IAVM News

Aramark takes active role with IAVM's Sustainability Showcase

17 May 2012 10:32:52 CDT

Aramark has generously agreed to take an active role with the VenueConnect 2012 Sustainability Showcase by providing USB flash drives, which will be preloaded with "green" reference materials, as well as conducting one of the new mini-presentations that will occur during trade show hours in the booth. There will be three mini-presentations designed to give VenueConnect attendees first-hand instruction on a particular topic related to sustainable operations.

In memoriam: Gary C. Sain

17 May 2012 10:32:52 CDT

Gary C. Sain, president and chief executive of Visit Orlando, where he led the organization by marketing and selling the Orlando, Fla., area as the No. 1 family destination in the world and one of the top meetings destinations in America, died May 4. He was 61. A leading figure in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, Sain frequently spoke with media touting the benefits of travel and the industry's importance to the economy as a vehicle for economic development and prosperity.

Kennesaw State University partners with Daktronics

17 May 2012 10:32:52 CDT

Daktronics Inc. recently provided Kennesaw State University with multiple state-of-the-art light emitting diode displays to the KSU Convocation Center. Located in Kennesaw, Ga., the KSU Convocation Center is home to both men's and women's basketball programs, as well as women's volleyball. Daktronics installed a wall-mounted video display that measures approximately 16 feet high by 30 feet wide, incorporating full-color LED pixels on 10 millimeter line spacing. The video board can operate as an independent display showing single large images or be divided into multiple windows to show various statistics, information, graphics, animations and live and recorded video.

More universities turn to ExtremeTix to fill seats nationwide

17 May 2012 10:32:52 CDT

ExtremeTix, one of the fastest growing ticketing and events services companies in North America, recently set its sights on providing an improved ticketing solution for colleges and universities — and is proud to announce the addition of seven new universities to its portfolio of leading academic institutions. ExtremeTix has developed a wide array of ticketing features and capabilities that meet the challenging needs of academic institutions of all sizes.

Georgia World Congress Center completes exhibit hall lighting upgrade

17 May 2012 10:32:52 CDT

The Georgia World Congress Center recently completed a major lighting retrofit and controls system upgrade which will reduce energy consumption, as well as operation and maintenance costs, by using more energy efficient lamps and advanced lighting controls. Money for the renovation came from a $2.3 million grant received in 2011. The funding was used to replace 1,288 lighting fixtures in the GWCC's 12 exhibit halls. The 1,000-watt metal halide lighting fixtures in the halls were replaced with 750-watt pulse start metal halide fixtures in the convention center's 1.4 million square feet of exhibit space.

Amphitheater to fill with eclectic sounds, theatrical productions

17 May 2012 10:32:52 CDT

There simply aren't many nicer outdoor venues in the Shenandoah Valley to take in a theatrical production or a concert than Theater at Lime Kiln in Fries, Va. The stages are nestled in a serene wooded area that allow for intimacy and have inspired many stirring performances. While the economy has had its effect on venues in recent years, including Lime Kiln, many have refocused to become more creative in their bookings, including taking advantage of local and regional talent. The 2012 season at the Lexington-area theater is doing just that and, fortunately, our part of the state is particularly rich in talent.

Could Houston's Astrodome give birth to new stadiums?

17 May 2012 10:32:52 CDT

It's an intriguing question — could the beloved, but time-battered Houston Astrodome give "birth" to half dozen or more new stadiums? Architect Imad Abdullah thinks it's more than possible. "Forty-thousand seats out of the Astrodome could generate $40 million," estimated Abdullah. That's hardly chump change for a facility in desperate need of funding for renovation. Abdullah says because most of the dome's bleacher style, concrete stands were pre-assembled, they can be disassembled, refurbished and re-sold in sections to football-loving Texas school districts looking for a truly cost effective means of erecting new stadiums.

Venue Education Award submission deadline extended to May 18

17 May 2012 10:32:52 CDT

The International Association of Venue Managers has extended the deadline for the Venue Education Award to May 18. The Venue Education Award, sponsored by Northwood University, acknowledges Allied organizations, venues and academic institutions that demonstrate active student involvement and excel in available educational opportunities. In addition, the Venue Education Award honors individuals who are actively involved in the education and continuous development of the venue management industry. Visit the website for additional information.

Rick Haycock represents IAVM at Canadian Heritage meeting

17 May 2012 10:32:52 CDT

Rick Haycock, CFE, represented IAVM with a presentation to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage on May 10. Haycock, general manager of Lansdowne Park in Ottawa and current chair of the membership committee, made a presentation during the committee's review of the National Protocol Procedures. More specifically, Haycock presented from the broad perspective of the venue as an event host for ceremonial events.

Members in Transition

17 May 2012 10:32:52 CDT

Many of our members are on the move and transitioning to other jobs and opportunities within the venue management industry, including Casey Sparks, who was hired as the assistant general manager and director of sales and marketing for the Pensacola Civic Center. Also, MTS announced that David Wiles has been promoted to national account manager.