I asked RV Baugus, editor at IAVM, for some of his thoughts on this new issue of the magazine:
How has the content changed in the new magazine?
RV: Our members told us in a loud voice, through a recent magazine survey, that they wanted relevant, useful and timely news as well as the industry’s latest technology, trends and tips. In addition to developing content around those topics, we will also be incorporating more data and statistics applicable to our industry. Finally, I would add that readers will see more “wow” types of features that will be educational, informative and, we hope, will invite plenty of discussion. Continue Reading →
The theme of this year’s Performing Arts Managers Conference was “Risk;” fitting, as the location of the conference was in Las Vegas, which is probably one of the last places one wants to come down with the flu.
As we all know, the flu strains have been especially robust this year and massive outbreaks were happening throughout the country. As it turns out, reports came out February 21 that the flu shot was, in fact, only 56% effective, and even less so (27%) for those 65 years and older. Those statistics made me feel a bit better about not getting the flu shot myself. Catching the flu can sometimes simply be a matter of chance, regardless of whether you are vaccinated, but disappointing nonetheless when it causes one to miss a day and half worth of sessions at one’s favorite conference.
This week we spoke to Cheryl Swanson, CFE, venue manager and IAVM member since 1994, about IAVM’s Senior Executive Symposium (SES), a program she has attended and for which she has acted as Board Chair. The window to apply closes in just 30 days, so we wanted to ask Cheryl why the program is an important addition to any venue manager’s to-do-list.
Cheryl Swanson, CFE, is currently employed by the City of Grand Forks, ND, as the executive director of the Alerus Center, an indoor football stadium, arena and conference center. She worked in health care administration and marketing for 15 years before becoming the Bookings Manager for the Sioux City (IA) Auditorium, Convention and Visitors Bureau. From there she opened a new arena at Eastern Michigan University, eventually moving up the state to the Breslin Center at Michigan State University before working at the Alerus Center.
In our Feb/March Issue of Facility Manager, we feature an info-graphic comparing scoreboards at NFL stadiums. The graphic was shared with us by designer Daniel Beaton, and originally was posted in Reddit’s NFL Subreddit and then featured on the FastCompany design blog.
It’s an amazing snapshot of technology’s increasing presence in venues and sparks thoughts on evolving guest experiences, live media, and the ongoing quest to satisfy a tech-charged crowd.