By Scott Hall

A new LED video system will enhance the audience experience and open the door to new avenues of programming and revenue for the Carmel, Indiana, Center for the Performing Arts and its Resident Companies.

The fully portable state-of-the-art system involves 95 thin modular panels, each 19 inches square, which can be snapped together in endless configurations large and small at the three venues operated by the nonprofit Center: the 1,600-seat Palladium concert hall, the 500-seat Tarkington theater, and the black-box Studio Theater.

For example, the entire set can be stacked like bricks into a 12-by-21-foot HD video wall for a Palladium concert, but smaller combinations can be used, a few at a time, to create multiple displays around the campus. Half of the panels were assembled to provide video support for the City of Carmel’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at the Tarkington.

Among other uses, the system expands possibilities for the Center’s concert business, in which touring artists increasingly require certain video capabilities for their performances, Vice President of Operations Jeff Steeg said.

“Up to now, the expense of renting video equipment has sometimes forced us to pass up nice opportunities,” Steeg said. “Having this system in house takes that cost out of the equation as we weigh the financials involved in presenting a particular event.”

Beyond concerts, the system opens up a range of potential programming, including film screenings, sporting events, live streams, and gaming competitions. Corporate retreats, social gatherings and other non-arts rental events – a growing business line for the Center – now have access to better video options at lower cost.

Manufactured by ROE Visual, the “Black Onyx” model LED panels were supplied by Dodd Technologies, a Pendleton-based event production company that maintains additional panels for rent when even larger video displays are needed. The cost of the system, including a Barco brand video processor and rigging designed by Tyler Truss Systems of Pendleton, totaled in the low six figures, but President/CEO Jeffrey C. McDermott said that outlay will be recouped easily.

“We constantly look for new types of programming to present and new revenue streams to support our arts and education mission,” McDermott said, noting the purchase was made from the operating surplus generated by recent successful seasons. “This video system is an investment we’ve made to create innovative business opportunities for the Center and provide greater value to the community.”

Scott Hall is communications director for The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana.

IAVM’s Membership Committee made a recommendation to the Board of Directors at the mid-year Board Meeting in January that we implement a small dues increase to coincide with the Association’s fiscal year which begins April 1, 2019 to ensure the Association continues its tradition of providing excellent products and services. The Board has adopted the committee’s recommendation; see the new dues pricing below:

· Allied – $620 to $655

· Allied Extra – $470 to $495

· Professional – $470 to $495

· Professional Group Membership – $3,000 to $3,150

Faculty, Young Professional, Student, and Retired membership dues will remain the same. If you have any questions about your renewal, you may contact membership@iavm.org or call: 972.906.7441. We appreciate your support.

*Faculty Members dues increased April 1, 2017.

Each year at VenueConnect, the Awards Luncheon draws a huge crowd. IAVM members applaud their fellow members in their accomplishments, and the great things that happen in our industry are acknowledged and congratulated. We invite you to nominate an IAVM member or member venue that has exceeded expectations and risen above the rest. 

Education & Service Award

The IAVM Education & Service Award recognizes member involvement through community outreach, education opportunities, mentorships, and internships that demonstrate excellence within our industry as well as giving back to the community. Some examples that have been shared include: active in high school programs and career development; offering internships for local college students within the company/venue; mentoring through community outreach or within a university setting; educational offerings to staff within the company/venue; community involvement with youth and young adults. IAVM takes pride in its members and member venues that excel in providing their communities with an enjoyable space for all types of events and educational opportunities. This award is open to university staff, professional members, faculty, allied companies and individuals, as well as retired members.

Any allied company or individual, faculty or university venue, public assembly venue, (publicly or privately owned and operated) is eligible to apply. Individuals or companies/venues may be nominated by others or themselves and must have at least one current employee who is an IAVM member in good standing.

NOMINATE NOW →

Venue Excellence Award

The Venue Excellence Award recognizes up to five IAVM venues of any type within the membership which demonstrate excellence in the management and operation of public assembly venues. This includes but is not limited to amphitheaters, arenas, auditoriums, casinos, complexes, convention centers, exhibit halls, fair/festival grounds, performing arts centers, race tracks, stadiums & university 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.

Any venue, publicly or privately owned and operated, that has demonstrated excellence within the last calendar year and has at least one current employee who is an IAVM member in good standing may apply.  Venues are eligible to win multiple VEAs; however, previous winners are eligible to apply in the third year following their most recent award.  As an example, a venue that wins in 2016 may apply for the 2019 award.

NOMINATE NOW →

IAVM Allied Group Membership offers you and your team the chance to focus on what matters most – building business and energizing your team.  This new membership program delivers two options to have more of your employees involved in IAVM, with more perks to enhance the value your company receives as a member.

Each member of your team that you add to your group membership will receive

• Connections to decision-makers at all kinds of venues
• Networking events where you can build long-term client relationships
• Knowledge-expanding webinars and online learning 24-7
• A subscription to Facility Manager magazine, plus our weekly e-newsletter, (blogs), email updates and event previews
• Online membership directory to target venue types and prospects
• …and so much more

The process is simple! Just choose which Allied Group Membership Tier best meets the needs of your company:

Once you have determined the best tier for you and your staff, simply fill out the Membership Application and submit for processing, so you can start enjoying the robust benefits of IAVM Allied Group Membership!

Please feel free to contact our Membership Department with any questions or visit the webpage HERE.

Midwest hospitality at its best; that’s the philosophy at the Swiftel Center, managed by VenuWorks. That motto has rung true as the Swiftel Center has been awarded the 2018 George S. Mickelson Great Service Award. The award was presented to members of the Swiftel Center staff by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and South Dakota Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen at the 2019 Governor’s Conference on Tourism.

The George S. Mickelson Great Service Award honors businesses, communities, or organizations that have done an exemplary job of exceeding visitors’ expectations in customer service. It marks the culmination of a yearlong hospitality program that involves hospitality training, customer comment cards, an employee recognition program, and an application for the Great Service Star designation.

“The Swiftel Center is taking a unique look at motivating and educating their staff to provide high levels of customer service,” said Governor Noem. “Whether a full-time or part-time employee, they are demonstrating what people-first service looks like and are seeing the benefits of their excellence.”

Team members – including all Swiftel Center full-time and part-time staff – are encouraged to continuously consider the four basic needs of any guest: to feel welcome, to feel important, to be understood, and to be safe and comfortable. The staff at the Swiftel Center strives to provide excellence customer service that upholds these four needs.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Governor of South Dakota for the George S. Mickelson Great Service Award,” said venue Executive Director Tom Richter, CVE. “The Swiftel Center Team takes great pride in consistently putting service first for our customers and patrons.”

At the Swiftel Center, each department hosts an annual training to introduce part-time staff to new hospitality materials and review policies and procedures. The Swiftel Center also provides yearly training to motivate and teach new customer service skills.

“Every staff member can provide a moment of impact for our clients, whether it is opening a door, setting up a table, serving a meal, or just offering a friendly welcome,” said Kristina Lankow, Sales & Marketing Manager. “We always need to be on top of our game. The George S. Mickelson Great Service Award is a major honor for our facility and will motivate us to continuously demonstrate our commitment to our guests to always be our best.”

To collect feedback from customers, patrons, guests, and clients, the Swiftel Center sends a client satisfaction survey. Employee Appreciation Parties provide an opportunity to recognize staff achievements, while “high-five” cards are used to let staff members know when they are doing an awesome job.

“We are committed to provide the very best experience for every guest who enters our doors,” said Ashley Biggar, Event Manager. “Our team is nothing short of amazing. Feedback from both our staff and guests is not only heard but is used to take action to make our events better and better. We look forward to utilizing our current training to continue to provide ‘Midwest Hospitality at its Best’.”

(Photo from left to right): South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem; Ashley Biggar, Swiftel Center Event Manager; Kristina Lankow, Swiftel Center Sales & Marketing Manager; and South Dakota Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen.