Welcome to 2023! A new year always brings new excitement and resolutions that we all keep throughout the year. Well, don’t we?

Here at Venue Professional magazine, we do resolve to continue providing the content you want and the content you need to help you in your career and – who knows – maybe even some stories that are beneficial to you in your personal life.

We kick off the year with one hot issue and a focus on safety and security, just in time for IAVM’s GuestX and Academy for Venue Safety & Security. Proof positive is our cover story written by Linda Deckard about the Boch Center’s Eric Neill, one of the industry’s big names in the world of safety and security. When Eric came recommended for the cover by our own Mark Herrera, we knew we were on to the right profile and I think you will agree after reading Eric’s personal story.

While Hurricane Ian is in the rearview mirror, its devastation remains seen throughout many areas of southwest Florida. I took the opportunity to speak to a number of venue managers in that region of the state to find out more about their role before, during, and after Ian. You will come away understanding that our beautiful industry again rises to the occasion when needed.

The popular What’s Going Up feature looks at the massive renovation taking place at the iconic Crypto.com Arena (previously STAPLES Center) in Los Angeles. Other features include an update on going cashless at venues, the KC Current Stadium developed by women engineers at Henderson Engineering, the expert commentary from INTIX about the ticketing world, and much, much more.

With a new year comes new ideas, and that is where you, dear reader, come in. We WANT to hear from you with your story ideas and if you want to contribute an article for Venue Professional, then be sure to contact me and let’s get things moving!

Happy New Year,

R.V. Baugus
Senior Editor

By R.V. Baugus and Mario Coutinho

Ron Labinski, renowned as one of the world’s first sports venue architects, passed away on New Year’s Day. He was 86.

The news was shared by Mario Coutinho, Board President of the Stadium Managers Association, of which Labinski was recognized with the SMA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. A scholarship is also established in Labinski’s name. The Populous founder was a long-time sponsor of SMA and was one of the first to lend his support to the organization starting in the 1980’s.

“Ron will always be known for his contributions to the sport business industry and his many innovations in design, revenue generation, and fan experience,” Coutinho said.

“Ron was an old friend and truly the Godfather of Sports Architecture throughout the World,” said Chris Bigelow, FCSI, CFSP, President of Bigelow Consulting in Naples, Florida. “It is funny that no matter where I travel, whether here in North America, Europe, or Asia, folks in the stadium and arena industry always ask me how Kansas City became the sports capital of the world. And my response always starts with Ron’s name.”

Indeed, Labinski’s sports career began in Kansas City in 1970 when he served as a project architect on Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL Kansas City Chiefs. He left the small Kivett & Myers firm in 1973 to form Devine, James, Labinski & Myers. Ten years later, he co-founded HOK Sport (now Populous). It was there where the public venue management industry had its first true architecture firm that made its name in sport venue design.

Labinski retired in 2000 but his work and career ensured he would never be forgotten

“Most of today’s leading architects point to Ron as their inspirational leader of the industry, putting KC on the map,” Bigelow said. “While he has been retired for some time now, his legacy still lives on.”

“Ron’s legacy will be part of our stadiums for many years to come,” said Coutinho, who added that per Labinski’s family’s wishes, no memorial service or remembrance is planned. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Photo courtesy of Populous

By Britaney Wehrmeister

The Overland Park (KS) Convention Center has been named 2023 Best Small Convention Center in North America by EXHIBITOR Magazine, a leading industry publication honoring the best in event venues. This is the fourth year Overland Park Convention Center has won in EXHIBITOR’s special awards category since the awards inception four years ago.

Convention centers throughout North America were considered and evaluated using an objective algorithm and rigorous grading scale. After a survey of past clients as well as exhibit and event managers who have exhibited at or hosted events at each of the top three finalist venues, Overland Park Convention Center was selected.

The recognition also considers criteria categorized into five primary areas:

Facility & Functionality
Location & Accommodations
Service & Execution
Expansions & Upgrades
Awards & Industry Participation

“This facility has proven their ability to host trade shows and events of all shapes and sizes while providing world-class service and state-of-the-art accommodations,” said Travis Stanton, editor of EXHIBITOR, noting that everything from the number of nearby hotel rooms to the cost and quality of Wi-Fi access can have a significant impact on exhibiting companies’ experience at events.

In addition to this special recognition, Overland Park is consistently ranked on North America’s Top 30 Convention Centers list released by EXHIBITOR annually. The venue was also awarded Best Customer Service & On-Site Support in North America in 2021 and Best Small Convention Center in North America in 2020 and 2022.

“Our team, this industry and events— are recovering at an unbelievable pace and it feels amazing,” said Brett C. Mitchell, CVE, general manager of Overland Park Convention Center. “We have so many things to be proud of this year, like the creation of our sensory room space for neurodivergent attendees and the expansion of our sustainability program with a complete venue roof replacement. It’s recognitions like this award that drive us to never stop innovating, creating and being, the absolute best we can be.”

Britaney Wehrmeister is District Marketing Director for the Overland Park Convention Center.

By Karen Caro

The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority in Atlanta announced the hiring of Nick Alvarez as Executive Chef at the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. As Executive Chef, Alvarez will oversee the kitchen and stewarding operation at both venues.

Alvarez has more than 15 years of experience working in a variety of culinary settings including the Cherokee Town & Country Club, Ansley Golf Club, and as sous chef for Bacchanalia, one of the most recognized fine-dining restaurants in Atlanta. Most recently, Alvarez was the executive chef at the Marietta campus of Kennesaw State University.

With a foundation in classical, French training, Alvarez describes his culinary style as new American, not limited to a specific style or region but borrowing from a variety of influences.

Alvarez holds a bachelor’s degree in management from Kennesaw State University and studied culinary arts at Chattahoochee Technical College and mechanical engineering at Georgia Tech. A west Cobb County resident, Alvarez is married with one daughter.

Karen Caro is Marketing Manager for Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

From PRNewswire.com

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center recently installed two new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, each equipped to accommodate two cars at a time. The new EV charging stations are located in Parking Lot F at 400 Calliope Street near the facility’s Transportation Center entrance.

Conveniently located for Convention Center employees, locals, and visitors who drive electric vehicles, the EV charging stations are complimentary for parking lot users. They are also part of a growing trend in the New Orleans hospitality sector. Multiple EV charging stations have popped up around downtown parking garages and hotels.

“Having more electric vehicle charging stations in the tourism hub that is New Orleans is not just good for the environment, it’s also good for business,” said Convention Center President Michael J. Sawaya. “We are happy to go the extra mile to give EV owners the convenience of charging their vehicles at the Convention Center where our team remains enthusiastically committed to the kinds of sustainable practices and improvements that helped us achieve LEED Gold certification in 2022.”

Well on its way to becoming an eco-friendlier place for visitors and locals who drive electric vehicles, New Orleans is stepping up its game for EV owners as well. In August 2022, The City of New Orleans, in partnership with Entergy New Orleans, launched the Electric Vehicle Charger Program, which will provide 30 charging stations at 25 locations across the city, primarily at public parks, libraries, and NORD facilities.

Electric vehicle adoption in the United States is growing at a record pace, and in Louisiana EV registrations were up 63% in 2021, as compared to 2020.

Pictured: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center staff members Rocsean Spencer, Chief Diversity Officer, and Brad Feichter, Event Manager, charge their electric vehicles at the new charging station.