SMG Reorganizes Domestic Operations with Executive Promotions

SMG is pleased to announce that, effective today, President and CEO Wes Westley has reorganized its domestic lines of business in order to provide greater focus and oversight. Effective with this reorganization, Gregg Caren has been promoted to Executive Vice President for convention and exhibition centers, and Doug Thornton has been promoted to Executive Vice President for stadiums and arenas.

Both of these executives bring substantial knowledge and experience to their divisions. Their significant expertise will contribute greatly to the growth and success of these business lines. In their new capacities, Gregg and Doug will be responsible for the operation of their specific divisions and will report directly to Mr. Westley.

Additionally, at this time, SMG announces the promotions of Bob McClintock to COO of convention centers reporting to Gregg Caren; Harry Cann and Joe Romano to Senior Vice President for stadiums and arenas reporting to Doug Thornton; and Gary McAneney to Senior Vice President Finance reporting to John Burns, CFO.

“All of these moves strengthen SMG’s position in our lines of business, recognize and reward deserving executives, and position SMG to move forward positively into our bright and exciting future,” said Westley.

Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, NE Ribbon Cutting

A new era has begun for the City of Lincoln, Nebraska, as the SMG-managed Pinnacle Bank Arena held its ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening weekend on Thursday, August 29 – Saturday, August 31.

A host of dignitaries were on hand for the opening of the $179 million, 15,000-seat facility in Lincoln’s Haymarket District, including speeches from Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman, Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler, Pinnacle Bank Arena General Manager Tom Lorenz, SMG Senior Regional Vice President Joe Romano, University of Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Nebraska basketball coaches Tim Miles and Connie Yori. The event was kicked off by a performance from the University of Nebraska Pep Band and a routine by the Linh Quang Lion/Dragon Dance Troupe traditionally intended to bring good luck to new projects. A total of 11 speakers thanked voters, workers, crowd members, the city and the University of Nebraska.

SMG in the News: Fine-Tuning

Originally Published in the Lincoln Journal Star

The Pinnacle Bank Arena has an impressive lineup of concerts for its first five shows, including performances by in-demand artists The Eagles and Pink, with more to come.

But SMG management, which operates the arena, didn’t randomly pick artists or send out a “we want this artist” list.

Booking concerts doesn’t work that way.

“It’s really all about relationships with the major promoters -- AEG, Live Nation, Beaver and Brad Garrett and Jeff Fortier and all the other promoters,” said SMG general manager Tom Lorenz. “It’s those long-term relationships with promoters more than anything else that lead to bookings.”

Maureen Ginty Honored as 2013 Woman of Influence by Venues Today

Maureen Ginty, Executive Vice President of SMG has been honored as a 2013 Woman of Influence by Venues Today. The prestigious award celebrates women who have proven themselves as mentors and leaders in the sports, entertainment, and meetings industries. The awards ceremony was held this past Sunday, July 28 at the annual International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) VenueConnect conference in New Orleans, LA.

Maureen was selected for the accolade for her role in helping guide SMG’s growth from 24 to 235 facilities under management, and also for her leadership in development of SMG’s unparalleled customer service and sales training program, k’nekt. Maureen’s emphasis on professional development for SMG employees has seen the k’nekt program expand to a continuing series of training class, teaching values and skills to make participants successful in both their professional and personal lives.

“This was a significant honor, and I am very appreciative,” stated Ginty. “But as the saying goes, success has many fathers (and mothers). SMG’s growth can be attributed to the vision and hard work of many, most especially Wes Westley, our company president and CEO. I’ve had the good fortune to operate in an environment that encourages initiative, and supports a culture where focus on our customers, our clients, and our employees truly matters.”

A profile of Maureen and how she has shaped SMG’s success is also included in the July issue of Venues Today.

SMG Tulsa General Manager, John Bolton, Named IAVM Board Chair

John Bolton, SMG General Manager of the BOK Center and Cox Business Center, begins his one-year-term as Board Chair of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) this week at the VenueConnect conference in New Orleans.

“I am honored to serve as IAVM Chairman because I understand the important role this organization plays in our industry and to venue managers,” Bolton said. “Through IAVM, I have been given so many incredible opportunities to grow in my career and have developed lifelong friendships with colleagues.

“The opportunity to lead the organization allows me to give back to an industry I love, while helping others achieve their goals,” Bolton added.

“I am thrilled to have John Bolton leading our Association in the coming year. His twenty years of venue industry expertise, collaborative nature, steady calm demeanor, and ability to focus people together on a common goal, give me no doubt that John will deliver results for our organization. I am confident he will take IAVM to new and exciting levels of support and inspiration for our members; and I am also happy to share this journey with a fellow Oklahoman,” added IAVM President and CEO Vicki Hawarden.

Mercedes Benz Superdome Crowned Venue of the Year at 2013 Stadium Business Awards

The New Orleans venue beat off strong competition from across the globe to lift the coveted prize, including London’s Olympic and Wembley Stadiums plus New York’s latest venue, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The glittering event, held in Manchester UK this June, celebrated a spectrum of achievements from the global stadium industry. Nominees from around the world attended the gala dinner hosted at Emirates Old Trafford, home of Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Accepting the award for the Mercedes Benz Superdome from OnGoal CEO Robb Heineman, Tracey Short, SMG Europe’s New Business Development Director, said: “On behalf of Doug Thornton and his stellar team in New Orleans, and the entire SMG family, I’m honoured to accept the award for Venue Of The Year 2013. The SMG-operated Mercedes Benz Superdome has proudly served the community of New Orleans for many years and we’re delighted their hard work and investment has been applauded by the industry.”

Opened in 1975, the stadium has hosted the biggest names from the world of live music and sport including The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali and a record seven Super Bowls.

Sue McCarthy, F&B Director for SMG Europe’s Manchester Arena, was nominated in the Unsung Hero Award category by SMG Europe POS provider Agilysis. The leading hospitality software developer also picked up the Industry Supplier Award and SMG’s WiFi partner, Extricom, also won in the Product Innovation category.

Ken Noakes Hired as GM of St. Catharines Spectator Facility

SMG Canada, the Canadian arm of SMG, the worldwide leader in public assembly facility management, is pleased to announce that Ken Noakes has been hired as General Manager of the new St. Catharines Spectator Facility in St. Catharines, Ontario. Noakes was recently the General Manager at the K-Rock Centre in Kingston, ON and has been in regional position with SMG Canada, supporting business development and consulting efforts in the region and throughout Canada.

“Ken is a valuable member of our team and has done a great job leading our efforts in Kingston and with other assignments throughout Canada,” said Harry Cann, Senior Regional Vice President of Operations at SMG. “He is a seasoned industry veteran and we look forward to Ken contributing to the success of the new venue in St. Catharines which we are all very excited about. The City will benefit substantially from Ken’s expertise and leadership.”

Noakes brings over 20 years of facility management experience to the job, with his most recent position being General Manager of the 5,000-seat K-Rock Centre in Kingston. He has served as General Manager of the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria, B.C. and the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, and also held positions at the Corel Centre in Ottawa, and the SkyDome in Toronto.