Event Solutions | Breaking News

Washington Convention Center Authority CEO Steps Down

Aubrey — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:43:09 -0700

Body

Reba Pittman Walker, CEO and general manager for the Washington Convention Center Authority in Washington, D.C., is stepping down for personal reasons, effective May 30, 2008.

“It has been an honor to work with some of the brightest talent in the meetings and conventions industry, and I know the center will continue to have a strong impact on the region’s economy,” said Walker.

“During her tenure here, Walker has brought a tremendous commitment to customer service and to enhancing the sales and marketing efforts of the center,” said Beverly Perry, the authority chairwoman for the center. “She has established a well-respected reputation in the hospitality industry as someone who understands the vital role customer service plays in the convention business, and has applied that expertise to our building. We thank her for her dedication, professionalism and commitment to improving the hospitality industry in Washington, D.C.”

For more information, visit www.dcconvention.com.

Venue, Lead Time and Security Biggest Challenges During Pope Visit

Aubrey — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:49:55 -0700

Body

When Global Event Partners (GEP) was contacted with just four months lead time regarding a visit by the pope to Washington DC, GEP turned to Showcall Inc. knowing they could rely on the company’s experience in production of high profile, intense security events.

The biggest challenges Showcall faced were the venue, the lead time and the VIP security.

The Venue

The Nationals Park baseball stadium, the brand new home to the Washington DC Nationals, was chosen to host the 47,000 who attended the Mass. The stadium opened just two weeks prior to the pope’s visit for the first baseball game of the season. There was no baseline to guarantee the capabilities of the stadium. Many questions about lighting, power, staging, video and other logistical strategies were answered during the first baseball games of the season. But for most of the four-month planning period, Showcall dealt with many uncertainties and planned for the unknown.

“This event was particularly challenging from a technical perspective,” said Ajay R. Patil, co-founder and owner of Showcall. “Not only did we have to compete with the sun, from a lighting point of view, but we also had to deal with very complex audio elements. Our Audio Designer, Mike Scarfe consulted with Martin Audio in England and Crown Microphones to determine the best way to ensure that the entire field and stadium would hear the event clearly. They also had to consider a full orchestra and three choirs behind the speakers…a big ‘no no’ when it comes to audio. But the collaboration worked and the sound was perfect.”

The venue’s groundskeepers expressed concern for the care of the grass when setting up the enormous stage, audio towers and seating for 6,000 guests. Using Terra Plast and Bravo Mats to protect the grass helped resolve these issues.

Lead Time

Four months of lead time for an event of this magnitude, planning every detail meticulously, provided another challenge. Design for the staging and production, as well as the vestments worn by the pope, the bishops and cardinals, had to be presented to a local committee then to the Vatican for approval. Included in the four months of planning was a design contest for the pope, the altar and the ambo (pulpit).

The amount of load-in time was abbreviated to three days instead of the preferred five to six, as dictated by the stadium’s schedule. And as the clock ticked down, the team had from 3:00 a.m. until 5:15 a.m. to finalize their preparations.

“The key to dealing with a compressed time frame is an effective communications system during the planning process,” said A. Blayne Candy, co-founder and owner of Showcall. “Also, surround yourself with a team of highly experienced personnel. If your team gets overwhelmed with the scale of the event, it is less effective. Decisions must be made and executed in real-time while keeping everyone apprised of the results. There is no time or room for big mistakes.” Candy also stressed the importance of honesty among participants. If they do not have an answer, they need to let everyone know about the unknown factor.

Security

Showcall worked with the United States Secret Service, those ultimately responsible for the security and safety of the event. The Secret Service arranged for the presence of a wide variety of law enforcement, emergency response and medical personnel. Understanding security concerns and further navigating around the rigid challenges was key to the success of the planning process and the execution of the event.

The Secret Service made a final sweep of the park at 10:00 p.m. the night before the event. The entire park was evacuated of the 500 personnel while agents and dogs swept the stadium until 3:00 a.m. Personnel were then readmitted to finalize preparations before doors opened at 5:15 a.m.

“Get involved in these events at the most basic level,” said Patil and Candy to any who aspire to this niche of production. “Learn the ropes at every level and work your way up so that you know and understand every nuance of the security solutions.”

Additional Challenges and Rewards

Showcall produced the pre-program at the Mass, called Morning Glory. The company’s responsibilities included scripting, stage management, calling of the show and securing and coordinating all talent, celebrities and athletes. Additionally, Showcall planned and managed all media logistics for over 600 members of the International Press. The company also managed media logistics and audio-visual production services for the pope at the White House, the Shrine, the Basilica and the John Paul Cultural Center.

The Showcall team felt this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience…to be part of an event of this magnitude, and to be part of a team that rises to meet and exceed any challenge.

Photos

Freeman Named ‘Business of the Year’ by the LVHA

Aubrey — Fri, 02 May 2008 10:47:24 -0700

Body

Freeman, a provider of integrated services for face-to-face marketing events was named “Business of the Year” by the Las Vegas Hospitality Association (LVHA).

The Distinction Awards honor those in hospitality-related industries for outstanding service and commitment to maintaining Las Vegas as a premier destination for business and leisure travel.

“The fact that this honor was voted on by our peers in the Las Vegas business community makes it especially important to all of the 400 employee owners of Freeman who work in the Las Vegas area,” said Barry Rappaport, executive VP, national sales group for Freeman.

Freeman received a $2,500 educational scholarship in its name to the school of its choice, funded by the LVHA. Freeman will award the scholarship to the UNLV Hospitality Program in Las Vegas.

For more information, visit www.freemanco.com.

Signature Marketing Group Acquires RK Global Meetings & Events

Aubrey — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 15:40:23 -0700

Body

Corporate event and meeting management company, Langhorne, Pa.-based Signature Marketing Group (SMG), has acquired RK Global Meetings & Events, an event management firm based in West Chester, Pa. RK’s founders, Stephanie Krzywanski and Jennafer Ross, CMP, will join SMG as director, event operations and vice president, business development.

“Acquiring RK Global Meetings & Events puts us in a strong position for continued growth,” said Julie Smith, CMP, president, SMG. “Krzywanski and Ross bring us a wealth of talent and industry experience including strong revenue management and strategic client development. Their recognized leadership within our industry, coupled with their creativity and commitment to excellence, is a significant new asset for SMG.”

Aramark Hires Two Industry Veterans

Aubrey — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:23:00 -0700

Body

Aramark Harrison Lodging, a provider of food services, facilities management and uniform services and a division of Philadelphia-based Aramark Corporation, has hired Bob Marshall as senior vice president of operations and Sandy Heilman as vice president of sales and marketing.

Marshall, with more than 20 years of hospitality experience, will be responsible for directing and supervising the organization’s operational activities from it’s headquarters in Philadelphia.

Also a veteran in her field, Heilman brings more than 20 years of experience in sales and marketing and will oversee Aramark Harrison Lodging’s sales process while leading all marketing, electronic distribution and central reservations programs from the company’s Phoenix location.

For more information, visit www.aramark.com.

Phoenix Marriott Unveils $21 Million Ballroom Addition

Aubrey — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:25:14 -0700

Body

The JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, a luxury resort in Phoenix, has unveiled a $21 million addition to its property, the Saguaro Ballroom.

Adding more than 50,000 square feet to the resort, the new addition brings the resort’s total event space to 240,000 square feet.

“The addition will continue to drive convention business, and leisure business will benefit as well,” said Steve Hart, general manager and regional marketing vice president for the resort. “Many of our leisure travelers are guests that have visited the resort for a meeting and then returned for vacation.”

As the ultimate christening, the ballroom hosted Muhammad Ali’s Celebrity Fight Night fundraising event, which attracted numerous A-list celebrities.

For more information, visit www.jwdesertridgeresort.com.