W. Conshohocken, Pennsylvania - March 5, 2010 – Shaun Beard, Senior Vice President of SAVOR… announced today that 17 of SAVOR’s convention center food and beverage clients were awarded Prime Site Awards. This award is voted on by meeting/event planners and other industry members. Awards are given to the top convention, exposition and exhibition centers throughout North America and the Caribbean based on venue quality, features and services.
Beard stated, “This is no coincidence. SAVOR works closely with its facility clients, striving to make their goals a reality. At the end of the day, a customer is evaluating the total experience. Every component needs to be first rate if a facility hopes to succeed. SAVOR delivers the food and beverage component that meets its partners needs to be award winning.”
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
BOK Center Nominated for the “Venue of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music
Tulsa, OK – March 3, 2010 –
Tulsa’s BOK Center, managed by SMG, has been nominated by the Academy of Country Music for Venue of the Year. In order to be considered for this award, the venue must have bought or promoted at least 5 (five) country concerts during the prior calendar year of January 1 to December 31, 2009 and be in good standing with all agents. Since opening in September of 2008, the BOK Center has hosted the following country artists:
The BOK Center will be competing for the award against the following venues:
Tulsa’s BOK Center, managed by SMG, has been nominated by the Academy of Country Music for Venue of the Year. In order to be considered for this award, the venue must have bought or promoted at least 5 (five) country concerts during the prior calendar year of January 1 to December 31, 2009 and be in good standing with all agents. Since opening in September of 2008, the BOK Center has hosted the following country artists:
- Kenny Chesney
- Rascal Flatts
- Carrie Underwood
- Brad Paisley
- Trace Adkins
- Keith Urban with Sugarland
- Taylor Swift
- Alan Jackson
- George Strait with Reba
The BOK Center will be competing for the award against the following venues:
- Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion – Gilford, NH
- Sommet Center – Nashville, TN
- Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO
- Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion – Raleigh, NC
SMG Awarded Management Renewal for Shreveport Convention Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 3, 2010
Shreveport City Council unanimously approves SMG to continue to provide top-quality operational services at Convention Center.
Shreveport, Louisiana, March 3, 2010 -- SMG, the Worldwide Leader in Convention and Entertainment Management, is proud to announce that the Shreveport City Council has unanimously approved SMG for an extension of the contract for continued management of the Shreveport Convention Center. The vote occurred during their meeting on the evening of February 23rd. SMG will continue to provide top quality, industry-standard-setting day-to-day operational services for the region’s most prestigious Convention Center.
SMG President and CEO Wes Westley said of the renewal: “The faith shown by the Shreveport City Council in SMG's ability to continue to meet or exceed expectations in facility management and performance of this premiere venue is very gratifying. SMG's continued service to the people of Shreveport is a source of great pride for us.”
SMG Senior Vice President Doug Thornton added: "We are very pleased to be a part of the overall success of Shreveport's hospitality industry. The Convention Center has proven to be a real winner for the Community, which is a real tribute to our strong management team there and great partnership with the City."
The City Council and Mayor were both very complimentary of SMG’s achievements on behalf of Shreveport, and took time to single out SMG General Manager, Sam Voisin, for his ceaseless efforts in improving fiscal performance at the Center; in particular beating the annual budget by close to $300,000 this past year. Voisin shared credit with the facility’s staff: "We have a very committed team at the convention center whose hard work has been validated by a unanimous vote of confidence from the City Council."
Said Cedric B. Glover, Mayor City of Shreveport, LA: “It is without question that SMG has exceeded our expectations in effectively and efficiently managing our city’s largest capital project and major asset, the Shreveport Convention Center. Our relationship with SMG and their ongoing successes have produced untold economic impact for the City of Shreveport. As indicated with a unanimous city council vote, we look forward to a continued and productive relationship with the SMG team.”
SMG has provided full management services, as well as preopening services, for the Shreveport Convention Center since it opened in 2006.
About SMG
Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to more than 220 public assembly facilities worldwide, including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, convention, congress and exhibition cen¬ters, science centers and a variety of other venues. Across the globe, SMG manages more than 12 million square feet (1.1 million square meters) of exhibition space and over 1.5 million arena and theatre seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering company SAVOR, currently serving more than 100 accounts worldwide.
For more information visit www.smgworld.com.
About SAVOR…
SAVOR, the food and beverage division of special event venue management leader SMG, (www.savorsmg.com) currently provides food and beverage services, as well as VIP and catering/special event services, to more than 100 facilities around the world. The company is also an industry leader in introducing green standards and programs to public facilities. SAVOR’s commitment to farm to table freshness and food quality typically features locally grown products for their venue clients whenever possible. SAVOR staff prides themselves on being on the cutting edge of the latest food and beverage trends in addition to searching out the most innovative food technologies available on the market.
Contact:
Public Relations Office
SMG
300 Conshohocken State Rd Ste 770
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
610.729.7900
www.smgworld.com
###
March 3, 2010
Shreveport City Council unanimously approves SMG to continue to provide top-quality operational services at Convention Center.
Shreveport, Louisiana, March 3, 2010 -- SMG, the Worldwide Leader in Convention and Entertainment Management, is proud to announce that the Shreveport City Council has unanimously approved SMG for an extension of the contract for continued management of the Shreveport Convention Center. The vote occurred during their meeting on the evening of February 23rd. SMG will continue to provide top quality, industry-standard-setting day-to-day operational services for the region’s most prestigious Convention Center.
SMG President and CEO Wes Westley said of the renewal: “The faith shown by the Shreveport City Council in SMG's ability to continue to meet or exceed expectations in facility management and performance of this premiere venue is very gratifying. SMG's continued service to the people of Shreveport is a source of great pride for us.”
SMG Senior Vice President Doug Thornton added: "We are very pleased to be a part of the overall success of Shreveport's hospitality industry. The Convention Center has proven to be a real winner for the Community, which is a real tribute to our strong management team there and great partnership with the City."
The City Council and Mayor were both very complimentary of SMG’s achievements on behalf of Shreveport, and took time to single out SMG General Manager, Sam Voisin, for his ceaseless efforts in improving fiscal performance at the Center; in particular beating the annual budget by close to $300,000 this past year. Voisin shared credit with the facility’s staff: "We have a very committed team at the convention center whose hard work has been validated by a unanimous vote of confidence from the City Council."
Said Cedric B. Glover, Mayor City of Shreveport, LA: “It is without question that SMG has exceeded our expectations in effectively and efficiently managing our city’s largest capital project and major asset, the Shreveport Convention Center. Our relationship with SMG and their ongoing successes have produced untold economic impact for the City of Shreveport. As indicated with a unanimous city council vote, we look forward to a continued and productive relationship with the SMG team.”
SMG has provided full management services, as well as preopening services, for the Shreveport Convention Center since it opened in 2006.
About SMG
Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to more than 220 public assembly facilities worldwide, including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, equestrian facilities, convention, congress and exhibition cen¬ters, science centers and a variety of other venues. Across the globe, SMG manages more than 12 million square feet (1.1 million square meters) of exhibition space and over 1.5 million arena and theatre seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering company SAVOR, currently serving more than 100 accounts worldwide.
For more information visit www.smgworld.com.
About SAVOR…
SAVOR, the food and beverage division of special event venue management leader SMG, (www.savorsmg.com) currently provides food and beverage services, as well as VIP and catering/special event services, to more than 100 facilities around the world. The company is also an industry leader in introducing green standards and programs to public facilities. SAVOR’s commitment to farm to table freshness and food quality typically features locally grown products for their venue clients whenever possible. SAVOR staff prides themselves on being on the cutting edge of the latest food and beverage trends in addition to searching out the most innovative food technologies available on the market.
Contact:
Public Relations Office
SMG
300 Conshohocken State Rd Ste 770
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
610.729.7900
www.smgworld.com
###
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
SMG is Awarded Dual Management Renewals in Puerto Rico for the Coliseó de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot and Puerto Rico Convention Center
For Immediate Release
February 25, 2010
SMG, the Worldwide Leader in Convention and Entertainment Management, and the Board of the Convention Center District Authority for Puerto Rico have reached agreements for continued management of both the Coliseó de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot and the Puerto Rico Convention Center. SMG will continue to provided day-to-day operational services for the largest and most technologically advanced meeting facility in the Caribbean as well as the consecutive Prime Site Award-winning Arena. The Coliseo and the Convention Center are widely regarded as two of the most popular and successful infrastructure projects of the government of Puerto Rico.
SMG President and CEO Wes Westley said of the renewal, “the faith shown by the Convention Center District Authority in SMG's ability to continue to meet or exceed expectations in facility management and performance of these premiere venues is very gratifying. SMG's continued partnership with the Convention Center District Authority of Puerto Rico is a source of great pride for us.”
The Coliseo agreement will now include responsibility for food and beverage management encompassing concessions, catering in 26 private suites, party suites and sky boxes, and special events. Major attractions at the Coliseo over the past year have included Celine Dion, WWE Smackdown, Backstreet Boys, Andrea Bocelli, AC/DC, Harlem Globetrotters, Gloria Estefan, Santana, Il Divo, Ringling Brothers Circus, Kenny G, and ESPN's NCAA college Basketball Puerto Rico Tip Off, as well as multiple performances by the Jonas Brothers, Ruben Blades and reggaeton superstars Wisin and Yandel.
SMG has provided full management services for the Puerto Rico Convention Center since its opening in 2005. The staff of the Puerto Rico Convention Center is now also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the entire Convention Center District as well as operation of the award winning Ficus Café.
The Puerto Rico Convention Center has recently hosted a strong schedule of international conventions including the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Le Cumbre Travel Expo, the Association of Latin American Pediatricians (ALAPE).
SMG's development efforts in Puerto Rico and neighboring areas are led by VP of Development Jochi Davila. Our facilities are managed by two dedicated General Managers Wesley Cullen (Coliseo) and Blarys Segarra (PRCC). Jochi, Blarys and Wesley previously served in increasingly important management roles for SMG before being promoted to their current senior positions. Jochi, as the Coliseo's first Director of Marketing and later Assistant General Manager. Blarys was Director of Finance and Assistant General Manager at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. Both were part of SMG's opening teams at the Coliseo. Wesley had previously served as Director of Events and Assistant General Manager at the Coliseo.
Of the Current staff, Thom Connors, Senior Regional General Manager for SMG, has said, “The success of our management team in Puerto Rico is a testimony to SMG's confidence in and commitment to the next generation of managers who will lead the company into the future and new regions around the world. Jochi, Wesley and Blarys have proven to be able leaders not only at their facilities but in the community and local industry as well.”
February 25, 2010
SMG, the Worldwide Leader in Convention and Entertainment Management, and the Board of the Convention Center District Authority for Puerto Rico have reached agreements for continued management of both the Coliseó de Puerto Rico Jose Miguel Agrelot and the Puerto Rico Convention Center. SMG will continue to provided day-to-day operational services for the largest and most technologically advanced meeting facility in the Caribbean as well as the consecutive Prime Site Award-winning Arena. The Coliseo and the Convention Center are widely regarded as two of the most popular and successful infrastructure projects of the government of Puerto Rico.
SMG President and CEO Wes Westley said of the renewal, “the faith shown by the Convention Center District Authority in SMG's ability to continue to meet or exceed expectations in facility management and performance of these premiere venues is very gratifying. SMG's continued partnership with the Convention Center District Authority of Puerto Rico is a source of great pride for us.”
The Coliseo agreement will now include responsibility for food and beverage management encompassing concessions, catering in 26 private suites, party suites and sky boxes, and special events. Major attractions at the Coliseo over the past year have included Celine Dion, WWE Smackdown, Backstreet Boys, Andrea Bocelli, AC/DC, Harlem Globetrotters, Gloria Estefan, Santana, Il Divo, Ringling Brothers Circus, Kenny G, and ESPN's NCAA college Basketball Puerto Rico Tip Off, as well as multiple performances by the Jonas Brothers, Ruben Blades and reggaeton superstars Wisin and Yandel.
SMG has provided full management services for the Puerto Rico Convention Center since its opening in 2005. The staff of the Puerto Rico Convention Center is now also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the entire Convention Center District as well as operation of the award winning Ficus Café.
The Puerto Rico Convention Center has recently hosted a strong schedule of international conventions including the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Le Cumbre Travel Expo, the Association of Latin American Pediatricians (ALAPE).
SMG's development efforts in Puerto Rico and neighboring areas are led by VP of Development Jochi Davila. Our facilities are managed by two dedicated General Managers Wesley Cullen (Coliseo) and Blarys Segarra (PRCC). Jochi, Blarys and Wesley previously served in increasingly important management roles for SMG before being promoted to their current senior positions. Jochi, as the Coliseo's first Director of Marketing and later Assistant General Manager. Blarys was Director of Finance and Assistant General Manager at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. Both were part of SMG's opening teams at the Coliseo. Wesley had previously served as Director of Events and Assistant General Manager at the Coliseo.
Of the Current staff, Thom Connors, Senior Regional General Manager for SMG, has said, “The success of our management team in Puerto Rico is a testimony to SMG's confidence in and commitment to the next generation of managers who will lead the company into the future and new regions around the world. Jochi, Wesley and Blarys have proven to be able leaders not only at their facilities but in the community and local industry as well.”
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
SMG-Managed BOK Center Recognized at Tulsa Advertising Federation’s 2010 ADDY Awards
The 2010 ADDY Awards presented by the Tulsa Advertising Federation were celebrated on Saturday, February 20th at the new Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom. For one night, the industry’s top advertising minds gather to recognize all forms of creative talent.
Three projects for the BOK Center were honored by this year’s judges. All three pieces were commissioned, edited and approved by staff of the SMG-managed arena. Citations of Excellence were awarded in two separate categories, Advertising for the Arts and Elements of Advertising. All work was submitted by local Tulsa agency Cubic, who designed and produced the creative work.
The commemorative Book(ed) 365, a 150-page visual recap of the grand opening and every event in the building’s first year won an ADDY award and special Judge’s Choice award. The judges selected the book for the “Best Big Book Project, A Year In The Making!” award. Book(ed) 365 will be entered and judged in the American Advertising Federation District 10 competition, with awards ceremony in April.
Other notable awards include the Citation in Elements of Advertising for the “Skate Date” logo. Skate Date is an annual Valentine’s Day event at the BOK Center.
The Citation for Advertising for the Arts went to the BOK Center “Concert Posters” series. The posters, which had a unified look, were updated and personalized for each event held at the arena, and gifted to the performers.
“The BOK Center prides itself on creating outstanding marketing materials to promote our facility. We’re very excited the industry has recognized our work and look forward to continuing the tradition of marketing excellence with all future efforts,” said BOK Center General Manger, John Bolton.
Three projects for the BOK Center were honored by this year’s judges. All three pieces were commissioned, edited and approved by staff of the SMG-managed arena. Citations of Excellence were awarded in two separate categories, Advertising for the Arts and Elements of Advertising. All work was submitted by local Tulsa agency Cubic, who designed and produced the creative work.
The commemorative Book(ed) 365, a 150-page visual recap of the grand opening and every event in the building’s first year won an ADDY award and special Judge’s Choice award. The judges selected the book for the “Best Big Book Project, A Year In The Making!” award. Book(ed) 365 will be entered and judged in the American Advertising Federation District 10 competition, with awards ceremony in April.
Other notable awards include the Citation in Elements of Advertising for the “Skate Date” logo. Skate Date is an annual Valentine’s Day event at the BOK Center.
The Citation for Advertising for the Arts went to the BOK Center “Concert Posters” series. The posters, which had a unified look, were updated and personalized for each event held at the arena, and gifted to the performers.
“The BOK Center prides itself on creating outstanding marketing materials to promote our facility. We’re very excited the industry has recognized our work and look forward to continuing the tradition of marketing excellence with all future efforts,” said BOK Center General Manger, John Bolton.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
SMG Makes Tulsa's Movers and Shakers of the DECADE!
Tulsa's Movers and Shakers of the Decade
By Staff Reports
Published: 12/27/2009 2:27 AM
Those who had a hand in the entertainment scene that moved and/or shook our city.
You, the voters: Thanks to a "yes" on Vision 2025, we got ourselves a pretty nice arena, the BOK Center. You've also filled that arena, shopped your city and attended your events. You've supported the arts, demanded more, and you're getting it.
Tom Green and Angie Devore-Green: They started DFest in 2002, and now it's a top destination for festival lovers, attracting big-name bands and tons of folks.
J. Elliot Nelson: His refusal to give up on downtown nightlife has given us something to do on the weekends and something delicious to eat with our pints.
Marcello Angelini: As artistic director, Angelini guided the Tulsa Ballet to international acclaim and developed it into one of the best dance companies in the nation.
G. Barry Epperley: During times of plenty and times of crisis, he has kept orchestral music alive in Tulsa through the Signature Symphony. Last year the orchestra which he founded and leads celebrated its 30th anniversary, making it (after the Bartlesville Symphony) the longest-lived orchestra in the state.
Dr. Frank Letcher: A longtime supporter of classical music in Tulsa, he developed the idea for
the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and he tirelessly worked to make this musician-run orchestra a reality.
Steve Liggett: Under his guidance, Living Arts of Tulsa has developed into a national leader in presenting and fostering interdisciplinary art, most notably through its annual New Genre Festival.
Carrie Underwood: Not only has she earned the "America's Sweetheart" crown, but she's never forgotten where she came from. She comes back to Oklahoma often, either for charitable reasons or to play a show at the BOK Center.
SMG Management: The company that runs venue management, marketing and development for the BOK Center has an international outreach and down-home approach to business. They run the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, La., Soldier Field in Chicago, the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the Odysseum in Cologne, Germany, to name a few. Yet they still have the sense to bring Oklahomans the music they love for shows in Tulsa.
Louis and Cluck: Zuri Louis and Steve Cluck are the designers/artists behind the "I (heart) Tulsa" and "Don't Hate the 918" T-shirts. The hometown pride is evident, and even people who come to town as guests notice it. For instance, the band Cake's lead singer, John McRae, praised Tulsa's self-love while he was in town during DFest.
P.C. Cast: Tulsa has been home to its share of best-selling authors, but no local writer has cast quite as powerful a spell on the reading public as Cast's "House of Night" vampire fiction series.
The Snyder Family: They succeeded where others failed in re-establishing the Mayo Hotel. After sitting empty and being close to wreckage, the historic building was restored to its original luster when the family swooped in.
Rodgers family: James and Alice Rodgers purchased the Cain's Ballroom in 2002, and sons Hunter and Chad run the venue. They keep bringing in top-tier acts and are keeping Bob Wills' home in good, sound condition. They took out the church pews and added air conditioning (thank heavens) and also improved the interior immensely, restoring the lower section of the bar and opening a second venue inside, Bob's Place. They also opened Ida Red in Brookside, a spot where Tulsa's creativity and community collide. It's called a rock n' roll boutique.
Jerry Gordon: The builder and developer is responsible for the RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks, which attracts many for its nightlife, food and entertainment. Gordon's vision sees a more well-rounded Tulsa, with the fun being spread throughout the county.
By Staff Reports
Published: 12/27/2009 2:27 AM
Those who had a hand in the entertainment scene that moved and/or shook our city.
You, the voters: Thanks to a "yes" on Vision 2025, we got ourselves a pretty nice arena, the BOK Center. You've also filled that arena, shopped your city and attended your events. You've supported the arts, demanded more, and you're getting it.
Tom Green and Angie Devore-Green: They started DFest in 2002, and now it's a top destination for festival lovers, attracting big-name bands and tons of folks.
J. Elliot Nelson: His refusal to give up on downtown nightlife has given us something to do on the weekends and something delicious to eat with our pints.
Marcello Angelini: As artistic director, Angelini guided the Tulsa Ballet to international acclaim and developed it into one of the best dance companies in the nation.
G. Barry Epperley: During times of plenty and times of crisis, he has kept orchestral music alive in Tulsa through the Signature Symphony. Last year the orchestra which he founded and leads celebrated its 30th anniversary, making it (after the Bartlesville Symphony) the longest-lived orchestra in the state.
Dr. Frank Letcher: A longtime supporter of classical music in Tulsa, he developed the idea for
the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra, and he tirelessly worked to make this musician-run orchestra a reality.
Steve Liggett: Under his guidance, Living Arts of Tulsa has developed into a national leader in presenting and fostering interdisciplinary art, most notably through its annual New Genre Festival.
Carrie Underwood: Not only has she earned the "America's Sweetheart" crown, but she's never forgotten where she came from. She comes back to Oklahoma often, either for charitable reasons or to play a show at the BOK Center.
SMG Management: The company that runs venue management, marketing and development for the BOK Center has an international outreach and down-home approach to business. They run the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, La., Soldier Field in Chicago, the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the Odysseum in Cologne, Germany, to name a few. Yet they still have the sense to bring Oklahomans the music they love for shows in Tulsa.
Louis and Cluck: Zuri Louis and Steve Cluck are the designers/artists behind the "I (heart) Tulsa" and "Don't Hate the 918" T-shirts. The hometown pride is evident, and even people who come to town as guests notice it. For instance, the band Cake's lead singer, John McRae, praised Tulsa's self-love while he was in town during DFest.
P.C. Cast: Tulsa has been home to its share of best-selling authors, but no local writer has cast quite as powerful a spell on the reading public as Cast's "House of Night" vampire fiction series.
The Snyder Family: They succeeded where others failed in re-establishing the Mayo Hotel. After sitting empty and being close to wreckage, the historic building was restored to its original luster when the family swooped in.
Rodgers family: James and Alice Rodgers purchased the Cain's Ballroom in 2002, and sons Hunter and Chad run the venue. They keep bringing in top-tier acts and are keeping Bob Wills' home in good, sound condition. They took out the church pews and added air conditioning (thank heavens) and also improved the interior immensely, restoring the lower section of the bar and opening a second venue inside, Bob's Place. They also opened Ida Red in Brookside, a spot where Tulsa's creativity and community collide. It's called a rock n' roll boutique.
Jerry Gordon: The builder and developer is responsible for the RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks, which attracts many for its nightlife, food and entertainment. Gordon's vision sees a more well-rounded Tulsa, with the fun being spread throughout the county.
SMG in the News
From the Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown, PA
Local natives build careers with SMG
By CHIP MINEMYER
The Tribune-Democrat
Jon Petrunak’s father has a dentist’s office on Franklin Street in Johnstown, not far from the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.
Jason Varnish remembers learning to skate at the arena when he was a youngster in Westmont.
Both local natives have been climbing the corporate ladder at SMG Sports and Entertainment, the national company now managing the War Memorial.
And they take special pride in seeing their company help elevate the venue in their hometown with enhanced technology and better access to a variety of entertainment options.
“It’s very exciting with SMG being in the Johnstown market,” Petrunak said. “I have a personal tie to the community, so I take a lot of pride in being able to help as the War Memorial moves forward.”
‘I love the variety’
Varnish attended Westmont Hilltop School District through ninth grade before moving to the Pittsburgh area, where he graduated from Plum High School.
He earned a communications degree from IUP and followed up with a master’s degree in sports management from Slippery Rock.
Varnish said a marketing internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers helped launch his career. SMG had handled ticketing at Three Rivers Stadium, and the company followed the football team to Heinz Field.
He eventually joined the staff at Heinz Field and became events manager after a stint in ticket sales and marketing at Robert Morris University.
“The first thing is that you’ve got to learn how to turn off being a fan,” Varnish said. “I learned that first when I started with the Steelers. I grew up a Steelers fan. Working with the team is different.”
The next team he worked with was the Pittsburgh Penguins. Varnish moved to Mellon Arena six years ago, working with SMG, and has been the box office manager at Mellon for four years.
The job has gotten busier, he said, as the Penguins were improving on the way to the 2009 Stanley Cup championship. Now, every home game at Mellon is sold out.
“The first couple of years I worked here, the Penguins were struggling,” Varnish said. “You used to be able to work the first and second periods and then go out and find an empty seat to watch the rest of a game. It’s not like that anymore. I haven’t watched a game in four years – not since they drafted Sidney Crosby.”
Like the War Memorial, Mellon Arena is home to many nonhockey events.
“I love the variety and diversity of the people you see,” he said. “You could have George Strait in for a country show on Friday, Rod Stewart doing rock and roll on Saturday and then a Stars On Ice family show on Sunday. And for that reason you are constantly adjusting what you do for your customers.”
Varnish also manages ticket sales for non-Pitt athletic events at nearby Petersen Events Center.
He is now involved in preparing for the move to the new Consol Energy Center across the street this fall. The facility will become the new home of the Penguins and downtown Pittsburgh’s top entertainment venue.
“SMG is working on a seating chart for the new arena, getting ready for a September opening,” he said. “We’re going to have to go up for sale with seats that aren’t even bolted down yet. But years of experience, especially working with Ticketmaster, should make it an easy transition.”
Varnish said his father and grandparents still live in Johnstown.
“The bulk of my family is still there,” he said.
He recently spent time in his hometown helping with SMG’s transition at the War Memorial.
Varnish is married with two children.
‘Every day is different’
Petrunak is national director of booking for SMG.
He is a 1997 graduate of Forest Hills High School in Sidman, where he wrestled and played on a Rangers football team that reached the state championship game.
Petrunak earned a sports and entertainment degree at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va.
He also has an MBA from Kutztown University.
His career began with an internship with the Reading Phillies minor league baseball team. He met his future wife while working in Reading.
In 2001, he joined SMG as box office manager for the Sovereign Center and Sovereign Performing Arts Center in Reading.
Then in 2007, Petrunak moved to Philadelphia to help oversee booking for all of SMG’s venues across the country.
“It’s exciting. Every day is different,” Petrunak said. “You deal with so many personalities. It’s an interesting business, for sure.”
Petrunak said he was back in the Johnstown region over the holidays.
And each month he leads a conference call with all SMG venue managers to discuss opportunities to book entertainment tours.
Timothy Landis, general manager of the War Memorial Arena since the summer, is among those taking part in those monthly strategy sessions.
“Whenever tours are being set up and routed, we have the relationships to bring those shows to our venues,” Petrunak said. “I present the ability to represent numerous venues with one phone call. That’s a big advantage.”
And he enjoys seeing tours with which he works take shows to his hometown venue.
“Our bread and butter at SMG is venues that are midsized – like Johnstown, like Reading, like Youngstown (Ohio),” Petrunak said. “You’re dealing with the same promoters, the same agents – having those relationships that have been in place for years. And we have a nice core of GMs that we can work with.”
Local natives build careers with SMG
By CHIP MINEMYER
The Tribune-Democrat
Jon Petrunak’s father has a dentist’s office on Franklin Street in Johnstown, not far from the Cambria County War Memorial Arena.
Jason Varnish remembers learning to skate at the arena when he was a youngster in Westmont.
Both local natives have been climbing the corporate ladder at SMG Sports and Entertainment, the national company now managing the War Memorial.
And they take special pride in seeing their company help elevate the venue in their hometown with enhanced technology and better access to a variety of entertainment options.
“It’s very exciting with SMG being in the Johnstown market,” Petrunak said. “I have a personal tie to the community, so I take a lot of pride in being able to help as the War Memorial moves forward.”
‘I love the variety’
Varnish attended Westmont Hilltop School District through ninth grade before moving to the Pittsburgh area, where he graduated from Plum High School.
He earned a communications degree from IUP and followed up with a master’s degree in sports management from Slippery Rock.
Varnish said a marketing internship with the Pittsburgh Steelers helped launch his career. SMG had handled ticketing at Three Rivers Stadium, and the company followed the football team to Heinz Field.
He eventually joined the staff at Heinz Field and became events manager after a stint in ticket sales and marketing at Robert Morris University.
“The first thing is that you’ve got to learn how to turn off being a fan,” Varnish said. “I learned that first when I started with the Steelers. I grew up a Steelers fan. Working with the team is different.”
The next team he worked with was the Pittsburgh Penguins. Varnish moved to Mellon Arena six years ago, working with SMG, and has been the box office manager at Mellon for four years.
The job has gotten busier, he said, as the Penguins were improving on the way to the 2009 Stanley Cup championship. Now, every home game at Mellon is sold out.
“The first couple of years I worked here, the Penguins were struggling,” Varnish said. “You used to be able to work the first and second periods and then go out and find an empty seat to watch the rest of a game. It’s not like that anymore. I haven’t watched a game in four years – not since they drafted Sidney Crosby.”
Like the War Memorial, Mellon Arena is home to many nonhockey events.
“I love the variety and diversity of the people you see,” he said. “You could have George Strait in for a country show on Friday, Rod Stewart doing rock and roll on Saturday and then a Stars On Ice family show on Sunday. And for that reason you are constantly adjusting what you do for your customers.”
Varnish also manages ticket sales for non-Pitt athletic events at nearby Petersen Events Center.
He is now involved in preparing for the move to the new Consol Energy Center across the street this fall. The facility will become the new home of the Penguins and downtown Pittsburgh’s top entertainment venue.
“SMG is working on a seating chart for the new arena, getting ready for a September opening,” he said. “We’re going to have to go up for sale with seats that aren’t even bolted down yet. But years of experience, especially working with Ticketmaster, should make it an easy transition.”
Varnish said his father and grandparents still live in Johnstown.
“The bulk of my family is still there,” he said.
He recently spent time in his hometown helping with SMG’s transition at the War Memorial.
Varnish is married with two children.
‘Every day is different’
Petrunak is national director of booking for SMG.
He is a 1997 graduate of Forest Hills High School in Sidman, where he wrestled and played on a Rangers football team that reached the state championship game.
Petrunak earned a sports and entertainment degree at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va.
He also has an MBA from Kutztown University.
His career began with an internship with the Reading Phillies minor league baseball team. He met his future wife while working in Reading.
In 2001, he joined SMG as box office manager for the Sovereign Center and Sovereign Performing Arts Center in Reading.
Then in 2007, Petrunak moved to Philadelphia to help oversee booking for all of SMG’s venues across the country.
“It’s exciting. Every day is different,” Petrunak said. “You deal with so many personalities. It’s an interesting business, for sure.”
Petrunak said he was back in the Johnstown region over the holidays.
And each month he leads a conference call with all SMG venue managers to discuss opportunities to book entertainment tours.
Timothy Landis, general manager of the War Memorial Arena since the summer, is among those taking part in those monthly strategy sessions.
“Whenever tours are being set up and routed, we have the relationships to bring those shows to our venues,” Petrunak said. “I present the ability to represent numerous venues with one phone call. That’s a big advantage.”
And he enjoys seeing tours with which he works take shows to his hometown venue.
“Our bread and butter at SMG is venues that are midsized – like Johnstown, like Reading, like Youngstown (Ohio),” Petrunak said. “You’re dealing with the same promoters, the same agents – having those relationships that have been in place for years. And we have a nice core of GMs that we can work with.”
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