text:
Early bird registration deadline is January 10. Contact the SMA office with questions: 515-282-8192
Make hotel reservations directly by calling 866-423-1195
Stadium Manager Registrations:
Member: $395
Additional Staff: $345
Non-Member: $550
Faculty Member Registration: $395
Student Registration: $100
(Includes registration for all Seminar and student events)
Spouse/Guest Registration: $325
(Must not be a company employee)
Corporate Sponsor Registration:
First two registrations: FREE (Sponsors still must submit a registration form)
Third Registrant: $900
Fourth or more Registrant: $1000 each
(You must be current member to attend)
Corporate Members:
(You may only attend the Seminar once as a Corporate Member, to attend again you must upgrade to a Corporate Sponsor)
Register on-line or download a registration form from the SMA website and mail or return by secure fax to 515-282-9117 before the registration deadline of January 10, 2014.
Registration fees include all Seminar sessions, transportation to social events and golf, breakfasts, breaks, Thursday brunch, and all evening events. Guest fees include social events, meals, and breaks. Guests may not represent any corporate entity, member or not.
Omni Rancho Las Palmas
41-000 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA
Make your reservations now by calling 866-423-1195 and asking for the Stadium Managers Association rate of $279 with a $15 resort fee.
Reservations must be made by January 10, but the discounted rate rooms will not last that long!
Palm Springs is easily accessible from more than three international airports.
The Palm Springs Airport, Palm Springs (PSP)
PSP is unquestionably the most convenient and easy-to-use Palm Springs airport for visitors to the Greater Palm Springs area - located just 15 minutes from our hotel. PSP is the airport code for Palm Springs International Airport.
The Ontario California Airport (ONT)
Ontario California International Airport (ONT) known by the airport code ONT. Ontario, California airport is located less than 5 minutes from the Interstate 10 (I-10) and approximately 65 miles directly west of Palm Springs, California, about one and a half hours drive away from Palm Springs, CA.
The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The third airport serving the Palm Springs area is the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) located in Los Angeles, California, approximately 110 miles west of Palm Springs, about a two to three hour drive to Palm Springs depending on traffic conditions.
The Orange County Airport- John Wayne International (SNL)
John Wayne Airport, is approximately 90 miles from Palm Springs California. Depending on traffic conditions, the trip from the Orange County Airport to Palm Springs California can range in travel time from 2 hours to 3 or more hours.
Meetings are casual dress. Our evening events highlight the desert, so bring something warm for when the sun goes down! We'll be outdoors on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday evenings.
All meetings and events will be held at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas. Transportation will be provided to the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Download the sponsor case studies here
Download the company descriptions here
Sunday, February 2nd – Thursday, February 6th
More details including updated agenda on the SMA web site, and the mobile site, and in your November mail.
Online registration is open - each Corporate Sponsor company gets the first 2 attendees at no registration cost, but you must return a registration form to confirm.
Hotel discount Deadline - January 10, 2014 (only if rooms are still available – don't wait to call!)
Seminar early registration Deadline - January 10, 2014
Case study for meeting materials - January 16, 2014
SMA sponsor companies receive a full page, black and white ad in our membership directory, printed in January and on your desk before you leave for the Seminar. Ad deadline is November 22 (No extensions will be given). Your ad specs are the same as previous years, 7.5 w by 9 h - grayscale pdf format. Contact the SMA office with questions.
Call Mary Mycka at (515)282-8192 or Rick Nafe at (727)825-3195 for details on these opportunities.
Your SMA web page will appear on screen at various times during the Seminar to help managers connect you to your services. SMA will provide signage to recognize Seminar sponsors.
Is your SMA web profile complete? Now is the time to make sure your picture, logo, and company description are posted on the SMA web site to make it easier for managers to contact you directly, and advance your listing on web search engines. Check your page on the SMA web site in the corporate sponsors section. If your page does not appear when you click on your company name, please contact Lacey at SMA headquarters email@example.com to complete your page.
Each Sponsor is invited to bring 1 piece of 8 ½ x 11 literature to be placed on tables outside of the seminar general session/meeting rooms. Manager attendees will be collecting information from the tables throughout the entire seminar. You should bring about 100 copies. You are welcome to stand near your materials during breaks and breakfast.
If you plan to ship your literature items to the hotel, please send them to the attention of your attendee:
Omni Rancho Las Palmas
c / o your name and arrival date
41-000 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Your phone
Additionally, each company may submit an educational case study or product article for our electronic meeting resources. It may be up to 4 pages in a pdf format. Please send to Lacey at SMA headquarters email@example.com before January 16.
Mary Mycka will contact the managers prior to the seminar to assist them in arranging meetings with sponsors at the seminar. You will be contacted individually if a manager requests an appointment with your company. Please review your profile on the SMA Vendor Service & Product Guide so that managers have an easy resource for more information on your services.
A sponsor meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 4 during the Seminar. The managers kindly request that sponsors do not attend the industry breakout sessions during the sponsor meeting. If you are a new member, there is an orientation session on Monday, February 3 at 9:30am.
Before the Seminar, (by regular mail) each sponsor will receive a Membership Directory which includes contact information for all members of the association. Each sponsor has access to the association web site that provides a link and distribution list to the stadium manager members. The Seminar attendee list will be available by request after January 17.
The SMA strongly discourages sponsors from entertaining manager members during seminar sessions or seminar events. Events end by 5pm on Tuesday to allow you to make dinner reservations with managers.
The dress code for the conference is casual.
Your feedback reminds us that the networking benefits for all can only get better with the addition of new professional facility managers. Manager Members attending their first Seminar in 2014 will receive complimentary registration and a significant credit for their hotel stay. Returning Manager members who bring a first-time attendee manager will receive a complimentary Seminar registration for that manager. Can you refer a new manager to SMA for this benefit? Call us and we will contact them directly!
The Seminar concludes with a gift exchange, prize lottery and brunch. A 50/50 raffle will be held to benefit the SMA Foundation Scholarship fund for students in Sports Business degree programs.
All attendees are welcome to bring one gift for the gift exchange.
The prize lottery this year will include grand prizes from our sponsor Mitsubishi, and any other significant prizes you wish to contribute. Contact Mary or Rick for further details.
Seminar Chair:
Rick Nafe
Seminar Staff Contact:
Mary Mycka
Please contact the SMA office with any questions.
Mary Mycka - Executive Director
Kate Banasiak - Membership & New Media
Lacey Hameister - Corporate Sponsor Executive Assistant
Randi Malone - Regular Member Executive Assistant
Stacey Reichling - Graphics & Website Design
Registration Open
Rancho Las Palmas meeting foyer
Badge lanyards - UBU Sports
Bottled water – BASF
Intern Program – American Seating and StageRight
Directory- WJHW and Walter P. Moore
SMA Board Meeting
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom F/G
SMA Foundation Board Meeting
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom F/G
Super Bowl Party
Rancho Las Palmas Courtyard
Our industry expert sponsors collaborate to bring in their best technology and equipment for you to see the game – poolside instead of New York in February!
Sponsored by:
SC Railing Company/Staging Concepts
Thanks to today's event sponsors:
Registration Open
Rancho Las Palmas meeting foyer
Badge lanyards - UBU Sports
Bottled water - BASF
Intern Program- American Seating and StageRight
Directory- WJHW and Walter P. Moore
"How to Work the Seminar"
Rancho Las Palmas Salon 6/7
All new members – manager, student, and corporate are invited to join the Board and Past Presidents for a short orientation session on how to make the most of the Seminar and your SMA membership.
Golf Tournament to Benefit the SMA Scholarship Foundation
Rancho Las Palmas Golf Club
Managers still play free thanks to our sponsors. Get some quick advice from our on-site pro, and improve your game this year! Play for fun or challenge our best in the putting and driving competitions.
Sponsored by:
Hunt Construction
Sponsor Recognition and Opening Reception
Rancho Las Palmas Courtyard
Sponsored By:
Irwin Seating
Thanks to today's event sponsors:
Available handouts for today's sessions will be emailed after the Seminar.
Registration Open
Rancho Las Palmas meeting foyer
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom B/C
Welcome Remarks
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
Rick Nafe, SMA Program Chair
Wireless access sponsored by:
5 Bar Inside
Keynote Address
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
James Yacone, Assistant Director, Critical Incident Response Group,
Federal Bureau of Investigation
As a Silver Star recipient for piloting a Black Hawk helicopter in a mission in Somalia that has been memorialized in the book and movie "Black Hawk Down," and an 18 year veteran of the FBI, Jim is uniquely qualified to speak on issues of leadership and teamwork in times of crisis, and lessons learned that will help facility operators plan for and minimize risk.
Sponsored by:
Mortenson Construction
General Session
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
"Concerns and State of the Business"
with Jeffrey Miller, Vice President and Chief Security Officer, National Football League;
Ray Whitworth, Vice President of Operations & Security, Major League Soccer
Dan Mullin, Senior Vice President, Major League Baseball;
Michael Kelly, COO, Bowl Championship Series;
Jeff Jarnecke, NCAA Director, Championships and Alliances
Top officials in the NFL, Major League Baseball, MLS, the NCAA, and BCS will update us on the 'Business We Have Chosen' and give us insight, as well as their own personal thoughts, on factors and concerns affecting the leagues and governing bodies that play in our facilities.
Sponsored by:
Audiovisual – Enseo, Peerless, Panasonic, Daktronics, ISS 24/7
Intern Program – American Seating and StageRight
Rancho Las Palmas Foyer
Sponsored by:
Sponsor Breakout
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
Open Forum for all sponsor and corporate members.
Facility Breakouts
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom Salon H
2. MLB/MiLB
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom Salon F/G
3. College/University
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom Desert Suite 2
Breakout topics for members, discussed by members
Lunch Break
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom
Attendees can pick up their box lunch to take to a breakout session.
Sponsored by:
Burke Flooring
1. 5x5x8
Racho Las Palmas Ballroom Salon D/E
Moderated by Jim Folk, VP Operations, Cleveland Indians, and Bob White, Director of International Marketing, Populous
A look at 5 major renovation projects including Lambeau Field, Dodger Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, Coors Field, and the Cal Berkley football renovation
2. Legal/Litigation Update
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom Salon H
Mike McCormick, MCMcCormick & Associates, LLC, SMA Legal Counsel
Carla Varriale, Partner, Havkins, Rosenfeld, Ritzert, & Varriale, LLP
"I'm Not a Lawyer…but I play one on T.V." We have real lawyers….
3. Stadium Technology Strategic Task Force
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom Salon F/G
Moderated by Mark Burk, Director, Rice-Eccles
The SMA Operations Committee offers a continuation of a comprehensive technological task force of SMA
Breakouts (Repeat of previous sessions)
1. 5x5x8
Racho Las Palmas Ballroom Salon D/E
Moderated by Jim Folk, VP Operations, Cleveland Indians, and Bob White, Director of International Marketing, Populous
A look at 5 major renovation projects including Lambeau Field, Dodger Stadium, Arrowhead Stadium, Coors Field, and the Cal Berkley football renovation
2. Legal/Litigation Update
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom Salon H
Mike McCormick, MCMcCormick & Associates, LLC, SMA Legal Counsel
Carla Varriale, Partner, Havkins, Rosenfeld, Ritzert, & Varriale, LLP
"I'm Not a Lawyer…but I play one on T.V." We have real lawyers….
3. Stadium Technology Strategic Task Force
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom Salon F/G
Moderated by Mark Burk, Director, Rice-Eccles
The SMA Operations Committee offers a continuation of a comprehensive technological task force of SMA
Publicly Owned Stadium Workshop
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom Salon F/G
Kelly Kraft, Illinois Sports Authority
Greg Kuehl , Lambeau Field
Meet with other managers of publicly owned stadiums to discuss ownership provisions, capital improvements, operations and maintenance, insurance and indemnification issues. Also discussed will be challenges faced and goals, managing budgets/bond issues, attracting concerts and special events, and charitable donations/Charitable events.
Open Evening
Meet outside at the Rancho Las Palmas Courtyard bar and go on to enjoy one of the many fantastic area restaurants
Thanks to today's event sponsors:
Available handouts for today's sessions will be emailed after the Seminar.
Registration Open
Rancho Las Palmas meeting foyer
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom B/C
Opening Remarks
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
Rick Nafe, SMA Program Chair
Wireless Access Sponsored by:
5 Bar Inside
General Session
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
"ADA-Emerging Issues for Online Media and Stadiums"
Kevin McGuire, CEO, McGuire Associates
For over 20 years, Kevin has made his mark by helping make stadiums and ballparks more accessible. He will discuss:
Overview of Captioning Rules for IP-Delivered Programming and Devices and a timeline for implementation and adoption of rules.
Stadium Best Practices: Update on new ADA Standards for Ticketing/Emergency Evacuation, Segways, Security Bag Policies/ADA, Stadium construction/renovation
Sponsored by:
Audiovisual- Enseo, Peerless, Panasonic, Daktronics
Intern Program- American Seating and StageRight
General Session
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
"Department of Homeland Security Resources for Facilities"
Andrea Schultz, Chief,
Commercial Facilities Section,
Office of Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland Security
Department of Homeland Security illustrates an informal model of tabletop exercises on active shooter/bomb threats and how you can produce one for your facility
Rancho Las Palmas Foyer
Sponsored by:
General Session
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
"Controlling the Message – How Not to Say the Wrong Thing"
Emily Turner, Spaeth Communications
How to avoid being on the "BIMBO" list, and thoughts on fan-generated misinformation via social media.
General Session
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
"Maximizing Alcohol Sales Revenue Through Responsible Service"
Jill Pepper, Executive Director, TEAM (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management) Coalition
From beer tastings pre and post-game (and sometimes on non-game days) to "all you can drink" ticket packages to serving through the bottom of the cup and right in the can, stadiums are serving more and more alcohol. The good news is that incidents of negative fan behavior connected to alcohol are NOT increasing at the
same rate. How is this possible? How can your facility join the party? Find out how TEAM Coalition is working with alcohol companies and sports facilities to ensure responsibility is a significant part of alcohol service.
Rancho Las Palmas Foyer
Sponsored by:
12:15pm - 1:15pm
Optional Sessions –Professional Development Breakouts
1. Emergency Evacuation and Shelter in Place Plans
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
Moderated by Dr. Lou Marciani, Director, NCS4
Mark Glaser, Senior VP Operations, Contemporary Services Corporation
Scott Meyers, VP Sales & Marketing, ISS 24/7
Jeff Spoerndle, Director Special Services, Whelan Security
Paul Penzone, Director of Program Development, ABM Security Services
Emergency evacuation planning and training are critical objectives at all public assembly facilities and the larger the facility, the more complex the planning becomes. Proper EVP/T reduces liability risk, improves coordinated public service response and ensures public safety in the event of unforeseen natural and manmade emergencies.
2. Field Conversion
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom F/G
Moderated by Chris Hunter, Senior Director Ballpark Operations, PNC Park
Mike Beane, CEO, Terraplas USA, Inc.
Mark Nicholls,CEO, UBU Sports
Jason Frew, VP Rentals, Signature Systems
Jeff Schultz, VP StageRight Corp.
Pete Kranske, President, Landmark Event Services
Successful practices for switching your venue between events. The 4 important aspects covered will be coordination of field protection, staffing, rentals, and code/safety issues involved in a conversion between professional/college games and between events like ballgames and concerts.
1:15pm - 2:15pm
Optional Sessions –Professional Development Breakouts (repeat)
1. Emergency Evacuation and Shelter in Place Plans
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
Moderated by Dr. Lou Marciani, Director, NCS4
Mark Glaser, Senior VP Operations, Contemporary Services Corporation
Scott Meyers, VP Sales & Marketing, ISS 24/7
Jeff Spoerndle, Director Special Services, Whelan Security
Paul Penzone, Director of Program Development, ABM Security Services
Emergency evacuation planning and training are critical objectives at all public assembly facilities and the larger the facility, the more complex the planning becomes. Proper EVP/T reduces liability risk, improves coordinated public service response and ensures public safety in the event of unforeseen natural and manmade emergencies.
2. Field Conversion
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom F/G
Moderated by Chris Hunter, Senior Director Ballpark Operations, PNC Park
Mike Beane, CEO, Terraplas USA, Inc.
Mark Nicholls,CEO, UBU Sports
Jason Frew, VP Rentals, Signature Systems
Jeff Schultz, VP StageRight Corp.
Pete Kranske, President, Landmark Event Services
Successful practices for switching your venue between events. The 4 important aspects covered will be coordination of field protection, staffing, rentals, and code/safety issues involved in a conversion between professional/college games and between events like ballgames and concerts.
Buses leave for Palm Springs Air Museum
4:30pm - 8:30pm
Gala Dinner and Presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award
Palm Springs Air Museum
You will have itme to explore one of the world's largest collections of WWII aircrafts, including a tour of their B17.
Dinner and entertainment on the tarmac overlooking the mountains.
Sponsored by:
Air Museum Sponsor - KnightFM
LA Award Sponsor- Mortenson Construction
Beverage Sponsor- Anheuser Busch
Dinner Sponsor- Aramark
Transportation Sponsor- SP Plus Gameday
Thanks to today's event sponsors:
Available handouts for today's sessions will be emailed after the Seminar.
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom B/C
Opening Remarks
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
Rick Nafe, SMA Program Chair
Wireless Access Sponsored by:
5 Bar Inside
General Session
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
"Frank Talk"
Frank Supovitz, Senior Vice President, Events, National Football League
An in-depth look at Super Bowl XLVIII in New York by the man who produces it.
Sponsored by:
Audiovisual – Enseo, Peerless, Panasonic, Daktronics
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom Foyer
Sponsored by:
General Session
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
"Did Ya Know"
David Broughton, Research Director, Sports Business Journal
A look back at the news, views, and miscues of 2013 in the world of stadia and sports.
General Session
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
"Sustainability Update- A Panel Discussion on LEED and ISO Certification"
Moderated by Joe Abernathy, VP Operations, St. Louis Cardinals
A panel of facility managers who have achieved certification for their building will discuss their experience and answer your questions.
SMA Annual Business Meeting
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom D/E
Membership Management
Brunch, Gift Exchange and Prize Lottery
Rancho Las Palmas Ballroom Salon 5-7
Bring one gift per person to participate in the Gift Exchange. All attending managers and sponsors eligible for Grand Prize drawings from Mitsubishi. You must be present to win, so plan a late flight out or stay and finish your day at the pool.
Thanks to today's event sponsors:
Andrea Schultz- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Mrs. Andrea T. Schultz currently works at the Department of Homeland Security, in the Office of Infrastructure Protection. She is the Chief of the Commercial Facilities Sector Specific Agency Section. She is a former US Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician and a graduate of American Military University; she holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security with a concentration on Threat, and a Master's Degree in Security Management and is a Certified Protection Professional. Andrea has completed the Department of State Post-blast Investigative Techniques; is a graduate of the Connecticut State Firefighter I Certification; holds a certificate in Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP), from the USDA Graduate School; and holds a certificate in Global Terrorism from the United Nations. Andrea is also a member of ASIS on the Hospitality Entertainment and Tourism (HEaT) Council.
Akmal Ali- Principal, Catalyst Partners
As a principal at Catalyst Partners, Akmal Ali supports domestic and international clients in working with the federal government and business development, with an emphasis on technology growth. With more than four years of SAFETY Act experience, Ali most recently fulfilled the duties and responsibilities of a deputy director at the Department of Homeland Security's Office of SAFETY Act Implementation, and offers extensive knowledge of public-private partnerships, private sector preparedness and resiliency and risk management.
During his time at the Department of Homeland Security, Ali was integral in both strengthening the office's private sector relationships and evaluating hundreds of successful SAFETY Act applications involving technologies ranging from biological and chemical detection equipment, venue security, aviation-related technologies and standards-based knowledge product applications.
As part of his private sector involvement, Ali represented the Department of Homeland Security at numerous speaking engagements before the homeland security industry across the United States. Through his work with the federal government, he has also collaborated with the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, the DHS Private Sector Office, Transportation Security Administration, the Office of Infrastructure Protection, Customs and Border Protection, Department of Justice, Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, among others.
Ali previously worked with the research and development-focused Institute for Defense Analyses, where his guidance drastically improved the economic and insurance modeling used for determining insurance requirements for recipients of SAFETY Act protections.
Ali earned a J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law, where he received distinguished honors as a member of the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism. He and his wife reside in Arlington, Virginia.
David Samson- Presidet, Miami Marlins
David Samson enters his 14th season in Major League Baseball and 12th as President of the Miami Marlins. He is one of only seven current Presidents in Major League Baseball who has presided over a World Series champion.
As Club President, Samson oversees all aspects of the team's day-to-day business operations, including sales, marketing, operations and personnel matters. He also oversaw the successful completion of Marlins Park in Miami. Construction of the baseball-only, retractable roof, air-conditioned facility exceeded all stated goals from local worker participation to local firm involvement. Under Samson's leadership Marlins Park was completed on budget and on schedule while also earning Gold LEED certification, officially making it the greenest ballpark in America and the world's first-ever retractable roof facility to earn such distinction.
Samson works closely with Owner and CEO, Jeffrey Loria, on all baseball matters and general corporate strategy. Samson is also the President of the Miami Marlins Community Foundation, which focuses its efforts on baseball, arts and educational needs of the South Florida community. The Foundation distributed well over $1 million to worthy charities in South Florida in 2011 and is already on pace to surpass that amount in 2012.
On April 27, 2012, Samson ran 50 miles from Pompano Beach to Marlins Park to raise funds for 10 "Charities of Choice" to honor the construction workers who made Marlins Park a reality. The run raised over $600,000 through sponsor and individual donations.
Among his accomplishments, Samson was named one of Sports Business Journal's "Forty Under 40" for two years running, 2003-04. Other highlights, in addition to the 2003 World Series Championship, included the Florida Marlins being named South Florida's No. 1 Film and Entertainment Company of the Year and Baseball America's Organization of the Year.
Samson, 45, was born in Milwaukee, WI, and was raised in New York City. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor's in Economics in 1990. He received a Juris Doctor from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York City in 1993. He is a member of the New York State Bar. Following law school, Samson became President and Founder of News Travels Fast, the first company to deliver the New York Times to Europe on a same-day basis. In 1996, Samson joined Morgan Stanley, an investment bank in New York City, a position he resigned in 1999 when he joined the Montreal Expos as Executive Vice President.
On October 21, 2006, Samson became the first active team President to complete the Ford Ironman World Championship Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii. In addition to swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and then running a full marathon, all in 15 hours, 36 minutes, Samson personally raised over $250,000 for the Florida Marlins Community Foundation, the Challenged Athletes Foundation ("CAF") and other local Hawaiian charities.
Samson concentrates his charitable efforts on helping underprivileged and sick children experience summer camp and improved education and health care. In addition, he is a member of CAF's Board of Directors. His vision is to help increase its visibility, thus enabling more physically challenged athletes to compete in triathlons as well as other sports. In 2009, Samson was appointed to serve on the Board of Governors of the Miami Foundation. The foundation's primary purpose is to encourage philanthropy and charitable giving by developing a permanent endowment to meet merging charitable needs. In 2010, Samson was named to Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law's Board of Overseers. As a member of this board he works closely with Dean Matthew Diller to continue Cardozo's renowned clinical programs, as well as the continued growth of its public interest scholarship programs. Samson also serves on the Miami Children's Museum Board of Directors.
Samson also manifests his love of movies through the popular weekly segment on the Dan Lebatard show on the team's flagship radio station. This show gives him an opportunity to review and discuss movies and other points of cultural and social interest. Samson annually delivers over 100 speeches in and around South Florida and the United States on subjects varying from the business of baseball to general motivation.
He and his wife, Cindi, a former school director, have been married for 22 years and have two daughters, Hannah and Kyra, and a son, Caleb.
Dan Mullin- Senior Vice President, Major League Baseball
Daniel T. Mullin is a Senior Vice-President at Major League Baseball. He joined the Commissioner's Office on May of 2003 as the Senior Director of Security and Facility Operations. In that job he was instrumental in the security planning for All-Star games, World Series, and International games in Japan, Mexico, China and Canada. In 2008 Dan was promoted to Senior Vice-President and formed the Department of Investigations, a direct result of the Mitchell Report. He has oversight of all investigations, including those involving players, coaches, and other MLB staff. DOI is also tasked with corporate due diligence and background investigations.
Prior to joining Major League Baseball, Dan served 23 years with the New York City Police Department, retiring as a Deputy Chief. He last served as the Executive Officer of the Bronx, where he supervised more than 3000 police officers. He also served as the Executive Officer of the Narcotics Division, as well as the Commanding Officer the Manhattan District Attorney's Squad, Staten Island Detectives, and the 114th and 103rd precincts. Dan was a first responder at the World Trade Center on 9-11 and at the crash of American Airlines flight 585.
Dan is a graduate of St. John's University and New York Law School. He has been an adjunct professor at John Jay College (1993-2000) and at Seton Hall University (2001-03). Dan is currently the co-chair of the Sports Sub-Sector for the DHS, serves on the Life Safety Council at IAAM, and is on the Board of Advisors at Long Island University and the University of Southern Mississippi.
Jeff Miller- Vice President and Chief Security Officer, National Football League
As the Chief Security Officer for the National Football League, Jeffrey Miller oversees all facets of security for the league including all investigative programs and services, event security (including Super Bowl and International Series), Game Integrity Program, executive protection, the Stadium Security Program, the Fan Conduct Initiative and the Fair Competition Initiative. He collaborates with law enforcement professionals both within the United States and abroad in working to secure NFL fans, players and venues.
Prior to accepting a position with the NFL, he completed a 24-year career with the Pennsylvania State Police, retiring in 2008 as Commissioner. He served for nearly six years as the 18th Commissioner of the department, overseeing a complement of over 6,000 enlisted and civilian personnel and a budget of $800 million dollars. As a cabinet secretary, he was responsible for implementing crime and crash reduction strategies, anti-terrorism efforts, and general policing practices including emergency response in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.
He holds an Associate Degree from the University of South Florida, a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Elizabethtown College, and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the Pennsylvania State University. He is also a graduate of the 194th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, as well as the 27th Session of the FBI National Executive Institute. He has completed a number of executive education training programs including the Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University, and an Executive Leadership Forum at Stanford University. He is a Distinguished Alumnus of the Pennsylvania State University as well as an Alumni Fellow of the school.
He and his wife Andrea reside in Pennsylvania with their two daughters.
Nelson Rodriguez- Executive Vice President, Competition, Major League Soccer
As Executive Vice President of Competition, Technical and Game Operations, Nelson Rodríguez, who has been with Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing since 2000, is responsible for all on-field competition and technical matters. Rodríguez supervises the League's soccer technical development, oversees League-wide game operations, disciplinary matters and expands the League's scouting capabilities. Rodriguez also serves as the League liaison with MLS coaches and club technical directors on game-related matters.
In addition to the above, he supervises supporter relations, safety and security, team travel and the League's growing sports medicine initiatives. Over the last few years, the League has developed a traveling liaison policy, supporter steward program and a return to play concussion protocol.
In previous roles within MLS, Rodríguez served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development, where he worked closely with the Commissioner's Office in areas such as strategic planning, new business development and alliance development.
Rodríguez also served as Senior Vice President of SUM International. In that role, he managed the acquisition and development of SUM properties such as the Mexican National Team's annual U.S. Tour, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, FC Barcelona Tour, InterLiga, SuperLiga and the Pan-Pacific Championship. Rodríguez also led SUM International's expansion into the area of business operations and competition consultancy.
Before joining MLS in 2000, Rodríguez served as Director of Soccer Operations for the MetroStars from 1998-1999. He assisted the General Manager and Head Coach in the running of the club including selection of team staff and the organization of international tours and team travel. During his time with the MetroStars, Rodríguez assisted in the staging of several exhibition matches at the club's home facility, Giants Stadium.
Rodríguez accumulated experience on the field as well, leading the Men's Soccer team at Lafayette College as Head Coach between 1995 and 1997. He took his team to the 1995 NCAA "Sweet Sixteen," the first ever tournament appearance in program history.
Among his other management roles in the sport, Rodríguez was a member of the local organizing committee for the New Jersey venue at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, assisting the Venue Executive Director and FIFA officials and dignitaries.
A native of New Jersey, Rodríguez is fluent in Spanish and holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from Rutgers University. He resides in New Jersey with his wife and four children.
Joe Abernathy- Vice President-Stadium Operations, St. Louis Cardinals
Joe is currently the Vice-President, Busch Stadium Operations for the St. Louis Cardinals. He is responsible for all day-to-day building operations and game-day event management activities at Busch Stadium, including ushering, guest services, security, medical services, maintenance, clean up, grounds keeping, and parking. He manages a staff of 25 full-time front-office employees and game-day staff of up to 800 part-time employees and contractors.
He is responsible for managing the collective bargaining agreements with the labor unions employed by the Cardinals. He is responsible for the project management of capital improvement projects at Busch Stadium. He was a member of the design team and was responsible for the commissioning and start-up of the new Busch Stadium for the 2006 season. He has also assisted in the development of the Cardinals' Jupiter, Florida Spring Training Facility opened in 1998.
Joe has now completed 16 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. During that time the Cardinals have made to the post season 9 times and have hosted 45 post-season games including 9 World Series games and 20 National League Championship games. Busch Stadium and the Cardinals were the host of the 2009 Major League Baseball 80th All-Star Game.
Joe graduated from the University of Missouri, Rolla in 1977 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He immediately went to work at Anheuser-Busch Companies managing engineering and construction for capital projects at a wide variety of corporate facilities. He attained a Masters in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University in 1985. From 1991 to 1995 he managed engineering and construction projects at Busch Stadium for the St. Louis Cardinals, then an operating subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch Companies. In October of 1995 he joined the St. Louis Cardinals full time as Director of Stadium Operations. He was promoted to Vice-President in 1997.
Joe currently is the Past-President of the Board of Directors of the Stadium Managers Association. He also serves on the Stadium Operations Advisory Committee for Major League Baseball and is Co- Chairman of the Sustainable Operations sub-committee. In this role he is spearheading the benchmarking of sustainable operations metrics for all MLB facilities. He currently resides in south St. Louis County with Jeanne, and three sons, Philip, Kevin and Justin. When Joe isn't at Busch Stadium he is assisting in his sons' scouting and sport activities.Joe is responsible for managing the collective bargaining agreements with the labor unions employed by the Cardinals, as well as overseeing capital improvement projects at Busch Stadium. Joe was a member of the design team for the new ballpark and was responsible for commissioning the start-up of the new Busch Stadium in 2006. Joe also assisted in the development of the Cardinals' Jupiter, Florida Spring Training Facility opened in 1998.
During Joe's 15 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, the team has made it to the post season 8 times and has hosted 36 post-season games including 5 World Series games and 17 National League Championship games. In 2009, the Cardinals hosted the 2009 Major League Baseball 80th All-Star Game at Busch Stadium.
Joe is involved in a number of professional organizations, currently serving as the President of the Board of Directors of the Stadium Managers Association, as well serving on the Stadium Operations Advisory Committee for Major League Baseball where he Co-Chairs the Sustainable Operations sub-committee that is responsible for the benchmarking of sustainable operations metrics for all MLB facilities.
Prior to joining the Cardinals in 1995, Joe worked 17 years for Anheuser-Busch Companies. There, he managed engineering and construction projects for a variety of corporate facilities, including Busch Stadium. Joe's introduction into the sports business started in 1991 when he assumed responsibility for managing improvements at Busch Stadium, which included the conversion of Busch Stadium from a multi-purpose, artificial turf facility to a natural grass ballpark featuring state-of-the art fan amenities, including one of the first all-inclusive premium club seating environments which have become a standard in nearly all MLB facilities today.
Joe has a Masters in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University, as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri, Rolla. Joe and his wife Jeanne live in South County with their three sons, Philip, Kevin and Justin. When Joe isn't at Busch Stadium he is assisting in his sons' scouting and sport activities.
Val Fishman- VP Corporate Partnerships, BEF
Val is VP of Corporate Partnerships at BEF, an entrepreneurial nonprofit that provides a suite of innovative sustainability solutions to meet some of our most pressing energy, carbon and freshwater challenges. Her work at BEF is focused on creating long-term partnerships that advance environmental restoration and education. BEF's industry partners include pro sports, universities, outdoor retailers and food and beverage companies. Prior to her sustainability work, Val's career in media, combined with her passion for corporate environmental responsibility, led her to start, design and implement a sustainability program at Clear Channel Radio in San Francisco. She's a LEED® Green Associate and a board member of the Green Sports Alliance.
Joseph DesPlaines-Vice President, Risk Services, Empathis, Inc.
Joe joined Empathis, Inc. in 2009 and is responsible for the Enterprise Risk Management practice, which includes Risk and Crisis Management and Business Continuity Planning and Management. Joe's responsibilities include conducting critical function risk analyses; risk mitigation consultation, planning and management; and the development and implementation of corporate business continuity plans. He also is a principal for Empathia's on site Disaster Response and Management.
Prior to Empathia, Joe was responsible for Business Continuity and Emergency Management with Frontier Airlines, managing the development and implementation of the Frontier Enterprise Risk Management and Aviation Emergency Response Plans.
Joe has held senior management positions with two risk and crisis management consulting firms. From 2004 – 2007, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer for American Specialty Risk Management Services, a privately held risk management company providing Business Continuity and Risk Management services to the Sports and Entertainment industries. In this role, Joe was responsible for developing Business Continuity plans for such high profile organizations as Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Collegiate Athletic Association and Special Olympics International.
From 1985 – 2004, Joe served as President and Chief Executive Officer for FEI Behavioral Health. FEI's markets were EAP and Crisis Management and Joe was involved with providing behavioral health and crisis management services to over 100 domestic and international corporations, half of which were commercial airlines. In addition, Joe served as a behavioral health and victim assistance consultant to the National Transportation Safety Board and the US Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Over the past 20 years Joe has responded to seven major commercial aviation accidents and the 9/11 attacks, as well as numerous workplace emergencies and natural disasters.
Joe has published a number of Business Continuity articles in trade magazines and has been a frequent speaker at national conferences. Joe is also a member of the faculty for the National Transportation Safety Board Training Academy.
Russ Simons- Cheif Listening Officer & Managing Partner, V S G
Over the past three decades, Russ Simons has been involved in nearly every facet of the sports and entertainment facility industry, from design and construction to operations, marketing and public relations. At Venue Solutions Group (VSG), Russ directs the firm's guest experience benchmarking, assessment and facility operations efforts. VSG is a team of former senior facility managers who evaluate building systems and components, facility condition, risk management, guest experience, safety and security and sustainable operations. He has worked with operators at every level from collegiate to every professional league, and his work goes hand-in-hand with architects to design facilities that are safe, efficient, revenue positive and sustainable. He has worked with such clients as the Orlando Magic, San Diego Padres, the Indiana State Fair, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the historic Keeneland Equestrian Facility.
Prior to creating VSG, Russ was a senior principal with global design firm Populous. There he managed the firms' facility operations, evaluation and analysis group which assisted public assembly venues in any and all operational aspects. He also worked closely with the designers and architects as they created not only beautiful facilities, but functional ones as well. Russ' previous positions have also includes the senior vice president and general manager of Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, home to the NHL Nashville Predators and a variety of entertainment and sports events, and also the senior vice president of Powers Management and president of Powers Solutions, a professional sports and leisure facility operations consulting company.
Russ received his bachelor's degree in sports marketing from the University of Connecticut. He also graduated from the International Association of Assembly Managers' (IAVM) Venue Management School at Oglebay, he is a past Chair of the Board of Regents, and continues to teach at VMS. He was given the 2009 Ray W. Ward Award from the VMS Board of Regents in honor of his service to the school. He is a member of IAVM, has served on the organizations Board of Directors, past chair of the Life Safety Council; instructor for the Academy of Venue Safety and Security, and serves on the editorial board for Facility Manager Magazine; he is a 2004 recipient of the GIGI Award of Excellence and is a member of the Event, Sales and Marketing Hall of Fame. He is on the board of advisors for the Center for Spectator Sports Security Management; and he is a member of IFMA and the Stadium Managers Association.
Russ was the 2002 Pollstar "Facility Manager of the Year".
Mark Glaser- Vice President of Operations, Contemporary Services Corporation
Mark Glaser currently serves as CSC Vice President of Operations and Regional Manager for our West Region. Mark started with CSC in Denver in 1987 while a student at the University of Northern Colorado. In 1989, Mark moved to Miami to help start our Joe Robbie Stadium operation where he developed crowd management plans for the new Miami Arena and the Orange Bowl in 1989.
He moved back to Colorado in 1991 to work in the family business, but continued to work for CSC as a supervisor on a part-time basis. He coordinated security plans for the Papal visit events in 1992, and returned to full-time management in 1993 at our new Jacksonville office. Mark developed crowd management plans for the new Jacksonville Jaguars, the Jacksonville Coliseum, Convention Center and Performing Arts Center.
He returned to Colorado in 1996 to assume the Branch Manager position and oversaw operations at Coors Field to include the 1998 all-star game. A veteran of 10 Super Bowls, completed the Disney Institute's People Management class and received the 1998 CSC Manager of the Year Award. Additionally, wrote and presented the NFL's Best Practices for Stadium Security and has been the guest speaker at the IAVM's International Crowd Management Conference and Arena Management Conference. Holds Certification in ICS/NIMS 100, 200, 700a and 800a, and is a certified Trained Crowd Manager.
Peter Kranske- President/COO, Landmark Event Staffing Services, Inc.
Pete Kranske is one of the true pioneers of the crowd management industry. For nearly four decades Pete was an owner and officer of Contemporary Services Corporation, during which time he was responsible for the field operations for thousands of events at venues throughout the United States. He has developed and directed security and crowd management programs for almost every type of sporting and entertainment event imaginable. In 2006 he founded Landmark Event Staffing Services.
Some of the highlights of his career include directing the crowd management operations for 29 consecutive Super Bowls; directing contracted security for numerous college bowl games and NCAA championships, including the BCS Championship; oversight of the crowd management and security program for 5 U.S. venues for the 1994 Soccer World Cup; and the 1999 Women's Soccer World Cup in Los Angeles. He also directed the security and crowd management operation for the 1984 Jackson Victory Tour and the crowd management operation for the "US 93" concert with over one million people attending.
Pete has developed the crowd management and security plan for numerous new or remodeled arenas and stadiums over the years. After September 11, 2001, Pete was appointed by the NFL to the Commissioner's Task Force on Best Practices for Stadium Security, and was asked to Chair the NFL Stadium Security Training Sub-Committee. In that position he led and provided the major input into the NFL Best Practices training program which is in place today. He is currently a security and crowd management consultant with the NCAA Final Four and Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Since forming Landmark, Pete has led Landmark's client support and field operations throughout the United States, including Landmark's work at special events such as the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, NCAA Final Four, the NHL Winter Classic and the Walmart Yearly Event national sale. He was inducted into the Event Industry Hall of Fame in 2004.
Sumeet Kishnani- Senior Project Manager, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services
Sumeet Kishnani, PE, PTOE, LEED AP, a licensed professional transportation engineer, has been providing gameday traffic and parking planning and operations services at dozens of professional and collegiate stadiums for more than a decade. Kishnani helps improve the fan entry and exit experience at many facilities by coordinating with law enforcement, parking operators, stadium staff, and traffic and transit agencies to reduce congestion and enhance safety. The improved travel experience, in turn, helps enhance fan and premium guest relations. His leadership has enabled Langan to pioneer the use of vehicular and pedestrian simulation modeling techniques for ingress, egress, and emergency egress conditions at major sporting events and concerts. The firm has developed models that show the interaction of over 80,000 fans with 25,000 vehicles in the parking lots and on roadways surrounding a stadium or arena. This process has helped identify operational hotspots that can be focused on to improve the fan travel experience.
Scott Meyers- VP Sales & Marketing, ISS 24/7
Scott is a co-founder of ISS 24/7 and currently serves as the Vice-President of Sales & Marketing. Under Scott's leadership, ISS 24/7 has become the leading provider of Venue Management software to Sports and Entertainment facilities, now in over 300 venues in the US, Canada and Europe.
The ISS 24/7 platform includes, Incident Management System with Mobile Applications, CMMS, 2-Way Text Messaging and other modules. Marquee events, such as the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and some of the world's premier facilities, including Cowboy Stadium, the Staples Center and the O2 Arena use the ISS system.
Scott has presented and been on several panels at numerous conferences in the industry including the International Association of Venue Managers, NCS4, Arena Management Conference, National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), NBA Security Meetings, MLB Security Meetings, and NASCAR Security Summit.
Shawn Tsetsilas-Director of Business Development for WiFi Solutions, Cellular Specialties, Inc.
Shawn Tsetsilas started CSI's WiFi group in 2008 and currently serves as Director of Business Development for WiFi Solutions at CSI. He has 18 years of experience in sales and marketing developing data networking, WiFi, and security solutions for Cabletron, Enterasys, Nortel and 3Com. His area of responsibility is to work with CSI's end user customers and wireless services provider customers to design and implement WiFi solutions that meet their specific business objectives. over the last several years Shawn, through his work with CSI customers and partners have been involved in WiFi rollouts with the New England Patriots, Lucas Oil Stadium, and The Mercedes Superdome to name a few. He is also, at the forefront in conversations with manufacturers and service providers plans of delivering next generation WiFi networks. He has a BS degree in Business Administration from the Whittemore School of Business, at the University of New Hampshire.
Tom Madden- Programming Manager, Disney Institute
Tom joined the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., in 1986 with a role as an assistant supervisor in food and beverage at Epcot. Assigned to a variety of restaurants, both quick-service and fine dining, Tom's talent was quickly recognized and he was promoted to area restaurant manager in 1990.
Over the next nine years, Tom served as a leader for themed restaurants within Epcot, representing Norway, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as themed quick-service outlets. He has also managed theme park operations and merchandise operations at Epcot before joining Disney Institute in 1999.
Tom has worked with a variety of companies large and small while facilitating business programs for Disney Institute. He is also part of the leadership team of Disney Institute, providing support for facilitators and consultants.
Tom has undertaken a number of special projects at the Walt Disney World Resort, including hosting media groups, travel industry professionals and children's groups during press events and special celebrations. In 1993, Tom headed the highly successful Heart of Florida United Way campaign as a loaned executive. He has also recruited cast members for the Walt Disney World Resort from colleges in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Prior to working for Disney, Tom taught, coached, counseled and managed at a suburban high school and community college near Chicago. He also worked as a unit manager at the York Steak House division of the General Mills Restaurant Group.
Tom earned his Bachelor of Science in psychology degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign, Ill. He graduated with a Master of Biological Psychology degree from the University of Illinois.
Jim DiLuigi - Access-Ability Consultants, Inc.
Mr. DiLuigi brings over 40 years of successful architectural, corporate and forensic experience to providing clients with an unmatched combination of professional, analytical, managerial, and negotiation skills relative to identifying and resolving design and construction issues associated with accessibility regulations.
Stephanie Moot- K&L LLP
Ms. Moot is a litigation associate in the Miami office of K&L Gates. She focuses her practice on commercial and ADA litigation. She represents clients in a range of matters, including contract disputes, ADA compliance, employment discrimination and commercial mortgage foreclosures.
Frank Supovitz- Senior Vice President, National Football League
As Senior Vice President of Events for the National Football League, Frank Supovitz oversees a staff of event professionals that stages some of the most prestigious and widely-viewed sports events in the world, including the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, NFL Draft, and the NFL International Series. Supovitz joined the NFL in January, 2005 after serving as Group Vice President, Events & Entertainment for the National Hockey League for 13 years, with responsibility for the planning and execution of the NHL All-Star Weekend, NHL Draft, NHL Awards Show, Stanley Cup Finals, and international competitions in Canada, Europe and Japan. In 2003, Supovitz co-developed the Heritage Classic with the Edmonton Oilers, the first outdoor NHL game and forerunner of the annual NHL Winter Classic. He previously served as vice president of marketing and coordinating producer for EVENTURES, a New York-based mega-event production firm (1989 - 1992), and as director of special events and special projects for Radio City Music Hall Productions (1985 - 1989).
Supovitz was a featured character on NFL Full Contact, a 6-part behind-the-scenes documentary series on truTV, in 2010. He received an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree in Sports, Entertainment & Event Management from Johnson & Wales University in 2003, and was inducted into the Event Industry Hall of Fame in 2006. He is the author of The Sports Event Management & Marketing Playbook, 2nd edition (2013) and co-author of Dollars & Events: How To Succeed in the Special Events Business (1999), professional and academic textbooks published by John Wiley & Sons.
Frank Supovitz lives in Merrick, Long Island with his wife Catherine and sons Matthew, Ethan, and Jacob.
Driving yourself? The hotel has a special valet parking rate of $26.25 for our attendees or there is an economical self parking at the beach lot next door!
Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach
4525 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, Florida 33140
One of the classic oceanfront hotels in Miami Beach, completely renovated with modern architecture and contemporary glamour.
Huge, open lobby lounge that leads outside to ocean view restaurant and bar – inside or outside, SMA takes over this hotel and you'll find many memorable spots to enjoy the view and your colleagues and friends.
Walk/run/bike the waterfront beach trail you can pick up right at the hotel. Schedule water sports, enjoy several infinity-edge pools, or just reserve a lounge chair on the beach!
Located close to Bal Harbour shops, a variety of golf courses, South Beach Lincoln Road Mall, several art galleries and the world-renowned South Beach Art Deco and Entertainment District.
Michael Kelly-COO, Bowl Championship Series
In his position as Chief Operating Officer of the Bowl Championship Series, Michael Kelly is responsible for the operational implementation of the new college football playoff that will begin at the conclusion of the 2014 season.
Immediately prior to joining the college football playoff effort in January of 2013, Kelly spent six years with the Atlantic Coast Conference—ultimately serving as a Senior Associate Commissioner where he oversaw the Broadcasting, Communications and Football departments. He was instrumental in the negotiation and implementation of several multimedia agreements that generated record-setting revenue streams for the conference and led the development of the Dr Pepper ACC Football Championship to a point of consecutive sellouts in Charlotte.
Kelly holds the distinction of being the only person to have ever served as the lead local executive for three different Super Bowls as he was the President of the South Florida Super Bowl XLI Host Committee, the Jacksonville Super Bowl XXXIX Host Committee and the Tampa Bay Super Bowl XXXV Host Committee. In addition he also served as the Executive Director of the 1999 Tampa Bay Final Four Organizing Committee.
He also served two different college athletic departments as Director of Athletic Operations & Facilities Management at Wake Forest University from 1995-1998 and later as Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs at the University of South Florida when they made the transition to FBS football in 2001-2002.
Kelly received a bachelor's degree in politics from Wake Forest University (Magna Cum Laude) in 1992 and a master's degree in sports administration from St. Thomas University (Miami, Fla.) in 1994. He has served as an adjunct professor in Sports Administration at the University of Tampa and at St. Thomas University.
He has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards including: Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal's "Top Forty under 40" (2006) and the St. Thomas University "Leader for Life" Distinguished Alumni award (2006), Jacksonville Business Journal's "Up and Comer" award (2003), Tampa Bay Business Journal's "Top 40 under 40" (2001), the Taste of the NFL's Lou Groza Memorial "Let's Kick Hunger" award (2001). Kelly also received two commendations and a ceremonial "Key to the City" from the Jacksonville City Council in 2005.
Robert Jordan- Sr. Vice President, Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment
Bob Jordan, Senior Vice President at Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment brings a career of Sports and Public Assembly Facility Design and Operations to team and facility Owner's by providing expertise in developing the maximum revenue and the highest level of guest experience in the creation, design and management of sports facilities through the design process and platform activation. The primary emphasis is how the design of the facility will interface with the design of the technology and the supporting operational services platforms. Previously Jordan was the Managing Member of Venue Research and Design LLC. Prior to providing consulting services Teams and Owners, Jordan was responsible for the design and development of the New Meadowlands Stadium as the Vice President of Design and Construction for the joint venture between the New York Jets and the New York Giants. Started in 2005, this stadium with its ancillary components was designed as a home field for both NFL teams as well as host to the Super Bowl and other major sporting events, concerts and special events.
Jordan's career spans 3 decades of public assembly facility design and operation. Prior experience - Jordan directed the operational design and development of the American Airlines Center in Dallas, home of the NHL Dallas Stars, the NBA Dallas Mavericks. Prior to the AAC, Jordan has directed, designed and operated multiple public assembly facility projects. Throughout his career Jordan has focused on the efficiency of the design and the operation and marketability of facilities, translating that efficiency to the guest experience and the bottom line.
Bob Jordan began working in public assembly facilities as a stagehand in high school and has continued working in the industry, working the back of house and the front of house. Immediately following his graduation from University of Texas at Arlington, Jordan owned and operated his own special event production and design firm before moving into the facility management field.
Originally from Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, Jordan is also active in the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). The leading association for Public Assembly Facilities. Jordan is married; he and his wife Karyn have 2 daughters and 1 son. The Jordan's live in Cold Spring, NY.
Dr. Lou Marciani- Director- National Center for Spectator Sports and Safety and Security
Dr. Lou Marciani is the Director of the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security at The University of Southern Mississippi. The Center was founded in 2006 and is the country's first academic center dedicated to spectator sports safety and security research, professional development, training and outreach.
His extensive sports management role provides him great insight into addressing the issues constituting potential and actual threats and risks to the ongoing security and safety of spectators
at sporting events and venues. His background includes an extensive career in sport management serving as intercollegiate athletic director at several universities and executive director of two national sports governing bodies for the USOC.
He is the principal investigator in over 9.4 million dollars externally funded grants through the Office of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Education. His work at the Center focuses on the development and implementation of FEMA sport risk management, incident and evacuation training and exercise courses. He has been involved in the development of a computer-based modeling, simulation and visualization tool to aid sport managers, policy makers as well as emergency managers in their "what-if" scenario training to enhance their critical decision making capabilities of preparedness, response and assessment of their overall sport event security.
Under his leadership, the center has grown into a National Center, the addition of a National Sport Security National Laboratory, and the establishment of the Institute for the Study of Sport Incidents.
The Center has an international outreach, actively working with professional sport leagues, NCAA, private sector and government agencies in enhancing sport safety and security. Dr. Marciani is an active speaker on sport safety and security at international and national sport organization annual conferences.
Alice Henly- Green Sports Alliance
Alice Henly is an Urban Fellow at the Natural Resources Defense Council and Coordinator of NRDC's Collegiate Sports Greening Project. Alice helps manage NRDC's sustainability initiatives with sports and entertainment organizations, including: Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, the U.S. Tennis Association, the Ivy League, the Academy Awards, and the the GRAMMY Awards. She is an advisor to the Steering Committee of the Broadway Green Alliance and the Green Sports Alliance.
Alice is a principal author of NRDC's report "Game Changer: How the Sports Industry is Saving the Environment" (nrdc.org/game-changer), which documents the burgeoning North American sports greening movement. She also recently managed the development of the second edition of the EPA award-winning NRDC Greening Advisor (greensports.org)—a guide to help sports teams implement environmentally intelligent practices that improve the efficiency of their operations, uncover cost savings and benefit public health. In July 2012, her work, as part of the NRDC Sports Greening Project, was awarded the Beyond Sport's Sport for the Environment award at their pre-Olympic Summit in London.
Alice is the principal advisor to the Ivy League Office and Council of Ivy League Presidents on environmental performance. She works with Ivy staff and students to reduce the environmental impacts of Ivy League athletic events and provides greening resources to all Ivy Athletic Departments.
At NRDC Alice also works on solid waste management issues and helped launch NRDC's Smarter Business website (nrdc.org/business).
Prior to joining NRDC, Alice Henly worked with the Yale Climate & Energy Institute at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 15) in Copenhagen, Denmark. She was a co-founder of the Yale Bulldog Sustainability program that focuses on greening Yale's athletics. She has also worked on carbon sequestration projects with both the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and the Environmental Protection Authority of Victoria, Australia.
Alice has a BA in Environmental Politics and Policy from Yale University and is a LEED Green Associate. As a Yale Varsity rower, Alice was a three-time NCAA National Rowing Champion, All-American First Team Awardee, CRCA National Scholar-Athlete, Royal Henley Women's Regatta Champion and three-time Head of the Charles Champion.
Josh Beaudoin-Director of Large Venue Projects, Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon, & Williams, Inc.
Mr. Beaudoin first joined WJHW in 2003. Josh grew up working in the family owned general contracting business. After College he pursued his interest in electronics by working in the Electronic Security Alarm business, Professional Stage Lighting Production, and Professional Audio Engineering before returning to construction as an Audio Video Project Manager.
Josh has benefited from working in all aspects of the technology construction industry including Audio Video System integration and sales; Electrical Contracting; Audio Consulting and Professional Audio Equipment manufacturing.
This unique blend of experience has provided Josh knowledge of each discipline and process required to complete modern Stadiums, Arenas, and Convention Centers. His experience has given him a special insight into not only the consulting business but the entire construction process from equipment manufacturing, to system design; procurement, and installation; as well as commissioning. Josh also has nine years of sales and marketing experience. He has worked on several major professional stadiums and conventions centers as an equipment manufacturer, AV Contractor, Electrical Contractor, and Design Consultant.
Josh rejoined WJHW, as Director of Public Assembly and Large Venue Projects in 2010. He actively pursues prospective clients, negotiates fees, develops strategic business relationships and manages projects for WJHW.
Representative Projects
Melbourne Cricket Ground; Melbourne, AUS
Perth Rectangular Stadium; Perth, AUS
Citi Field; New York, NY
Yankees Stadium; New York, NY
Great American Ball Park; Cincinnati, OH
Bush Stadium; St. Louis, MO
FedEx Field; Washington, DC
LP Field; Nashville, TN
Kaufman Field; Kansas City, MO
Chase Field; Phoenix, AZ
Paul Brown Stadium; Cincinnati, OH
David Broughton- Research Director, SportsBusiness Journal
As Research Director of the SportsBusiness Journal, David Broughton has chronicled stadium trends for the past 15 years. His stories have taken him from atop the retractable-roof trusses in Glendale, to changing kegs at the Iron Bowl to breaking into Barcelona's Olympic Stadium. And for some reason, last summer he spent an evening as a mascot during a professional baseball game.
David and his family live in Charlotte, and he is looking forward to playing hooky frequently this summer, as the Class AAA Charlotte Knights open their new $50 million stadium a couple blocks from his office.
Kelly Kraft- CEO/Executive Director, Illinios Sports Facilities Authority, Home of the Chicago White Sox
Kelly Kraft is the Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority (ISFA), the public agency that built and owns U.S. Cellular Field, home of the 2005 World Champion Chicago White Sox. Kraft manages day to day operations for ISFA and is responsible for overseeing construction, renovations and maintenance of the ballpark and surrounding property, including fiscal, legal and legislative matters. Kraft is also exploring creative options to attract stadium events to make ISFA a revenue generator.
Prior to her role with ISFA, Kelly served as Director of Communications for the State of Illinois. As one of Governor Quinn's top aides, Kraft managed the Governor's press staff and oversaw the execution of the administration's internal and external communications, supervising communications issues across more than 20 state agencies. Kraft also helped to develop policies that impact the people of Illinois and move the state forward.
James Yacone- Assistant Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Director Robert S. Mueller named James F. Yacone Assistant Director for the Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) on March 24, 2013. In this role, he oversees personnel who provide expertise in crisis management, tactical operations, crisis negotiations, hostage rescue, hazardous devices mitigation, critical incident intelligence, surveillance and aviation, behavioral analysis and special events management. Mr. Yacone most recently served as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the FBI's Denver Division and managed operations and personnel in Colorado and Wyoming.
Concurrent with his responsibilities as SAC, Mr. Yacone was appointed by the Director of National Intelligence to be the domestic DNI representative for a nine-state region. In this capacity, Mr. Yacone coordinated the efforts of the U.S. intelligence community.
Mr. Yacone joined the FBI in 1995 as a Special Agent. He was first assigned to the Philadelphia Division, where he investigated violent drug trafficking organizations, organized crime, and financial institution fraud. He was later selected to serve with CIRG as a member of the Hostage Rescue Team. During his tenure there, Mr. Yacone was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent and later Unit Chief, where he deployed to multiple critical incidents and major investigations around the world in support of the global fight against terrorism.
In 2006, Mr. Yacone was appointed Chief of the FBI's Aviation and Surveillance Branch. In that position, he implemented a strategic aircraft replacement plan to upgrade and standardize the FBI's diverse fleet of airplanes and helicopters and focused on enhancing the FBI's ground surveillance cadre.
Mr. Yacone served as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Richmond Division National Security Branch from 2007 to 2009. In addition to the counterterrorism, counterintelligence and intelligence programs, he also implemented the FBI's new threat-based intelligence process for two FBI field divisions. Concurrently, Mr. Yacone was selected by Director Mueller to lead a strategic merger to consolidate a large number of personnel and assets into a unified Surveillance and Aviation Section.
He was a Section Chief and Commander of the Hostage Rescue Team in CIRG from 2009 to 2011, which involved direct management and oversight of the FBI's national tactical program, crisis negotiation program, and a variety of helicopters, maritime assault craft and crisis response assets.
A New York native, Mr. Yacone graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and has a Master of Science in criminal justice from Virginia Commonwealth University. He served eight years in the U.S. Army and is a decorated combat veteran with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. His highest military awards include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, multiple Air Medals with Valor Device, the Humanitarian Service Award and the Purple Heart.
He and his wife, Becky, have three children.
Mark Lewis- Executive VP of Championships & Alliances, NCAA
Mark Lewis was named the NCAA's executive vice president for championships and alliances in April 2012.
Lewis oversees the administration and operation of 89 championships in 23 different sports, including ticketing and marketing operations. Lewis also is responsible for managing the broadcast partnerships with CBS, Turner Sports and ESPN, as well as the Association's corporate partners.
Before joining the NCAA, Lewis was president of Jet Set Sports, a leading hospitality and event company with highly successful partnerships with various local and national Olympic organizing committees. As president, Lewis focused on managing partnerships with Olympic entities in the areas of accommodations, event tickets, catering, ground transportation, management and many other services.
Prior to his position at Jet Set Sports, Lewis was vice president of sponsorship at the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) where he was responsible for the oversight of all aspects of global Olympic and NFL sponsorships for General Electric, including working with various business units of the company to increase sales.
Lewis also previously served as president and chief operating officer of Olympic Properties of the United States in Salt Lake City, a joint venture of the Salt Lake Olympic Organizing Committee and the United States Olympic Committee. This joint venture raised more than $1.5 billion in sponsorships with more than 70 corporations.
Lewis is a former Division I student-athlete who played football at the University of Georgia, where he received his undergraduate (accounting) and law degrees. He is married to Dawn Allinger Lewis, a former Pac-10 basketball player at Washington State and a 1996 Olympian in team handball. They have two children, Peyton and Dylan.
Mark Nicholls- President & CEO, UBU Sports
Mark Nicholls is CEO of UBU Sports. Mark is uniquely qualified as an over 30-year veteran of the synthetic turf industry, including 19 years as the President and CEO of one of the industry's most notable brands. Through personal participation in over a thousand installations with many of the world's best known companies and sports franchises, Mark Nicholls has continually utilized his own experience gained from almost three decades of synthetic turf involvement to empower anyone seeking the knowledge and expertise to successfully navigate the many nuances of synthetic turf selection, production, testing, installation, manufacturing and maintenance.
Kevin McGuire- Chairman & CEO, McGuire Associates
Kevin's professional training and diversified experiences have provided him with a wide range of knowledge and skills. A graduate of Boston University and the Georgetown University Law Center, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History, and a Juris Doctorate.
Kevin has developed his skills through hands-on experience in government and disability law. He has conducted over 500 conferences, trained over 25,000 facilities staff people, and lectured widely to conventions, TV audiences, public sector workshops, and corporate compliance executives. He has also consulted on building projects with construction budgets in excess of $16 billion. Kevin has compiled an impressive resume through working with corporations, legislative offices, and state agencies, including:
-Financial analyst, IBM Corporation
-Staff Assistant for Senator Edward M. Kennedy
-National Director of the Tuition Advance Fund Information Center, Boston University
-Staff Assistant for U.S. Congressman, Hamilton Fish, Jr.
-Assistant District Attorney for the District Attorney's Office, Bronx, New York
-Written/produced public service announcements for the Governor's Office, State of California
-Summer Legal Associate, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
-Summer Legal Associate, Boston Center for Independent Living
Ray Whitworth- Vice President of Operations & Security, Major League Soccer
Bio coming soon
The SMA Seminar golf tournament, meetings and networking events, with the exception of the Gala Dinner, will all be held at the Rancho Las Palmas hotel. Book your room there now for the best networking opportunites, best golf right outside your door, best casual lunch, and best late night fire pit conversations!
Plus, one lucky attendee staying at the Rancho will get upgraded to the winning suite, recently remodeled by "HGTV Star"!
Make your reservations now by calling 866-423-1195 and asking for the SMA rate of $279 with a $15 resort fee. You must make your reservation before January 10 to take advantage of the group rate.
Exclusive spa pricing offered to SMA attendees!
Emily Turner- Spaeth Communications
Emily Turner is a Vice President at Spaeth Communications and southeast managing director. After years of serving in both public and private industries, Emily gained a wealth of experience in the areas of public relations, marketing, and communications consulting. Her true passion lies in teaching others the importance of strategic communication.
As Spaeth's Vice President, she counsels clients on how to avoid or manage crises, trains spokespeople with Spaeth's copyrighted techniques, and works on integrated communications plans and a broad range of other initiatives. She has unusually deep experience in the construction and healthcare industries. Over the years, she has prepared and introduced a crisis media policy and trained senior and mid-level managers to be frontline crisis and community spokespersons for one of the world's largest construction companies.
Emily was lured to a corporate career in New York City where she worked for Deloitte & Touche. She was chosen to help launch a completely new, live Webcast series titled Dbriefs. Emily served as the content coordinator and was in charge of a broad range of initiatives, from the quarterly production schedule to producing the series program guide. She tapped into her presentations skills training background and assisted each speaker in preparing for their live Webcasts. The combination of the interactive format and live programming was a success, and now Dbriefs is a centerpiece of the firm's marketing efforts for the tax practice.
After getting Dbriefs off the ground, Emily returned to her home state of Florida and Spaeth Communications. Emily has a degree in media studies from Florida State University's College of Communication. She and her husband David, an actor and professor, and their two children, live in Tallahassee.
Jill Pepper- Executive Director, TEAM (Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management)
Jill Pepper joined the TEAM Coalition in the spring of 2002. She oversees all operations of this national non-profit organization which has 19 members and 7 strategic partners and an annual budget of just over one million dollars.
She is a Master Trainer for the TEAM training program in effective alcohol management, conducting training workshops for sports and entertainment facilities managers nationwide.
Ms. Pepper manages the TEAM training program, including a network of over 800 active trainers representing more than 200 professional and collegiate sports and entertainment facilities. More than 180,000 professional sports stadium employees have become TEAM-certified in the past five years, over 40,000 employees became certified in the last fiscal year (October 2009 – September 2010).
TEAM's campaign called Responsibility Has Its Rewards, has encouraged more than 1 million fans to designate sober drivers with the "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" message and wear their safety belts with the "Buckle Up, Every Trip, Every Time" message across all major sports.
Jill received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University and her MBA from MIT.
Jeff Spoerndle- Director Special Services, Whelan Security
Jeff Spoerndle is the Director of Event Services for Whelan Security. Mr. Spoerndle has 22 years of successful operations and sales experience in the special event security and guest service markets. He has coordinated the security programs for some of the nation's largest events to include the World Series, NCAA Final Four, Republican National Convention, National Football League, NBA All-Star Weekend, United States Golf Open and other national events. Mr. Spoerndle has an extensive background in creating security and guest service programs for stadiums, arenas, convention centers, theaters, and other event venues.
Paul Penzone- Director of Program Development, ABM Security Services
Paul's unique skill set is the culmination of his experience in law enforcement, multi-jurisdictional investigations, program development and operations. This experience has translated into an ability to develop programs to reduce and mitigate varying threats, promoting a safe and secure environment.
After studying Criminal Justice at Glendale Community College and Northern Arizona University, Paul spent 21 years with the Phoenix Police Department and retiring as a Sergeant in 2009. During his career, he worked in Training, Gang Enforcement, Street Crimes, Narcotics, and as a Federal Task Force Agent with the DEA. He concluded his tenure at the Phoenix Police Department as the Director of the county wide law enforcement program "Silent Witness." Paul is recognized as a subject matter expert by many local and national media outlets.
During his career at the Phoenix Police Department, Paul received national and international recognition as the Crime Stoppers International "Program Coordinator of the Year", Federal Law Enforcement Officer "Task Force Agent of the Year", Phoenix Police Department "Supervisor of the Year", and Distinguished Service Awards. He led the Silent Witness Program during the investigations of two independent serial killer cases, both of which were solved due to contributions by the Program.
Post-retirement, was responsible for management of operations, the development of prevention programs, governmental affairs, and public relations at two non-profit organizations. First, as the Vice President of "Childhelp", a national non-profit focused on serving the needs of abused, sexually abused and neglected children; and then as the Chief Operating Officer of "notMYkid."
As the Director of Program Development for ABM Security Services, Paul is responsible for developing programs that will enhance the skill set and services provided by the Security Division on behalf of the clients we serve.
Chris Hunter- Senior Director Ballpark Operations, PNC Park
Bio coming soon
Mike Beane- CEO Terraplas USA
Bio coming soon
Jason Frew- VP Rentals, Signature Systems
Jason Frew is the Vice President of Rentals and Stadium & Arena Sales for Signature Systems Group. He has been with the company for 6 plus years (May 2007) and has advanced quickly through the corporate structure as a result of his sales and leadership performance. Initially hired as a general sales representative Jason quickly shifted focus to the rental channel where he has played a major role in growing the division by over 300%. Jason also leads Signature's Stadium & Arena division which has seen tremendous growth and is now a global market leader with sales to some of the most prestigious stadiums in the world.
In Jason's time with Signature he has been heavily involved in the production of some of the highest profile events in the world such as the London, Vancouver, and Sochi Olympics, Presidential Inaugurations, Super Bowls, US Open Golf and Tennis Tournaments, NCAA Final Fours and Frozen Fours, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, NHL Winter Classics, Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, the X-Games, and countless stadium concerts for some of the biggest names in the music entertainment business. Jason has traveled to over 25 foreign countries to conduct product demonstrations and presentations to further develop the export business and build a worldwide partnership network.
Jeff Schultz- VP, StageRight Corporation
Jeff Schultz is the Vice President and General Manager of the Sports and Entertainment division at StageRight Corporation, an industry pioneer in the design and manufacture of portable seating and staging equipment based in Clare, Michigan.
Jeff joined StageRight Corporation in 1994 working in the Design & Project Management group. Jeff went on to lead the group eventually moving into various regional sales roles before being named Vice President and General Manager in 2007.
Jeff has been instrumental in expanding StageRight's venue conversion product offering which includes the large scale Extravaganza Seating System found in a number of recently constructed NFL stadiums and a new generation of telescopic seating systems.
Jeff is a graduate of Northwood University in Midland, Michigan where he resides with his wife Nancy.
Greg Kuhl- Program Consultant, Lambeau Field
Since 2000 Greg has served as Deputy Director/Program Consultant for the Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District – owner and landlord of Lambeau Field. He has been involved in every aspect of District operations including: negotiation and administration of the Lambeau Field Lease; development of work plans and budgets; debt issuance and continuing disclosure; formulation of plans, policies and procedures; preparation and analysis of studies, proposals and contracts; targeted business participation and workforce diversity compliance; special events and economic development; capital projects and maintenance monitoring.
Prior to joining the District, he served as Director of Management and Budget for Brown County, Wisconsin. He was responsible for researching and authoring reports to aid in the formulation of public policy and coordinating preparation of the annual budget and capital improvements plan. He oversaw development of the architectural program for a new 500 bed jail and assisted in negotiation of the intergovernmental cooperation agreement for the renovation of the KI Convention Center and Resch Arena.
Early in his career, Greg worked in the health care industry holding various positions in the public and private sectors. He was primarily involved in health systems planning, strategic planning, information systems and program evaluation.
He is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and served honorably from 1967 – 1971. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and worked in supply while assigned to units in the United States Air Forces Europe (USAFE) and Strategic Air Command (SAC).
Greg earned his Bachelor of Arts, General Curriculum and Master of Science in Urban Affairs from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee.
Jim Folk, VP Operations, Cleveland Indians
Bio coming soon
Mike McCormick, MCMcCormick & Associates, LLC
For over 35 years, Mike McCormick has worked with commercial real estate development and construction issues and, since 1987, the major portion of that work has been with sports facilities at the major league and collegiate levels. His unique background in law, engineering, construction, finance, operations, and executive level management provides a base of comprehensive knowledge and practical experience that is distinctive. He has also been a Missouri Supreme Court approved mediator since 1998.
As Executive Director of the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority (Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums) from 1987-90, and again as project manager and acting Executive Director from 2001 to 2005, Mike's duties and responsibilities included both administrative and field management of all construction and capital improvements, as well as one of the lead negotiators of leases with the Royals and Chiefs (1990 & 2002-04).
Since 1990, Mike has served as consultant and legal counsel to the Stadium Managers Association and has worked on over two dozen other NFL, MLB, collegiate, and civic sports facility projects involving construction and dispute resolution. Mike has also addressed national organizations such as the International City Managers Association, the Baseball Winter Meetings, and the National Institute of Municipal Legal Officers.
Mark Burk, Director, Rice-Eccles
Mark Burk is the Director of Rice-Eccles Stadium, home of the University of Utah's Football Team and member of the Pac 12 Conference, located in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mark has been involved in Facility Management for over 25 years, and opened the newly expanded Rice-Eccles Stadium in 1998.
In addition to Utah Football, Rice-Eccles Stadium has hosted many significant events. Including the 2002 Winter Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies, U2's recent 360 World Tour, Rolling Stones, AMA Supercross, and World Cup Soccer. MLS 's ReAL Salt Lake team called Rice-Eccles Stadium home for 4 years, before moving into their new Stadium. Each year the Stadium also hosts the State of Utah's High School Football 3A, 4A, & 5A Championship's tournament each year.
Mark is the current College/University representative, on SMA's Board of Directors, and has thoroughly enjoyed his 15-year association with SMA, and especially the benefits his Stadium's operations have enjoyed as a result of his involvement.
Jonathan Richeson, Security Specialist, Commercial Facilities Section, Office of Infrastructure Protection, Department of Homeland Security
Mr. Jonathan Richeson currently works at the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Infrastructure Protection, where he is a Security Specialist in the Commercial Facilities Sector Specific Agency Section. He has a Bachelor's Degree (cum laude) in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville and a Master's Degree (with honors) in Homeland Security from the American Military University. Jon completed seven and a half years as an active duty Security Forces officer in the United States Air Force, with operational experience in law enforcement, security, and military working dogs.
He is currently an Individual Mobility Augmentee assigned to HQ Air Combat Command Security Forces, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia
Anne Marie McManus, Delaware North Companies SportService
Anne Marie McManus, P.E., is director of environmental affairs and sustainability for Delaware North Companies, a global leader in hospitality and food service with more than $2.6 billion in annual revenue and 55,000 employees in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
Through its family of companies, Delaware North operates food and beverage services, lodging, retail and venue management at special places such as sports stadiums, entertainment complexes, national parks, hotels and luxury resorts, airports, and casinos. Among the company's iconic locations are Yosemite National Park, MetLife Stadium near New York City, Wembley Stadium in London, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Lizard Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and TD Garden in Boston.
McManus oversees Delaware North's GreenPath® program – the award-winning environmental management system (EMS) that guides all of Delaware North's operations. GreenPath includes efforts to reduce waste and energy use, provide healthy and sustainable products and services for guests, and preserve the wilderness. Delaware North was the first U.S. hospitality company to have its EMS registered to ISO 14001, the EMS standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
Prior to joining Delaware North in 2011, McManus spent nearly 30 years as an environmental engineering consultant with Malcolm Pirnie Inc., a national environmental engineering consulting firm. During her tenure, she developed specialized expertise in ISO 14001 implementation and regulatory compliance management, as well as all aspects of environmental problem-solving: sustainability, waste minimization, energy savings, hazardous waste site investigation and remediation, industrial wastewater treatment, landfill design, solid-waste management and municipal wastewater treatment/pretreatment.
McManus is a graduate of Clarkson University with bachelor's and master's degrees in civil and environmental engineering. She is licensed as a professional engineer in New York and Pennsylvania, is certified as an ISO 14001 lead auditor, is a diplomat of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and is a LEED Green Associate. She has published articles in numerous trade journals and given papers and presentations extensively at conferences throughout the United States.
Thank you to our Wireless Sponsor: 5 Bars Inside. To connect to the wireless internet in the meeting room and foyer:
1. Open your internet browser
2. Input access code 5 Bars Inside
3. You will reach the 5 Bars Inside web site. From there, your access is open.
SSID Network Name: 5 Bars Inside
Access Code: 5 Bars Inside
Website: http://www.5barsinside.com
Download Eversnap from your App Store on your mobile device.
Open the app and when prompted for an album code – enter SMA
If prompted to enter your name and email – enter information and log in. Then when prompted to enter an album code – enter SMA (this is how we will know who submitted the photo)
Start adding photos to the album to enter the photo contest. Add from your phone gallery or add a photo directly through the app by clicking the camera button on the bottom and taking a picture!
Keep up to date with other photos being submitted. Comment, like and tag your friends.
Using a digital camera? You can still enter the contest. Upload your photos onto the desktop site – www.eversnapapp.com
Jeff Jarnecke, Association Director, Championships and Alliances, NCAA
Jeff Jarnecke joined the NCAA in November, 2005 originally overseeing the creative efforts, branding and marketing for the Association. Three years later he joined the championships staff overseeing most recently men's lacrosse and wrestling.
Jarnecke currently oversees special projects within the administration and operation of 89 championships in 23 different sports. He is also responsible for strategic planning, site selection and financial management of department's $150 million budget.
Before joining the NCAA, Jarnecke oversaw the marketing and events of the IU Natatorium on the campus of IUPUI, as well as the management of the IU Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium. His efforts included working and leading numerous events from USA Swimming, USA Diving, FINA and USATF.
Prior to his position at IUPUI, Jarnecke was the director of operations for the RCA Tennis Championships, a men's professional tennis tournament on the ATP Tour.
Jarnecke received his Bachelors of Science degree from Indiana University Bloomington and his MBA from Taylor University.
He resides in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Clay Luter, Ticketmaster, Senior Vice President – Sports (Stadium, Outdoor & College)
Clay joined Ticketmaster in 1988 and brings over 25 years of industry experience serving in a variety of management roles. As Senior Vice President, Clay oversees all aspects of the strategic business ventures with our partners in the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), Collegiate Athletics (NCAA), Major League Soccer (MLS), Professional Golf Association (PGA) and all Motor Sports. Prior to assuming his current post, Clay previously served as Regional Vice President for Ticketmaster's Southern Region and before that he served as General Manager for Ticketmaster's South Florida operation. Clay is based in Ticketmaster's Dallas office and resides in Southlake, Texas with his wife, Sarah, and two children, Carson (18) and Maggie (15).

subset: commoncrawl