Author: Brad Weissberg

Active at 90

Active at 90

Posted by | Nov 1, 2019 |

Clockwise from top left: T-Mobile Park’s chapulines, Las Vegas Convention Center’s Meat Locker pizza, pork belly banh mi sliders, Vancouver Convention Centre’s Bliss Cake. (Courtesy Centerplate) Centerplate heads toward centennial by keeping concessions fresh for clients, fans In 1929, Nathaniel Leverone started a vending service in Chicago and called it the Automatic Canteen Company of America. Leverone got the idea to start the company when he got a handful of bad peanuts from a vending machine and he thought he could do better.  He founded the company on the idea that customers deserved a square deal: fairly priced high-quality food and beverage, served with professionalism and a smile. Leverone’s first real get turned out to be the historic World’s Fair in Chicago in 1933. He sold chocolate milk and concessions, and he even installed a few pop-up restaurants. The vending business eventually split off and the rest of the company… Continue Reading Active at 90

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Phone Frenzy

Phone Frenzy

Posted by | Nov 1, 2019 |

Centerplate moves deliberately in an age of app overload Mobile phones are everywhere, and every venue in the world is trying to figure out how to incorporate them into its in-venue fan experience. Not so fast, said Diana Evans, senior vice president of marketing and communications for Centerplate. “Sure, the phone frenzy has taken hold of the fans, but it’s vital to understand the full customer journey,” she said. “The mobile trend is not universal. You need to understand the needs of the clients in a particular place and understand that sometimes it’s a case of ‘didn’t want or ask for.’ “How many apps do you have on your phone and how many apps do you actually use?” she often ponders. “Sure, everyone is glued to them. But the industry has been struggling with how to support the main event and how to integrate ordering and delivery into a device… Continue Reading Phone Frenzy

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Management: November 2019

Posted by | Nov 1, 2019 | ,

The Broadmoor World Arena and Pikes Peak Center for the Performing Arts in Colorado Springs, Colo., named Ben Chuha head of the events and guest services division. Also joining the events department are Kourtnee Brenner as event services manager and Erin Nelson as event services coordinator. Additions to the marketing department include Matthew Ellis as digital marketer/creative designer and Katy Anderson as marketing media and sponsorship fulfillment manager. New football league the XFL named> David Michael its chief technology officer. Michael comes from The Madison Square Garden Co., where he was chief information officer. Populous named Bruce Miller its managing director of the Americas. Miller is a senior principal and designer at Populous with 30 years of experience. Patrick Talty joined the Indiana Sports Corp. as chief operating officer. Talty has spent more than 20 years in sports and entertainment, including management roles at NFL stadiums in Minneapolis and Phoenix.… Continue Reading Management: November 2019

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IEBA Hands Out Honors, Salutes Hall of Famers

IEBA Hands Out Honors, Salutes Hall of Famers

Posted by | Oct 30, 2019 |

Kenny Laguna, Joan Jett and Larry Vallon were on hand when IEBA inducted them and others into the IEBA Hall of Fame at the organization’s 2019 conference in Nashville. (Courtesy IEBA) Bridgestone Arena, Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Red Rocks among winners The International Entertainment Buyers Association wrapped its 49th annual conference Tuesday evening with its awards ceremony. Inducted into IEBA’s Hall of Fame were rock legend Joan Jett alongside her longtime manager and producer Kenny Laguna, promoter Larry Vallon, Warped Tour creator Kevin Lyman, co-head of CAA’s Nashville office Rod Essig and booking agent Steve Dahl (posthumously). The Delaware State Fair was also inducted into IEBA’s Hall of Fame on the occasion of its 100th anniversary. Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and its senior vice president of booking, David Kells, walked away with the two of the biggest honors: Arena of the Year and Venue Executive of the Year. “It’s totally fun and it was really great… Continue Reading IEBA Hands Out Honors, Salutes Hall of Famers

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Glover leaving Ruth Eckerd Hall

Glover leaving Ruth Eckerd Hall

Posted by | Oct 30, 2019 | , ,

Lori Glover. (Courtesy Ruth Eckerd Hall) Lori Glover will leave her position as chief financial officer and vice president of finance for Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Fla., at the end of the year. Glover joined the venue in October 2012 as CFO. In 2014, she added VP of finance to her title. During her tenure, Glover oversaw the finances during the multiphase $19 million renovation project that included a new grand lobby with a six-lane grand entry, a new ticketing area and new live music locations. Before joining Ruth Eckerd Hall, Glover was CFO for the South County Family YMCA.    

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