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 →

Awards Luncheon, VenueConnect 2012

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, among midsize and large employers across the U.S., the average raise in base pay is expected to be 2.9 percent in 2013 – that’s up slightly from 2.7 percent in 2012 and 2011, and 2.3 percent in 2010. Variable pay plans, or performance-based award programs where the award must be earned each year, reached an all-time high in 2011, with 92 percent of employers implementing this type of program. This is a significant jump compared to 2005, when just 78 percent of employers offered variable pay. This trend is expected to continue in 2013.

So what can you do to keep yourself and and your organization at the top of the heap whether or not you’re competing for variable pay? When employers consider the quality of an individual or an organization, a common indicator in success and achievement can be the recognition and awards received from peers and the industry.

With this carrot in hand – we wanted to remind our IAVM members of several opportunities that can help define excellence in our industry, as well as provide validation for hard work and achievements.

Senior Executive Symposium (SES) Application deadline March 15
Senior Executive Symposium (SES) is a 4-day leadership immersion for senior managers taking place May 13-16 at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Co-developed by IAVM and Cornell University, the course inspires executives to lead their staff with creativity, collaboration and a well-rounded management philosophy. Attendees gain a broad perspective beyond business operations, exploring how to truly impact the culture of a facility. SES is designed for any individual who aspires to transcend from a manager to a great leader. Attendees who complete the course are proud to include this accomplishment on their resumes, bios and adds points on the way to a CFE designation.

Venue Excellence Awards nominations deadline April 15
At this year’s VenueConnect 2013, the Association’s annual conference in New Orleans, July 27-30,
4 venues will be awarded a Venue Excellence Award. These prestigious awards annually recognize a venue from each of the four IAVM venue types: convention centers, stadiums, arenas and performing arts centers. These venues demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues. IAVM takes pride in its members and member venues that excel in providing their communities with a safe and enjoyable space for all types of events and educational opportunities.

Venue Education Award nominations deadline April 15
Also at this year’s VenueConnect 2013, an individual, company or entity will be awarded the Venue Education Award. This award acknowledges Allied organizations, venues and academic institutions that demonstrate active student involvement, excel in available educational opportunities, as well as demonstrate leadership in education. The award also honors individuals who are actively involved in the education and continuous development of the venue management industry. The Venue Education Award is sponsored by Northwood University.

ICCC Lifetime Achievement Award nominations due April 1
The Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented at the International Convention Center Conference (ICCC) which will take place in Charlotte NC, at the Omni Charlotte Hotel on October 3–5, 2013. This award will recognize a dedicated professional in the convention industry who demonstrates a passion for the industry and has made contributions of lasting value to the venue profession.

Visit www.IAVM.org for more information.

March is IAVM Webinar Month – Take advantage of these bite-sized educational opportunities. If you can’t attend, remember they are always available online after the webinar at IAVM’s Webinars page.

Aw Crap: Now What?!? Communicating in a Crisis
Thursday, March 7, 2013
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
Speaker: Jeff Chatterton

Do you know the most important point in a crisis response? How do you build trust and credibility when the impossible has happened? It doesn’t matter the situation – as a venue manager, you’re going to face high-risk, high-stress situations. Responding to those situations correctly makes the difference between caretaker and superstar.

Active Shooter Situations
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ET
Speaker: Chief Craig Miller – Chief of Police for Dallas Independent School District (ISD)

This webinar will present information and provide recommendations for venue operators on activate shooter incidents during events in and around public assembly facilities.

Hidden Gems of Sales & Service
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
Speaker: Nancy Friedman

Hidden Gems of Sales & Service is a concise series of insights in how to build a relationship with a customer while gaining valuable information that will result in a sale. This key list of ingredients is the secret formula to closing more sales. Moreover, it shows how to get repeat business, and how investing in a long-term relationship is the most powerful marketing tool to grow your business!

Low Water Pressure Creates High Pressure Situation during Sold Out Show
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
Panel: Jim Brown, CFE – Executive Director at Wright State University’s Nutter Center; John Cox – Assistant Director, WSU Nutter Center; Chris Bethel – Patron Services Manager – WSU’s Nutter Center; Misty Cox – Marketing Manager – WSU’s Nutter Center.

What would you do if you had almost 11,000 fans at your venue for a sold out concert only to realize when doors open that you have no water pressure on the concourse causing all restrooms accessible to fans not to flush? Listen to Jim Brown and his staff discuss best practices and what they would have done differently when they experienced this last March.

How to Make EVERYONE On Your Team a Salesperson
Thursday, March 28, 2013
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm ET
Speaker: Gary Hernbroth

Repeat business is so very important to venues. Retention of your customers can be improved with an enthusiastic, service-oriented front-line staff that thinks and operates as part of your sales team. You’ll hear the keys to turning your front-line staff into front-line salespeople including the role of managers and supervisors to create – and support – the right sales culture.

Click here to register for one or all!