By Tammy Austin

New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) Chief Administrative Officer Alita Caparotta was recognized as a “Power 20” honoree in a recent Tourism and Hospitality issue of New Orleans CityBusiness, a weekly business newspaper. A special section that publishes quarterly, each edition represents a different industry and features 20 of the most influential leaders in that industry.

Chosen for this honor through an anonymous nomination process, Caparotta has been instrumental in cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and enhancing the NOENMCC’s reputation and credibility. This is evident in both Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investor Services recently designating high ratings to the Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Exhibition Hall Authority. Under Caparotta’s financial stewardship, the Convention Center maintained financial solvency and its staff throughout the pandemic and met operational and capital improvement program expenditures and refunded existing debt. In May 2022, as the travel and tourism industries began recovery, Caparotta led a cost-of-living adjustment for all Convention Center employees.

“Alita’s leadership and financial expertise, along with her strategic management acumen regarding stewardship of the Convention Center’s funds, are instrumental in our continued financial successes,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President and CEO. “Her laser-focus and unwavering dedication demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, ingenuity, and achievement. We congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition.”

Since joining the Convention Center staff as an accounting manager in 2000, Caparotta’s talent and discipline helped her progress through subsequent promotions. In her current role as Chief Administrative Officer, she manages several departments and oversees the financial aspects of the Convention Center’s ongoing $557 million Capital Improvement Plan.

Caparotta holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alabama and maintains her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designations. She holds memberships in several professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Louisiana State Society of Certified Public Accountants (LSSCPA), the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), Women in Public Finance, and the International Women’s Forum.

Tammy Austin is with The Ehrhardt Group.

By Blair Cardinal

The Tulsa Public Facilities Authority (TPFA) awarded Oak View Group the venue management and food service contract for the premier sports and music venue BOK Center and the 275,000-square foot Cox Business Convention Center.

During a special meeting on July 28, TPFA unanimously voted to begin exclusive negotiations with OVG360 and OVG Hospitality to manage venue operations, booking, partnerships and sponsorships, and food and beverage operations at the two award-winning venues in the heart of Downtown Tulsa.

OVG will focus on creating momentum in three main areas: ensuring Tulsa is the top destination for major concerts in Oklahoma, continuing to grow the city’s national and regional convention business, and assisting the city and its stakeholders in the development of a full-service convention center hotel.

“The BOK Center and Convention Center are key economic drivers in our community, and their success is critical to Tulsa’s future vitality,” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “As a thriving world-class city with world-class entertainment venues, we must always be focused on continuous improvement – not self-satisfied with the success of today but focused on being even better tomorrow. I have complete confidence in OVG and their ability to build upon the success we’ve enjoyed at the BOK Center and Convention Center over the last fifteen years.”

Oak View Group is no stranger to the Tulsa market. In fact, current OVG executives have nearly four decades of collective experience overseeing operations at BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center. John Bolton, senior vice president at OVG, opened BOK Center in 2008 and served as general manager of both the arena and convention center for six years; Jeff Nickler, senior vice president at OVG and general manager of Austin’s Moody Center, spent a decade in Tulsa booking many of the largest concerts in BOK Center history; Casey Sparks, vice president of OVG Austin, served as general manager of the two Tulsa venues for three years; and Joe Giordano, formerly assistant general manager at BOK Center, is now vice president leading OVG’s Arena, Stadium and Theater Alliances. These executives will serve on a special senior advisory council to support the transition at both venues.

“We know the potential of the Tulsa market, and we know BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center are centerpieces of that forward movement,” Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oak View Group, said. “Oak View Group has a number of leaders – John, Jeff, Casey, and Joe – who have deep roots and a profound respect for the market, coupled with long-time relationships with the City’s key stakeholders and among the community. OVG working in Tulsa will feel like coming home, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

Food and beverage at the BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center will be authentically Tulsa. OVG will work with more local partners, introduce more local flavors, and implement the newest technology to optimize the fan and guest experience.

In addition to working with local and regional partners who have historically played a prominent role at BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center, OVG will also leverage relationships with national brands to develop new partnerships and sponsorship opportunities with companies that recognize the vitality of the Tulsa market.

Chris Granger, president of OVG360, said, “We’re proud the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority has selected Oak View Group as their partner to chart the course forward, build upon the BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center’s legacies, and take the venues to the next level. Tulsa has become a must-visit city and BOK Center a must-play tour stop. OVG will help solidify the arena’s place as one of the country’s top music destinations.”

“While thanking ASM Global for its excellent management over the past 15 years, we would like to welcome Oak View Group to Tulsa as the new management firm for the BOK Center and Cox Business Convention Center,” Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, said. “With the BOK Center approaching its 15th birthday and the Cox Business Convention Center enjoying its recent $55 million renovation, these facilities continue to be recognized internationally as premier venues for concerts, sporting events, trade shows, and more. OVG has the kind of global resume that will elevate these two facilities even further.”

“OVG shares our passion for providing the most innovative and engaging opportunities for guests across the region,” Anna America, Chief of Culture and Recreation for the City of Tulsa, said. “While we are changing the management firm, we want to express our confidence and pride in the local staff here in Tulsa and hope to see most of those employees choose to stay here and continue as part of the new team.”

“The CBCC and BOK Center have been massive contributors to Tulsa’s rise as a world-class destination, as they have attracted visitors from all over the world for events like the Bassmaster Classic, NCAA DI Wrestling Championships and – most recently – the USA Gymnastics Championships,” Renee McKenney, senior vice president of tourism for the Tulsa Regional Chamber and president of Tulsa Regional Tourism, said. “Thank you to the ASM – Tulsa team for your consistent partnership, and for going above and beyond to host those incredibly valuable events. Our team is looking forward to working closely with OVG through the transition and beyond, and I am thankful for the thoughtful insights from everyone involved in ensuring the continued success of our city’s major event venues.”

Blair Cardinal is Vice President, Communications at Oak View Group.

By NBA.com

The San Antonio Spurs announced that they have reached an agreement in principle introducing Frost Bank as the new naming rights partner for their home arena, which will be known as the Frost Bank Center. The arena naming rights designation will celebrate Frost’s position as the Spurs longest-tenured partner and bank, with the relationship dating back 50 years.

“We believe in San Antonio – it’s our hometown. We want this relationship with the Spurs to demonstrate our unwavering sense of pride for San Antonio’s rich history and its bright future,” said Frost Chairman and CEO Phil Green. “The longevity and success of both the Spurs and Frost Bank are rooted in our shared values of integrity, caring and excellence. These values ultimately help strengthen and shape our entire community. For 50 years, we have been proud to be a sponsor and a partner with the Spurs. Por Vida. Go Spurs Go!”

Frost and the Spurs first joined forces in 1973 when Tom C. Frost provided the financing necessary to move the franchise to San Antonio. Throughout the 50-year partnership, Frost has been an integral part of Spurs history in many exciting ways, including as the team’s first-ever jersey patch partner from the 2018-19 through the 2021-22 seasons and partner for the soon-to-be-opened Frost Plaza at The Rock at La Cantera, which will serve as a hub for community events to bring Spurs fans together. Frost recently expanded its W. W. White Financial Center in the East Side area that is home to the Spurs arena. Through this expanded partnership, the Spurs are excited to support Frost’s mission of pioneering financial belonging in San Antonio and beyond by increasing financial access and knowledge.

“We’re so excited to bring together two of San Antonio’s most treasured brands in a new and meaningful way to represent our community,” said R.C. Buford, SS&E CEO. “Fifty years ago, our two organizations envisioned the potential of what a professional sports team could mean for our community, and it is only fitting that we’re joining efforts to welcome fans into the home of the San Antonio Spurs. Aligning the Frost and Spurs names in such a major way celebrates both our enduring presence in Texas and our shared commitment to communities we have the privilege of serving.”

By Stacie Bauer

Momentus, the global leader in venue and event management technology, is raising the bar on an extraordinary high note and showcasing a series of monumental achievements as the company solidifies its position as the preferred end-to-end venue and event software partner for convention centers, higher education, corporate entities, stadiums and arenas, and arts and culture centers. Bolstered by an exceptional 70% increase in bookings year over year and solid growth in subscription revenue, Momentus has set new industry benchmarks and leaves no doubt about its unstoppable growth trajectory.

Momentus is working with a number of customers looking to modernize manual processes or outdated systems to contend with evolving complexity in venue and event management.

“We needed a best-in-class solution that could address all top-line business objectives – streamlining

operations, improving delivery, improving the efficiency of our financial program, and optimizing our online customer journey, which was spread across several disparate systems. Momentus Technologies was the only provider that checked all our boxes. Momentus helped us achieve several of our target KPIs and now nearly 90% of our stack organization-wide is Momentus Technologies,” said Mark Velders, Project Manager for IT, Jaarbeurs, one of the most renowned event venue and organizers in Europe.

Organizations equally focused on venue and event management execution excellence, like Google, University of Denver, Allegiant Stadium, and the Apollo Theater to name a few, are among Momentus’ growing customer base focused on modernizing their operations. Momentus’ remarkable momentum sets the stage for continued success, as the company remains steadfast in its mission to empower businesses worldwide with innovative solutions that drive growth and success.

Strategic WeTrack Acquisition: Enhancing Capabilities for Incident Management, Sustainability and Risk
Momentus further cements its commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions with the strategic acquisition of WeTrack, a leader in incident management, sustainability, and risk. This transformative move expands Momentus’ portfolio, empowering the company to deliver even more comprehensive and tailored offerings to clients worldwide. The synergies between Momentus and WeTrack’s specialized expertise create exciting possibilities for customers seeking innovative solutions in these critical areas.

Top-Notch Executive Appointments: Strengthening the Leadership Team
As Momentus accelerates its pace, the company is proud to welcome two accomplished industry veterans to its executive team. Joel Sackett joins as Chief Product Officer, bringing a proven history of spearheading product innovation and a relentless dedication to customer-centric design. James Hughes assumes the role of Chief Technology Officer, equipped with a stellar background in leading high-performance teams and an unwavering vision for technology. These key additions to the executive leadership team ensure Momentus stays at the forefront of innovation and continues to deliver excellence to its customers.

Revolutionary Roll-out: Offering Vertical-Specific Venue and Event Management Solutions
In a groundbreaking move, Momentus is proud to unveil the industry’s first vertical-specific venue and event management solution offerings later this year. This revolutionary roll-out is set to modernize the way venues operate, offering tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of specific industries. With these pioneering offerings, Momentus reaffirms its commitment to elevating industry standards and empowering businesses with tools designed for their success.

“The turning point for venue and event management is already underway and that is proven by the exceptional growth achieved by Momentus in exiting Q2,” said Alex Alexandrov, CEO of Momentus. “Our team’s relentless dedication to innovation and customer success, coupled with the strategic acquisition of WeTrack, has paved the way for transformative growth. Our organization is profoundly committed to the markets we serve and the addition of Joel Sackett and James Hughes to our leadership team further strengthens our ability to drive innovation and deliver unparalleled value to our customers. We are thrilled to empower venues with the industry’s first vertical-specific solution offerings announced earlier, setting a new standard of excellence in the venue and event management SaaS landscape.”

Stacie Bauer is Global Events Manager for Momentus Technologies.

The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in Downtown Jacksonville is undergoing renovations to improve appearance and functionality for its convention and meeting spaces.

The renovations include the Grand Lobby and Ballroom, which will see new carpet, cabinetry, marble walls resealing, programmable uplighting, and fresh paint, and the main concourse area features a new digital display system. Additionally, several meeting spaces will receive new lighting systems, fresh carpet, and acoustic panels. Exterior building updates include painting trim and a new roof.

What is now known as the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center originally opened in 1919 as the largest railroad station in the south, the Jacksonville Union Terminal. It featured more than two dozen rail tracks, a restaurant, gift shop, and other amenities. Today, the Prime maintains some of its historical features including a retired rail car, train bumpers, and signage.

“The Prime” features 78,000 square feet of exhibit space with 33 foot ceilings and 22 meeting rooms of various sizes. The Grand Lobby is a special event space, with 75 foot ceilings and marble walls, overlooking the grand fountain and expansive terminal columns.