Jason Poppe Talks Trained Crowd Manager Live
A Trained Crowd Manager (TCM) Live session was held this year the day after VenueConnect in Baltimore concluded. There were several participants, including Jason Poppe—director of events and operations for Georgetown Athletics and McDonough Arena in Washington, D.C.—whom we spoke with about his experience.
Please explain the value TCM would bring to our industry and how the knowledge received from this training would be applicable to your job.
Jason Poppe: As the director of events for 29 intercollegiate athletics sports in a major metropolitan area, I am constantly concerned about the safety and security of not only the student athletes and university I represent, but those that are visiting for perhaps the first time, or for regulars who are here at every event. The TCM program allows me to provide the confidence to my staff and superiors that in the instance something were to happen where there is an emergency, there are individuals such as myself, police, our Department of Emergency Management on Campus that would be able to see all involved through safely as best as we possibly can with a plan and purpose.
What percentage of your total work times requires the knowledge and skills presented in this training (zero percent to 100 percent)? Also, what do you feel the deliverables obtained were during the TCM Training in Baltimore and your recommendation for those that have not attended TCM?
JP: I would say as the primary individual in charge of event planning in my current role, that approximately 20 percent of my total work is devoted to ensuring safety and proper planning. There are dedicated individuals on campus who focus much more on the prevention of emergencies alongside our facilities staff and other university personnel, but having been through the training and being a Trained Crowd Manager, certainly puts me in many of the conversations with these groups when they’re looking for information. As far as deliverables go, I can go back to my supervisor and director of athletics and let them know that in any situation they will have someone on staff who is trained to manage several emergency situations, even if it is in a management role directing the various emergency groups we have at events. At this time, I believe I am the only individual at my institution with this certification. I have been a Emergency Response Team member for about six months now here on campus, and working with that group, I plan on introducing them to the TCM program and IAVM as a whole for the fantastic educational offerings.
I personally feel more confident as a manager that if there were ever an issue that needed to be handled as an emergency situation, I would be more able to manage those situations because of this training.
Meet This Year’s AMC Scholarship + Internship Recipients
The IAVM Foundation is proud to announce the Joseph A. Floreano Scholarship + Internship Program recipients for the 2015 Arena Management Conference (AMC), recognizing five, deserving individuals who demonstrate leadership, character, community involvement, and the potential to be future leaders in the venue management industry. The Foundation also offers scholarships + internships to a variety of other IAVM conferences and schools, click here to learn more and to apply. Thanks to the support of committed donors, together we are Building Amazing Futures. Click here to learn more about the Foundation’s annual campaign.
David Angeles, Outstanding Leadership Scholarship
General Manager, Allen Event Center
Favorite team? The Michigan State Spartans.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? Monkey, four hands and a tail that acts like a fifth. Talk about the opportunity to be an ultimate multi-tasker!
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why? Inspector Gadget, he is a super hero right? Surround yourself with a good team and even when you aren’t perfect you can still get the desired results! Plus, I want the helicopter hat!
If you could switch places with someone for one day, who would it be and why? I would like to get inside the mind of the GM at a Super Bowl venue or managing director of an Olympic Stadium…one month after the event/closing ceremony. I would love the reflection and knowledge, but skip the gray hair! Seriously, the entire world is watching.
Favorite quote? Life is like riding a bicycle, in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving”—Albert Einstein
Do you have previous experience working with IAVM? I currently serve on the IAVM Membership Committee, part of the Mentor/Mentee Program, and have worked on various IAVM projects over the past few years. I recently found out I am considered a VenueDataSource “Super User.” That made me smile.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/dave-angeles/77/58a/58b
Jeremy Huelsing, Young Professional Scholarship
Director of Finance, Chaifetz Arena
Favorite team? The St. Louis Cardinals.
Favorite sports or entertainment memory? My favorite sports memory is when the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Texas Rangers in Game 6 of the 2011 World Series on a walk off home run by David Freese. They went on to win game 7 of the World Series the following night.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? I would be an Alaskan Husky. They work well in a team environment, they have an inspiring work ethic, they are athletic, and they love the outdoors.
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why? I would be Leonardo of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He always led by example, and the other turtles looked up to him. He was always willing to work and train. And they always seemed to be eating pizza, so that’s a plus.
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? The general manager of an NBA arena.
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/jeremy-huelsing/8a/382/518
Daniel Salamone, Young Professional Scholarship
Booking and Scheduling Manager, Taco Bell Arena
Favorite team? The Chicago Blackhawks.
Favorite sports or entertainment memory? My most memorable concert moment was standing on the 30-yard line in Soldier Field and having Kenny Chesney swing in on the QB camera cables and stop right above us. I think it was his sunshine stadium tour.
If you could switch places with someone for one day, who would it be and why? I would switch places with Warren Buffett’s assistant and spend the day with him to learn as much as I could from him and his team so I could come back and make the most out of my investments.
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? I am still trying to decide, but I would say either a GM of a building or marketing director for one of the large promoters.
Favorite quote? “It is easier to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission.”
@Twitter handle: @Salamone01
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielsalamone
Brooke Ginther, Industry Women Scholarship
Event Coordinator, Prairie Capital Convention Center
Favorite team? The St. Louis Cardinals.
Your favorite sports or entertainment memory? My first Chicago Bears football game at Soldier Field.
If you could be any superhero, who would you be and why? I would be The Flash so I could accomplish more tasks in a short amount of time.
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? My ultimate dream job is to own and operate a small venue of my own.
Favorite quote? “Choose being kind over being right, and you’ll be right every time.”—Richard Carlson
Gregory Conroy, Student Intern
Master’s Degree in Sport and Leisure Commerce from the University of Memphis
Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Management from Penn State University
Favorite Team? The Pittsburgh Penguins.
Your favorite sports or entertainment memory? Working a Bruce Springsteen show shortly after Hurricane Sandy his his hometown. He put on an incredible show that lasted about 4.5 hours.
What is your ultimate dream job in the industry? My ultimate dream job would be the general manager of a major arena.
Favorite quote? “Life is never easy for those who dream.”—Robert James Waller
Do you have previous experience working with IAVM? Yes, I interned at Venue Management School (VMS) in 2014. Just to be in the same place as some of the major people in the industry was an experience in itself. I was also very grateful to sit in on the classes even though I wasn’t going to be tested at the end of the week. Winning the golf tournament on activity day was a pretty big plus!
Star Wars Lands in Disney; World Does Happy Dance
Hey everyone, there’s this movie franchise called Star Wars, and there’s also this theme park called Walt Disney World. Put them together, and people are flipping out. That’s what happened this weekend when news was released at the D23 EXPO 2015 that Star Wars-themed lands will be coming to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Can’t say we blame them, as THIS IS THE BEST NEWS EVER!
“We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever,” Walt Disney Co. Chairman and CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet, including an epic Star Wars adventure that puts you in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance.”
The new themed lands will be 14 acres large and feature a remote trading port and the opportunity to get behind the controls of the Millennium Falcon.
The Star Wars news isn’t the only themed land Disney announced at D23. There are also plans for a new Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Pandora-The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and a Marvel attraction for Hong Kong Disneyland.
“From Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration to the anticipation of Shanghai Disney Resort, we’re in the midst of unprecedented growth and expansion around the globe,” Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek said in a release. “With these new announcements, we continue our legacy in creating innovative attractions, worldwide entertainment, and magical lands that take our guests into the worlds of stories they love.”
Speaking of love, let’s get back to Star Wars. From the Disney press release, here are details about the new themed-land experience.
Star Wars Launch Bay – This interactive experience will take guests into the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, including opportunities to visit with new and favorite Star Wars characters, special merchandise, and food offerings. Star Wars Launch Bay will be located in the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and in Tomorrowland at Disneyland park.
Jedi Training Academy— A favorite of younger fans is re-imagined with a new experience that includes new characters and a new villain to battle from the popular Disney XD series Star Wars Rebels.
Season of the Force – This new seasonal event, beginning early 2016, brings new experiences to both coasts. In Tomorrowland at Disneyland park, guests will explore the Star Wars galaxy with special entertainment throughout the land, themed food locations, and more. Guests also will be thrilled to climb aboard Hyperspace Mountain, a re-imagining of the classic Space Mountain attraction, in which guests will join an X-wing Starfighter battle. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests will close out weekend nights with a new fireworks spectacular set to the iconic score of the Star Wars movies.
(Image: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts)
Member Venues Named Best in Show
Convene magazine released its annual Best in Show winners, and some of our member venues made the list. Which ones, you ask. Well, these venues:
Best High-Tech Venues
Austin Convention Center
“‘We’re a gigabit-rated building that can move voice, video, and data at over 1 billion bits a second,’ said Brandon Peacy, a marketing representative for the center.”
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
“Long Beach’s on-site audiovisual team uses state-of-the-art lighting and sound design to create ‘multisensory experiences’ — and even before they’re on site, planners can visualize their events via a 3D “Convention Center Campus” tool on the center’s website.”
Best Food and Beverage
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
“Led by executive chef Christopher Pulling, BCEC’s culinary team spent 74 percent of their food budget on local products last year to deliver memorable Boston-centric dishes to attendees…”
Vancouver Convention Centre
“[Chef Blair] Rasmussen not only leads a world-class Centerplate catering team, but has helped shape modern British Columbian cuisine…”
Congratulations to our member venues named Best in Show, and please visit Convene to read about the rest of the winners.
(Image: Austin Convention Center)
Persistence is the Key to Creativity
Imagine making a fire. You have to continually feed it more fuel if you want it to burn brighter and higher. The same can be said for creativity. The best results are found through persistence.
That’s not how most people feel, though, and a new study shows how mistaken they are.
Brian Lucas and Loran Nordgren at Northwestern University conducted seven experiments with more than 1,200 participants and found that people underestimate how many creative ideas they can come up with when given more time.
“People consistently underestimate the value of persisting on creative tasks,” Lucas and Nordgren wrote in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. “Adjusting beliefs about the value of persistence may promote creativity by reducing the possibility that people quit too early, leaving their best ideas undiscovered.”
For example, in a study asking participants to generate Thanksgiving dinner ideas, the participants initially said they would only come up with nine new things to eat if given 10 more minutes to come up with ideas. The participates ended up generating 21 new ideas when given the extra time.
The researchers found similar results in the six other studies, including one that involved professional comedy performers, who also underestimated how many punch lines they could come up with when given more time.
“This speaks to the robustness of persistence undervaluation and demonstrates that it is not limited to novices in novel domains,” Lucas and Nordgren wrote.
The researchers suggest we doubt ourselves because generating creative ideas is hard, and when hard work is involved, we often decrease our expectations. But the best, creative ideas are built on a foundation of failure .
“Creative thought is a trial-and-error process that generally produces a series of failed associations before a creative solution emerges,” Lucas and Nordgren wrote.
So, if you haven’t hit upon your best idea, just give yourself more time. It’ll come to you.
(Image: Charis Tsevis/Creative Commons)