It's time to vote for the 2015 Venues Today Generation Next Awards. We will be honoring this year's outstanding young professionals during the Event & Arena Marketing Conference in Los Angeles June 10-13, 2015. Vote now to make your voice heard.
The voting deadline is Wednesday, March 4, 2015.
These individuals have been nominated for their newsworthy achievement or outstanding service.
We will showcase the winners in our June issue.
Subscribers, please login and vote online by clicking here. Non-subscribers can also e-mail choices - select five individuals - to vote@venuestoday.com (include your name and affiliation).
SUBSCRIBERS, CLICK HERE TO LOGIN AND VOTE ONLINE!
2015 VENUES TODAY GENERATION NEXT NOMINEES
Rebecca Bolton, 34
General Manager
Global Spectrum – Las Cruces (N.M.) Convention Center
For building relationships and producing events at the Las Cruces Convention Center that led to an extension of Global Spectrum’s contract soon after her arrival. The city has now agreed to extend the contract another two years based on all her accomplishments. Becky finished 2014 with the highest grossing revenue since the building opened. She established two self-produced consumer shows as well as the first “Women of the Year Awards” in Las Cruces. Becky graduated from the International Association of Venue Managers’ Venue Management School.
Sandra Carretero, 28
Operations & Events Manager
SMG / McLane Stadium, Waco, Texas
For spearheading all preopening and grand opening venue operations and event management for McLane Stadium. As the manager of a two-person department, Sandra has been integral in establishing policies and procedures for the new 45,000-seat stadium in addition to executing event day management of all events including Baylor University football, high school football, monster trucks and university events.
Nick DeLuco, 30
Director of Marketing
Rogers K-Rock Centre, SMG Canada, Kingston, Ont.
For overseeing all aspects of marketing sales, and event services within the facility, which helped lead to its recognition as 2014 Canadian Venue of the Year Under 8,000 seats, a highly competitive honor voted on by members of the Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry. Nick works daily with promoters, agents and key stakeholders throughout the industry on current, upcoming, and potential events for the Kingston market. Nick played a major role in the re-branding of the facility with national media conglomerate, Rogers Communications; has helped further increase facility sales revenues through enhancements to food and beverage areas; and has developed new sales channels including external digital signage.
David Farrar, 32
General Manager
SMG- Santander Arena and Theater, Reading, Pa.
For creating a huge success for both the arena and theatre with shows from Elton John to Mythbusters. He also nabbed Reading’s first MMA event in 2014. He is very involved in the local community, finding local businesses to help promote/market upcoming shows to create a buzz within the community when a new event comes to town. David is an outstanding leader who defines integrity and motivation to not only get the job done, but get it done right the first time.
Bryan Flaherty, 33
Director of Ticketing
New England Patriots/Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.
For managing a 97% renewal rate on Patriots season tickets since 2011 and taking direct responsibility for 1 million tickets sold per year at the stadium. Bryan has managed ticketing for the 2015 Super Bowl Championship Patriots since 2011. This was his first Super Bowl as Director of Ticketing, though he joined the Patriots as a ticketing intern in 2003. He graduated for Johnson & Wales University, Center for Sports, Entertainment and Event Management, in 2004 and returned to the Patriots fulltime.
Gunnar Fox, 31
General Manager
Global Spectrum/PPL Center, Allentown, Pa.
For spearheading the 2014 grand opening of the new PPL Center, a 10,000-seat multipurpose venue managed by Global Spectrum. Gunnar has successfully booked major performing artists including The Eagles, Tom Petty, Judas Priest, Nickelback, and Neil Diamond, as well as world-class family shows and sporting events, including Harlem Globetrotters, Professional Bull Riders, WWE, and multiple Feld Entertainment shows to name a few. Gunnar began his facility management career as Event Manager at the Global Spectrum-managed Wells Fargo Center in 2006. He was promoted to general manager at the EnCana Events Center in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, in 2008, and general manager at the 7,500-seat Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M., in 2009, before moving to Allentown in March 2014.
Douglas Galeano, 33
Director of Ballpark Operations
El Paso Chihuahuas (AAA affiliate for San Diego Padres)
For opening a brand new, successful Triple A ballpark, which received honors as Ballpark of the Year by BaseballParks.com. Within 6 years, Doug has risen from an Operations lead at the Toyota Center, Houston, to an Operations manager at one of the busiest complex’s in the country, NRG Park, Houston. He focuses on quality of service while developing and coaching those around him. His quality of outcomes are derived by his clarity of objectives and performance measures.
Kevin Glouner, 32
Concessions Manager
Von Braun Center, Huntsville, Ala.
For his involvement in the renovation of Propst Arena’s concourse concession stands, where he implemented an Individual Restaurant Concept and menu development and helped with the design for the Bud Light Café. Kevin has built a strong community relationship by working with many volunteer groups and oversees all merchandise sales inside the facility. He assists with sponsorship sales for the arena and oversees all in-house catering for the luxury suites. Kevin works with the facility’s local community events, festivals and food rallies, often being referred to as Special Events Manager in regards to Food & Beverage.
Russell Gordon, 34
Sr. Director, Events and Venue Operations
Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE
For overseeing all of Nokia Theatre’s security, guest services and operations for all events and working closely with the production teams that bring their prestigious awards show to the venue. Russ is exactly what we expect in all young leaders; enthusiasm, motivation, and drive. He is that person that needs to make every event successful by not being satisfied with the status quo, but striving to make improvements at every moment to make that experience something special for guests, clients, artists, and employees. His talents in event logistics and planning, including overall crowd management and flow, have been put to great use during the record-breaking 10 major award shows Nokia Theatre L.A. Live hosted in 2014. Russ was a critical part of the success of these events and managing over 50,000 guests from excited fans to A-list superstars with millions of eyeballs tuning in from around the world.
Karen Jantsch, 31
Programming Manager
Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin, Texas
For taking the venue’s City Terrace, considered a liability for the Long Center (it was originally supposed to be part of the enclosed lobby, but wound up outside due to budget cuts), and turning it into one of the building’s biggest assets. Karen created and implemented the “All Summer Long” season, bringing shows and activities like Bubblepalooza!, Sound & Cinema (movies on the Terrace), Trailer Food Tuesdays, and World Cup watching parties to the area, drawing over 120,000 guests with them. The majority of these events are free and open to the public, with many visitors having never been to the Long Center before. Not only has the series become a staple to Austin in the summer months, but is hugely successful in all terms of data capture.
Kelly Kapp, 35
Sr. VP Talent
House of Blues Entertainment
For exceeding expectations of bringing in $3 million for the company with a $5.4 million effort in 2014. Acts that Kelly booked last year include Taking Back Sunday and The Used, for a co-headline tour that essentially sold out in every market. She also booked, promoted and produced Anberlin’s farewell tour, which sold out three dates in New York City. While she generally books hard rock and metal bands, Kelly also enjoys finding non-traditional acts to fill her vast portfolio of venues. She’s booked burlesque entertainer Dita Von Teese, who had two legs of touring and multiple sold-out shows in 2014. Also last year, she initiated a relationship with Chippendales, recently expanding their working relationship into 2016. Kapp has worked her way up in the company, starting as a part-time ticket counter while attending college. She now oversees booking national tours into more than 25 venues, including all House of Blues and Fillmore locations.
Ashley Kerns, 35
Operations and Engagement Coordinator
Opening Nights Festival, Florida State University
For assisting the new executive director in restructuring the organization, rewriting job duties and training staff, and making programming recommendations to expand current offerings at Opening Nights Festival. Ashley coordinated the new educational partnership between the festival and the Kennedy Center in Washington. D.C. She has modernized festival administrative operations and embedded a culture of investment and commitment in her team. Ashley participated in conversations and committee work to launch the re-naming of the festival to “Opening Nights.”
Kyle Knox, 24
Events Manager
Greater Wheeling (Va.) Sports & Entertainment Authority (WesBanco Arena and Capitol Theatre)
For his phenomenal efforts to attract new programming to the venues, which have led to one of the busiest seasons ever at the historical Capitol Theatre. Kyle’s development of a new Children’s Play Series has breathed new life into attracting area students to the theatre. Kyle works closely with the Wheeling Nailers Hockey Organization, primary tenant at the WesBanco Arena. The relationship he has built with the team’s staff and management has enabled both organizations to resolve issues before they become problems. Having hired into the organization almost directly out of college, Kyle is knowledgeable in a myriad of areas such as marketing, ticketing, event planning and building management. He has increased productivity among his peers and has facilitated the management team to avoid mid-season “burnout.”
Chris Lawrence, 32
General Manager
XL Center, Rentschler Field and Hartford Wolf Pack Business Operations for Global Spectrum
For overseeing a $35-million renovation project to update XL Center in just three short months. The project focused on improving the fan experience and cosmetic upgrades with the installation of an interactive fan bar in the lower bowl, a new center hung scoreboard and digital signage, a completely renovated concourse and new bathrooms, the installation of lower level premium loge boxes, and renovated concession stands. Under Chris’ guidance, XL Center has attracted high-powered acts such as Fleetwood Mac, Justin Timberlake, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, amongst others. In addition, Rentschler Field was the host to both the US Men’s and Women’s National Teams in two friendly international soccer matches.
Zack Lloyd, 27
Director of Marketing
Global Spectrum - Atlantic City, N.J. (Boardwalk Hall and Atlantic City Convention Center)
For relaunching Boardwalk.Com as an amazing, creative, well designed, user-friendly website, and doing it with a very limited budget. He also developed the “Chairman of the Boardwalk” social media campaign leading to 163-percent growth on Facebook and more than 11,000 unique opt ins for Boardwalk Hall’s database. Zack spearheaded Boardwalk Hall event pre-parties by taking an area seldom used on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, located directly in front of the arena, called “Kennedy Plaza” and creating a lively, high energy pre-event in order to extend the customer experience and drive incremental revenue for the events at Boardwalk Hall.
Jenn McElhatten, 26
Corporate Communication Manager
Cleveland (Ohio) Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena
For raising the bar on creating awareness across all publicity and social media platforms for events at Cleveland’s Quicken Loans Arena, including Feld Entertainment, WWE and major touring shows. A great example of her creativity was executed for the Harlem Globetrotter 2014 World Tour. Teaming up the HGT Advance Ambassador with R.A.K.E. (Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere), a December day was spent traveling the Cleveland community to come upon opportunities to brighten someone’s day. Hundreds of free vouchers were distributed, lunch tabs were paid for in local restaurants, and clothing was donated to the needy. The media covered the promotion, social media followed and the Globetrotters hit a box office record with the highest gross ever in Cleveland.
Stephen Poremba, 32
Director of Sales and Marketing
SMG/Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
For resurrecting the venue’s Premium Seating program in a year when nearly 90 percent of current premium seat licenses were up for renewal by providing additional opportunities to accommodate the fan interested in a premium experience without a full-season commitment. The venue was able to retain nearly 85 percent of its current license holders and developed a partial-season flex option that opened the door to new prospects. Steve was also instrumental in creating community events at the venue to benefit local veterans, underprivileged children and families with children with special needs. Steve worked with the venue’s numerous shows to bring educational campaigns and demonstrations to community groups including the WWE’s “Be-A-Star” program to an elementary school, the Harlem Globetrotters “ABC’s of Bullying Prevention” to an area middle school, a demonstration from “The Gala of the Royal Horses” at a center for adults with special needs and a “Dralion Days” event for Cirque du Soleil at a charter school.
Andrew Roach, 32
Manager/Head of Tour Marketing
Mick Management
For handling 2014 marketing for 25 tours (including headline runs by Ray LaMontagne and Walk the Moon), working closely with promotion, ticketing, radio and digital teams. He has worked closely with Brooklyn-based St. Lucia. While the band had seen minimal radio support, it had a widely successful touring year due in part to Andrew’s aggressive grassroots marketing efforts. The band played 118 shows in 2014, including sold-out headline dates at L.A.’s Fonda Theatre and Belasco Theater, and two sold-out nights at NYC’s Terminal 5. They also toured throughout Europe, Australia and South Africa—and landed festival slots at Festival Musique et Arts Osheaga, Summerfest, Forecastle and Treasure Island. This year, the band will play both Coachella and Hangout festivals while working on a new album. Andrew is the manager for electro-pop act St. Lucia and oversees tour marketing for more than 20 artists under Mick Management, including Passion Pit, Of Monsters And Men and Childish Gambino.
Ariel Roberts, 32
Administration/Human Resources Manager
AEG – Bakersfield, Calif.
For successfully instituting a job shadowing program for local high schools, working as part of a two-person team to put a corporate customer service initiative in place and, last but not least, successfully booking, buying, producing and presenting the annual Bright House Networks Amphitheater Concert Series over the summer. Ariel issues and maintains every contract for every event at all AEG-managed Bakersfield facilities (Rabobank Arena, Rabobank Theater, Rabobank Convention Center, Bright House Networks Amphitheater) and acts as the coordinator for every event that takes place at the Amphitheater. In addition to the concert series there are several private rentals, a Relay for Life event, and a free 4th of July event.
McKenzie Rowley, 24
Premium Seating and Suite Sales Manager
SMG/NRG Park, Houston, Texas
For coordination and implementation of the suite sales program for 49 performances of Feld Entertainment (Monster Jam (3), Monster Energy Supercross (1), Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey (27) and two engagements of Disney on Ice (18)). McKenzie was also responsible for suite sales for a One Direction Concert and the SWAC Football Championship. There are over 900 suites available for these events and occupancy is over 90%. In addition to NRG Park’s suite program, McKenzie is responsible for all stadium hospitality sales for the Offshore Technology Conference. OTC is the largest annual tradeshow held in Houston, and McKenzie’s sales program produced over 100 individual events over the four-day conference, including small hospitality events, catered meals, networking functions, conferences and full-blown parties with over 1,000 attendees.
Brian Rutowski, 31
General Manager
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island, and First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre for Live Nation Entertainment
For a record-breaking year at all three venues, bringing in more than 600,000 guests to over 40 shows. First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre came in first and FirstMerit Bank Pavilion third, across all Live Nation North America Concerts, with respect to average sales per event for the 2014 season. Additionally, FirstMerit Bank Pavilion concessions reached several milestones, including making the highest per cap record for a show, outdoing all other shows ever played at the venue. FirstMerit Bank Pavilion also achieved “top average per cap” across all venues and shows nationwide, in Live Nation’s North American Concerts division. Major events last year at Brian’s venues include Bruno Mars making his first headline appearance at a sold-out show at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre, and a personal favorite of Brian’s—the Dave Matthews Band performing two sold-out shows for the first time at FirstMerit Bank Pavilion.
Adam Sinclair, 35
VP of Operations
Verizon Center/ Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Washington
For revamping the Operations department and focusing on numerous capital improvement projects at the facility in his first year at Verizon Center. He has spearheaded several renovation projects (Wizards offices and locker room) and continues to focus on future projects (new VIP space) to keep Verizon Center a top servicing facility. Adam oversees more than 150 staff and the main focus at Verizon Center this year is on customer service and creating an experience. He has played a major role in pushing these efforts among his team.
Jeannine Smaltz, 35
General Manager
Walnut Creek Amphitheatre and Red Hat Amphitheatre, Raleigh, N.C.
For grace under pressure and excellent leadership skills as she ramped up for her new post beginning May 2014. Jeannine went from running a 5,000-seat boutique amphitheater and a 2,000-person club, to now running a 5,000-seat boutique amphitheater and a 20,000-seat amphitheater. She directs up to 15 managers, who manage up to 1,000 staff members, and she went from employing 14 ushers and ticket-takers to 100. And while the number of shows she handles at her venues may have decreased, the amount of everything else has increased: more pre-planning, more acreage to cover, more fan events and, sometimes, even more fires to put out. Major events in 2014 under Jeannine’s leadership include two sold-out Luke Bryan concerts, a sold-out Jason Aldean concert and the Farm Aid Concert at Walnut Creek, the venue’s biggest event last year.
Casey Sparks, 35
Assistant General Manager
BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla.
For helping to coordinate all details and leading her team through a successful Garth Brooks residency of seven sold-out shows. Brooks’ visit to his hometown of Tulsa generated enormous national media attention and his performances set a venue record for the most tickets sold by a single artist with over 130,000 total tickets sold. The highlight of his two-week residency was a Saturday night of back-to-back performances. The two shows in one night welcomed over 36,000 fans through the doors.
Ashton Spatz, 29
Sr. Marketing & Promotions Manager
House of Blues, West Hollywood
For redesigning the venue’s brand and show collateral, highlighting all of the venue’s activities on a digital calendar. She’s also introduced email-marketing campaigns and has ramped up social media activity. Last year alone, Ashton increased the venue’s database size by 175 percent and its Instagram followers to 10k, making it the first venue in Live Nation’s Club and Theater division to acquire 10,000 followers. Ashton was promoted to Senior Marketing Manager in early 2014, overseeing all brand and show marketing for the House of Blues, West Hollywood. She now runs the venue’s marketing department, where every function of marketing—social media, radio, print and web—falls under her direction.
Jake Wood, 24
Director of Sales & Marketing
SMG | CenturyLink Center, Bossier City, La.
For being handed the keys to a major arena as Interim General Manager in September after only five years in the business, being named to the 2014 class of the Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40, and fulfilling the first full year at CenturyLink Center with suites at 100 percent capacity even though it had lost its sports tenant. Jake is committed to exceptional customer experience, no matter if the customer is in the form of an investor, suite holder, ticket holder, promoter or partner in the community.