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.