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Venues Today is honoring the young professionals who make a difference in sports, music, conventions, family shows and festivals.
Our annual Generation Next Awards honoring young leaders 35 or younger will be profiled in the June issue of the magazine.
Subscribers, login to www.venuestoday.com and vote or email vote@venuestoday.com
by Friday, March 21, 2014.
Subscribers can pick up to three choices. Voting will be extended to everyone next week through our Facebook page to select our 2014 Generation Next Readers' Choice award. Cast your vote today! Votes from non-subscribers will be counted towards the Social Butterfly award recipient.
Five winners, including the Readers' Choice & Social Butterfly award recipient will be honored this year.
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NOMINEES FOR THE 2014 VENUES TODAY GENERATION NEXT AWARDS
Jason Anderson
General Manager
Paramount Theatre/VenuWorks, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Age 33
Jason was tasked with taking the lead on the grand reopening of the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, after a $35-million restoration of the flood-damaged historic theatre. He works closely with the venue’s prime tenants, Orchestra Iowa and Cedar Rapids Community Concerts as well as local, regional and national promoters. The theatre welcomed more than 100,000 patrons in 2013. Jason also assisted in the grand reopening of the U.S. Cellular Center after a two-year, $20-million renovation.
Tyler Bates
Director of Booking
Barclays Center, Brooklyn
Age 29
Tyler played a critical role in booking the MTV 2013 Video Music Awards, the first major annual award show to take place in the borough of Brooklyn. The show garnered 10.1 million viewers, a 66-percent increase from 2012. Tyler also played instrumental roles in booking two Paul McCartney concerts and an iconic Amnesty International Human Rights concert. He also pioneered the Cushman & Wakefield Theater program. The intimate theater within Barclays Center held 12 events in 2013 and has 15 events scheduled for 2014.
Chris Bird
General Manager/Global Spectrum
Augusta (Ga.) Entertainment Complex
Age 32
Chris recently held the position of GM in Salina, Kan., at the Salina Bicentennial Center. While there, he oversaw an $8.6-million project approval for facility improvements. Chris also reduced the operating deficit of Salina Bicentennial Center by 25 percent within two years. Chris was promoted to the Augusta Entertainment Complex in December to continue growth of programming for the James Brown Arena (8,500-seat arena) and Bell Auditorium (2,700-seat theatre).
Doug Campbell,
Director of Business Development
Mosaic Place & YaraCentre
Age 35
Under Doug’s watch, the facilities have consistently beat the budgeted subsidy, meaning that within the first two years there is available money for capital projects and upgrades that include a catwalk and life safety system to bring larger and more complex acts to the arena. Doug is focused on strategic partnerships and promoting the regional economy, and was a major part of the $1.5-million, 10-year naming rights agreement with local potash industry leaders.
Jen Compton
VP Marketing
Boston Bruins and TD Garden
Age 35
In the days following the Boston Marathon bombings last April, Jen quietly led several behind-the-scenes efforts that helped unite the city. She designed the Boston Strong ribbon logo that first appeared in the TD Garden ice during the city’s first pro sports game following Patriot's Day. She and her marketing team also delivered an emotional tribute to the heroes of April 15, the victims and first responders with a video and moving National Anthem during that Bruins game. Videos from the game presentation went viral and gained national media recognition. They pulled off another memorable tribute on April 26, with a moving Bruins'"Shirts Off Our Back" presentation to Boston's first responders of the Marathon crisis, as well as provided valuable short-notice marketing support for the May 30 Boston Strong all-star concert that raised millions for victims via the One Fund.
Adam Cook
Venue Director & General Manager – Rexall Place and Edmonton (Alberta) Expo Centre
Northlands
Age 34
Over the past year, Adam has implemented new venue marketing plans targeting international promoters and booking agents leading to Rexall Place being ranked as the 13th busiest arena (15k-30k capacity) in the world. He has increased house-promoted shows, including the upcoming Blake Shelton concert with more than $1 million in gross ticket sales, and has negotiated and executed a three-year contract with an outdoor music festival worth more than $400,000 in annual net revenue.
Bryan Crowe
General Manager
Destination El Paso / SMG (parent organization of El Paso Live and Visit El Paso, Texas)
Age 33
In September of 2013, Bryan was selected as general manager for SMG in El Paso, Texas, where he oversees venue and event management responsibilities at four facilities, along with convention and tourism development for El Paso. In the last 12 months Bryan led Destination El Paso through a four-month strategic business planning process, achieved an all-time high in annual revenue of over $4.7 million, and was appointed by the City Manager of El Paso to lead a team of consultants through a master planning project for downtown development.
John Dodd
Director of Operations / Director of Event Services
SMG Tulsa (Okla.) - BOK Center and Cox Business Center
Age 35
In February 2013, John served as the conduit between the Tulsa Regional Chamber and BASS to coordinate the second highest attended Bassmaster Classic in the event's history. John was instrumental in the success of the event, which consumed the entire footprint of the convention center and drew sold out crowds to three consecutive days of weigh-ins at BOK Center. In May, John oversaw back-to-back sold-out Paul McCartney shows at BOK Center as part of the venue's 5th anniversary celebration.
Juliette Feld
Executive VP and Producer
Feld Entertainment
Age 30
Juliette is currently producing Marvel Universe Live, Feld Entertainment’s largest and most ambitious tour in its history. This show begins rehearsals in May with a July opening. Juliette has been involved in the development of the original story line; casting, costume and FX design as well as the marketing and public relations to promote this unique event. Juliette has also produced a brand new Nuclear Cowboyz tour with a new, original story line, and will begin work this summer on a new edition of Disney on Ice. In March, Juliette was honored by the Theater Development Fund with her sisters Alana and Nicole for their work making Feld Entertainment productions accessible to audience members with audio/visual disabilities.
Tiffany Green
Operations Manager
Live Nation SoCal
Age 30
Tiffany plays an extremely integral part in day-to-day and live event management and execution with Live Nation. Along with her 2013 assistance in arenas, Tiffany receives numerous invitations to assist with Live Nation festivals across North America each year. She is constantly called upon by Live Nation senior management to provide and share examples of best practices, which she has created.
Ryan Growney
General Manager
South Point, Las Vegas
Age 34
Ryan is second in command to casino owner Michael Gaughan, with whom he has completed plans to add $34-million worth of new entertainment venues to the Las Vegas Boulevard property. He helped secure a title sponsor for the new Priefert Pavilion, which includes two equestrian arenas on the ground floor, opening this year, and a 60-lane professional bowling alley on the second, opening in 2015, in a 200,000-sq.-ft. addition. Ryan is a leader in marketing South Point as Vegas Cowboys Central and understands the value of entertainment and niche marketing in competing to fill rooms in a destination market like Vegas.
Tracie Kalkbrenner
Live Events Marketing Manager
WWE, Stamford, Conn.
Age 33
Tracie supervises development and execution of multi-platform marketing campaigns for 30-plus WWE shows in the United States and Canada. She has broken numerous previously recorded WWE high sales figures for final figures and walkups including sell outs in Chicago, Columbus, Ohio; Hammond, Ind.; Louisville, Ky.; Dayton, Ohio and Detroit. Her ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with local media partners, venue partners and third-party sponsors has led to the development of almost $1 million in third-party media promotional partnerships including PepsiCo, JD Byrider and Metro PCS.
Julia Karrenbauer
Director of Business Development
Georgia Dome & Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta
Age 31
Julia brought a number of big-name concerts to Atlanta in 2013. At Julia’s urging, the Dome took a full-risk position on two wildly successful Kenny Chesney stadium concerts. She also booked a sold-out Mumford & Sons show at Centennial Olympic Park. She has led marketing efforts on behalf of the local organizing committee for the recent CONCACAF Gold Cup Quarterfinals and the U.S. Women’s National Team vs. Russia International friendly match in the Dome.
Chris Lawrence
General Manager/Global Spectrum
Rentschler Field and the Hartford (Conn.) Wolf Pack (AHL)
Age 31
Since Global Spectrum’s takeover in July of 2013, Chris has been the driving force in successfully transitioning the management of this facility, along with F&B operations for Ovations Food Services, ticketing with New Era and commercial rights with Front Row Marketing Services. Additionally, he led the name change for the New York Rangers’ NHL affiliate back to the “Hartford Wolf Pack,” which is currently in its first season under Global Spectrum management.
Kate Lieberman
Director of Customer Relations
Live Nation North American Concerts
Age 30
Kate serves as the glue between the guests in Live Nation venues and the eyes and ears of everyone within the company, advocating on behalf of the consumer as well as protecting the integrity of Live Nation. Kate developed and integrated a smoother process for guest surveys and the way in which that information is distributed to venue management for review in the local markets. She also is responsible for championing the text system, which many of the venues rely upon for real time problem solving for guest services and security.
Andrew Newport
General Manager of the Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, Ind., and the Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park in Indianapolis for Live Nation North America Concerts
Age 32
Having spent the last 15 years at the Klipsch—in every role from intern to security guard to operations director—Andrew now is beginning his fifth year as GM. Leveraging his deep knowledge across all aspects of venue operations, last year he began the task of rebuilding every function during the off-season. Through this process he reassembled a team with more depth and ideas and his team of 1,100 employees delivered a record-setting 2013 season, entertaining more than 600,000 fans. During this process, analytics and social media took an even more prominent role. Andrew has staff that monitors social activity before, during and after shows; and he empowers his team to resolve any fan issues in real-time and uses fans’ positive social feedback to celebrate team members that went the extra mile.
McQ Olsen
Marketing Manager
Taco Bell Arena at Boise (Idaho) State University
Age 35
For every show that comes through the arena, McQ is tirelessly working to promote and put on the very best show possible. His enthusiasm, and willingness to drive each show to success is contagious and pushes others to that same standard. Promoters who typically take care of all paid advertising and set up promotions tend to let McQ work his magic instead, knowing he knows his market, has the relationships and pays attention to detail.
Kelly Ortiz
SAVOR Director of Food and Beverage
SMG, Tulsa, Okla.
Age 29
Under Kelly’s direction, BOK Center has quickly become the standard in the industry for exceptional backstage catering. From exquisitely designed floral arrangements, to gourmet food prepared by Chef Devin Levine, who has cooked for President Obama among others, no detail is overlooked in the effort to create a "fine dining" style atmosphere and menu to please even the most cultured palate. Kelly set out to differentiate BOK Center from other venues by going above and beyond rider requirements to add special touches that make the tour's visit to Tulsa memorable.
Paula Perri
Booking Manager
FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton Place and Molson Canadian Studio in Hamilton, Ontario
Age 28
Throughout her tenure in Hamilton, Paula has seen enormous success with top sales and shows within the Ontario market as well as globally. Some of her most recent successes include sold out shows for Jason Aldean, Rush, Elton John and the Dixie Chicks. In addition to her ability to draw top names, Paula truly makes a difference in Hamilton’s music landscape through her commitment and dedication to growing up-and-coming artists in the unique, black box venue – Molson Canadian Studio.
Christine Pileckas
Director of Sales and Marketing/SMG
Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita, Kan.
Age 27
In 2013, Christine led the Intrust Bank Arena marketing department to an exceptional year of events, which boasted six sold-out events and record ticket sales. In addition, Christine has made noteworthy strides in social media, with her efforts resulting in a first-ever top 5 ranking for Intrust Bank Arena in the Venues Today Social Media Power 100 Chart. Furthermore, together with her Sales manager, Christine successfully implemented a new premium seating option called Premier Seating with the goal of increasing revenues and expanding the premium seating options offered to guests.
Michelle Romeo
Talent Buyer
Romeo Entertainment Group
Age 30
Michelle is an accomplished talent buyer who has booked the main stage entertainment for a number of events in 2013 including the Modern South Festival in St. Francisville, La., the Silver Dollar Fair in Chico, Calif., Three Days Grace at the Montana State Fair in Great Falls and The Offspring at the MontanaFair in Billings.
R.J. Romeo
General Counsel/Senior Account Representative
Romeo Entertainment Group
Age 32
R.J. is the talent buyer for more than 25 events in 21 unique venues in the Midwest and Western parts of the U.S., including five music festivals like Country Jam in Grand Junction, Colo., several concert series on Fremont Street in Las Vegas, many state and county fairs including the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, and a number of annual community events. He also founded and practices for Romeo Law, a firm specializing in entertainment law.
Brian Rutkowski
General Manager
Live Nation North America Concerts at Alpine Valley Music Theatre, FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island and First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Age 30
In 2013, Brian undertook one of the largest projects of his career: handling the expansion of FirstMerit Bank Pavilion. He oversaw the amphitheater’s entire reconfiguration, including an expansion from 8,000 to 9,000 seats, with the capability to expand upwards of 30,000 seats; rotating the stage to feature lawn seating; and adding a two-level VIP club/seating area. Brian’s team managed to finish the renovation in just three months, all while experiencing one of Chicago’s rainiest springs on record.
Michael Scafuto
Booking Agent
M&M Group
Age 35
Michael has successfully programmed talent at a number of arenas and casinos in the western United States. Michael has brought new energy to the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He has provided numerous opportunities for talent of all types to keep the line-up fresh and diverse.
Melissa Schaaf
Director of Marketing/Global Spectrum
Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
Age 28
Melissa handles the day-to-day marketing of one of the world's busiest arenas, while at the same time, training and educating her direct reports to become future marketers within the company. Her creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication led to the highest grossing performance of a Feld Entertainment show in the history of Philadelphia when Disney on Ice shattered the box office record this past December.
Jeannine Smaltz
General Manager at The Fillmore Charlotte, N.C., and the Uptown Amphitheatre at the Music Factory
Live Nation North America Concerts
Age 34
Since their opening in 2009, Jeannine has been responsible for the venues’ daily operations, translating into more than 150 shows, 18 large-scale events and 30 private events last year alone. Under her guidance, for the first time ever, Band of Horses played for two consecutive nights at The Fillmore, and the Foo Fighters held a private event, becoming the venue’s biggest show to date. The amphitheater also saw top billing acts, including The Jonas Brothers and Imagine Dragons. She has increased business by 200 percent and received extensive positive customer service reviews.
Lauren Shatlock
VP of Operations
Red 11 Music
Age 29
Lauren manages the day-to-day operations of the staff as well as handling approximately 2,500 contracts per year for the Nashville office. Lauren has a very determined spirit. If there is a way, she will find it and own it. In addition, Lauren handles much of the day-to-day contact with Red 11’s artists, from Grammy Award winners to its newest up and coming acts. Red 11 has tripled in growth since January 2010 because of the commitment to this sense of community.
Mike Slaton
General Manager
Iroquois Amphitheater, Louisville Metro Parks
Age 32
In 2013, Mike oversaw all front of house and ticketing operations for an exciting new event, “Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular,” which drew an unprecedented 40,000 paid visitors to the Iroquois Amphitheater over approximately three weeks. Produced by Passion For Pumpkins, it featured a quarter-mile trail through the woods of Iroquois Park, illuminated with 5,000 intricately carved Jack O’ Lanterns. The 24-day event involved having the venue open more than 100 hours a week. In just three weeks, they more than doubled the annual paid attendance. The event was a huge success, raising money to fund playground construction in underprivileged neighborhoods.
Rebecca Teal
Senior Director of Marketing, Live Nation Global Touring
Live Nation Entertainment
Age 31
Rebecca works on global tours for many top artists, including Justin Timberlake, U2, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. Her accomplishments include being responsible for Global Touring’s new media/digital strategy; fashioning groundbreaking, inimitable campaigns; managing tour launches through trailblazing multimedia implementation, creative development and large-scale press events; and overseeing global tour advertising financials including forecasting, tracking and settlements. The global tours she’s worked on recently include: Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience World Tour (100+ shows, in 22+ countries and counting), Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour (97 shows, 30 countries), Bruno Mars’ The Moonshine Jungle Tour (43 shows), The Mrs. Carter Show Starring Beyoncé (41 shows) and Nine Inch Nails Live: Tension 2013.
Tim Witkowski
Aramark General Manager at Arrowhead Stadium and Starlight Theatre, Kansas City
Age 33
In July, Tim took on a new role with Aramark, moving from San Antonio, where he was the general manager at the AT&T Center, to Kansas City, to become the general manager at Arrowhead Stadium for Aramark. In Kansas City, Tim launched 10 new retail concepts — including a “shipping container” store with tablet-based POS system — that offered unique experiences for guests at every level of the stadium. He also improved the stadium’s vegetarian menu, which was named the second most vegetarian-friendly NFL stadium by PETA.
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