By Kelly Luecke

Wendy Edwards has been named Managing Director of VStar Entertainment Group (VStar), one of the premiere producers of live family entertainment experiences in both the U.S. and internationally.

Since joining VStar in 2017, Edwards has assumed a number of positions, initially serving as Senior Vice
President of Touring Operations and Executive Producer. Early endeavors included managing the construction and day-to-day operations of a new modern facility in the Twin Cities, which consolidated the production studio and costume shops into one corporate headquartered facility; and overseeing production and operational logistics during VStar’s 2018 acquisition by global live entertainment leader Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

In 2021, Edwards added Vice President Operations & Production to her title and was tasked with a massive relaunch of VStar productions post-pandemic. In addition to relaunching domestic tours of PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure,” Trolls LIVE!, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, and the international tour of PAW Patrol Live “Race to the Rescue,” Edwards also produced and relaunched the Blue Man Group domestic and international tours in 2022, including a redesign of the World Tour.

Edwards will work to launch VStar’s third collaboration with Nickelodeon, PAW Patrol Live “Heroes Unite,” in February of 2023.

Prior to joining VStar, Edwards toured for 14 years with various production companies, beginning her career as an Audio Engineer and continuing to advance through the technical, production, and operations trades serving in positions as Stage Manager, Performance Director, Production Manager, and Technical Director in the touring show divisions of family entertainment companies.

In addition to freelancing for key projects such as the 2016 Kellogg’s Tour of Gymnastic Champions and
2015 COPA America Centennial opening and closing ceremonies, she also served as Director of Production for both Premier Exhibitions, Inc. & Feld Entertainment’s Circus Division.

A native of Florida, Edwards earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations, with a concentration in
Technical Communications and a minor in Resource Economics from the University of Florida.

Kelly Luecke is Director of Public Relations, Affiliate Shows Division for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

By Tricia Gonyo

VenuWorks announced that Larry Gawronski, CVE, will retire from his position of Executive Director of the Topeka Performing Arts Center effective December 31, 2022.

“A veteran employee of VenuWorks, Larry has provided a passion for our industry, our events, and our patrons throughout his career,” said Steve Peters, CVE, president of VenuWorks. “I want to publicly thank Larry for his loyalty to VenuWorks and I wish him well as he closes this chapter and begins the next.”

Gawronski has led the Topeka Performing Arts Center for the last seven years. Prior to his relocation to Topeka, Gawronski held similar roles with VenuWorks in Ottumwa, IA and Vicksburg, MS.

“The Board of Trustees for the Topeka Performing Arts Center would like to extend a heartfelt ovation to Larry for his great achievements for TPAC during his tenure. His tireless love of the arts has touched thousands of patrons and artists of all ages through this venue, and his legacy is appreciated and will be remembered,” said Jeff Parker, Chair of the TPAC Board of Trustees.

“I have spent my entire career working in public assembly facility management across the country. My time working for VenuWorks has been an honor,” Gawronski said. “Retirement is the next chapter in my life.”

VenuWorks has begun a national search for Gawronski’s successor. Interim responsibilities, the selection process, and onboarding will be directed by VenuWorks Vice President Tom Richter to ensure a smooth transition.

Tricia Gonyo is Vice President – Sales & Marketing for VenuWorks.

By Richard Oliver

The historic Alamodome, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in May 2023, is showing no signs of slowing down as it approaches that milestone. Indeed, the downtown San Antonio stadium has never been busier.

From August through early December, the Alamodome enjoyed one of the most successful runs in its history, hosting five headline concerts that drew nearly 230,000 fans and generated more than $31 million in gross receipts. The events included the Motley Crue and Def Leppard Stadium Tour, Bad Bunny, Rammstein, Grupo Firme (pictured along with the venue’s Steve Zito and Michael Flores), and Elton John.

Additionally, the Dome saw more than 170,000 spectators attend seven University of Texas at San Antonio football games, including the Conference USA championship on Dec. 2.

The Bad Bunny concert broke the facility mark for gross ticket sales for one show when more than $11 million was recorded for the Sept. 8 performance. A crowd of 54,000 was on hand for the show.

In total, the Alamodome held 135 event days in 2022, with a similar schedule planned for 2023, exceeding the average of 115 event dates in previous years.

“There is little doubt that the Alamodome has emerged as one of the most diverse, popular entertainment venues in the country,” said Patricia Muzquiz Cantor, Director of Convention & Sports Facilities for the City of San Antonio. “From compelling sporting events to the world’s biggest concerts, the Dome is a unique destination for performers and fans alike.”

That won’t be changing anytime soon. In coming months, the Alamodome will host events including WWE Royal Rumble, the San Antonio Spurs’ attempt to break the NBA’s single-game attendance mark, the Valero Alamo Bowl, NBC All-American Bowl and the return of the XFL spring football league. The venue also has added stadium concerts featuring P!nk and Red Hot Chili Peppers, currently on sale, as well as additional major concerts to be announced.

Additionally, roughly $109 million in capital improvements are planned for the facility by 2028.

Steve Zito, CVE, General Manager of the Alamodome, acknowledged “those promoters who helped make us so successful,” including the Valero Alamo Bowl, Live Nation, Feld Entertainment, University Interscholastic League, Cheer Power, NCAA, San Antonio Home and Garden Show, San Antonio Sports, the Spurs and AEG, among others.

“None of this would be possible without the countless hours and commitment from the team of the Alamodome,” Zito said. “We always focus on our ‘One Team’ philosophy, and that team has many players. San Antonio has become a very viable market for all genres of entertainment, and over 30 years the Alamodome has been the centerpiece of that.”

Richard Oliver is Communications Manager for the Alamodome.

By Julie Carlos

The Lynnwood Public Facilities District announced the new name for the Lynnwood Convention Center. The former convention center has officially been renamed the Lynnwood Event Center, and the Public Facilities District will be known as the much simpler “The District.”

Along with the name change, The District revealed its new mission, vision, and values for the property, including the Event Center. The Event Center’s new website and logo launched on December 14th, while The District will fully launch their new branding and website in early 2023 and reveal exciting new plans for the 13-acre property surrounding the Event Center.

The Event Center name change was driven by recently developed goals to expand the space beyond conventions and meetings, and an opportunity for the City of Lynnwood and surrounding communities to experience authentic and innovative arts, culture, and entertainment events.

Accompanying the name change is a vibrantly colored new logo suggested by the Love Your New Neighbor heart sculpture placed on the property earlier this year with the theme of inclusiveness. The heart is a beautiful representation for the organization’s new vision to deliver a genuine, community-driven district that derives its vitality from inclusiveness, diversity, arts, and sustainability. New core values that include the words Remarkable, Polished, Creative, and Collaborative will guide the future culture of the Event Center team.

“This new brand allows us to reintroduce ourselves as a vibrant, forward-thinking place to hold events,” said Janet Pope, Executive Director of The District.

A vividly revamped website, www.lynnwoodeventcenter.com, reveals a new user-friendly interface and is exceptionally easy to navigate whether you’re looking to plan or attend an event at the facility.

While the name and logo have changed, the standards of excellence established back in 2005 when the venue opened remain the same. Chef Michael Felsenstein will continue to lead his team of culinary experts, whose menus and food are prepared from the heart. The event management team continues to be committed to executing innovative events, exceeding expectations of the local community and all guests who come to the Lynnwood Event Center.

Visit lynnwoodeventcenter.com to explore the organization’s new look and vision for the future.

The Lynnwood Event Center is owned by the Lynnwood Public Facilities District, and operated by OVG360, a division of Oak View Group.

Julie Carlos is Marketing & Communications Manager for the Lynnwood Event Center.

By Swan Li Chew

Outgoing Chief Executive of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Peter King has been recognised for his contribution to the business events sector and his work growing the MCEC over the past decade.

In his final month as CEO, King has been celebrated with a permanent tribute installed in MCEC’s Plenary, he’s been inducted as a Club Melbourne Ambassador, and he has received lifetime membership of the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA).

A unique red chair was installed at MCEC’s Plenary space as a nod to his earlier career as a first-class cricketer. The green chairs of the Plenary are designed to represent the grass of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where King once hit a record six into the northern stands. A red chair marks where the ball landed at the MCG, mirroring the new one installed in King’s honour in the Plenary.

King has also been made an honorary Club Melbourne Ambassador in recognition of his support of the program over the last decade. Since he became CEO of MCEC, Club Melbourne has supported bids to win 107 international events worth more than $860 million in economic impact and attracting over 150,000 delegates to Melbourne.

King was also awarded Lifetime Membership of the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) for his contribution to the events industry. He has been an industry leader for years including serving as a board member of EEAA, Business Events Council of Australia, AIPC, and the Melbourne Convention Bureau.

King finishes up at MCEC at the end of the year, but he leaves behind a lasting legacy on the centre and broader industry including leading the $205 million expansion of MCEC, successfully leading the business through COVID-19, bringing the Good Friday Appeal’s Kids Day Out to MCEC, growing community partnerships, and driving the business’s ambitious sustainability strategy.

The Hon. John Brumby AO, Chairperson, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, said: “Peter’s contributions to MCEC and the industry over the years are many and numerous. It’s vital that his achievements are recognised by the business and the industry.

“His contributions transcend the boardroom and can be seen with tangible outcomes on the ground. Peter led the $205 million expansion of MCEC and during COVID-19 when the chips were down, he played a key role in advocating for the interests of the exhibition and event sector.

“He built strong relationships with his team, customers, and stakeholders, and is held in high regard by everyone he worked with. I’m delighted that we can recognise his incredible contribution to MCEC.”

“I really appreciate all the thoughtful recognition, acknowledgements, and recognition I’ve received from well-wishers to mark my time at MCEC,” King said. The red chair as a memento at the Plenary is a real honour. Two of my great Melbourne passions are now aligned – the MCEC and the MCC.

“There are many things I am proud of that have occurred during my time here. Our business, in revenue terms, more than doubled in the years since I arrived. Every successive year saw us increase the size of the business and its impact. The footprint of the venue also increased by about 25% after we added the expansion space which opened in 2018.

“The thing I will remember most is that everything I have achieved has been made possible by the team around me. I’ll miss MCEC. I’ll miss walking through the concourse when it’s filled with hundreds, sometimes thousands of people. The smiles we put on faces, especially kids. And I’ll miss stopping to chat with our team and event organisers to see how everything’s going.

“I’m so proud about what we have done to reinforce our position as one of the best Convention and Exhibition Centres in the world.”

Swan Li Chew is Corporate Communications Specialist for the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Photo: Peter King and The Hon. John Brumby AO, Chairperson, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.