BIG FOOTPRINT: VenuesNow Conference will include a reception at the Footprint Center, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. (Courtesy Venue)
“By the time I get to Phoenix,” the 2024 VenuesNow Conference will be in full swing with an inaugural golf tournament followed by two days of meaningful keynotes, panels, workshops and community networking regarding the future of venues and the live industry.
The host city has a long history of embracing music, sports and live performance. In addition to Glen Campbell’s 1968 classic cited above, Waylon Jennings honed his craft in Phoenix forming the rockabilly band Waylors before eventually finding fame in Nashville. Vincent Damon Furnier, better known as Alice Cooper, started a band while a student at Cortez High School. Stevie Nicks, Jordin Sparks and Dierks Bentley were born there. Gordon Lightfoot name checked State Route 74 north of the Valley of the Sun in his 1974 hit “Carefree Highway.”
The city seems appropriate in other ways. In Greek mythology, the Phoenix represents renewal, which resonates as the industry emerges from the ashes of the pandemic stronger and more forward leaning than ever.
It’s an appropriate place at a pivotal time as the entertainment market has become more competitive for bookers and venues and forecasting and staying ahead of trends impacts success. With so much at stake, it makes sense to have two, must-attend keynotes during the seventh VNC at the Arizona Biltmore.
Click here for full scheduled and to register to attend VNC 2024.
Keynote Q&A
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, Brett Yormark, commissioner of the Big 12 Conference, will deliver the keynote address. Recognized for his transformative leadership and innovative strategies across sports, music and live entertainment, Yormark propelled the conference into the national spotlight since becoming commissioner in 2022. During his address, Yormark will share insights into the future of sports and entertainment venues. Yormark previously held positions as COO of Roc Nation and Co-CEO of Roc Nation Unified; spent 14 years as president and CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (BSE) Global, managing Barclays Center, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Long Island Nets; and six years at NASCAR, where he contributed to the company’s growth as a major sports property.
Keynote Q&A
On day two, Jeb Terry, president and CEO of Cosm, will be the featured speaker in a one-on-one setting moderated by Oak View Group chairman and CEO Tim Leiweke. A leader in the experiential media and immersive technology space, Terry will share his insights on the future of fan engagement and the role of cutting-edge technology in shaping the live event experience.
Terry’s background in sports, technology and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the industry. Prior to joining Cosm, he held leadership roles at Fox Sports, where he oversaw multi-platform activations for major sporting events, and at StraightCast Media, a company he co-founded that focused on delivering athlete-driven content to fans.
Attendees will have the chance to connect with peers, learn about the latest advancements in technologies and new business opportunities during panels throughout the conference.
PANEL PREVIEW
Women’s Sports: The Future Is Now, which taps the expertise of stakeholders from professional sports leagues, venues and marketers who will talk about the tremendous growth and opportunity in women’s sports at the professional and amateur/collegiate level. Panelists include Joan Conan, athletic director emeritus, University of Tennessee; Amy Scheer, senior vice president business operations, Professional Women’s Hockey League and Kim Stone, CEO, Washington Spirit.
PANEL PREVIEW
Booking: Comedy, Latin & Other Hot Content Trends, with agents, talent buyers and bookers looking at current content trends and how to secure dates on route books in 2025 with sought after Latin, comedy and other popular touring segments. Panelists include Starr Jemison, senior vice president content development and private events, Oak View Group; Nick Nuciforo, partner and head of comedy of United Talent Agency; Mark Shulman, senior vice president, programming of Oak View Group; and Geof Wills, president, comedy, Live Nation.
PANEL PREVIEW
Ultra-Premium: Capturing The High End will look at what venues are doing to satisfy the discerning tastes of customers with premium concessions for fans who want an upscale experience. From the suites to the concourse, operators identify what works and how much people are willing to pay for an elevated experience. Panelists include Ken Gaber, president food and beverage hospitality of Oak View Group; Crystal Brewe, executive vice president, chief marketing and audience experience officer of The Philadelphia Orchestra / Ensemble Arts; Bryce Hollweg, COO, Florida Panthers; Sarah Schock, assistant general manager of Footprint Center and Amber Trendell, senior director, strategy of Oracle.
PANEL PREVIEW
Universities Look to Venues Amid Shifting Revenue Calculus with a shifting revenue landscape, colleges and universities are looking at their venues differently, both existing facilities and planned developments. The discussion includes sponsorships, premium suites and mixed-use developments around the venue footprint. Panelists include Brandon Comer, managing partner of Alterity Capital / Comer Capital Group; Jeffrey DeWitt, chief financial officer and executive vice chancellor for finance of University of Kansas; Graham Rossini, athletics director of Arizona State University / Sun Devil Athletics; and John David Wicker, director of athletics of San Diego State University.
The schedule also includes a case study on the venues of Phoenix and on Oct. 15, during the Opening Reception, conference attendees will have an exclusive opportunity to tour the Footprint Center, providing a firsthand look at the newest innovations in venue design and technology.
