Thank you to our subscribers for voting. This year's Hall of Headlines winners will be featured in the December issue of Venues Today.
NEWS
Allen Johnson, Executive Director of Orlando Venues
For helping the city of Orlando recover following the terrorist shootings/mass killings at The Pulse nightclub by coordinating response and managing events post-tragedy. Johnson helped man Orlando’s Emergency Operations Center, which is housed in a hurricane-proof building near the city’s executive airport. He and his crew and all his vendors stepped in and stepped up wherever needed. Camping World Stadium, one of Johnson’s venues, was turned into the Orlando United Friends and Victims Assistance Center. The Orlando Venues staff was also recruited to help with the impromptu rally held downtown the day after the massacre, when attempts to dissuade organizers, because the police and fire departments were already taxed, failed.
OPS & TECH
Don Graham, AGM/VP, Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles
Lee Zeidman, President, Microsoft Theater, Staples Center, LA Live
For upgrading the overall guest experience of Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles. Through design and technology, the upgrades include a new state-of-the-art curtaining system and new seating inside the theater, as well as transformation of all lobby levels, two VIP areas and 14 backstage rooms contributing to the guest and artist experience. The investment includes a full upgrade and redesign to Microsoft Theater’s lower level lobby being completed this month, including a technology-driven gallery experience.
BOOKINGS
Rich MacKeigan, SMG Regional GM, Van Andel Arena
and DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Mich.
For breaking multiple venue records in 2016, a banner year for Van Andel Arena as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. In addition to Garth Brooks’ record for most tickets sold for a single engagement, Paul McCartney’s record for gross ticket sales for a single event, and Kanye West bringing in one of the biggest productions the venue has ever seen, the arena has enjoyed one of its strongest lineups to date. In 2016, Van Andel Arena is scheduled to host over 30 concerts, its highest number of concerts in 18 years and a 30-percent increase over the average number of concerts the arena has hosted each year throughout its 20 years. The success of these bookings has allowed the SMG-managed venues in Grand Rapids to enjoy their best fiscal performance in history.
MARKETING
Meghan Doyle, Director of Marketing, BOK Center
For creating the most memorable backstage experience ever for Ariana Grande. In October 2015, BOK Center stunned the pop star and her 85.7 million Instagram followers with a surprise that sparked national media coverage and generated awareness for a very worthy cause. Knowing of Grande’s love for animals, specifically rescue dogs, SMG staff surprised her in the green room with eight adorable puppies from the Animal Rescue Foundation of Tulsa. She fell in love with a Yorkie named Strauss and adopted him on the spot. In addition, her mother and tour DJ also adopted new pets. “This is the most memorable thing a building has ever done for me,” said Grande. She was so moved by the gesture that she paid the $150 adoption fee for 20 additional dogs to be adopted by fans. Grande’s Instagram posts that evening generated over 1.3 million likes and helped the Tulsa nonprofit grow their social media following by 600%.
CONCESSIONS
Mark Anderson, General Manager and VP, Premier Food Services, Del Mar (Calif.) Fairgrounds and Race Track
For enhancing and finding fun and profit in Del Mar Fair’s theme, “Mad about the Fair,” by creating pop-up Alice in Wonderland tea parties and Tipsy Tea parties throughout the grounds. In the Flower and Garden Show area, Premier created Tea Time in Wonderland hosted tea parties, complete with hat-making and an upsell to Tipsy Tea, adding unlimited mimosas to your cup of Earl Grey, finger sandwiches and scones. It doubled capacity after the first Sunday and sold out every weekend. Premier fabricated an outdoor gazebo under which sat a double Springs and Spirits Bar constructed of recycled cypress fencing, corrugated tin and wine barrels. Lighting was made from perforated picking buckets. Free standing planters (filled them with herbs and berries) were built, plus a potting table with a copper sink (complete with running water and drainage) and belly bars from pallets. The concept was “Garden to Bar” with cocktails named The Wrong Alice, Smile in the Sky, and Advice from Absolem.
To reserve a congratulatory display ad, please contact your account executive:
Rich DiGiacomo (West, Northeast U.S., International
310.429.3678 rich@venuestoday.com
Jim McNeil (Southeastern, Midwest U.S. and Texas)
207.699.3343 jim@venuestoday.com
Ad Deadline: Friday, Dec. 2, 2016