SMG highlighted the success of its Event Innovation Team at the company’s annual management meeting held recently in Philadelphia. Since its inception one year ago, 126 internally produced special events have taken place at SMG-managed facilities in the United States, exceeding expectations. These self-created and locally produced events occur under the SMG Promotions banner and include team members from SMG venues across the SMG footprint of Stadiums, Convention Centers, Arenas and Theaters.
“Not only does SMG book top concerts, but they have always focused on creating community events that enrich our city,” said Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum. “Over the years, these community events have become annual traditions for many of our local residents and I’m proud to have SMG as a partner who embraces the city’s goal of downtown revitalization and economic growth.”
Event Innovation concepts across the SMG facility map include events such as the Grand Rapids “Wine, Beer and Food Festival,” Tulsa’s “DodgeBrawl,” 
and “Winterfest,” Soldier Field’s (Chicago) “10 mile” run, El Paso’s “Ice Cream Festival,” Ontario’s (California)” Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion” car show and concert, and many more.
“Congratulations to all our venues and their remarkable achievement of producing 126 special events in one year,” John Bolton, SMG Vice President said. “And thanks to our Event Innovation Team leaders, Matt Blasey, Bryan Crowe, Tom Lorenz, Jeff Nickler, Zane Collings, Luca Sera, and Brian Smith for their contributions to this successful program.”
“The SMG team in Greater Ontario, California has made a true and measurable economic impact to our region and community by creating signature special events,” said Scott Ochoa, City Manager, City of Ontario. “The Route 66 Cruisin’ Reunion Classic Car Show drew more than 250,000 attendees last year, with over a $16 Million gain to our local economy. In addition, Def Fest (held prior to the Def Leppard concert) and Party on the Pavement (prior to Tim McGraw and Faith Hill concert) at Citizens Business Bank Arena were successes, with 10,000 guests enjoying the added entertainment experience.”
The Event Innovation Team was created during the 2017 SMG management meeting when the company officials held a competition among all SMG facilities to identify the best self-produced special event concepts. A total of 37 entries were judged and the top 15)were then packaged for development and ‘curated’ to the field operators by the Event Innovation Team during monthly webinars.
“These curated yet customizable events are now available to all our facilities as part of our unique SMG resource library,” said Doug Thornton, SMG Executive Vice President. “The Event Innovation Team was born from our desire to generate more home-grown activity in our facilities and the group has done an outstanding job in just a short time. Congratulations to John Bolton and the entire Event Innovation team for their leadership in spearheading this effort.”
The SMG Event Innovation Team has plans to roll out 10 additional event concepts between now and year end.
