. Criteria for winning include demonstrated excellence in the management and operation of a public assembly venue including: providing staff with team-building and professional development; safety and security training; and demonstrating service to the community.

We spoke with John Bolton, CFE, General Manager of the BOK Center and IAVM’s incoming Board Chairman, about the BOK’s 2011 Venue Excellence Award for arenas, what it took to win and how the win has impacted his venue. Continue Reading →

For many of us, the IAVM has been the organization most central to our venue management careers. We have built professional relationships, advocated for industry needs and become “venue educated” in ways only the IAVM could provide.

In order for any organization to be successful, it has to continually evaluate and measure progress and success. This year the Board of Directors you elected and appointed to be your voice has been taking a long and hard look at our business model. We have been having robust and open dialogue around what has been working, what hasn’t and what we need to do to grow and regain our position as “the” industry source for venue management expertise. Continue Reading →

Karen Totaro, CFE, prides herself as a woman who is in control of her job responsibilities, in control when faced with difficult challenges and in control of her emotions. So upon finding out she had been nominated for the Second Vice Chairman slot on the IAVM Board of Directors, emotional control may have gone out the window. Karen Totaro, assistant general manager of the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, admitted, “My first thought was ‘OMG!’ I was just flying when I got the word and was so excited and thrilled that I immediately called my mom, siblings and dearest friends and then I thought, ‘Oh crap, I must be getting old!’”

Instead we think Totaro is only getting better, which can be said of all the individuals who have carried the title of either IAVM President or Chairman over the years. Continue Reading →

The Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball announced recently that, for the upcoming season, they will introduce an Ultimate Ballpark Access pass, in which season ticket holders will carry a Smart Card to enter the stadium, grab concessions, scoop up merchandise and even receive text messages and emails thanking them for attending a particular number of games. It is all technology, designed to enhance the full stadium experience and expedite matters for the season ticket holder. It begins when the cardholder shows up to the park. He waves his card across a reader at a turnstile, and whether manned or not, he is able to gain entry.

So why the long faces on some season ticket holders? Because they miss the printed, hard ticket that not only serves as a voucher for admission, but for many becomes a souvenir keepsake and something to show off at work the next day. As a personal confession, I must admit that I have within one large frame on a wall at home numerous ticket stubs and media credentials from sporting events and concerts going back a number of years. Continue Reading →