Adventures In Venueland

BONUS EPISODE – Peace up ✌️ A-Town down

We're back in the city that's so nice they named it twice, the financial capital of the world – New York City. On this episode we chat with Joyce Leveston, CEO of New York Convention Center Operation Corporation (NYCCOC), which oversees the Javits Center, one of the busiest convention centers in the world. Resting right on the Hudson River, on the west side of Manhattan, Joyce tells us about numerous features that make Javits Center unique. In addition to its expansive convention space, it also has a farm where they grow over 60 crops and a 6.75 acre green roof which serves as a habitat for 72 different bird species and houses nine beehives. We talk about what makes convention centers unique compared to other live event venues, and Joyce's passion for the convention side of the industry. We talk about her career path, from San Diego, Houston, Miami, Washington D.C., Boston, and then Philadelphia, before landing in New York City. Joyce explains what makes good hospitality, and how important it is to treat venues like your home and make them inviting for guests. This may be our first convention center specific guest, and you'll love it as it's packed with great advice, fascinating information, and fun stories.Joyce Leveston: LinkedIn | EmailJavits Center: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Music City welcomes us back as we head to Nashville to chat with Dustin Turner, Music Marketing Executive at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Dustin walks us through his day to day, and explains how CAA often functions as a bridge between promoters and management teams, working with the artist teams to figure out what the creative is going to look like, and strategizing on ways they can work with venues to make sure tours are successful. Dustin tells us about the many advantages of being based in Nashville while also enjoying close collaboration with their offices in Los Angeles and New York. We dive into some shop talk, discussing marketing strategies, trends and future predictions, and how venues can better support tours. Dustin talks to us about how he got his start in live events, from setting up tents for Clear Channel Radio in San Antonio, to roles at various venues, Live Nation in Florida, Feld Entertainment in Philadelphia, and ultimately moving to Nashville to join AEG Live before moving to his current role with CAA. We discuss how those experiences have taught him valuable lessons, given him a great perspective on all sides of the industry, and instilled the importance of networking and building connections. You'll love this fun episode that is full of great career advice, fun stories, and some Nashville recommendations.Dustin Turner: LinkedIn | Instagram | FacebookCAA Music: Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

We're headed to Edmonton for this episode, home of the Oilers, to catch up with Chris Ng-Muk-Yuen, Marketing Manager for Rogers Place and ICE District. Chris tells us about the venue and surrounding district, and its place in the city and approach to engaging with fans. Fresh off the Edmonton Oilers' run to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, learn how the team and venue are capitalizing on the success, enhancing their fan experience, and bringing the city together in ICE District. Chris, who manages social media for both venues among numerous other tasks, breaks down their approach for each social platform, and we discuss when is the best time to invest time and effort into new platforms. Learn how he caught the photography bug and what he enjoys about being one of the venue's house photographers. We talk about Chris' entry into live events through an internship as a business analyst which led to roles in ticketing, sponsorship, and his current role in marketing. Chris gives some advice for young people entering the industry, as we discuss tips and the importance of a passion for events. From chats about the NHL bubble to his love of traveling to early planning for venue anniversaries – there's a little of everything in this fun episode!Chris Ng-Muk-Yuen: Instagram | LinkedInRogers Place:  Instagram | Facebook | X/Twitter ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Let's talk premium! On this episode of Adventures In Venueland we head back to California and chat with Michele Kajiwara, Senior Vice President, Premium Business & Events at Crypto.com Arena and AEG, and the 2024 WISE Woman of the Year. Michele oversees the sales and service of premium seats, suites, lounges, and hospitality spaces - supporting the various tenant teams (Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, and Los Angeles Sparks) and touring events while operating quasi independently and reporting directly to AEG. She talks about their close relationship with booking and marketing and the role touring shows play in boosting value for members while increasing retention. We talk about hosting residency shows, the relationship between LA venues, and the impact live events have on clients and the people connected with them. Michele tells us about her career journey, from attending Cal State Long Beach and University of Southern California to jobs in Lake Tahoe, New York City, and LA with numerous trips in between. She provides some amazing perspective and career advice – including the importance of travel and how sabbaticals have helped recenter her and provide new perspective at key points in her life. From fun stories to a great work/life harmony discussion, you'll love this episode that may inspire you to explore that next career challenge.Michele Kajiwara: LinkedIn | EmailCrypto.com Arena: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Put on your shades and pull back that convertible top because we're headed to Los Angeles for this episode where we chat with Alex Hodges, Chief Executive Officer of Nederlander Concerts. Alex, who is in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, recipient of the T.J. Martell Foundation's “Spirit of Excellence” Award, and recipient of the SEVT Lifetime Achievement Award, has decades of experience in all aspects of the live event industry. After we discuss Nederlander Concerts and the numerous venues they work with, we learn how Alex developed a passion for the industry, from seeing shows as a kid at Fox Theatre in Atlanta to booking bands with his college fraternity brother at Mercer University. We talk about his time as an agent, representing emerging artists at the time such as Otis Redding, The Allman Brothers Band, The Police, and many more, as well as founding Paragon and Empire Agencies. He tells us about his time as the personal manager for Gregg Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughan before joining Nederlander Concerts the first time, working at House of Blues Concerts, and then returning back to Nederlander Concerts. Alex provides an incredible perspective of the industry over the years and how things have evolved – imparting advice and valuable insight into an ever-changing landscape. You'll love this episode with this legendary trailblazer that is chock full of amazing stories, great career tips, and plenty of laughs.Alex Hodges: EmailNederlander Concerts: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

We're headed to the Garden State for this episode and talking with Michelle McCarthy, Founder & CEO of MCC Marketing Group. Michelle, who is based in Jersey City in the New York City market, tells us about her experience with launching her business and the excitement and challenges that come along with it. She emphasizes the importance of a strong network and tells us about some of her recent clients, including David Gilmour's sold out US tour, the Rock The Country festival series, and a sold-out reunion performance featuring the original Broadway cast of Anastasia, The Musical at Lincoln Center. She talks about her love of music and other passions which drive her and her focus of optimizing results and maximizing campaigns for her clients. We talk with Michelle about her career journey, which began in County Cork, Ireland, where she did marketing and promotions for arts festivals before moving to Dublin to work with Hot Press magazine and the Dublin Theatre Festival, eventually overseeing marketing for the RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Her work there led her to New York City, where she promoted shows at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall before going on to spearhead marketing strategy for live entertainment at Prudential Center and Madison Square Garden Entertainment. You'll love all the great tips and conversations in this episode such as advice for those considering starting their own agency, the value of time off in recentering your path, and plenty of fun stories speckled throughout.Michelle McCarthy: LinkedIn | EmailMCC Marketing Group: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Right on the edge of the Chesapeake Bay, join us for a visit to wonderful Baltimore as we chat with Aly Katz, Brand Manager for CFG Bank Arena, an Oak View Group facility. Aly talks about her role at the venue, where she oversees three key areas: back of house (artist gifting, crew activities, promoter relations), front of house (fan activations, photo ops), and social media (branding, aesthetic, graphic strategy, content creation). Hear how she honors the legacy of the venue, which originally opened in 1962, while also highlighting its amazing new amenities since its recent, game-changing renovation. We dive into some of her favorite activations for touring crews and talent, from regular puppy parties working with rescues to pop-up flash tattoos to unique venue merch. She tells us about her commitment to working with local and minority-owned businesses for artist gifts to make them more personal and unique while showcasing local talent. We hear about Aly's career history, from working at an EDM venue in Washington D.C. to managing logistics and a merchandising business for content creators. She shares insights on what she's learned on the content creator side and offers tips on making the best pitches. If you like puppies, coloring books, creative ideas, and fun stories, you'll definitely love this episode.Aly Katz: Instagram | LinkedIn | EmailCFG Bank Arena: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

It's Episode 100 and we're running it all the way back to Episode 1 by having back on our first return guest – Nina Jackson, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at NRG Park, an ASM Global managed property in Houston, TX. Nina oversees marketing and PR at NRG Park, a 300 acre sports and entertainment complex that hosts over 500 events and over 5.5 million people a year – which includes NRG Stadium (home to Houston Texans and Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo), NRG Center (1.4 million square foot exhibition center), NRG Arena, and 26K onsite parking spaces which are also used for events. After catching up with Nina about the last four years since we had her on as a guest, we talk about team building, hiring tips, and how to create a great culture in the workplace. We learn about how NRG Park venues support and provide for the community outside of hosting events and chat through current challenges facing live event marketers. To know Nina is to love her and she's truly one of our all time favorite people and guests. You're sure to love this episode brimming with fun stories, a discussion about hosting the Beyoncé Bowl, and lots of laughs.Nina Jackson: LinkedIn | EmailNRG Park: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Put on your party hat, grab some champagne, and meet us in The Big Apple! For this special episode we ring in 2025 by taking a look at the most viewed event worldwide – New Years Eve in Times Square, New York City. We talk with Damian Santucci, SVP of Production & Operations at Times Square Alliance, a non-profit business improvement district (BID) that works in partnership with the city and surrounding businesses to manage Times Square and produce events. We learn about Damian's background of working with the New York Knicks and Madison Square Garden before moving to his current role fifteen years ago and the big differences from an indoor event versus one in Times Square. With a load-in beginning just after Christmas in a space that never closes and is visited by around 400,000 people daily, hear what goes into setting up and putting on this incredible event that is streamed on thirty networks nationally and hundreds throughout the world. We learn all kinds of fun facts and numbers as Damian tells us about staffing, how the confetti system works, clean up, and of course… the iconic ball. Enjoy this fun episode that will make you further appreciate the logistics of this iconic event and may inspire you to visit the city sometime to see it in-person.Damian Santucci: LinkedInTimes Square Alliance: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Happy New Year Venuelanders!

For Episode 99 we catch up with our friend and EVMC Hall of Famer, Jim Delaney, Founder/CEO of Activate Sports & Entertainment. Jim, who is a 30-year veteran sports and event marketer, talks to us about his latest adventure becoming what he calls a “digital nomad” – working on projects remotely as he visits venues and lives in different cities for a couple months at a time. We talk about how he processes his life in cycles or waves of every seven years, exploring and challenging himself each time a new chapter is presented. We learn about Jim's time working for teams such as the Seattle Sonics, Washington Bullets/Wizards, and New England Patriots before landing at TD Garden in Boston where he oversaw marketing and PR for ten years. Hear what it was like to strike out on his own, advice he has for those considering it, and ways he constantly looks for the new challenge to keep him engaged. Jim talks about his excitement around AI and the sandbox it could provide for live events and his approach when pursuing new trends. From book recommendations to industry advice to fun stories and perspective, you'll enjoy this wonderfully unique episode that may inspire you to find that next exciting challenge.Jim Delaney: LinkedIn | Email ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Live from backstage at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, we chat with Rachel Bomeli, Vice President of Facility Operations for the facility. We join Rachel the morning after a big show the previous night and learn all about this truly unique venue which features a wide array of architectural styles. We talk about the design of the theatre, their early plans as the venue approaches its centennial in five years, and how theaters often provide interesting perspective in venue stewardship and preservation. We learn how Rachel got her start in live events – from an interest in the industry during her time at Michigan State to a spontaneous move south with a friend that led to a job with Broadway Across America. We talk about her time at Fox Theatre and how her role has developed over the years, allowing for professional growth and exciting challenges. We talk about the city of Atlanta, where the Event & Venue Marketing Conference will be in 2025, and its place in the live event landscape with its numerous venues. Please Note – Stick around to the end of the episode to hear some audio of Rachel touring us around the venue as we discuss: different rooms, the recent Andre 3000 show, beautiful plaster molding, a hidden porch overlooking Ponce De Leon Ave, and lastly a visit to their VERY impressive climate-controlled archive room. As they say, “Atlanta Influences Everything” and it's easy to see why.Rachel Bomeli: Instagram | LinkedInFox Theatre (Atlanta): Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

It's a party all day in RVA! Join us on the east coast as we head to Richmond, Virginia to chat with Brittany Herndon, Director of Sales & Marketing for Altria Theater and Dominion Energy Center – both managed by ASM Global. Brittany, who also serves as Regional Marketing Director for ASM Global's theatrical venues, tells us about Richmond and what it's like working at gorgeous, historic theaters. With multiple Pollstar Award nominations, learn what it is like working for the number one theater in Virginia, what a typical theater season looks like, and how marketing for a theater varies from marketing at larger venues. We dig into tips for working with and building trust with promoters - how to challenge and suggest alternatives to requests, fleshing out plans to make them more valuable, and knowing when the juice is worth the squeeze. Brittany walks us through her career adventure, from attending Sweet Briar College with an interest in being a film composer to various marketing jobs to finally landing in the live event industry, and various guidance she received along the way. From fun stories to career advice - enjoy this great episode that may inspire you to visit a historic theater, support your local parks department, and pursue your next great opportunity.Brittany Herndon: Instagram | LinkedInAltria Theater: Facebook | Instagram | TikTokDominion Energy Center: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

From the 313 to the 303, we're chatting with Omar Gates, Marketing & Advertising Coordinator for the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment in Denver. After chatting with Omar about Denver and some exciting development plans announced recently, we dive into his history in the industry which led him from a passion for sports and a bachelor's degree in economics at University of Missouri to a boot camp with the Marcus Graham Project. After landing an internship with the Detroit Pistons, his hometown team, Omar cut his teeth on advertising and marketing before heading out to Denver earlier this year for his current role. We talk shop and strategies about email marketing best practices, how to use data and analytics, SMS marketing, AI applications, and the importance of looking beyond traditional ROI. We talk about what it was like attending and being a panel moderator at his first EVMC conference this past June, where we met him, and how it gave him an opportunity for growth. Enjoy this great perspective of someone earlier in their industry career who talks about the importance of mentorship, embracing challenges, and looking for ways to grow.Omar Gates: LinkedInDenver Nuggets: Facebook | Instragram | X/TwitterColorado Avalanche: Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE – What does a UFO, bloody hatchet woman, haunted miners, and a ghost rattler snake have in common? They're all regulars at one of the world's (and universe's?) most iconic venues - Red Rocks Amphitheatre! For our third annual Halloween episode we chat with our friend Brian Kitts, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer for Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Denver Performing Arts Complex, who is our guide through the various spooky and mysterious tales echoing off the red sandstone of this iconic venue. We first hear about a recent UFO sighting at 1AM on June 5, 2024 following an All Time Low show. For EVMC attendees keeping track at home, that is the night prior to our opening night reception at the venue! From intergalactic visitors to a ghastly ghoul, we next hear about the iconic Hatchet Woman which has been seen numerous times around the venue enjoying shows and haunting fans in the parking lot. Lastly, we learn about the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, nicknamed the “Ghost Rattler,” which in the winter is known for creepy, slow rattles and catching the unassuming off guard. We hope you enjoy this Halloween treat of an episode that is sure to send some shivers down your spine.Brian Kitts: LinkedIn | EmailRed Rocks Amphitheatre: Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Tuck your drafting pencil behind your ear and unfurl those blueprints because we're talking venue design with this episode, where we chat with Geoff Cheong, Senior Principal and Senior Architect at Populous. With a focus of drawing people together around the things they love and amplifying the atmosphere of excitement and joy, Populous has designed some of the world's most renowned venues. Geoff, who served as lead designer on Climate Pledge Arena and had a significant role in the design of T-Mobile Arena and many others, walks us through his experience as a venue and event designer and how he found his way into the field. From a love of sports at a young age to designing some of the most cutting-edge sports and entertainment venues, he provides fascinating insight into how venue design is approached and the importance they place on their project teams immersing into communities. We talk about the trends of more music-first venues as well as the importance they are placing on venue accessibility and inclusivity. From his home base in Kansas City, traveling for meetings, and a design-focused mindset with project collaborations and leading teams – hear a bit of what it's like to be a venue designer and some of the designs and innovations that inspire Geoff. Enjoy this interesting look into what goes into creating amazing new venues and retrofitting iconic legacy buildings on this fun, informative episode.Geoff Cheong: LinkedIn | EmailPopulous: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Come along as we visit the Bay Area and chat with Sam Hunt, Executive Vice President and Managing Executive at Wasserman Music. One of the youngest to ever win Pollstar's Agent of the Year in 2016, Sam oversees a powerhouse roster of electronica, indie, pop, and hip-hop artists including names like Diplo, Major Lazer, Flying Lotus, Jamie xx, Animal Collective, Run The Jewels, Big Boi, 100 gecs, Still Woozy, and Caroline Polachek. We learn what his day to day is like as an agent, where essentially his role is to do everything he can to improve and guide artist careers and provide opportunities and guidance - largely involving live performances and touring, but also brand deals, bigger picture projects, and concepts. Hear about some of the unique projects he's worked on and how interesting challenges often provide creative fulfillment. We learn about Sam's career journey, from working in record stores as a teen and in college, to working at a label and club in Chicago, to joining the upstart Windish Agency where he learned under Tom Windish who he still works with today. Sam drops some great advice for anyone wanting to be an agent or understand more of that side of the industry as well as insight into what makes a good agent and how to handle the highs and lows of artists you represent. Enjoy this look inside the life of an agent, what it's like sharing a name with a popular country artist, and fun stories from throughout his career.Sam Hunt: LinkedInWasserman Music: X/Twitter | Instagram | Spotify ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

For this episode we head back to the hustle and bustle of Music City and catch up with former pro-drummer turned entertainment marketer, Brian Bauer, President of Bauer Entertainment Marketing (BEM). We immediately jump into learning what BEM does as well as interesting discussions on trends in live events and some of the most important things for venues and events to establish. We peel back the layers of small business ownership and talk about the pros and cons of striking out on your own and how Brian learned a lot from previous jobs when shaping his company and what type of boss he wanted to be to his employees. We talk shop about stats, CRO, and what data you should be paying attention to with your shows. We learn about Brian's previous roles before starting his own business, such as being a successful touring drummer including some gigs in the Nashville area with Cage the Elephant and Chris Stapleton. Looking to dive into data and find out some interesting things you should be tracking? Thinking about starting your own business and wondering what that is like and what challenges you might face? For all of the above and more, enjoy this episode all about live events and what it is like leading the client voted “top-rated entertainment marketing agency.”Brian Bauer: LinkedInBauer Entertainment Marketing: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE – Tomorrow, on Mexican Independence Day weekend, UFC is gearing up to host Riyadh Season Noche UFC, which will honor Mexico's rich history and vibrant culture. Oh... and did we mention... it's the first sporting event to be hosted at Sphere in Las Vegas? On this special episode we chat with Heidi Noland, Sr. VP of Global Brand & Creative with UFC, who pulls back the curtain and gives us an inside look at what goes into preparing for this incredible event at such a unique venue. We talk through their approach as soon as they confirmed the event, and how UFC has been intentional to set the bar on what is possible at Sphere. Heidi tells us about the Noche UFC events and how this event collaborates with numerous artists for a unique experience to celebrate Mexican Independence Day weekend and Mexico's contributions to live combat sports. With UFC hosting massive events throughout the year, we discuss what prep is like for those events, and how Riyadh Season Noche UFC has been different and required planning further out. Enjoy this fun primer that teases some features and innovative approaches that are sure to make this event memorable for those working in live events and fans alike.Watch: ESPN+ PPVHeidi Noland: LinkedInUFC: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Peel back the wrapper of some English chocolate and put on your favorite Tori Amos album – we're headed to Los Angeles to chat with Natalie Caplan, Vice President of Entertainment for ArenaNetwork, Venue Coalition & Theater Network. Natalie tells us about her job and how they empower and assist independent venues – providing important resources and driving content to them. With more than 140 venues across North America, hear how ArenaNetwork, Venue Coalition, and Theater Network leverage their staff experience and collective knowledge among venues to provide curated support and industry advocacy for a wide mix of venues in different market sizes. From England to Arizona to New York to touring to Los Angeles, Natalie takes us along as we walk through her career journey. With an interesting path that includes publicity at Atlantic Records, being Assistant Tour Manager for Tori Amos, and the Director of Artist Relations and Events at The Greek Theatre for Nederlander Concerts, she has seen numerous sides of the industry which provided valuable perspective as she pursued new roles. We discuss trends and challenges facing venues and tours in 2024 and tips for navigating what the new “normal” is for the industry. Enjoy this educational and interesting discussion packed full of great perspective and fun stories.Natalie Caplan: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | EmailVenue Coalition: Facebook | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Spread love, it's the Brooklyn way! Head to the Atlantic Terminal at the crossroads of Flatbush Ave and Atlantic Ave as we visit the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. We chat with Adina Erwin, Executive Vice President of Business Operations and General Manager of the venue and learn all about this one-of-kind arena nestled in the middle of NYC. Home to the Brooklyn Nets (NBA), New York Liberty (WNBA), and many other concerts, comedy shows, and family events – Adina tells us all about her role at the venue and its place in the neighborhood. We hear how Barclays Center's plaza acts as a town center and plays a critical role as a convening space for the community. It's iconic looped LED “Oculus” serves as an important touch point for the many people that commute and walk past it daily. Adina walks us through her career journey, from graduating at UNC Chapel Hill to her first industry job as an event receptionist at the Charlotte Coliseum, all the way to her time in Brooklyn by way of Atlanta and Boston. She talks about the importance of being willing to take risks and try new things and how she has learned so much from branching out to roles in different departments, having the attitude of a willingness to learn. Enjoy this fun, informative episode that includes everything from stories about Deadhead yeast balls to can't-miss Atlanta restaurants to invaluable career advance that is sure to help you on your live event journey. And if you don't know, now you know…Adina Erwin: LinkedInBarclays Center: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Grab your laptop and throw those rock hands in the air because we're chatting with Fabrice Sergent, Leader & Co-Founder of Bandsintown. Fabrice takes us through the history of the company, which is the largest concert discovery platform in the world. He explains how Bandsintown alerts fans when their favorite artists come to town and helps them discover new artists, helps artists to promote their tour dates and reach new fans, and helps venues populate dates on different platforms and reach new buyers. With over 650,000 artists using the platform, it has become a valuable resource which allows them to focus on their art and stage presence and makes the marketing side easier. Fabrice tells us about his longtime passion for live events and how he feels love music is a critical part of society and promotes happiness, tolerance and understanding in the world. We talk about the global market and how an international perspective is important for artists and also can yield important perspective and tips for venues. Enjoy this fascinating episode that looks inside the origins of Bandsintown throughout a broader discussion on live events, music marketing, and challenges facing venues, promoters, and artists.Fabrice Sergent: Instagram | Email | LinkedInBandsintown: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

New England here we come! Join us in Somers, Connecticut, as we talk with Marissa Dionne, VP of Marketing for Oak View Group. Marissa gives us an overview of OVG, where she is primarily focused on marketing for venue management, hospitality, parking, and arena and theatre alliances, for the company. She oversees marketing and provides support for 400+ venues through venue management, booking and hospitality. We talk about the value of such a large network and how it's important to share ideas while still remaining authentic to your city and what your fans respond to. We discuss various trends that Marissa is seeing on the marketing and hospitality sides, such as an increased focus on creating an entertainment destination. From Illinois State University to the Hartford Civic Center with MSGCT to MassMutual Center with Global Spectrum to Oak View Group – Marissa talks about her love of the industry and the career path that has led her to her current role. Enjoy this interesting and informative episode with great tips and interesting insight into venue trends.Marissa Dionne: Instagram | LinkedInOak View Group: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Tighten those laces and grab your adventure gear because we're headed to The City of Trees, Boise, to chat with Michael Cullen, Assistant Director of Marketing & Brand Development at ExtraMile Arena. Michael guides us through his adventure as well as fun facts and tips about all things Boise and Idaho. Whether it's late nights organizing merch at the arena or working large events at Boise State's iconic blue-turfed stadium, there's never a dull day. From digital, graphic design, and grassroots marketing to merchandising, we hear about a day in the life of Michael and ExtraMile Arena, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Hear some great advice from Michael for people wanting to enter the industry and make the most of their college experience. From growing up a festival junkie to guiding people at a local festival – Michael talks about his love of music and how a visit to Sasquatch Music Festival changed his life and music tastes. Enjoy this fun, inspiring episode with “Adventures In Venueland's #1 Fan,” which may inspire you to try something new, listen to a new band, or look up flights to check out Treefort Music Fest. Just remember, as Jewel's The Boise Song reminds us, “there's no Z in Boise.”Michael Cullen: LinkedIn | EmailExtraMile Arena: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE – Pack your bags for Italy and dust off some clues with us as we dig into our first episode of a new ongoing bonus series – Ancient Venues. For this first episode we take a look at the Amphitheatre of Capua (Anfiteatro Campano), located in modern day Santa Maria Capua Vetere, Italy. We are joined by Valerie Higgins, Associate Professor of Archaeology at The American University of Rome, who guides us through the history of this legendary venue from the Roman Empire. The current amphitheatre sits on the site of two former, smaller amphitheatres, the first of which is presumed to have been built close to 100 B.C. It is second in size only to the Roman Coliseum and is located next to what was the most notable school for gladiators, where Spartacus was from and began his rebellion. We learn all about this incredible venue, historic venue terminology, seating and ticketing, events that were hosted, why large scale events like this took place, concessions and design, and its fascinating hypogeum – located under the arena floor where they staged scenery and warriors for the events. Whether you're a venue nerd or a history buff, or a little of both, you'll love hearing all about this ancient wonder that helped shape the venues we all know and love today.Valerie Higgins: Website | Papers | Book ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Rev those engines and join us in Motor City as we head north to talk with Kim Klein, VP of Marketing & Communications for 313 Presents in Detroit, Michigan. We learn all about 313 Presents, which oversees Little Caesars Arena, Fox Theatre (Detroit), Comerica Park, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre. They work with over 30 promoters across all the venues, producing and promoting over 300 events a year. Kim tells us about the structure of her team and how she heavily values mentorship and prioritizes balance and culture to prevent burnout and support the team. We hear about the latest waves Detroit is making and how the city is blooming with rich culinary and music scenes. Kim walks us through her history in the industry, from a love of symphony band freshman year to jobs and internships at The Palace of Auburn Hills, and how networking and passion for live events has helped lead her from one opportunity to the next. Enjoy this great episode filled with marketing talk about SMS, working with partnerships, and other tips, as well as a heartfelt discussion about what makes Detroit great.Kim Klein: LinkedIn | Email313 Presents: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram | TikTok ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Live from the Mile High City – join us as we talk with Chad Brown, Colorado sports legend, in front of a live audience at the 2024 Event & Venue Marketing Conference in Denver, Colorado. Chad won a NCAA championship in football with the Colorado Buffaloes, played 15 years in the NFL (including two Super Bowl appearances and 3 Pro Bowls), is a football commentator and radio analyst, and owns his own business. Having played in and called games at numerous venues, we talk with him about what makes a venue great, and how it's often the impact it has on the community more than the innovations and shiny features. From playing football in his neighborhood in Pasadena as a kid to playing in multiple Super Bowls, he speaks about the joys of being a professional athlete as well as what it's like to deal with loss when you lose the biggest game of your life. As he says, “Struggle is life. It is the downs that make the ups so great. It is the losses that make the wins so satisfying.” Chad explains what makes a team great is not the most talent, but those that play for one another. Enjoy this fun live episode with audience questions and interaction, great advice from a pro athlete turned entrepreneur, and a taste of being an attendee at the sold out 2024 EVMC conference.Chad Brown: X/Twitter | LinkedInAll Pro Shipping: Website ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE – We're headed to the mile high city for the 2024 Event & Venue Marketing Conference (EVMC) and taking you along for the ride with a preview of this year's sold out conference.

Grab your magnifying glass and inspector hat and join us on this adventure as we investigate the live experience with this episode's guest, Bret McCormick, Facilities, Fan Experience, & Ticketing Beat Reporter for Sports Business Journal (SBJ). Bret, who is based in Charlotte, but travels a dozen or so times a year to various venues, tells us what it's like covering the live experience and some general trends he is seeing. We discuss two areas where he's seeing ground-shaking changes – European soccer stadiums and college sports venues. We deep dive into interesting innovations in ticketing and fan experience. Bret tells us how he approaches venue coverage by treating them as if they are alive, visiting the districts and cities that call them home, and looking at things that make them unique. We discuss some of the most interesting changes and innovations coming to the Intuit Dome, and how it's upending current trends with truly unique features and a fascinating approach to fan engagement. Whether it's sustainability, wrap-around video screens, or biometric data, we discuss the future of venues and how innovation is moving the industry forward, sometimes forcefully, and setting new bars for what fans are coming to expect from the live event experience. If you're a venue nerd like us, a glutton for innovation, and want to hear some tips for pitching a great story, you'll love this episode.Bret McCormick: LinkedIn | EmailSports Business Journal: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Rocket City meets Music City as we talk with Olivia Christian, Marketing Director for tvg hospitality – a hospitality group that focuses on fan and artist experiences. Olivia tells us all about tvg's flagship and first U.S. venue, The Orion Amphitheater in Huntsville, AL, which is an 8,000 capacity greek-inspired amphitheater which opened in spring 2022. In addition to hosting many national touring shows, the venue focuses on being the “third space” for people (after home and work) with a huge focus on community and cultural events, sustainability practices, and hospitality for everyone visiting. The venue's focus on sustainability includes zero waste to landfills, a reusable cup program (reused over 500,000 cups since opening!), and allowing water bottles with water stations throughout the venue. They also have an artist garden with fruits, vegetables, and herbs that are used as garnish for drinks and used in food as well as a special bar named “Carbon” which donates $1 from every purchase to Tennessee Riverkeeper to protect rivers by enforcing environmental laws and educating the public. We chat with Olivia about her history in live events, which includes runs at Ryman Auditorium, War Memorial Auditorium, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, and promoter National Shows 2 (NS2). Enjoy this fun, informative episode that's sure to inspire you to follow your passion, buck venue stereotypes, and have a greater appreciation for a good marketing mix.Olivia Christian: LinkedIn | Emailtvg hospitality: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInThe Orion Amphitheater: Facebook | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Fire up the barbecue and grab your 10-gallon hat because we're headed down to Dallas for this week's episode of Venueland! We catch up with Julian Bowman, Senior Director of Marketing for Fair Park – a massive multipurpose complex that boasts over 1000 events a year. The national historic landmark is home to Cotton Bowl Stadium, Broadway Dallas, Dos Equis Pavilion (managed by Live Nation), a children's aquarium, botanical garden, African American Museum of Dallas, The Hall of State, and so much more. They also play host to The State Fair of Texas, the longest running fair in the country, that welcomes a whopping 2.5 million visitors across 24 days. Everything truly is bigger in Texas! Julian tells us all about the complex and the unique partnership between Fair Park First and Oak View Group which collaborate on keeping the facilities active and the park in great condition. We hear about how the various entities and businesses work together to meet challenges, such as parking and traffic, and work to help each other out to ensure the rising tide raises all ships. Julian walks us through his history in the industry, from growing up wanting to be the next Stuart Scott (BOO-YAH!) to pursuing sports, to eventually landing in venue management which found him in various opportunities across North America. He talks about his personal passion of making an impact on his community and tells us about the venue's internship program with two majority minority high schools to introduce youth to the live events industry. Enjoy this fun, fascinating episode that will make you long for some state fair food and a visit to the Red River Rivalry.Julian Bowman: Instagram | LinkedInFair Park: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Grab your text book and meet us in class as we head to Pittsburgh to chat with Paige Beal, Associate Professor at Point Park University in the Rowland School of Business, who teaches in the Sports, Arts, Entertainment and Music Business (SAEM) program. In a city packed with entertainment venues like PPG Paints Arena, Acrisure Stadium, PNC Park, and Highmark Stadium as well as numerous other venues - Paige talks to us about their program and how they work with the local venues on an extensive internship and shadowing program. We talk about industry and program trends and how students were challenged and affected by the pandemic. Hear different tips for hiring new staff if you're in the industry or pursuing jobs and networking if you're entering the field – and how the importance of networking cannot be overstated. Paige walks us through her career and background of working in traditional and digital media, and how her experience in those fields has helped inform her teaching. She talks about how she and the staff stay on top of emerging trends and technologies - including teaching and engaging with AI so students know how to properly use it and create good prompts – and how its critical to remain curious in your career. Enjoy this interesting episode taking a look inside the classroom at the future of the live event industry, and advice on navigating changes no matter where you are in your career.Paige Beal: LinkedIn | Instagram | Threads | TikTokPoint Park University: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram  ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Carve out some ice time and triple-axel your way into this episode with Tami Allen, Senior Director of Winter Sports Events at IMG, and Event Director for Stars on Ice. Tami tells us about IMG, where she's celebrating her 25th year, and how under the Endeavor umbrella it's part of a massive global portfolio of businesses across the sports & entertainment ecosystem allowing for collaboration and maximizing opportunities. Stars on Ice, which she works on specifically, is the premier figure skating tour featuring the best skaters in the world. She talks about marketing shows in international markets, and the importance of leaning on local resources. We also discuss Tami's involvement in the Event & Venue Marketing Conference, where she has been awarded the highest award for her years of work including First-Time Attendee initiatives – welcoming new conference attendees and connecting them with conference mentors. We learn about her history in the industry, from attending the University of Akron for their dance program to volunteering at celebrity golf tournaments and doing contracted events with the New York Yankees before landing at IMG. Have fun with us on this informative, playful conversation that discusses how to face social challenges, navigating your career, and fun stories between friends.Tami Allen: Facebook | LinkedInIMG: Facebook | X/Twitter | InstagramStars on Ice: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Sit back in your seat as we queue the lights and get ready to rock with this episode's guest – Danielle Edwards, Lighting Designer & Director for numerous tours including Greta Van Fleet, Maren Morris, Lizzo, and Kacey Musgraves. We dive into all things lighting as Danielle explains the ins and outs of what goes into designing, programming, and directing lighting for touring productions. Learn about how a typical tour day unfolds – from chalking to building rigs to making adjustments and then running the show. She tells us how she got into lighting, starting off doing stage managing and being a tech, and how those perspectives help inform her designs and allow her to understand what is possible and practical. We talk about how event lighting has changed over the years and different trends and technology that continues to evolve the industry. Danielle tells us about EVEN - Events Vocational Education Network - a non-profit she co-founded with others during the pandemic to make the industry more equitable, diverse, and inclusive. EVEN now partners with Diversify The Stage and do master classes inviting women to learn more about roles and life on the road. Whether you're curious what goes into beautifully lighting a show, what it's like on a tour, or want to hear what Danielle thinks is the best lit tour currently – this episode is for you. It's full of great advice, fun perspective, and lots of information that is sure to make you better appreciate the intricacies of lighting on tours. Hit the lights and enjoy!Danielle Edwards: Instagram | LinkedIn ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Things are coming up roses this episode as we head to Portland, the City of Roses, to chat with Kevin Merlet, Director of Arena Marketing at Rose Quarter – which includes Moda Center, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and Alaska Airlines' Theater of the Clouds. We talk about the unique flexibility and setup of Alaska Airlines' Theater of the Clouds, which is a unique take on an arena curtaining system that allows them to scale and attract many artists and comedians that may otherwise go elsewhere. Kevin explains some of the many things that make Portland unique, and how the city will invest in you if you invest in them. He explains their need and benefits of being authentic and community focused and how authenticity drives and brings forward creativity. We discuss Kevin's unique career path that led him from internships at record labels in Chicago to music licensing in Los Angeles to his current role in Portland. Hear about some of the similarities and challenges between music licensing and marketing live events. This episode is chock full of fun stories, a love of music, shop talk about partnerships and consumer strategies, and a love of “Rip City.” Keep Portland weird!Kevin Merlet: Instagram | LinkedInRose Quarter: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing ConferenceMeet our team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & MixingHave a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE – We're keeping it

Head out to the Rockies to a land known for beautiful nature, iconic venues, and legendary teams, as we chat with Jennifer Persyn, Executive Director of Venue Marketing & Publicity at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) - one of the worlds leading entertainment and management ownership groups. Jen, who oversees venue marketing and publicity for any concerts and family events at their properties, gives us an overview of KSE in Denver, which owns and manages a plethora of venues and teams including Ball Arena, Paramount Theatre, Dicks Sporting Goods Park, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Mammoth, Colorado Rapids, Altitude Sports & Entertainment, Altitude Authentics, and KSE Radio. Hear how her department is structured and how they balance working and covering numerous shows at various venues which are different sizes. We walk through Jen's career path from Colorado State University to critical internships with the Colorado Eagles and Tampa Bay Lightning, to time on the ticketing side which helps inform marketing decisions she makes to this day. We also discuss the conundrum of staying in a market versus leaving to pursue new jobs and the many benefits that come from putting roots down and having established relationships with promoters and sales reps. As we head to Denver this June for EVMC 2024, enjoy this great discussion filled with good career tips and info about the city, including ‘don't miss' locations.Jennifer Persyn: Instagram | LinkedInBall Arena: Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram  ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet the team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Tune your guitar and strike your favorite rockstar pose as we travel down to the capital of the Lone Star State, Austin, to chat with Lillian Lee, VP of Digital Marketing Strategy for Fevo. Lillian gives us a rundown on Fevo, an ecommerce experiences company specializing in professional sports ticketing, and how they're working to digitize the industry and revolutionize the checkout process online. We talk about the evolution of the event experience, and the importance of flipping strategies on their head to innovate and create new, better experiences. We also walk through her career adventure. A love for music at an early age led Lillian to study music business at NYU where she landed an internship for a club promoter in Brooklyn. This led her on a path to working at Empire Control Room & Garage where she cut her teeth on all sides of the industry and experienced the joys and challenges of hosting events for SXSW. Her next gig found her with Front Gate Tickets, a festival ticketing platform, before landing her current role with Fevo, where she handles branding, digital strategy, internal marketing, product marketing, and client marketing. Enjoy this interesting look at different sides of the live event industry, hear some great advice, and learn all about her sweet “Texas street dog,” Copper, on this fun and informative episode.Lillian Lee: Facebook | X/Twitter | InstagramFevo: X/Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet the team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Get up and move your feet with us as we head to Detroit Rock City to chat with the queen of the curls, Jessica Runyon, VP of Global Client Marketing with Ticketmaster. Jess takes us through her day-to-day, from working with venues, promoters, sports, and arts groups on client marketing solutions – self serve marketing products, managed services, email marketing, self-serve pixel placements, digital media, and strategies for marketing rollouts. We dig in to great tips for career development, such as being positive, showcasing your authentic and reliable self, building relationships, and tips for working with difficult people. As her mom always told her: “To have friends, one first must show themselves as friendly” and Jess does this in spades. We talk about how positive attitudes can change your life, work environment, and department, and how she has leveraged her love of people into meaningful relationships that have enhanced her career. When Jess isn't jet setting around the globe or relaxing at home with her husband and dog, she heads back home to ‘ole Kentucky, the place where she was born and raised' and enjoys important down time to reset and balance an often hectic industry. We all discuss the importance of EVMC, how important partners are to the conference's success, and tips for new conference attendees wanting to get the most out of their experience. This episode is packed full of great advice, heartfelt quotes from Jess' parents, and wonderful career tips that you're sure to appreciate as you chart your own journey.Jessica Runyon: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInTicketmaster: Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram ––––––ADVENTURES IN VENUELANDFollow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/TwitterLearn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference Meet the team:Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & MarketingDave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest ResearchMegan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital AdvertisingSamantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & PublicityCamille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

STORY EPISODE – Joyous holiday season Venuelanders! As we prepare for an exciting 2024 with some incredible guests and bonus episodes, please enjoy this special holiday treat. Here is our version of that classic, fire-side story which will hopefully warm your heart – ‘Twas the Night Before Show Day.

Fine tune that excel spreadsheet and hit the road with as we jet set with Chris Meeds, Accounting Promoter Rep for AEG Presents. Learn what his day-to-day job looks like – from seat adjustments to dressing the house to settling shows to handling trade shots and making sure the artist experience is great. Chris talks about his travel days, which can range from 175 to 250 days out of the year, and some of his favorite parts of his job is and a peek into what it's like to work on the road for AEG. We ask Chris “what makes a good venue from the tour side?” and discuss some tips he has for venue staff on how to keep tour dates smooth and hospitable. We talk about how he fell in love with live events, growing up 15 minutes away from Red Rocks and attending a little festival named Coachella when he was 16 years old. He talks about the importance of internships and how he learned so many sides of the industry by trying different jobs and always being engaged. From a kid falling in love with shows to golf-carting Roger Daultry around at Desert Trip - we walk through Chris' career journey and fun stories and lessons learned along the way. Enjoy this informative and fun discussion about industry jobs, tour life, and the magic of live events.Chris Meeds: Facebook | InstagramAEG Presents: Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram

Grab your camera and join us down on the court as we head to L.A. to catch up with Andrew D. Bernstein, Director of Photography for Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theatre, and L.A Live, and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer. We talk with Andy about his 45 seasons of photographing the LA Kings, big Lakers moments – from the ‘Showtime Lakers' to the Kobe and LeBron eras, being a team photographer for 12 pro sports championships, and covering 40 NBA Finals and 38 All-Star Games as the senior NBA photographer. Hear how Andy got into photography and pursued his career and craft while heeding the advice of mentors and passing that mentorship on to the next generation of photographers. We talk about the importance of talent, drive, networking, and motivation when honing your craft and continuing to reach new career milestones, and how his own obsession with his craft led to a relationship with another obsessive competitor – the “Black Mamba” himself, Kobe Bryant. Hear about the book Andy and Kobe worked on together, “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play,” a worldwide bestseller which now serves as an important part of Kobe's legacy, where he walked through key life moments in his own words. We also talk about Legends of Sport, a sports content platform that Andy cofounded and serves as the host of the podcast on. Legends of Sport focuses on highlighting iconic sports moments, connecting the past to the present, and shining the spotlight back on legendary players who have since retired from their sport. Enjoy this photographer's perspective on live events and venues, and a wonderful conversation filled with career tips and fun stories.Andy Bernstein: Instagram | X (Twitter)Legends of Sport: Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTubeCrypto.com Arena: Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)

Slide on those cowboys boots and “get in the mood” for some Texas glam, as we spin our spurs with Hannah Baker Goodin, Director of Branding for Oak View Group's Moody Center in Austin, Texas. With a reputation of some of the best guest, artist, and tour experiences in the country, Hannah walks us through the unique structure of having a branding department and the emphasis and payoff they have seen from putting so much focus on that side. We get into the [tumble]weeds and walk through their process from when a show is booked to through the show day and how her and her team balance and prioritize events, research extensively, and put a lot of thought into creating memorable moments at each show. Learn about Moody Center's artist experience and gifting letter, which is sent to tours to set expectations and make sure all are aware of the full rollout the venue will be offering. Learn about some of their most memorable guest experience setups – from a shipping container transformed into an album-inspired photo activation for Harry Styles's residency to a custom VW bug for people to pose with at the Jonas Brothers concert. Hannah also tells us about success they've had with crew gifting, and how important it is to show appreciation for them, which sometimes means more to artists than a gift. We also talk about unique artist gifts that blew artists away (like one leading to a handwritten note from The Boss) and others that fell flat but served as great learning experiences. Enjoy this fun, creativity-inspiring episode that's packed full of great tips, career advice, and Tulsa-meets-Texas charm.Hannah Baker Goodin: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInMoody Center: Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram

BONUS EPISODE – Grab a candle, a bundle of sage, switch on that ghost light, and join us on this special, spooky adventure through a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind venue, The Louisville Palace – which in addition to its packed concert schedule, also happens to be haunted by six different ghosts.

BONUS EPISODE (Part 3 of 3) – For our final episode of our Mental Health Series, we speak with Ari Jacobson, Clinical Director at Backline, about handling stress in the live event industry, and signs of it leading to depression in yourself or your peers. One of the most important things is to recognize and have awareness of the stress you are under – often ones not present in typical 9 to 5 jobs. It's important to understand what your “norm” is so that you're able to realize when you're feeling off that norm and rhythm. Our hosts talk through some of their own recurring stressful challenges, and the group discusses the many aspects of this industry that can cause highs and lows in people's lives. Ari offers excellent tips for balancing a stressful life, and how we should all set realistic goals. We should frame and look at failures as learning experiences and realizing you did your best but have room to grow. It's important to carve some time out of your day for yourself, however much that can be, and relaxing with some deep breathing that can center us and give us stress relief during our hectic schedules. Managing stress inducing things like emails, or even music you listen to, on stressful days can help reduce stress. Hear about Backline's free or discounted subscription services (like meditation, yoga, and others) and their free support groups, and how important it is to find like-minded people and friends that you can relate to, trust, and vent to when needed.“The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.” – Sydney J. HarrisBackline: Website | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | LinkedInPlease note: The Case Management program has eligibility requirements. Click here for more information.

BONUS EPISODE (Part 2 of 3) – Now that we're acquainted with Backline, for our second part of our Mental Health Series we talk about work/life balance with Hallie Lincoln, Co-founder and Director of Case Management for Backline. Hallie talks about their case management program, where they provide 1 on 1 assistance for all sides of the industry where a mental health professional will get them connected with resources or providers. They have over 600 providers (therapists and coaches) in all 50 states. We discuss common challenges that face people in live events around balancing a hectic but fun work life with a social life, family, and friends outside of work. Hallie gives us insight into some trends and challenges they see with live event professionals they support, such as an increase in burnout – and how hopes for a more balanced and supportive industry post-pandemic haven't panned out in many ways, with more events and more pressure being packed into tours. She highlights some solutions they have found to be successful, such as creating routines and goals. Our hosts talk through some of their own challenges and ones they've observed with peers and Hallie gives great tips for how to approach certain situations and advocate for better balance in the workplace. Hear about the advice and many resources that Backline offers people to help tackle and improve their work/life balance, such as their new Touring Notebook.“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” – Dolly PartonBackline: Website | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | LinkedInPlease note: The Case Management program has eligibility requirements. Click here for more information.

BONUS EPISODE (Part 1 of 3) – Coming off World Mental Health Day last week, we're presenting our Mental Health Series in collaboration with Backline, a non-profit that connects music industry professionals and their families with mental health and wellness resources. For the first part of this series, we chat with Hilary Gleason, Co-founder and Executive Director for the company, who walks us through the creation of Backline and how the organization has continued to evolve and offer more resources to meet people's needs. Hilary gives us an overview of the three pillars of their support: case management, support groups, and mental health and wellness resources. With 14,000+ resources accessed via their website, 450+ support group sessions, and 1,300+ case management submissions, Backline is offering a wide variety of support for challenges that often uniquely affect people in this industry. We chat through some general challenges they are seeing people face and also discuss how they continue to expand to reach more people in need – such as their recently announced partnership with Master Tour, the leading touring software used by bands and touring professionals. Learn how you can support Backline's efforts in your venues or on your tours, and how easy it is to find resources for you and your coworkers.“Your mental health is everything — prioritize it. Make the time like your life depends on it, because it does.” – Mel RobbinsBackline: Website | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | LinkedInPlease note: The Case Management program has eligibility requirements. Click here for more information.

Elevate with us as we take a trip to the Mile High City, Denver, Colorado, and chat with Brian Kitts, Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer for Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Learn what it's like to have your venue on everyone else's bucket list, and all the many unique and memorable parts of Red Rocks Amphitheatre – a national historic landmark that's 80+ years old as a venue, 300 million years old as a location. With the Event & Venue Marketing Conference coming to Denver in June 2024, we talk about what people can expect from the city, unique locations, and the growth and changes since the last time the conference was there in 2005. Brian also walks us through his journey from attending the University of Denver (where he now teaches sports and entertainment marketing) and going to his first shows at Red Rocks to a short stint with Walt Disney Pictures and 20th Century Fox right out of grad school. Brian then returned to Denver to work for the sports teams right as Stan Kroenke purchased and forever changed sports in the city to the energetic atmosphere it is today. We also talk with him about the You Can Play Project, which he co-founded, which works to develop allies and increase acceptance and inclusion in sports. Put on that iconic U2 performance at Red Rocks in the background and listen along with us for this fun, informative episode with great tips for people entering the live event industry.Brian Kitts: LinkedIn | EmailRed Rocks Amphitheatre: Facebook | Twitter/X | InstagramDenver Performing Arts Complex: Facebook | Instagram

Moose, beavers, bears, and stampedes – just another day in the life of this episode's guest, Glen Mikkelsen, Manager of Entertainment at CN Centre in Prince George, BC, Canada. Join us for this fun episode where we learn all about Northern BC and the CN Centre, what makes them unique and special, and their various events – including the 2022 World Women's Curling Championship (originally ready to start in 2020, one day after things shut down). Hear what it's like managing the largest venue in Canada north of Edmonton, challenges they face with booking and weather, and their hospitality-forward mindset – which is not only a staple of their residents but permeates their venue experience. Beyond his love of his city and venue, Glen is passionate about professional chuckwagon racing, which celebrated its 100 year anniversary this year, and is unique to Canada. Falling in love with the sport growing up in Calgary, Glen has authored three books on the sport, including his latest, “The Rangeland Derby - 100 Years of Chuckwagon Racing at the Calgary Stampede,” which came out this spring. We also learn how he fell in love with live events, from planning gatherings for friends to volunteering at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics, where he worked ski jumping (when Eddie The Eagle competed) and bobsledding (when the Jamaican bobsled team made headlines). Grab your cowboy hat and a bottle of your finest maple syrup and enjoy this oh so Canadian episode with Glen, eh!Glen Mikkelsen: Instagram | LinkedInCN Centre: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

Adventures abound as we head to Los Angeles to chat with Noelle Scaggs, Founder and President of Diversify The Stage and multi-platinum recording artist and co-front person of Fitz and The Tantrums – indie pop and neo soul band with hits like “Out of My League” and “The Walker.” Noelle walks us through the inception of Diversify The Stage (DTS), and its mission of creating more equal and equitable opportunities among aspiring live music industry professionals from marginalized communities and backgrounds. We discuss steps that companies and venues can take to be intentional in diversifying their own business and staff, and how DTS utilizes a combination of masterclasses, mentorship placements, and apprenticeships to not only help create opportunities but also set up for the future by engaging young people and introducing them to industry careers. We also chat about the current state of the music industry and the mix of challenges, trends, and innovations that artists are presently navigating. Noelle talks about some of her favorite venues, such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Denver) and the 9:30 Club (Washington, D.C.), and what makes those and other venues special from the artist's perspective. When Noelle isn't performing, writing, or working on DTS, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her dogs – including a travel and food website she manages called Adventures with Scaggs. Sit back and enjoy this interesting, informative episode which includes great perspective, wonderful advice, and some fun stories.Noelle Scaggs: InstagramDiversify The Stage: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedInFitz and The Tantrums: Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram