A panel of Women of Influence and Generation Nexters at last year's RISE talked generational differences. (VT Photo)
"Our ethics are what guide us to make effective management decisions and avoid accusations of misconduct. What are the ethical issues we face every day?," asked Robyn Willilams, Portland'5 Centers for the Arts in Oregon, rhetorically of course. "How does unethical behavior in the past become the business norm today?"
These topics and more will be robustly discussed in a session guaranteed to make everyone think, she added of the upcoming panel at RISE (Raising the Industry in Sports & Entertainment, set to take place for the second time Aug. 28 at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. "Do you know what’s on YOUR computer?"
Williams will be joined by other Venues Today Women of Influence and Generation Next winners as speakeres at a one-day conference designed to improve industry standards, best practices and day-to-day business. Her topic is "What Would You Do?" and will address real ethical dilemmas faced in this industry and ask that question. Joining her to lead the very interactive discussion will be Cheryl Swanson, Alerus Center, Grand Forks, N.D.; Kim Bedier, City of Tacoma Public Assembly Facilities; and Jason Blumenfeld, Canalside Buffalo (N.Y.).
Adina Erwin, Fox Theatre, Atlanta, will moderate a discussion on how we are able to meet the fans where they are. Kim Stone, AmericanAirlines Arena, Miami, will address training staff to promote a high level of service. It often involves a culture change within the organization, Erwin noted, having done it at Fox Theatre as well. Leslee Stewart, Paramount Theatre, Oakland, will look at it from a relationshp perspective. Despite all the technology today, a grassroots, face-to-face relationship is still essential.
Topics this year include a session on Reverse Mentoring and what that looks like, Building a Community Around Your Venue, again door to door as well as through technology; and Social Media Management and what works. Once again, Speed Networking will give everyone an early chance to meet new mentors and mentees, as happened last year.
A video recap of last year's VT RISE.
RISE is a Venues Today conference and joins SEVT (Sport, Entertainment & Venues Tomorrow), which Venues Today co-produces with the University of South Carolina, set for March 16-18, 2016; and the Venue Operations Summit (VOS), which is co-produced with Venue Solutions Group. The second annual VOS is set for Nashville May 8-10, 2016. All three conferences are aimed at educating and connecting people serious about the venue industry.
More information about VT RISE can be found at www.vtrise.com. RISE sponsors include AEG Facilities, SMG, Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, TicketsWest, Premier, Ticketmaster, XOXO Media, Infinity Sports & Entertainment, and Staff Pro.