Bookings Booming at Meadow Event Park

From Fredericksburg.com:

When the State Fair of Virginia moved to Caroline County in September 2009, it was risky business to put a popular event in a new location in the midst of an economic downturn.

But that didn't stop the not-for-profit organization from reaching record-breaking attendance numbers two years in a row for its 11-day headlining event at the 360-acre Meadow Event Park.

Now that the economy is recovering and the SFVA has partnered with a facility management company to handle private events, the SFVA is proving to be giving more than its "fair" share.

In just the first five months of 2011, the facility rental business has surpassed what it did in all 12 months of 2010, according to G. William "Billy" Beale, chairman of the SFVA board of directors and CEO of Union First Market Bankshares Corp. ...

Beale and Roberts both credited their success to the partnership they have with SMG...

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Lynnwood CC and Dena'ina Center Nominate for Northwest Meetings & Events Awards

Northwest Meetings & Events has announced the finalists for their first Best of Readers' Choice awards. Lynnwood Convention Center has been nominated for Best Conference Venue in Washington, and Dena'ina Center for Best Conference Venue in Alaska. The Readers' Choice awards honor outstanding venues, attractions, resources and suppliers in the state's meetings and events industry. The winners will be announced on June 22.

SAVOR Chef Chris Moore Wins Pauly Award

Congratulations to Chris Moore, SAVOR Executive Chef at the Knoxville Convention Center, for winning the 2011 Pauly Award for Community Service. Knoxville Tourism Alliance (KTA) presented the 2011 Pauly Awards to individuals and businesses for their outstanding achievements and commitment to the tourism industry at their annual luncheon on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the Knoxville Convention Center.

SMG and Peoria Civic Center Authority Agree to Three-Year Contract Extension

The Peoria Civic Center Authority and SMG, the global leader in convention/conference center, arena, theatre and stadium management, have agreed to an extension of the Civic Center Management Agreement which will allow the Philadelphia-based company to continue operating the Peoria Civic Center until August 31, 2014.

“We are looking forward to continuing SMG's rich history in Peoria,” said Wes Westley, SMG President and Chief Executive Officer.  “The Peoria Civic Center Complex is an extraordinary story of success.”

Peoria Civic Center Authority Chairman Dan Silverthorn noted, “I am extremely happy to be able to extend the management agreement between SMG and the Peoria Civic Center for three years. The work done by SMG to bring professional systems to our facilities is outstanding, and the contributions made to the Civic Center go beyond those of any corporation with which I have ever worked.”

SMG has managed the Civic Center successfully since 1990, and has been involved in each renovation and expansion over the years.  The most recent expansion and renovations, completed in April, 2007, have given Peoria a state-of-the-art facility for artists and entertainers, convention and meeting planners and the citizens of the greater Peoria community.