I recently returned from IAVM’s International Convention Center Conference (ICCC) in Pasadena. It was a great event, and I learned a lot from both the speakers and from the colleagues who I got to meet for the first time or get to know a little bit better. The convention center industry is vibrant and fun to be a part of!

Here are a few of my big take-aways from the event.

The Guest Experience is Driving Tech

The convention center industry as a whole is looking to advance, and new technology is an important part of that. I had many great conversations about technology, and a common theme was that convention center professionals feel that it’s critical for the industry to look forward. There were some great examples. For example, who from the event could forget how Event Presence used its proprietary LIVEBOTs to bring Jeffrey Tambor, John Quiñones, Larry King and Bob Walker to ICCC virtually?

Tapin2’s SmartVenueTM, a mobile ordering platform that makes it easy for guests, handles business on both sides. Or, as the company puts it, “drives concessions, merchandise, memorabilia and experience revenue.”

There’s the magic word: experience. Every piece of technology must improve the guest experience. All of the new technologies are centered around the guest experience during the conference or trade show, and also giving convention centers the opportunity to use technology as a selling point for meeting planners.  

Safety and Security Are Major Tech Considerations

Convention center safety and security departments are leveraging new technology that can easily be applied to provide a safer environment and improve real-time situational awareness. I heard from several people who stated that a major challenge for the convention center industry is the multiple safety and security systems with little integration or consistency.

Space Management Tech is a Game Changer

Meeting space management technology is an exciting area, and key to using spaces in new and different, more efficient ways. Aside from being able to better manage the traditional meeting spaces, non-traditional spaces – like hallway lobbies – are being used more and more for impromptu meetings, cocktail receptions, meeting breaks, etc. The event teams at convention centers can leverage technology to make the most of these spaces – and meet the needs of meeting planners – in a more efficient manner that’s also fun and different for the guests.

Thanks to IAVM for another great event!

To view the original story, visit Concept3D.

Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in October 2016. Thank you for being a part of the association!

Also, let us get to know you better by participating in the I Am Venue Management series. Please visit http://www.iavm.org/i-am-venue-management-share-your-story to share your story and photo.

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Jay Stoehr remains CEO of family-owned flooring company,
adds proven leader as part of succession plan.

CINCINNATI, OH November 3, 2016 — Robbins, Inc., an international leader in sports flooring systems, has hired Dave Fulton as President to oversee all manufacturing, sales and service functions.

James (Jay) Stoehr III, the fourth generation of his family to lead Robbins, had been serving as President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board. He will retain his other leadership roles, and Fulton will report to him.

Fulton had served as Manufacturing Leader for Cincinnati-based Shepherd Color Company, a multi-generation family-owned color pigment business, since 2014. He previously was President of Dayton, Ohio-based Hohman Plating & Manufacturing from 2008 to 2014.

Fulton received two degrees from the University of Cincinnati: a Bachelor’s of Science in chemical engineering and an MBA in finance. He is a resident of Lawrenceburg, Ind.

“Dave is a transformational business leader with a wealth of experience growing and leading family-owned manufacturing businesses,” Stoehr said. “He understands the manufacturing process as well as its role in driving business growth. I’m counting on him to bring his formidable skills to bear to focus on strategic planning, operational excellence, organizational development and financial results.”

Robbins is based in Cincinnati’s East End neighborhood with sales offices across the U.S. and manufacturing plants in Michigan and Wisconsin. The privately held company’s main business unit is Robbins Sports Surfaces, the premier supplier of high-performance maple and synthetic sports flooring systems to professional and college athletic programs as well as fitness, religious and performing arts.

Athletes in more than 65 nations on six continents compete and practice on the company’s sports surfaces. More NBA teams use Robbins flooring than all other competitors combined, with 90% of teams owning the company’s competition and/or training facility floors — including the NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers, who have played home games on a Robbins floor since 1974.

Stoehr credits a 20-year relationship with the Goering Center for Family & Private Business, based at the University of Cincinnati, with helping him plan for succession in a family business and prioritize business success ahead of personal interests or ambitions. Working with Robbins’ Board of Advisors, Stoehr developed a succession plan that led to the decision to hire a President to assume day-to-day operational responsibility.

“We’ve made this exciting change because Robbins is built on strong values that focus on doing the right thing for employees, customers and vendors while strengthening the company legacy,” Stoehr said. “I’m confident that Dave’s addition to our leadership team will do just that.”

Fulton began work as Robbins President on October 31.  Continue Reading →

Over the past 10 weeks, we’ve been spotlighting some of our favorite Instagram photos from members and venues worldwide in our #iavmweekly5 series. This week we are featuring a recap of all 50 photos that have been selected. It has been a pleasure selecting these photos week after week, and we’ve gotten a really neat look at some really neat venues through impeccably crafted photographs. Thank you all for continuing to share your gorgeous venues and the people within them to the world. 

If you haven’t followed us on Instagram yet, now is a good time. By following us, you’ll be entered into our monthly drawing where you can win prizes such as conference registrations, full-page ads in FM magazine, and textbooks. The next drawing will be November 7.

So behold, our #iavmweekly5 recap!

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Spectra by Comcast Spectacor, the expert in hosting and entertainment, Monday (October 31) named industry veteran John Wentzell as President of its Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality division, according to Dave Scott, the Comcast Spectacor President and CEO. Wentzell, a former Comcast Spectacor executive, will rejoin the company beginning Monday, November 7.

“John is an accomplished executive in the sports and entertainment industry, recognized for driving profitable growth, operational excellence, and financial performance,” said Scott in making the announcement. “His strong entrepreneurial passion and keen insight into the needs of the customer will be invaluable in helping Spectra to continue anticipating and exceeding our customers’ expectations.”

Wentzell returns to Comcast Spectacor after nearly 20 years with Delaware North Companies, where he most recently served as President, Delaware North Sportservice and Delaware North – United Kingdom, where he was responsible for growth strategies, financial and capital planning, acquisitions, talent development, product and service innovation, large client relationship management and business development at both companies. During his time with Delaware North, he also spent six years as President, Delaware North, Boston, where he oversaw the TD Garden, the adjacent commercial development, and the business side of the Boston Bruins.

At Comcast Spectacor, Wentzell was Chief Operating Officer of the Philadelphia Phantoms, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers from 1996-2009. The Phantoms were sold in 2009 and relocated to Adirondack. The team remains the AHL affiliate of the Flyers and now plays its home games at the PPL Center in Allentown, PA, a Spectra property. He also was a General Manager with regional responsibilities at Spectacor Management Group, when it was partially owned by a Comcast Spectacor affiliate.

“John’s experience at Delaware North Companies makes him an invaluable asset as we further grow our Spectra business,” added Scott. “He knows our industry and understands our customers, and will hit the ground running.”

Spectra provides Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, or Ticketing & Fan Engagement to over 300 clients at more than 400 global properties.

As President of Spectra’s Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality division, Wentzell will focus on developing more and better ways to serve Spectra customers through new product development, improved operational performance and enhanced client satisfaction.

Wentzell will be responsible for all aspects of Spectra’s Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality division, including business development, finance, marketing, corporate partnerships, and operations. Spectra’s four Division Senior Vice Presidents (DSVP) Mike Scanlon, Northeast Division; Doug Drewes, Southeast Division; Shura Garnett, Central Division; and Charlie Neary, West Division, will report to Wentzell.

“John has an excellent reputation in our industry and has instant credibility with our clients and employees. We are very excited to have him join our team,” said Ken Young, Founder of Spectra Food Services and Hospitality. “We will benefit greatly from his experiences.”

Spectra’s bundled approach, where more than one of its divisions — Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality or Ticketing & Fan Engagement — is at work for the same client, is generating exceptional results. Seven facilities featuring Spectra’s bundled strategy set best fiscal year records this past year.

This unique advantage is distinct to Spectra, as no other firm in the industry can provide a service bundle that is as comprehensive. Spectra clients enjoy a number of synergies, including reduced overhead, the ability to combine certain overhead positions, driving higher food and beverage profit margins, coordination in securing high-draw events, and cohesive corporate support and client communications, among other advantages.

Wentzell received a Master of Science, Sports Management, from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst) and Bachelor of Arts, Physical Education/Sports Management from Otterbein University.

About Spectra
Spectra by Comcast Spectacor is the expert in hosting and entertainment, partnering with over 300 clients at 400 global properties to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra’s expertise is embodied within three divisions: Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Ticketing & Fan Engagement. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.

About Comcast Spectacor
Comcast Spectacor is part of Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company that operates Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pa., Comcast Spectacor’s three core businesses are the National Hockey League’s Philadelphia Flyers, the Wells Fargo Center venue, and Spectra, the expert in hosting and entertainment through its Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Ticketing & Fan Engagement divisions. Visit us at ComcastSpectacor.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Ike Richman
Vice President, Public Relations
Comcast Spectacor
Tel: 215-389-9552