By Maddison Devoy

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) announced the next instalment of THE LUME Melbourne experience, Connection, opening in June 2023.

Connection is the largest representation of First Peoples art and culture ever assembled, featuring more than 500 works from over 110 visual and music artists. Visitors are invited to step inside the works of Australia’s most celebrated First Nations artists in an experience spanning 3,000 square metres with projections four story’s high.

Art, music, and performance have long served as a storytelling means in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Connection will weave these elements together with evocative aromas and an inspired food and beverage offering for a one-of-a-kind immersive experience.

MCEC’s culinary experts have created bespoke breakfast, cocktail, and gala dinner menus, drawing inspiration from the experience and showcasing Australian native and locally grown ingredients. Each dish carries a cultural legacy and is paired perfectly with Indigenous-focused cocktails. The menus extend the experience of the exhibition to incorporate taste and smell, fusing native food in a contemporary menu.

Recognising its unique and tailored offering for The LUME Melbourne, MCEC was recently awarded the Meetings and Events Australia Victorian Banqueting and Catering Award.

For corporate event organisers, MCEC offers opportunities to host exclusive events as well as events on the mezzanine level overlooking the main gallery in the city’s most creative business events venue. Guests can enjoy the Connection experience from an intimate setting, providing a unique conference experience and an opportunity for delegates to authentically engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

MCEC Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM said the Connection experience will build on the success of THE LUME and leave a lasting impression on visitors.

“This partnership is such an exciting opportunity and we have already seen so many visitors enjoying THE LUME Melbourne since its opening in 2021.”

“Connection engages visitors with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, culture, music, and food on a whole new level and will offer a totally different experience from what visitors have previously seen at Monet & Friends and Van Gogh. The new experience promotes inclusiveness, reconciliation and respect, it’s something that all Australians can be proud to participate in,” she added.

Continuing our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, MCEC has recently embarked on a journey to develop our first Reconciliation Action Plan. MCEC has registered with Reconciliation Australia to formalise this Plan and support meaningful action through the core pillars of relationships, respect, and opportunities.

Owner and Founder of THE LUME Melbourne Bruce Peterson said, “THE LUME Melbourne is Australia’s most unique and immersive event venue. Our catering and events partnership with MCEC means that we can merge world-class culinary delivery with our limitless creative content to deliver unforgettable brand experiences in a truly transformative environment.”

The Connection experience will open on June 23 inside Australia’s first multi-sensory experience digital art gallery, THE LUME Melbourne which has a permanent home at MCEC on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River).

Maddison Devoy is Corporate Communications Specialist – Media.

ASM Global has selected one of the nation’s most experienced general managers, Steve Eckerson, as the new GM of Pechanga Arena – as the San Diego venue nears its 60th anniversary.

Under ASM Global’s renowned management, Pechanga Arena has enjoyed record-breaking years with performances by some of the world’s leading artists. This includes earning the No. 8 ranking of top venues worldwide (10,001-15,000 capacity) with $31.3 million in gross sales and 357,000 tickets sold in 2022, as published in Billboard’s “Year in Touring 2022.”

Among the venues in the US, Pechanga now ranks No. 4 and No. 1 in California. In addition, the arena was recently awarded for supporting community efforts through five food distribution events with Feeding San Diego, 11 blood drives with the San Diego Red Cross and hosting the Veteran Village of San Diego Stand Down in July.

Following a record-setting 2022, the arena is on track for more significant growth in 2023, having already hosted legendary classic rock band The Eagles this past March and looking forward to two nights of Blink-182 performing in their hometown, one of the most beloved international artists Luis Miguel and the triumphant return of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to San Diego after 42 years.

“I look forward to working with the stellar team already in place at Pechanga Arena and with the City of San Diego to enjoy our continued success together,” Eckerson said. “Pechanga Arena has been of interest to me for many years. So, when the opportunity presented itself to serve as general manager, I knew it would be the right move for me to support ASM Global by coming to San Diego. The arena has a rich history in San Diego with so many first memories made for young sports and music fans.”

A 30-plus-year music industry veteran, Eckerson has been GM for ASM Global at Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center since 2016. Before his experience in Bakersfield, he served as GM for Toyota (then Citizens Business Bank) Arena in Ontario, California, opening that facility in 2007.

Eckerson has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Vermont. He was also a record-setting goalie for the hockey team and is now a member of the University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame.

Eckerson succeeds Steve Tadlock, who served as GM from 2021 to 2023 and successfully reopened a dormant arena after 512 days of pandemic-related closure. Before Tadlock, the arena was led by Ernie Hahn, who served as GM and partner since 1996.

“ASM Global is looking forward to our continued San Diego success under the leadership of Steve with the support of the Hahn family, who have been stewards of the arena for more than 30 years,” said ASM Global Senior Vice President Felix Mussenden. “Our foremost goal with Steve is to utilize ASM Global’s unparalleled international relationships with premier entertainment offerings that benefit this entire region.”

The IAVM Foundation is pleased to announce Tom Cornwall, CVE, as the recipient of the 2023 IAVM Foundation Legacy Award.

Currently retired, Cornwall’s venue management career spanned over 44 years. He started his tenure at Arizona State University as a student stagehand then spent 18 years in senior positions in the operation / management of ASU’s athletic and entertainment facilities. Cornwall has worked for Ogden Entertainment in Minneapolis and Edmonton with the NBA Timberwolves and NHL Oilers, completed Olympic projects in Salt Lake, Torino and Vancouver, worked with several VenuWorks facilities, and assisted the Edmonton Oilers design, build, and open their new arena. Though he retired at the end of 2019, Cornwall helped Oakview Group with the NHL 2020 Stanley Cup Bubble tournament in Edmonton.

Cornwall’s IAVM involvement over the years includes many volunteer roles with various committees and task forces, and he served as a trustee on the Foundation Board of Trustees for two years. Even though retired, he continues to serve on the IAVM Certification Board, as well as on a task force reviewing the CVE and CVP programs. He has been an avid donor and supporter of the IAVM Foundation throughout his IAVM membership and continues to give back ever into his retirement.

“Tom Cornwall served on the Foundation Board of Trustees from 1996 through 1998 and was a co-chair of the silent auction, but what made Tom worthy of the Legacy Award is that for the next 25 years he continued to give his time to IAVM and financial support to the IAVM Foundation,” said Jim Wynkoop, CVE, Chair of the IAVM Foundation Board of Trustees. “Even in retirement, he continues to serve and support the Foundation. His service and generosity are an example for us all to aspire to when we start thinking about our own legacies, and the Board of Trustees is thrilled to recognize Tom’s legacy of service and giving with the IAVM Foundation Legacy Award.”

Upon being notified of receiving the award, Cornwall said, “I am honored to accept the award and am thrilled to be joining a very admirable group of past recipients. Even after a few weeks (since being notified), I am not sure the scope of this recognition has totally registered with me.”

Cornwall will be presented with the award at VenueConnect 2023, which is being held in Pittsburgh, PA July 31-August 3. For more information on VC23 or to register, please click here.

By Mary Tucker

The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) announced the roster for its 2023 Board of Directors, including IAVM member Eric Blanc Sr., CMP, deputy director of the Orange County Convention Center. CEIR’s Board of Directors is one of the most diverse and influential groups within the industry. As part of its oversight responsibilities, it ensures that the monies raised are used to fund the CEIR Index and other important research opportunities. Officers of the board serve one-year terms, and directors serve for three years.

2023 CEIR Chairperson Marie Browne is Group Vice President for RX, a global company in the business of building businesses. She manages and grows a portfolio of leading events that span a wide range of industries, including industrial sectors such as pharmaceutical manufacturing to retail sectors such as vision and golf.

“I am honored to serve alongside colleagues who are passionate in supporting CEIR’s mission to provide valuable and objective research to industry members,” Browne said. “Working with the CEIR Research Council, we are devoted to supporting the industry in its utmost needs by comprehending and addressing the issues that are top of mind now as well as prepare for the foreseeable future.”

Remaining members of the 2023 CEIR Board of Directors include:

Immediate Past Chairperson
Dennis Smith
Vice President of Business Development
Asian American Hotel Owners Association

Secretary/Treasurer
Janet Sperstad, CMP-F
Program Director, Meeting & Event Management
Madison College

Director
Eric Blanc Sr., CMP
Deputy Director
Orange County Convention Center

Director
Mark Bogdansky
Vice President, Meetings and Events
Auto Care Association

Director
Paige Cardwell
President, CSG
National Trade Productions, Inc./NTP Events

Director
Michelle Edmonson, CEM
Vice President, Exhibitions
AMT – The Association for Manufacturing Technology

Director
Chuck Grouzard
Executive Vice President, Business Development
GES

Director
Jennifer Hoff – CEIR Research Council Chairperson
President
Trifecta Collective LLC

Director
John Jaworski, CEM
Assistant Executive Director: Meeting Services & Corporate Relations
Radiological Society of North America

Director
Ian Sequeira
Vice President, Research & Measurement
Freeman

CEIR
Cathy Breden, CMP-F, CAE, CEM
CEO

Ex-Officio – IAEE
David DuBois, CMP-F, CAE, FASAE, CTA
President & CEO
IAEE

Mary Tucker is Sr. PR/Communications Manager for CEIR.

From tennesseetitans.com

The Tennessee Titans announced that TVS will serve as Architect of Record (AOR) on the new stadium project team. The Metropolitan Sports Authority approved the selection at its May 18 board meeting.

As AOR, TVS will work in tandem with the Design Architect (MANICA) to lead the design team through the completion of the stadium design and through the administration of construction activity. TVS is responsible for delivering the construction documents that will be used to construct the stadium and will hold all contracts with certified subconsultants necessary to complete full stadium design. During the construction administration phase, TVS will provide critical oversight to ensure all materials and construction are being utilized correctly and per specification and design.

“We were immediately impressed by TVS’ portfolio and are excited to welcome them to the project team,” said Gil Beverly, Titans Sr. Vice President, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer. “They bring a significant breadth of experience in large-scale venues and share our dedication to delivering a game-changing, high-character facility to Nashville.”

TVS has experience working on major projects in the Nashville area, having served as AOR for Nashville’s Music City Center, and also have NFL venue experience through work on Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

“As a proud Tennessee native, I am beyond excited to be a part of the team that will bring this transformational new stadium to the residents of Tennessee,” said TVS Principal Rob O’Keefe. “This project will usher in a new era for Titans fans and residents of the broader region as a premier destination for sports, entertainment, and impactful community events year-round.”

As outlined in the new stadium development agreement, the Titans are responsible for leading the procurement process for the selection of the firms that will oversee the design and construction of the stadium. In keeping with the Metro Government’s procurement regulations and practices, the Titans were assisted by an evaluation committee comprised of Titans, Metro Nashville, and Sports Authority representatives.

Diverse business participation and minority contracting is a key priority for the entire project team, with commitments to meet and exceed participation goals set by the Business Assistance Office and work with a diversity reporting consultant who will provide monthly reports to the Sports Authority regarding minority contractor and subcontractor participation.

Groundbreaking on the new stadium is expected to begin in early-to-mid 2024, following the 2023-2024 NFL season. The facility is anticipated to open in 2027.