AWARDS
VenuesNow offers a number of annual awards to honor excellence in the venue industry. While Venues Now issues separate calls for nominees for each of its four awards, nominations are accepted year round. Think you know someone deserving of an award? Then email [email protected] and detail what makes that individual a strong candidate. Remember to cite as many specific examples of excellence as possible, and try to include accomplishments from the last 18 months. Below is an approximate schedule of when nominations are typically due.
Ticketing Stars – February Issue (Nominations due the previous Nov. 1)
Generation Next – June Issue (Nominations by March 27, 2020)
Women of Influence – August Issue (Nominations by May 15, 2020)
All-Stars – October Issue (Selected by VenuesNow editorial staff)
Excellence in Concessions – October Issue (Nominations by August 14, 2020)
Hall of Honor – December Issue (Selected by VenuesNow editorial staff)
Ticketing Stars (Box Office Stars)
Each January, VenuesNow honors box office professionals for excellence in the ticketing industry, whether it’s a new innovation that has improved the ticket-buying experience, or an idea that leads to a bump in revenue. The awards are given out during the opening luncheon for the annual International Ticketing Association conference.
2020
- Ebony Hattix, box office manager, Memphis Grizzlies / FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tenn.
- Jacque Holowaty, vice president of client experience and ticketing, Spectra
- Tyler Hubbard, director of ticket operations, Washington Nationals
- Said Sattout, ticketing manager, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
- David Simpson, director of ticket sales and service, Fox Theatre, Atlanta
- Steve Weydig, senior vice president of client support, Ticketmaster North America.Click here to read about the 2020 Ticketing Stars
2019
- Christina Allen, Box Office Manager, Ottawa Senators Hockey Club & Canadian Tire Centre
- Jonathan Lack, Senior Director of Ticketing, Milwaukee Bucks
- Alex Renfrew, Director of Ticketing, Marketing and Sales for Spectra, Tsongas Center, Lowell, Mass., and Northeast and Southeast Box Office Regional for Spectra
- Rebecca Throne, Ticketing Department Manager and Box Office Operations Manager, Burning Man, San Francisco
2018
- Andrew Bragman, Vice President – Ticket Operations, Washington Nationals Baseball Club
- Crystal Clinton, Director, Ticketing System Administration, Opry Entertainment, Nashville
- Linda Forlini,Vice President, Ticket Philadelphia
- David Greenbaum, Director of Ticketing, NRG Park, Houston
2017
- David Arnold, Box Office Director, KFC Yum! Center/AEG
- Tricia Brown, Box Office Director, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Bankers Life Fieldhouse
- Lee Ann Gibbons, Director of Ticketing, Messina Touring Group
2016
- Deb Aleff, director of Ticketing, Duluth (Minn.) Entertainment Convention Center &
Amsoil Arena - Sergio Fresco, assistant director of Client Services, Verizon Center/ Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Washington, D.C.
- Jim Sachs, director of Ticketing, Select-A-Seat / Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita, Kan.
2015
- Cait Schumann, Nationwide Arena and the Schottenstein Center, Columbus, Ohio
- Jon Secunda, CenturyLink Center Omaha and TD Ameritrade Park Omaha (Neb.)
- Paige Stouch, Global Spectrum, XL Center & Rentschler Field
2014
- Mark Arata, SMG New Orleans (Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans Arena, Champions Square)
- Cathy Lebo, Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey (Pa.) Pavilion & Giant Center
- Jason Varnish,Consol Energy Center/AEG, Pittsburgh
2013
- Gail Anderson, Minnesota State Fair, Minn.
- Brent McNamee, Budweiser Gardens, London, Ontario
- Jamie Vosmeier, Fox Theatre, Atlanta, Ga.
2012
- Mary Ann Collins, Nederlander Concerts, Los Angeles
- Chris Convery, Oracle Arena and O.co Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.
- Shawn Robertson, Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles
2011
- Anita Guerricabeitia, Boise State, Idaho
- Bernie Berry, WolfTrap Performing Arts Center, Vienna, Va.
- Sharon Dunaway, BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla.
2010
- Brian Sayre, PlayhouseSquare, Cleveland
- Tom Benson, Tickets.com
- Diana Bullion, Staples Center, Los Angeles
2009
- Sherry Caldwell, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
- Josh Logan, Houston Rockets
- Russ Stanley, San Francisco Giants
Generation Next
VenuesNow honors these young professionals (35years and under) who make a difference in sports, music, conventions, family shows, fairs and festivals. All winners of the annual Generation Next award are profiled in the June issue of the magazine.
2019
- Meghan Blood, Director of marketing, BOK Center
- Brittanie Delava, Director of touring, AEG Presents
- Joe Dolan, Assistant general manager, Bon Secours Wellness Arena
- David Garcia, Vice president of guest experience, Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena
- Corey Margolis, General manager, Angel of the Winds Arena (Spectra)
- Mike Melisi, General manager, Aramark at Fenway Park (Social Winner)
- Lisa Niess, Marketing and communications manager, U.S. Bank Stadium
Click here to read more about the 2019 Generation Next honorees
2018
- No awards
2017
- Lucy Albers, Sr. Marketing Manager/SMG, Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls, S.D.
- Brian Chia, Director of Client Services, EventBooking, Knoxville, Tenn.
- John Ciolfi (Social Butterfly), Marketing Manager/SMG, Dunkin’ Donuts Center & Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence
- Jordan Silberman, Vice President of Operations, Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
- Michael Sulkes (Readers’ Choice), Assistant General Manager, Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
2016
- Laura Alexander, director of sales and marketing, Spectra/Owensboro (Ky.) Convention Center (Readers’ Choice recipient)
- Matt Chapman, director of food and beverage, VenuWorks/Swiftel Center, Brookings, S.D.
- Kelli Ireland, director of marketing, SMG/Canalta Centre, Medicine Hat, Alta.
- Trent Merritt, regional VP, Spectra Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality and GM, USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Fla.
- Mike Warkentin, venue manager, Rexall Place at Northlands, Edmonton, Alta.(Social Butterfly recipient)
2015
- Rebecca Bolton, Las Cruces (N.M.) Convention Center (Readers’ Choice Award)
- David Farrar, Santander Arena & Performing Arts Center, Reading, Pa.
- Gunnar Fox, PPL Center, Allentown, Pa.
- Russell Gordon, Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, Los Angeles (Social Butterfly Award)
- Casey Sparks, BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla.
2014
- Tyler Bates- Readers’ Choice Award, Director of Booking, Barclays Center
- Juliette Feld, Executive VP and Producer, Feld Entertainment
- Andrew Newport, General Manager, Klipsch Music Center
- Christine Pileckas, Director of Sales & Marketing, Intrust Bank Arena
- Adam Cook, General Manager, Rexall Place & Edmonton Expo Centre
2013
- Jason Blumenfeld, General Manager for Global Spectrum — Abbotsford (B.C.) Entertainment & Sports Centre
- Monty Jones Jr. – Social Butterfly Award, General Manager for Global Spectrum — Augusta (Ga.) Entertainment Complex
- Deidra Sibila, Senior Director of Ticketing for Live Nation
- Brian Sipe – Reader’s Choice Award Winner, General Manager for SMG – Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington, W.Va.
- Becca Watters, Marketing Manager for Spokane Public Facilities District
2012
- Jeff Nickler, BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla. (Reader’s Choice award winner)
- Matt Kautz, Paciolan
- Cassandra Zebisch, AEG and L.A. Live, Los Angeles
- Jennifer McCrary, Ottawa Convention Centre & Aramark
- Brian Penix, National Shows 2
2011
- Katie Pandolfo, General Manager of the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
- Cara Vanderhook, Sr. Manager of Communications and Marketing at Staples Center and Nokia Theatre, L.A. Live
- Barry Kahn, CEO for Qcue
- Jon Petrunak, National Talent Buyer for SMG
- Carl Mittleman, Regional VP for Aramark’s Central Region
Women of Influence
In July, VenuesNow honors professional women for their contributions to the live entertainment industry. Considered to be one of VenuesNow’s most prestigious honors, the Women of Influence are given out each year during the International Association of Venue Manager’s annual conference.
2019
- Maureen Andersen, President and CEO, International Ticketing Association (INTIX)
- Pam Matthews, Executive director, International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA)
- Kate McMahon, Executive vice president, Messina Touring Group
- Beth Paul, General manager, Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville Arena District
- Michele “Mel” Raines, Senior vice president of facilities operations, Pacers Sports & Entertainment
- Rena Wasserman, Nederlander
Click here to read more about the 2019 Women of Influence award honorees
2018
- Jeanie Buss, CEO, NBA Governor & Controlling Owner, Los Angeles Lakers
- Donna DiBenedetto, Director of Touring, AEG Presents, New York City
- Evelyn Ingram, Vice President of Sales, EventBooking, Knoxville, Tenn.
- Dot Lischick, Broadmoor World Arena and Pikes Peak Center, Colorado Springs, Colo.
- Lynda Reinhart, Director of the University of Florida’s Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville
2017
- Kim Damron, President, Paciolan, Irvine, Calif.
- Donna Julian, Senior Vice President of Arena & Events Ops & GM Spectrum Center, Charlotte, N.C.
- Michele Montague, Assistant General Manager & Vice President, Events Verizon Center, Washington
- Marla Ostroff, EVP of Arts and Theatre and Strategic Accounts Ticketmaster, New York City
- Debra Rathwell, Senior Vice President, AEG Live, New York
2016
- Sandra Dunn, General Manager, DCU Center/SMG, Worcester, Mass.
- Ali Harnell, Senior VP / AEG Live – Nashville
- Michele L. Swann, General Manager/CEO of Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority, Atlanta
2015
- Carol Pollock, Hoyt Sherman Place/VenuWorks (Posthumous) WOI and first Hall of Famer
- Leslee Stewart, General Manager, Paramount Theatre, Oakland, Calif.
- Kerry Painter, Assistant General Manager, Cox Business Center, Tulsa, Okla.
- Karen Totaro, General Manager, Atlantic City Convention Center, 1st Vice Chair IAVM
2014
- Jan Addison, Deputy General Manager, Orange County Convention Center
- Lynn Carlotto, General Manager, Rogers K-Rock Centre
- Wesley Cullen, General Manager, Coliseo de Puerto Rico
- Susan Rosenbluth, Senior VP AEG Live/Goldenvoice
- Cheryl Swanson, Executive Director, Alerus Center
2013
- Adina Erwin, Fox Theatre, Atlanta
- Maureen Ginty, SMG
- Kim Stone, AmericanAirlines Arena and The Heat Group, Miami
2012
- Susette Hunter, Birmingham-Jefferson (Ala.) Convention Complex
- Cyndee Pennington, Pensacola (Fla.) Civic Center
- Vanessa Kromer, Nederlander Concerts, Hollywood, Calif.
2011
- JoAnn Armstrong, Honda Center, Anaheim, Calif.
- Sydney Greenblatt, Sydney Greenblatt Event Marketing
- Sally Roach, Township Auditorium, Columbia, S.C.
2010
- Liza Cartmell, Aramark
- Tammy Koolbeck, VenuWorks
- Christy Castillo, Staples Center and Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live
2009
- Nicole Feld, Feld Entertainment
- Sandie Aaron, SMG
- Patti-Anne Tarlton, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment
2008
- Jane Kleinberger, Paciolan
- Claire Rothman, The Forum, Inglewood, Calif.
- Peggy Daidakis, Baltimore Convention Center
- Brenda Tinnen, Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo.
- Shura Lindgren, St. Charles (Mo.) Convention Center
2007
- Donna Dowless, XOXO Media Group
- Robyn Williams, Portland (Ore.) Center for the Performing Arts
- Carol Wallace, San Diego Convention Center
- Kim Bedier, Comcast Arena, Everett, Wash.
- Barbara Hubbard, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces
VenuesNow All-Stars
In 2019 VenuesNow proudly presented the debut of the VenuesNow All-Stars, a group of 50 extraordinary people
and places changing the face of the venues business. It’s a franchise that we’re excited to introduce and one that we plan to build on in the years to come.
Click here to view the list of 2019 VenuesNow All Star Honorees
Excellence in Concessions Awards (Formerly Silver Spoon Awards)
In October, VenuesNow announces our Excellence in Concessions Award Winners and Honorable Mentions for standouts in concessions.
2019
BEST SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
- Expanded Waste Diversion Efforts
SunTrust Park, Atlanta
Shawn Mattox, SunTrust Park vice president of operations, Delaware North Sportservice
BEST NEW CONCEPT IN FOOD AND DRINK
- Elevated Concessions Partners
Live Nation
Brian Siep, senior vice president of food and beverage; Andy Yates, West Coast director of food and beverage; and Brian Hart, director of premium food and beverage.
BEST NEW MENU ITEM
- Tumbleweed Burger
Isotopes Park, Albuquerque, N.M.
Ryan Curry, former assistant general manager/executive chef, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality at Isotopes Park.
BEST NEW TECHNOLOGY
- Walk Thru Bru with Mashgin Express Self-Checkout
Aramark
Alicia Woznicki, Aramark vice president of design and development
BEST NEW/REFURBISHED SPACE IN FOOD & DRINK (This new award honors a concession stand or sit-down dining space that stands out for its unique design and its popularity with fans.)
- Marque Club presented by Lexus
Fox Theatre, Atlanta
David Ploski, club manager, and Rob Chaffin, executive chef
Click here to read more about the 2019 Excellence in Concessions award honorees
2018
BEST SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
- Biodigestion Technology
Miller Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers
Seth VanderLaan, executive chef for Delaware North Cos.
BEST NEW CONCEPT IN FOOD AND DRINK
- Stadium Street
Developed by Zach Hensley, CenturyLink Field’s VP of Venue Operations and Guest Experience, First & Goal Hospitality (FGH) in-house concessions group.
BEST NEW MENU ITEM
- Asian Street Food ($11 each)
PPL Center, Allentown, PA
Andrew Wissa, Executive Chef, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality at PPL Center
BEST NEW TECHNOLOGY (New award)
- Brew2You
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Developed by Danielle Lazor, VP, Design, Development & Retail, Sports & Entertainment, Aramark
2017
BEST SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
- Sustainable Seafood Choices, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, Air Canada Centre partnering with Ocean Wise, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
BEST NEW CONCEPT IN FOOD AND DRINK
- Jade Peacock at the San Diego County Fair, Del Mar, Calif.
BEST NEW MENU ITEM
- “Juanchos” Nachos, Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif.,
2016
BEST SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
Hunger at Home
Ewell Sterner, General Manager Convention Center Operations at Team San Jose
BEST NEW CONCEPT IN FOOD AND DRINK
Test Kitchen
Kelly Fortune, General Manager, Aramark, Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
BEST NEW MENU ITEM
Ramen Live Action Station
Jody Harris, Director of Food and Beverage, SAVOR… at The OnCenter, Syracuse, NY
2015
BEST SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
- Tampa Bay Lightning and Amalie Arena, Tampa, Fla.
BEST NEW CONCEPT IN FOOD AND DRINK
- Shaun Beard, Senior Vice President, SMG Savor, The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) Athletics
BEST NEW MENU ITEM
- Affonso Jefferson, Spectra Food Services & Hospitality General Manager at Pensacola (Fla.) Bayfront Stadium
2014
BEST SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
- REAL Certification at Music City Center in Nashville
BEST NEW CONCEPT IN FOOD AND DRINK
- The Local Detroit Experience at Ford Field
BEST NEW MENU ITEM
- Surf and Turf Burger at PPL Park in Philadelphia
2013
BEST SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE
- Minnesota’s Target Field ‘Roots for the Hometeam’
HONORABLE MENTION GOES TO:
- Vancouver Convention Centre Donates To United We Can
BEST NEW CONCEPT IN FOOD AND DRINK
- The Kitchen Experience, Ovations at the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Convention Center
HONORABLE MENTION GOES TO:
- Edgar’s Cantina at Safeco Field in Seattle
BEST NEW MENU ITEM
- Beer Shakes, introduced by Minor League Baseball’s Charleston (S.C.) RiverDogs at Joseph R. Riley, Jr. Park and their Director of Food and Beverage John Schumacher
HONORABLE MENTION GOES TO:
- Kuku Paka, introduced by Executive Chef Allan Wambaa, Oregon Convention Center in Portland
Hall of Honor Awards
VenuesNow established the inaugural Hall of Honor Awards in 2019. The award celebrates those who have achieved at the highest level in the venues business and related enterprises during their long and distinguished careers. A small number of honorees whose professional lives exemplifies excellence, integrity, ingenuity and a passion for the business are selected by VenuesNow staff and inducted each year.
2019
- Kenneth Feld, chairman and CEO, Feld Entertainment
- Jane Kleinberger, co-founder, Paciolan
- Rick Nafe, former chairman of Stadium Managers Association and longtime Tampa-St. Petersburg venue manager
Hall of Headlines Awards
VenuesNow gave out the Hall of Headline Award in its December issue from 2005 to 2017. The award is given to members in four different categories – News, Bookings, Ops & Tech, Marketing and Concessions. The awards are given to individuals who have made a difference in the facilities industry in the last 12 months, and recipients are nominated and elected by VenuesNow readers.
2017
- News-Peter Luukko and Tim Leiweke, co-chairs, Arena Alliance
- News-Chris Verros, CEO Centerplate
- Ops & Tech-Kerry Painter, AGM, Cox Business Center, Tulsa Okla.
- Bookings-Jerry Goldman, AGM/SMG, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
- Marketing-Maureen Ginty, Exec. VP – Marketing Services & Human Resources SMG, West Conshohocken, Pa.
- Concessions-Sandra Dunn, GM, & Albert Fera, Dir. of Food & Beverage for Savor DCU Center/SMG, Worcester, Mass.
2016
- News-Allen Johnson, Executive Director of Orlando Venues
- Ops & Tech-Don Graham, AGM/VP, Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles & Lee Zeidman, President, Microsoft Theater, Staples Center, LA Live
- Bookings-Rich MacKeigan, SMG Regional GM, Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Marketing-Meghan Doyle, Director of Marketing, BOK Center
- Concessions-Mark Anderson, General Manager and VP, Premier Food Services, Del Mar (Calif.) Fairgrounds and Race Track
2015
- News-Doug Thornton, executive VP of SMG and Steve Tadlock and Michael Krouse, regional VPs of SMG
- Bookings-Louis Messina, president, Messina Touring Group, and Lee Zeidman, president, Staples Center, Los Angeles
- Ops & Tech-Jim McCue, SVP, SMG andJohn Bolton, Vice President, SMG
- Marketing-Amy Latimer, president, TD Garden, Boston
- Concessions-Marco Fabozzi, director of Operations, Levy Restaurants at Barclays Center, Brooklyn
2014
- News-Doug Thornton, Executive VP of SMG
- Bookings-Ben Farrell, Varnell Enterprises
- Marketing-Jen Compton, VP Marketing, TD Garden & Boston Bruins and Jim Delaney, president, Activate Sports & Entertainment
- Ops & Tech-Michael Godoy, SMG, VP of Operations
- Concessions-Don Riccardi, Ovations GM, The Mountain Winery, Saratoga, Calif.
2013
- News – Bruce Ratner & Brett Yormark, Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets, respectively
- Bookings – John Bolton & Jeff Nickler, BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla.
- Ops & Tech – Steve Goodling & Charlie Beirne, Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau and SMG/Long Beach Arena respectively
- Marketing – Peter Luukko & Kevin Lovitt, Comcast-Spectacor & Pointstreak, respectively
- Concessions – Tim Ryan, Anaheim Ducks and Honda Center
2012
- News – Ed Snider and Peter Luukko, Comcast-Spectacor
- Bookings – Alex Hodges, Nederlander Concerts, Los Angeles
- Marketing – Sarah Haertl, Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita, Kan.
- Concessions – Chef Vincent Lai, McCormick Place, Chicago
2011
- News – Gregg Caren & Bob McClintock, SMG/McCormick Place, Chicago
- Bookings – Finn Taylor, Cirque du Soleil
- Marketing – Rich Krezwick, Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.
- Concessions – Nick Nicora, Ovations Food Services
2010
- News – Jay Roberts, Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh
- Bookings – Jon Bon Jovi
- Marketing – Paul Hooper and Matt Johnson at Rupp Arena in Lexington
- Concessions – Norb Bartosik, California State Fair, Sacramento
2009
- News – Lee Zeidman, Staples Center Los Angeles and Nokia Theatre, L.A. Live
- Bookings – Gregg Perloff with Another Planet Entertainment, Marc Geiger from William Morris Endeavor Entertainment and Brad Parsons, Arena Network
- Marketing – Ed Snider and Peter Luukko, Comcast-Spectacor
- Concessions – Steve Zahn, Centerplate
2008
- News – Kenneth Feld, Feld Entertainment
- Bookings – John Bolton, BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla.
- Marketing – Jeff Blosser, Oregon Convention Center, Portland
- Concessions – David Padilla, Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan
2007
- News – Wes Westley, SMG
- Bookings – Bruce MacTaggart and Brad Parson, Walking With Dinosaurs
- Marketing – Larry Wilson, John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, Va.
- Concessions – Ken Young, Ovations
2006
- News – Peter Sullivan, University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
- Bookings – Mike Scanlon, Rose Quarter, Portland
- Marketing – Terry Barnes, Ticketmaster
- Bookings – Ken Young, Ovations
2005
- News – Doug Thornton, Louisiana SuperDome, New Orleans
- Bookings – Brad Parsons, ArenaNetwork and Ron VanDeVeen, Meadowlands, East Rutherford, N.J.
- Marketing – Dennis Scanlon, Rose Quarter, Portland
- Concessions – Peter Luukko, Comcast-Spectacor
Stewards of Sustainability
From 2009 to 2011, VenuesNow honored three executives or facilities In our August “Green” issue for their stewardship toward the environment, whether it’s a venue that has achieved LEED status, or an executive who has reduced waste.
2011
- Kevin Lyman and Warped Tour team
- Amsterdam RAI
- Salt River Fields at Talking Stick
2010
- Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta
- Target Field, Minneapolis
- Eric Ritz, Global Inheritance
2009
- Jim Tripp, Aramark at Anaheim (Calif.) Convention Center
- Target Center, Minneapolis
- Leonard Bonacci, Philadelphia Eagles