Michael Krouse Named President & CEO of the Ontario Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

SMG alongside the City of Ontario today announced that Michael Krouse has been named President and CEO of the Ontario Convention Center & Visitors Bureau, effective immediately.

In this capacity Krouse will oversee the day-to-day management of the facility as well as play a key role in business development, helping to attract new conventions, meetings and events to the premier Ontario facility. 

The City owned facility is professionally managed by SMG, the world leader in venue management, marketing and development with a specialty in operations of municipal facilities throughout the US.

“With his more than two decades of experience Michael has a proven track record of success in the hospitality and convention center business,” said Bob McClintock, Senior Vice President Operations at SMG. “While working through a rigorous selection process, Michael's experience increasing yearly convention bookings in the City of Los Angeles made him the ideal choice for this position. I'm confident that the City of Ontario will benefit substantially from Michael's expertise.”

Most recently Krouse served as the Senior Vice President of Sales & Client Services for Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (LATCB) making him responsible for managing the organization's meetings and convention sales and client services departments.  In that position he also had direct oversight of the Los Angeles Convention Center Citywide Convention Sales.  

 “The Ontario Convention Center and Visitors Bureau is a well-respected institution, and I am truly honored that SMG and the City of Ontario have entrusted me to build upon their success,” said Krouse.  “Having been directly involved with the nation's 16th largest convention center, I have become keenly aware of the success and reputation SMG has earned at so many of these venues.  I am proud to join their team in helping to grow Ontario's market share.”

DCU Center General Manager Receives State Award

DCU Center's General Manager, Sandra L. Dunn has been nominated and selected to receive the Larry D. Meehan Award, given by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

The Massachusetts Annual Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism is the premier annual gathering of the Commonwealth's tourism industry. Now in its 25th year, the conference will be held on Massachusetts Day, Thursday, Sept 20, at the BIG E in West Springfield.

Since 1997, Dunn has held the position of General Manager for the city-owned Arena and Convention Center in Worcester, MA. Dunn oversaw the construction and grand opening of the Convention Center in 1997 and has taken a leadership role in the current 17.5M expansion and renovation project of the 14,500 seat Arena. She has been an instrumental contributor to Central Massachusetts and the Greater Worcester region for more than 15 years, having served on several volunteer boards and participated in many community outreach programs. Currently, Dunn serves on the Worcester Municipal Research Bureau Board of Directors (Former Chair), Worcester Business Development Corporation Board of Directors, Worcester Sharks Booster Club (Member), Destination Worcester Executive Committee and Economic Development Coordinating Council Committee.

SMG's Rockefeller Receives Women of Distinction Award

SMG Tulsa's Janet Rockefeller was honored with the Women of Distinction Award Tuesday by the Tulsa Business Journal. The annual award honors accomplished female professionals in the local business community. Rockefeller is assistant general manager of the Tulsa Convention Center where she has worked for more than 15 years.

“I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor than Janet,” SMG General Manager of the BOK Center and Tulsa Convention Center John Bolton said. “Her passion and enthusiasm for the Tulsa Convention Center can be seen all throughout the building, especially in the new Tulsa Ballroom.”

Rockefeller serves on numerous boards throughout the community including the Metro Tulsa Hotel and Lodging Association. She's also a member of Rotary, the OneVoice Regional Tourism Task Force and a volunteer for Junior Achievement.

SMG and JAM Theatricals set to take the reins at the National Theatre in Washington, DC

The Trustees of the National Theatre Corporation (NTC), in Washington, D.C.,  are announcing  that they have entered into an arrangement with Chicago-based JAM Theatricals, Ltd. and Philadelphia area-based SMG that will expand the presentations at the historic National Theatre to include an annual Broadway series, concerts, leading classical artists and other attractions.  JAM and SMG are combining to provide booking, advertising, marketing and promotional services, venue management and operational support for the Theatre.

Located at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, the National Theatre opened in 1835 and is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the nation.  Over the years, the Theatre has hosted a multitude of memorable events, including the pre-Broadway presentation of the musicals Showboat, Hello Dolly! and West Side Story.  Many of the world's greatest performers have graced the National Theatre stage including Robert Redford, George C. Scott, Will Rogers, Helen Hayes, James Earl Jones, Eartha Kitt, Sir Laurence Olivier, Chita Rivera, Rita Moreno, Katherine and Audrey Hepburn and Sting.

Situated just three blocks from the White House, the Theatre has entertained U.S. Presidents  since Andrew Jackson.  Winston Churchill himself once spoke from the National Theatre stage.

“We are truly excited about the future prospects for the National Theatre with this new management team,” said Sterling Tucker, President of the NTC Board.  “Our discussions with JAM and SMG helped us envision the potential for increased and diverse programming at the National.”  NTC Executive Director Tom Lee added, “I am personally delighted over the prospect of bringing a broad variety of artists and attractions to the National Theatre stage.”

Steve Traxler, President of JAM Theatricals stated, “JAM Theatricals is happy to have an opportunity to work with NTC and SMG to present Broadway musicals and plays in the Nation's Capital, and we look forward to adding to the rich cultural history of this Theatre.”  Arny Granat, JAM's Chairman, added, “Washington is a great city and the National is a great venue.  We want to work with people in the community to encourage bringing more shows to this historic theatre.”

Bob Papke, SMG's Vice President of Theaters echoed the sentiment, saying, “SMG looks forward to working with NTC and Jam Theatricals to bring the very best performers and events to the residents of the Metro area.”

Rabobank Arena & Theater Wrap Up Highly-Successful August

The summer of 2012 ended with numerous sold out performances at Rabobank Arena and Theater in Bakersfield, CA, capping off a very busy summer at all SMG-managed venues.

Comedian Kevin Hart brought his latest show to Rabobank Theater on August 18. The sold out event was part of Hart’s current “Let Me Explain” tour throughout the United States, and generated positive reviews from fans who were fortunate to attend.

The month ended with a record-breaking engagement of Feld Entertainment’s Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus “Dragons” August 29 – September 2. The engagement included several sold out performances and generated record-breaking numbers. Feld Entertainment will return to Rabobank Arena November 8-11 with Disney On Ice’s presents “100 Years of Magic.” Tickets for Disney On Ice are currently on sale.