SMG in the News: SMG is lauded for its efforts in New Orleans

The Times-Picayune highlights SMG's achievements at the Superdome and New Orleans arena:

With the completion of an $85 million renovation project at the iconic  Superdome nearing an end and an onslaught of major events on tap at the building, local officials appear pleased with the job of the stadium's management company.

Ron Forman, chairman of the LSED -- the board appointed by Gov. Bobby Jindal to plan, finance, construct, develop, maintain and operate six state-owned sports facilities (including the Superdome and the adjacent New Orleans Arena) -- said the commission will recommend to the governor's office that SMG, the company that manages the Superdome and the Arena on behalf of the state, continue in its current role. ...

"(SMG) performs at a high level of expertise. Based on what they did after the devastation immediately following the hurricane (Katrina in 2005) and the continuing improvements that are taking place, the feeling of the LSED is that SMG is doing an outstanding job. We have met with the governor's officials, and we highly recommend that we continue to working with them."

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SMG in the News: Jacksonville Arena earns top honors

From the Jacksonville Daily Record: 

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena has been named as the best of Venue Today's “Top Stops” for Florida venues in its size category. ...

“SMG Jacksonville and the Veterans Memorial Arena have had an outstanding first quarter this year bringing successful and high-demand events to Jacksonville for the community and visitors to enjoy,” said Larry Wilson, general manager of SMG Jacksonville.

“We are grateful to have one of our facilities recognized by Venues Today and extremely proud to have been ranked No. 1 among other leading Florida venues,” he said.

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SMG in the News: ‘El Choliseo’ poised for its 4-millionth visitor

From Caribbean Business: 

More than one-third of Puerto Rico islanders have visited the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum— affectionately called "El Choliseo" by Puerto Ricans—according to this week's CARIBBEAN BUSINESS/ WOSO Radio/Gaither International poll, making it one of the most visited entertainment venues in the region. Ranked among the top-25 best arenas in the world, the Coliseum is preparing for its 4-millionth visitor.
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In fact, the latest Pollstar report ranked Puerto Rico's Choliseo eighth in attendance among the top- 10 most frequented venues in the world and the second most visited in the Western Hemisphere—even ahead of such renowned venues as the Staples Center in Los Angeles; American Airlines Arena in Miami and the prestigious Wembley Arena in London.

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SMG-Tulsa Employees Raise Money For Local Pet Charities

On Wednesday afternoon, over 50 full and part-time SMG Tulsa employees participated in ‘Doggy's Day Out' at Joe Station Bark Park in downtown Tulsa to benefit local pet charities. The volunteer staff charity committee, SMG ROCKS This Town, organized the event as part of their mission to “strive to be the leader in both the entertainment industry and in our community to contribute to the quality of life in Oklahoma and create a lasting impact through community service and charitable giving.”  Employees donated funds which will go to the local Tulsa Society to Prevent Cruelty to Animals and other pet charities. In return, they were able to bring their dogs to work and then to the dog park for an afternoon of fun.  Local vendors donated lunch for the staff to kick off the summer with a great charitable event.

“Employees have a passion for their dogs just like their children.  Getting to share them with others in a fun park-like setting while raising money to prevent cruelty to animals is a cause our employee committee felt strongly about supporting,” commented John Bolton, General Manager of SMG Tulsa.

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.