The Green Sports Alliance is working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to examine the current state of energy and water performance and identify the opportunities and challenges in advancing the design, construction, and operation of high-performance facilities. One element of this project involves conducting a survey of current practices, barriers, and opportunities venue operators face when it comes to energy and water efficiency. The findings from this survey will help identify opportunities to reduce energy and water use, save money, and potentially develop an ENERGY STAR score and certification for stadiums and arenas.

On this webinar, we will learn about how the Green Sports Alliance is working with the DOE and NIBS to support energy and water efficiency across sports venues. Our partners at the EPA will then provide the audience with an overview of the Stadium and Arena Energy and Water Efficiency Survey, conduct a walk-through of key questions and sections, and provide the audience with an opportunity to ask questions.

Join us to learn more about how you can contribute to this initiative!

Date: Wednesday, August 31 
Time: 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT
Registration: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5396739895472708868

Speakers include:
1. Green Sports Alliance Board Member
2. Dania Gutierrez | Program Manager, Green Sports Alliance
3. Ryan Colker | Director, Consultative Council/Presidential Advisor, National Institute of Building Sciences
4. Adam Guzzo | Policy Adviser, US Department of Energy
5. Clark Reed | National Program Manager, ENERGY STAR Commercial Buildings, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Your employees are going to make mistakes from time to time. However, how you react to those mistakes shows the type of leader you are.

Consider this story from jazz musician Herbie Hancock about a time he made a mistake while performing with Miles Davis.

“I remember when we were playing ‘So What,’ and it was a really hot night. The music was on,” Hancock said in the above video. “Right in the middle of Miles’ solo, when he was playing one of his amazing solos, I played the wrong chord. Completely wrong. It sounded like a big mistake. And Miles paused for a second, and then he played some notes that made my chord right. He made it ‘correct.’ Miles didn’t hear it as a mistake. He heard it as something that happened. Just an event. And so, that was part of the reality of what was happening at that moment. And he dealt with it. Since he didn’t hear it as a mistake, he felt it was his responsibility to find something that fit. That taught me a very big lesson about not only music but about life.”

Shakespeare had the same idea when he wrote, “For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” A reaction is what separates bad leaders from good ones. And if you want to be considered a good leader, one that your employees look up to and emulate, then choose to find a way to make a mistake fit that will help them look just as good as you.

These are selected news articles that showed up in our inboxes on Monday morning that we want to pass along to you.

With Opening of Cowboys’ New HQ, The Star in Frisco, “The Best is Here Today” (Dallas Morning News)
“The price tag for the city-owned portion of the complex is more than $261.8 million. That figure includes the cost for the 12,000-seat stadium, two outdoor practice fields for the Cowboys, the plaza in front of the stadium and the underground parking garage. The city, its entities and the school district contributed $90 million. The rest has been funded by the Cowboys.”

Industry Honor Given to BancorpSouth Arena and Conference Center (WTVA.com)
“The honor goes to arenas based on criteria such as seating, staff and staging.”

VenuWorks Plans Quick Start at Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet (The Herald-News)
“VenuWorks plans to take the management reins Sept. 1 at the Rialto Square Theatre – and begin looking for shows even sooner – after being selected Wednesday as the firm to run the theater.”

Roof Collapses During Steve Aoki Concert in Norway, Injuring 15 (NBC News)
“None of the injuries were serious, police said, adding that it was unclear if Aoki was on stage at the time.”

Indy Studying Convention Center Expansion, New Hotel Space (IndyStar)
“The last such study, completed in 2004, resulted in a $275 million expansion of the center, as well as the development of the 1,000-room JW Marriott hotel.”

(Image: Dallas Cowboys)

Going to a theatre (yeah, I’m sticking with that spelling version, AP Style police) can be confusing for first-time guests. “How do I dress?” “Will there be food and drinks?” “Can I talk to my friend?” All good questions. And now thanks to one of our member venues, Bass Performance Hall, there are answers. The venue teamed up with WFAA and comedy duo The Monthly Junk to deliver this fun PSA on theatre etiquette. Because knowing is half the battle.

Has your venue produced fun videos? Please share them with us if so.

Congratulations to Karen Totaro, CFE, IAVM’s 2015-2016 chair, on being named the new senior vice president and general manager for the San Diego Convention Center!

“In our industry, the San Diego Convention Center has always been recognized as a venue at the forefront, so I am simply thrilled to be able to join such a strong team already in place with a great leader like its President & CEO Clifford ‘Rip’ Rippetoe,” Totaro said in a statement.

Totaro most recently served as the general manager of the Atlantic City Convention Center. She has also worked as the assistant general manager at the Duke Energy Convention Center, the assistant executive director of the Oregon Convention Center, and the associate director at the University of Dayton Arena.

“We are excited to have someone of Karen’s standards and qualifications join us here at the San Diego Convention Center,” Rippetoe said in a statement. “We look forward to welcoming her to a facility whose purpose is to be the premiere gathering place located at the heart of a world-class destination.”

Totaro has been widely involved in IAVM leadership for many years and currently chairs the IAVM Leadership/Nominating Committee.

“As the recent chairman of the board for the 5,000-member International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), I have had the opportunity to travel extensively and nothing compares to the San Diego community in terms of warmth of spirit and creating a unique lifestyle that others only hope to emulate,” Totaro said.

Totaro begins her new job on Sept. 30, 2016.

Once again, congratulations Karen!

(Image: San Diego Convention Center)