It's time to vote for the Venues Today Hall of Headline winners.
The final honors will go to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the industry in 2017, making headlines along the way. Winners are chosen by their peers (VT subscribers) and the Venues Today staff.
Please select one choice per category — there are five categories total: News, Bookings, Marketing, Ops and Tech, and Concessions.
SUBSCRIBERS, SUBMIT YOUR VOTE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, NOV. 3, 2017— VOTING WILL CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT. ONLY ACTIVE SUBSCRIBER VOTES WILL COUNT.
This year's winners will be profiled in our December Year-End Issue. You can also fax your vote to (714) 378-0040; email to vote@venuestoday.com or mail your ballot to Venues Today, P.O. Box 2540, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
SUBSCRIBERS, CLICK HERE TO LOGIN AND VOTE
2017 HALL OF HEADLINES NOMINEES
*****************************************************************************************************************
NEWS
Gregg Caren, Executive Vice President, SMG
Philadelphia
For spearheading SMG’s acquisition of three new international management contracts in the convention center space: the new Aberdeen (Scotland) Convention Center; Panama City, Panama; and Shenzhen (China) World Exhibition & Convention Center. At full build out, these venues will put SMG’s Convention Center Network at 20 million square feet of prime exhibition space.
Bill Foley, team owner, and Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner
Vegas Golden Knights/T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
For bringing hockey to Las Vegas in the form of the 31st National Hockey League expansion team. Las Vegas tried for many years to lure a team to town and the new T-Mobile Arena proved to be the linchpin. Vegas Golden Knights, which began play this season, have also served as a rallying point for the city reeling from the mass shooting at a Vegas festival in October.
Michael Krouse, President & CEO/regional VP for SMG
Citizens Business Bank Arena & Ontario (Calif.) Convention Center
For helping increase business (under new management) at Citizens Business Bank Arena, including a 45% increase in attendance after one year. The arena hosted sellouts by Def Leppard and Tim McGraw/Faith Hill, proving the market will support big name events. In May, the Los Angeles Clippers announced that the Clippers new development league team, the Agua Caliente Clippers of Ontario will call the venue home. Overall improved food and beverage options under Premier Foods of SMG are up 14 percent. New partnerships include Hanger 24 Craft Brewery, Jimmie John’s, and Chick-fil-A.
Peter Luukko and Tim Leiweke, Co-chairs, Arena Alliance
Oak View Group, Los Angeles
For purchasing Pinnacle Venue Services and establishing OVG Facilities, aiming to build the biggest private management firm in the world. Tom Paquette and Doug Higgons, owners of Pinnacle, joined the new firm and, under Luukko's leadership, OVG Facilities is seeking to build on Pinnacle's six-venue portfolio at a rapid pace.
Mark Miller, GM, and Leah Mastaglio, AGM for SMG
NRG Center, Houston
For leading implementation of the NRG Center Shelter as a 24/7 operation following the floods and damage to Houston caused by Hurricane Harvey. Twelve years to the day after Houston opened the Astrodome to those fleeing Katrina's devastation, some of the same local leaders joined forces once again to open a local-run shelter Aug. 29 in NRG Center. Miller and Mastaglio dealt with personal issues while professionally stepping up, along with the leadership of HCSCC and BakerRipley staff, to create and man a “Media Area” 24/7 and welcome over 7,400 neighbors/guests in need of shelter and comfort. And they were able to still have the NFL Texans season opener on Sept. 1.
Jorge Perez, GM/AEG Facilities
Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan
For leading preparations to face the aftermath of an unprecedented natural disaster. Within 48 to 72 hours of a direct hit by a category 5 hurricane named Maria, the convention center was fully operational. The PRCC had arranged in advance for the fuel tanks that power the three Cummins generators to be filled to capacity with 30,000 gallons of diesel fuel that could provide power to the PRCC for 30 days. Perez worked with Levy Restaurants to stock the freezers, refrigerators and kitchens with as much food and supplies as possible to feed a small army for over a month. Perez’s operations crew had double checked equipment and serviced the generators to insure they were ready to go. The National Guard as well as FEMA representatives were housed at the convention center, along with over 100 victims of the previous hurricane, Irma.
Eddie Tadlock, Assistant General Manager/SMG
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Mich.
For becoming a founding member of the Grand Rapids 2030 District, a strategic initiative of the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan, and one of just 15 such districts in the U.S. As vice-chair of the Grand Rapids 2030 District, Tadlock is leading Grand Rapids toward the goal of meeting the 2030 Challenge that will dramatically reduce environmental impacts of building construction and operations. The support of DeVos Place has encouraged other buildings to participate. To date, there are over 10 million square feet in Grand Rapids committed to fostering a sustainable, efficient, thriving downtown.
Wes Westley, President & CEO
SMG, West Conshohocken, Pa.
For successfully leading SMG into its 40th year of business (1977-2017) serving as president and CEO for 23 of those years. SMG created the private venue management business in 1977 with its first account, the Superdome in New Orleans. Since then, SMG has grown to manage 239 venues, host over 33,000 events annually, and controls 19 million square feet of convention and conference center space. SMG welcomes over 65 million guests each year and controls more than 1.6 million venue seats. Hallmarks of SMG’s venue management success have been a 92% account renewal rate and the tremendous stability of its senior leadership team.
BOOKINGS
Irving Azoff, Azoff Music
Los Angeles
For launching the to-be-annual Classic Series at baseball stadiums in 2017, featuring classic rock bands like the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. The first iteration included Classic West at Dodgers Stadium, Los Angeles; Classic East at Citi Field, New York; and Classic Northwest at Safeco Field, Seattle.
Kathy Bart, SMG Director of Sales
DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Mich.
For being instrumental in booking the Bruhan Maharashtra Mandal of North America convention, an event that brought attendees from all over the United States as well as India to Grand Rapids in July 2017, resulting in over 3,000 overnight hotel rooms and almost $1 million in economic impact. The convention was held primarily in DeVos Place convention center, but also hosted performances and special events in DeVos Performance Hall and Van Andel Arena, with the Granth Dindi Hindu parade taking place throughout downtown. Bart worked in conjunction with Experience Grand Rapids and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel to share all that Grand Rapids and DeVos Place have to offer.
AJ Boleski, GM/SMG
Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita, Kan.
For succeeding in booking Sir Paul McCartney to play the state of Kansas for the first time ever in his entire career. McCartney played Intrust Bank Arena on July 19. McCartney was at the top of the list of acts to book since the arena opened in January 2010, and after several years of booking big-name acts and strong ticket sales to show the strength of the Wichita market, Boleski succeeded in booking a date with the music legend. Paul McCartney's show soldout the venue and became the highest grossing performance in the arena’s history.
Alan Freeman, GM, SMG
Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Smoothie King Center and Champions Square, New Orleans
For facilitating over $40 million in concert ticket sales at the three venues in fiscal 2017, a record for concert revenue. The three facilities hosted 45 concerts, out of nearly 300 contracted events. Besides the annual Essence Festival, Freeman booked Guns N’ Roses and Beyonce at the Superdome, and added Bayou Country Superfest to the stadium schedule. The arena hosted 25 shows.
Jerry Goldman, AGM/SMG
U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
For booking the Summer ESPN X Games and three stadium concerts at U.S. Bank Stadium within the first year of operating. Goldman secured Guns N’ Roses, Coldplay and U2 to Minneapolis for a 2017 concert series, topping 147,000 in attendance for the concerts and over 100,000 attendees for the X Games with an estimated 400 million viewers worldwide. Additionally, Goldman secured the Summer ESPN X Games (2017 and 2018) and the 2020 NCAA Wrestling Championships, both of which have never been hosted by an NFL Stadium until their U.S. Bank Stadium debut.
Cindy Harper, Associate Director
United Supermarkets Arena, Lubbock, Texas
For leading efforts to book a record number of events at United Supermarkets Arena this year. One that Harper and her team have been working on since the arena opened in 1999 — Garth Brooks — played five shows in four days. This event was the largest non-athletic event hosted on campus and brought thousands of visitors to Lubbock, including guests from several states as well as internal visitors. Based on numbers provided by Visit Lubbock, the economic impact of this event to the City of Lubbock is estimated to be approximately $3,800,107.
James Rasmussen, Sr. Director of Arena Programming
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, Calif.
For booking Golden 1 Center’s opening act, Paul McCartney, Oct. 4, and forever changing the way Northern California was perceived as a home for world-class entertainment. With quite possibly the most recognized opening chord in rock ‘n’ roll history, Sacramento made a statement that it is a world-class city, with a venue worthy of the biggest performers in music today. Rasmussen has curated an entertainment calendar that Sacramento has long craved and deserved. This year he crafted a summer calendar that brought 23 shows to the region – more than double the most active summer in over 3 decades. As the arena wraps up its first year, it has hosted more than 350 events. In just one year, performances at Golden 1 Center have seen a near 50% increase. And non-NBA basketball events have had an attendance increase of over 90% in one calendar year.
Brett Reopell, Director of Booking
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
For helping Wells Fargo Center host a record number of events throughout the 2017 calendar year. For the calendar year, Reopell will have booked a record number of 55 total concerts at the Wells Fargo Center. In addition, Wells Fargo Center is set to host an unprecedented 12 Villanova Men’s Basketball games. Reopell was also instrumental in bids to bring the 2016 NCAA Men’s East Regionals and the 2016 Democratic National Convention to Philadelphia.
Chris Semrau, AGM/SMG
Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls, S.D.
For breaking the record for the largest number of sold-out arena shows by any performer in the history of South Dakota. Semrau booked nine sold-out Garth Brooks world tour shows in September 2017, among the highest number of concerts at one venue on Brooks’ 3+ year world tour.
Tricia Silliphant, Director, Venue Programming and Live Events
Air Canada Centre, Toronto
For being the driving force behind a particularly successful 2016, the busiest year yet, hosting over 3.2 million fans over 200 ticketed events. Events included the 2016 NBA All Star Weekend, the NHL’s World Cup of Hockey, three consecutive nights of WWE events, three nights of the Tragically Hip’s final tour, two days of League of Legends Summer Finals, and four Adele shows. In addition, with the Toronto Raptors reaching the NBA Eastern Conference Finals for the first time, Silliphant was tasked with re-scheduling Pearl Jam’s sold-out show in May. The show was successfully moved and band members even sat courtside for the game that caused the scheduling conflict.
Matt Surabian, Director, Event Booking and Transportation
Metlife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
For booking the 18th annual IIFA Awards, a two-day festival that featured the IIFA Rocks concert on July 14 and the IIFA Awards Green Carpet and IIFA Awards on July 15. The IIFA Awards celebrate Indian cinema outside India and feature the biggest stars from Bollywood. It is the Academy Awards of the Indian Film Industry. This global event offered MetLife Stadium, an outdoor venue, the incredible and unique opportunity to host its first-ever awards show and to continue to showcase the New York/New Jersey region to an international audience. The IIFA Awards were filmed and viewed by over 100 million worldwide. The IIFA weekend usually requires a 14-day block of time for full load-in and load-out. Due to the venue’s busy event schedule, it was compacted into a 10-day occupancy, following the State Fair (June 22-July 9), two sold-out U2 concerts (June 28-29), and a sold-out International Champions Cup soccer game featuring Juventus and FC Barcelona (July 22).
MARKETING
Lucy Albers, Senior Marketing Manager
Denny Sanford Premier Center
For dressing the Denny Sanford Premier Center with large exterior banners, stair and column wraps, and floor decals to welcome 100,000+ fans to town to see Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. Backstage walls and floors in the loading dock, catering and dressing room hallways were wrapped with signage welcoming Garth. To continue the welcome wagon, Garth-themed ice sculptures were placed in the catering room and each day the venue provided different local treats for the crew. It was all capped on the final Sunday night show as AGM Chris Semrau got on stage with Garth, Trisha and the band to raise a huge banner saluting Garth’s record-breaking nine shows that will hang in the building for years to come, and surprised Trisha with her own banner for the birthday she celebrated that week.
Abby Albino, Manager, and Dave Haggith, Senior Director, Communications
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Toronto
For organizing the third consecutive sold-out Drake Night at Air Canada Centre, Nov. 16, 2016, featuring a rare media press conference and a special performance with Young Dylan of Ellen DeGeneres fame. This publicity campaign was covered by local and global media representing sport, entertainment, and business industries and garnered over 172 million print and online media impressions totaling an advertising value equivalent to over $1.6 million. Drake has been Global Ambassador of the Toronto Raptors since 2013, hosting a special Drake Night for Raptors fans each season.
Maureen Ginty, Exec. VP – Marketing Services & Human Resources
SMG, West Conshohocken, Pa.
For implementing the launch of a “Gift of Kindness Campaign” in celebration of SMG’s 40th Anniversary (1977-2017) and to reflect the character of the employees who have contributed to SMG’s ongoing success. The campaign honors the spirit of charity and compassion SMG employees demonstrate in their work life and personal life. SMG chooses 4 quarterly winners with an overall grand prize winner at the end of the year. All recipients receive a themed Waterford crystal ornament, part of their greatest gifts collection. The gift of kindness promotes understanding and strengthening the bonds of humanity. In addition, each winner receives a cash award. This concept fits perfectly with the basic tenet of the company training programs “knekt.”
Nikki Loescher, Senior Marketing Manager
Altria Theater, Richmond, Va./SMG Richmond
For producing a highly effective social media campaign to promote “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - In Concert” featuring the Richmond Symphony Orchestra playing Altria Theater Feb. 10-11, 2018. To tie in the announcement of the show with Harry Potter and author J.K. Rowling’s birthdays on July 31st, she worked with a local bakery to re-create the same birthday cake Harry Potter received in the movie from Hagrid for his 11th birthday. They then posted a picture from the baker on Facebook and asked people to comment to win Harry’s cake. The mayor declared July 31 Harry Potter Day. The social media campaign reached 124,000 people and resulted in an added second show due to high demand in ticket sales. They are in the process of adding a third show due to how successful the marketing campaign has been.
Richard MacKeigan, SMG Regional General Manager
Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Mich.
For helping the venue celebrates its 20th anniversary by bringing the general managers of the Detroit Pistons, Tigers and Red Wings — Jeff Bower, Al Avila and Ken Holland, respectively —-to Grand Rapids on Jan. 17, 2017 to discuss their respective teams and leagues as well as the importance of each organization’s ties to West Michigan. Local NBC affiliate WOODTV-8’s sports anchor, Jack Doles, moderated the discussion, which was held while community partners and sponsors enjoyed a catered dinner. Before the dinner, the speakers held a private discussion for local college students, allowing the students to learn about their career paths. Proceeds from the event benefited local nonprofits. The event raised over $40,000.
Sue Oxarart, Director of Marketing & Communications/SMG
Citizens Business Bank Arena, Ontario, Calif.
For partnering with local Rock Radio station (KLCAL) to create a Pre-Show event - similar to an organized tail gate party – prior to Def Leppard, Poison and Tesla concerts at the venue. The station provided over $58,000 in advertising and promotion of the event which was in turn benefiting ticket sales for the show. The two-hour pre-show party offered additional revenue for food/beverage and merchandise sales. Broadcasting live from the event the popular radio DJ created contests and upgrade opportunities for tickets. Live Nation was supportive of this effort. If a last minute release of held tickets occurred, they had a mechanism in place to promote the opportunity. In addition to building upon a good relationship with Live Nation, the event added to the guest experience. The success of this event has led to a capital improvement project to build a permanent outdoor party space.
Christine Pileckas, Director of Sales & Marketing, Tristan Carter, Marketing Manager, Amanda Shankle, Marketing Coordinator and Kandace Day, Sales Manager
Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita, SMG
For promoting the first ever concert by Paul McCartney, in the entire state of Kansas, from the press conference to announce the show at Union Station, July 19, to the day-of dressing of the venue. At the major concert announcement, a British flag flew high, four drum line members, dressed immaculately in Royal British guard costumes, escorted dignitaries to the podium, and a town crier (Barney Byard, SMG Theatre Director at Orpheum Theatre) welcomed the crowd. A large over-sized banner from overhead was unveiled at the same time it was announced that Paul McCartney was coming to Wichita and was immediately followed by a sizzle reel video of Paul McCartney's tour, played on a large outdoor mobile screen for all guests to watch. Attendees enjoyed tea, crumpets and British flag cookies. Most importantly, the press conference was covered by every major media outlet and set the venue up for a very successful on sale, resulting in a sold out concert, the highest grossing performance in venue history.
James Patrick, Executive Director
Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, Boise, Idaho
For facilitating designation of Idaho’s premier performing arts center as a City of Boise cultural ambassador for a two-year term. As part of the recognition from Boise Mayer David Bieter, the Morrison Center will act as one of Boise’s honorary representatives to the world. Since its founding in 1984, the Morrison Center has showcased national and international artists in the performing arts while providing growth opportunities for local arts groups. Over 200 bookings and 150,000 patrons from all over the state and country can flow through its doors in a year. The City of Boise Cultural Ambassador program is designed to share Boise’s cultural and creative community with other cities across the globe and foster connection to global audiences.
Ike Richman, Founder
Ike Richman Communications, Philadelphia
For branching out on his own, after nearly 29 years at Comcast Spectacor, to create Ike Richman Communications to offer his public relations, media relations and crisis communications insight and expertise to the sports and live entertainment industry. Comcast Spectacor is his first client.
Steve St. John, GM/SMG
1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial, Johnstown, Pa.
For selling the naming rights to the Cambria County War Memorial Arena, as it had been known for 67 years. The arena, which opened in 1950, is best known as the “site” for the movie “Slapshot” featuring Paul Newman. St. John played off of the designation of Johnstown as the first Hockeyville, USA by a national vote of the public during the 2015 NHL playoffs, and the financial turnaround at the venue. Convincing veterans that the legacy of respect for their service to the country would not be diminished, he sought a partner that would agree to a naming package which would support the arena and youth hockey in the area, and continue to support and honor Cambria County’s veterans. 1st Summit Bank signed not only a 10-year naming rights arrangement for the arena, but also provides financial support for the youth hockey community and for the Cambria County Veterans throughout the term at the 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial.
Eric Schleicher, Senior Marketing Mgr./SMG
BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla.
For creation of ’T-Town Throw Down,’ a one-of-a-kind street party in conjunction with the Event and Arena Marketing Conference and SMG Marketing Summit. In June 2017, BOK Center and Tulsa hosted over 400 young professionals from stadiums and arenas across the country for the Event and Arena Marketing Conference and SMG Marketing Summit. Attendees were treated to the most unique street party they have ever seen under the cityscape of Tulsa. Closing down the main street of downtown, guests were surprised with luchador wrestling matches where each wrestler represented a different arena, tastes of local puffy tacos, margaritas and an incredible performance by Tulsa singer Branjae. SMG staff even provided everyone a true Oklahoma experience with an unprecedented shelter-in-place because of an emergency tornado warning.
Hilarie Szarowicz, SMG Director of Marketing, and Allison Goodyke, Marketing Manager
Van Andel Arena & DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Mich.
For implementing an extensive marketing campaign to drive Van Andel Arena mobile app downloads and introducing creative and interactive promotions within the app to keep users engaged. The marketing campaign consisted of two approaches – targeting the Hispanic community in West Michigan with digital billboards, e-blasts and digital advertising on Pandora, Facebook and a number of targeted websites, and encouraging app downloads to the general West Michigan community by offering a free popcorn with the download, which was promoted on-site at Van Andel Arena events, and through e-mail blasts and social media. The mobile app also provides event and venue and information, and the “Immediate Needs” button allows patrons to report concerns anonymously while they’re attending an event.
OPERATIONS
Jeff Bowler, VP, Business Operations
Monumental Sports & Entertainment
For welcoming the Washington Valor and the Baltimore Brigade of the Arena Football League to the organization this season. Valor opened their first-ever season at home in front of 15,579 fans, defeating the Baltimore Brigade, 51-38. The overwhelming turnout only set the tone for the entire season as the Valor totaled 77,288 total fans over seven home games for an average of 11,041 fans per game. The first-year franchise led the AFL in both total attendance and game-by-game average this season. Those fans saw thrilling games, milestone achievements and award-winning performances. The Brigade became the first expansion franchise to make the playoffs in their inaugural season since the Portland Thunder in 2014.
Sandra Dailey, security superintendent, and Tim Wood, security manager
Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Fla.
For helping turn an empty 7-million-square-foot convention center into the main staging ground for more than 1,500 pieces of emergency response equipment before Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida. The staging included 34 helicopters and more than 800 Duke Energy trucks. The center was scheduled to host seven events in the 10-day window before and after Hurricane Irma was expected to reach Florida and cross through Orlando. As events started postponing, Wood and Dailey coordinated the staging of vehicles from various agencies that needed to be ready to respond once the storm reached the state, becoming a secure equipment storage location for more than a dozen military, law enforcement and emergency services agencies.
Zach Leonsis, VP & GM, Monumental Network
Monumental Sports and Entertainment, Washington, D.C.
For launching, in Fall 2016, the first-ever, direct-to-fan digital regional sports network and teaming up with tech industry heavyweights such as Kiswe Mobile, Actionstreamer, Greenfly and more to provide fans with an unprecedented enhanced live and on-demand viewer experience. Utilizing these key partnerships, the Network’s seamless tech integrations have allowed for a more personalized and interactive model via live multicamera angle viewing capabilities, coach and referee hat camera perspectives and instant clip and share opportunities. Fans of the Washington Wizards, Capitals, Mystics and newly-formed AFL teams Washington Valor and Baltimore Brigade have more to enjoy as the Network expanded its livestream capabilities to D.C.-metro area high school basketball and football showcase coverage, as well as a foray into next-gen eSports.
Kerry Painter, AGM
Cox Business Center, Tulsa Okla.
For her work leading a rebrand, overseeing major construction projects, teaching within the industry, and acting as an Interim GM for another SMG facility all while guiding an IAVM Venue Excellence Award winning team and facility. After inclusion in Tulsa’s 2020 Vision Master Plan and approval of funds through the Tulsa Vision plan, Painter began work on modernizing the space. In 2017, her work paid off when the venue was selected as “Top New or Renovated Meeting Space” by Convention South, selected by Tulsa People reader’s as “Best Event Center” in Tulsa, and one of five national venues selected by the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) for the Venue Excellence Award.
Aran Rush, VP of Arena Operations
Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
For his ongoing efforts to maintain Golden 1 Center’s status as the World’s only LEED Platinum indoor arena. Rush has implemented a deliberate strategy to not only keep Golden 1 Center a green leader, but to share the Sacramento Kings values of environmental awareness with other venues, business, partners, and guests. As the VP of operations, Rush has extended the arena’s commitment in environmental awareness. He has led the operations team in their efforts to track waste, identify innovative diversion tactics and create programs to share their insight. In one year of operation, Golden 1 Center remains the world’s only arena to get 100% of its power from solar energy. Through an innovative food donation program, the arena has helped region hunger relief efforts with over 13,000 meals donated. The waste diversion program has redirected over 400 tons of event and kitchen waste from landfills and eliminated over 350 tons of greenhouse gasses that would be produced in landfills.
David Touhey, President and GM, & Megan Pawlowski, SVP, Group Manager of JLL Engineering
Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C./Monumental Sports & Entertainment
For implementing a partnership, announced June 8, between Monumental Sports & Entertainment and WGL Energy Services, Inc. that will allow Capital One Arena to purchase power from a new solar facility in Maryland. The solar electricity purchased by Monumental Sports & Entertainment to power Capital One Arena will be sourced from an offsite, third-party owned solar facility in Frederick County, Md., and bundled with national solar renewable energy credits, allowing the sports and entertainment facility to operate using 25 percent solar energy. Capital One Arena is a member of the Green Sports Alliance and, through this unique new partnership, the Wizards, Capitals, Mystics and Valor are among the first professional sports teams powered by offsite renewable energy.
CONCESSIONS
Doug Bradley, Vice President of Culinary, Savor…
McCormick Place, Chicago
For creating Pure Savor, a temporary restaurant operation designed to be used on the exhibit floor of a convention. The concept was developed at Chicago’s McCormick Place and launched at the International Home and Housewares show in April 2017. Total investment was $160,000. The concept is scalable, can be used in almost any shape floor space, and allows the show client a range of options to choose from for their attendees. It was important from an operator’s perspective to have a very visible presence on the floor while creating a space that would allow the staging of critical operations equipment in a way that it wasn’t visible to customers. Attendees and exhibitors can purchase either individual tickets or ticket blocks that allow them to choose entrees from themed kiosks. Tickets are available for purchase online in advance of and during shows.
Sandra Dunn, GM, & Albert Fera, Dir. of Food & Beverage for Savor
DCU Center/SMG, Worcester, Mass.
For implementing a new Branded Batch Cocktail Program as a way to decrease concourse congestion, increase per caps, control liquor and labor costs and enhance the fan experience. Since the program began, Savor…Worcester has recorded the highest per caps in the venue’s history. The Branded Batch Cocktail Program features event-themed craft cocktails premade in 5-gallon water jugs and served from large drink dispensers on portables throughout the concourse. The custom Batch Cocktails are branded to target the shows key demographics featuring flavor profiles and colors that are popular and spirits that are trending and then given names that are easily recognized by the audience and that tie into the event. Through increased points of sale, the Batch Cocktail Program has led to the top 6 gross sales per cap records for arena concessions including Pearl Jam ($11.19 + $10.55), Phish ($11.02 + $10.82), Dead & Company ($12.43), Garth Brooks ($13.14, $13.71, $10.48), Megadeth ($13.50) and I Love The 90’s Tour ($15.76).
Mike Gomes, AMBSE SVP of Fan Experience
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
For introducing fan-friendly, street pricing at the new home of the Atlanta Falcons, including $2 per for non-alcoholic beverages with unlimited refills (Coca-Cola is their partner, and has been for 50 years, and includes Dasani bottled water in that group); $2 for the standard 8/1 pound hot dog, pretzels and popcorn; $3 for peanuts, pizza, nachos and waffle fries; and $5 for domestic beer. The Fans First initiative was developed in conjunction with Levy Restaurants.
John Hopple, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality GM
Talen Energy Stadium, Chester, Pa.
For enhancing the culinary experience for soccer fans at Talen Energy Stadium by bringing the food truck experience out of the parking lot and into the stadium. Spectra converted two concession stands to feature two popular Philadelphia-based food trucks, The Cow & the Curd and Baby Blues BBQ. The façade of the stands resembles the original food trucks and features fold-out awnings and lights to make for a more authentic experience. Spectra partnered with Rob Mitchell, president of the Philly Mobile Food Association (PMFA), for the installation of the two trucks. The renovated stands debuted in April 2017.
Nicholas Walker, Culinary Director/Executive Director
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, Atlanta
For incorporating house-made, locally and regionally sourced ingredients at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center. An on-site garden planted in the spring and fall located at sister property Cobb Galleria Centre, produces an abundance of herbs, berries, tomatoes and peppers that are used in CEPAC’s house-made items, including herb infused oils, vinegars, pesto and compound butter. There is a fully equipped concession stand on each level of the Theatre that offers a gourmet-inspired seasonally changing menu. Today’s savvy theater client has high expectations for their concessions experience.
Devin Levine, Exec. Chef
BOK Center & Cox Business Center, Tulsa
For making time to assist local nonprofit organizations auction off his gourmet, in-home, private dinners. These dinners are prepared and served on Chef’s personal time with the resources of SMG Tulsa. This culinary experience has raised over $355,000 since 2012. The concept was born as an opportunity for SMG Tulsa to give back to the local nonprofits that are faithful and reoccurring clients. In total, he has helped 34 clients including: Habitat for Humanity, local school districts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, hospitals and many more. His focus to help support those in need is astonishing.