By Michael Gatto

On Wednesday, July 26th, the Greater Columbus Convention Center provided the backdrop for the Columbus Venue Security Summit, an event that facilitated a crucial opportunity for a diverse group of community members from across Columbus to unite, learn, strategize, and bolster guest safety. This gathering drew attendees from a spectrum of Columbus’ sports and entertainment venues, in addition to representatives from the Columbus Police and Fire Departments. At the heart of this summit was Mark Herrera, a powerhouse in the Safety and Security field with an impressive background with the International Association of Venue Managers and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. With his guidance, this event centered on preparing for the unexpected – arming event center staff, law enforcement, and first responders with the tools they need to respond effectively to difficult situations.

But what truly stood out was the emphasis on collaboration. In today’s world, safety is a collective endeavor that goes beyond departmental boundaries. From Nationwide Arena to The Schottenstein Center to Lower.com Field and beyond, venue staff members joined forces, recognizing their shared responsibility to ensure safety. Herrera’s message hit home: “We are all vicariously liable for the safety and wellbeing of any event and all facilities.”

Brooks Imhoff, the Director of Event Services at the Schottenstein Center, perfectly encapsulated this spirit of collaboration. He played a pivotal role in organizing the summit and highlighted the importance of training event staff as the first line of response. Their ability to handle issues before they escalate further is vital, and this summit empowered them to do just that.

While the training wasn’t a typical hands-on drill, it was equally impactful. Herrera’s approach focused on programming the subconscious mind, ensuring that every staff member had a mental “hazard library” to draw from in challenging situations. This kind of preparation is invaluable, helping individuals respond swiftly and effectively when it matters most.

The event was a reminder that no matter our role – whether security personnel, event staff, or attendees – we’re all part of a larger community with shared goals. Collaboration was the true hero of the day, reinforcing the idea that safety is a collective effort.

Michael Gatto is Chief Operating Officer for Columbus Arena Management and Senior Vice President, Nationwide Arena.

Patrick Lally McGrew, 55, of Pompano Beach, FL passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023. He was survived by his three children: Jordan (25), Declan (13) and Aidan (13); as well as six siblings, Colleen, Myles, Shawn, Brian, Erin, and Megan, and nine nieces and nephews.

Patrick was a native Floridian growing up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. You could always catch him with a bottle of Banana Boat Dark Tanning Spray Oil SPF 4. Nobody loved Jimmy Buffett or Tommy Bahama more than him. Patrick graduated from FAU School of Business and later moved to New York where he worked for the Yankees. He couldn’t stay away from Florida long, and eventually he took a job at the Bank United Center as General Manager.

By nba.com

The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury announced a transformative new partnership with Oak View Group’s (OVG) food and beverage division, OVG Hospitality, to redefine the overall fan experience at all Suns and Mercury games, as well as concerts and live events. OVG’s first-ever partnership with an NBA and WNBA venue, this groundbreaking deal further expands the best-in-class experience for Suns and Mercury fans and elevates Phoenix as a premier destination for basketball and entertainment.

“Our commitment is to continue to find innovative ways to invest in our community and put forth our championship mentality in everything we do, on and off the floor,” said Mat Ishbia, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner. “From the moment fans walk through our doors, we want every part of their game-day experience to be world-class and something they can only have in Phoenix – the best basketball city in the world.”

As the exclusive food and beverage provider, OVG Hospitality brings an experience unlike any other in the Valley to Suns and Mercury games with first-class food and beverage, service and state-of-the-art technologies. Features include premier food and beverage in all clubs, suites and concessions throughout the lower and upper concourses, new technology to ensure faster lines at concessions to allow fans to spend less time in line and more time enjoying the game or concert, and a robust selection of new menu items that will roll out throughout the year.

The partnership is the first in the sports and entertainment industry to feature OVG Hospitality’s newly-acquired luxury hospitality and catering company, Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC) – elevating the Suns and Mercury’s premium services to unprecedented standards. RHC will create and provide a unique culinary journey for all club and suite guests. From specialized beverages as fans enter the arena and customized food offerings by locally renowned chefs to an elevated wine program for connoisseurs of every variety, fans will be treated to a bespoke culinary experience.

“Every fan should be treated to a best-in-class experience, and that includes providing top-quality food and beverage options and unrivaled service,” said Josh Bartelstein, chief executive officer of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. “Through our partnership with OVG we are significantly raising the standards of excellence for our fans and further elevating Phoenix as the preeminent city for sports and entertainment.”

As part of its offerings, OVG Hospitality will use locally sourced ingredients to create customized menus specific to each event, making the food and beverage experience unique to the Valley and a reflection of the city’s growing culinary scene.

“With high-tech market expertise to diverse local suppliers, OVG Hospitality has all the resources to elevate the experience for all fans, whether at the concourse concession stands or in the luxury suites,” said Ken Gaber, president of OVG Hospitality. “We are excited to partner with the Suns and Mercury and add a delicious and savory menu to their roster.”

We join with the rest of the IAVM family in congratulating Erin Wylie on her promotion at Indiana University. We will let Erin take it from here from her Facebook post about her promotion.

“Excited to share that I will be stepping into the role of Assistant Director of Events at IU Auditorium! Looking forward to continuing to work with this amazing team as I take on a new part of our wonderful industry. Thankful for my IU Auditorium Family and all the amazing students I’ve had the honor of working with over these last 2 years. Glad I’ll just be moving downstairs so I’ll still get to hear all the crazy things college kids are doing these days. If you know anyone that would like to be a Guest Service Manager and work with these amazing students, let me know!”

By Andra Bennett, APR

With the infernal heat dome over the entire southern USA dominating the news, the City of Fort Worth’s Public Events Department saw an opportunity to feature unique cooling treatments for horses provided at the National Cutting Horse Association’s Summer Cutting Spectacular at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

After pitching the story to a panel of national network correspondents, three outlets bit, including ABC’s Good Morning America!

This was the gist of the pitch:

More than 1,000 horses are being carefully attended with innovative therapies to protect them from heat exhaustion and improve performance, including electrolytes in their food and water, sweat supplements to enhance perspiration evaporation, mister fans, and even cryotherapy, hydrotherapy and salt-water spas.

Equine cold-water spas with oxygen jets and mineral water have been shown to be particularly useful for healing abrasions and treating tendon problems but can also be used for regulating temperature and comfort.

Cryotherapy for horses use cold water treadmills to create therapeutic effect, as well as targeted high-pressure liquid nitrogen treatments.

The cryotherapy chamber was the clincher, and with a photo of a horse in cold fog surrounding her provided to the press, every reporter wanted to get footage of that, if not get into the chamber themselves.

Andra Bennett, APR, is Marketing Communications | Public Events Department for the City of Fort Worth, Texas.