First timers won’t want to miss this casual and informative welcome to EVMC! Receive practical advice about what to expect during the conference, meet other first time attendees, and hear personal comments directly from some of the Board Members about EVMC 2023 and the days ahead.
Take an in-depth look at where we are and where we're headed as a global community of venues looking to elevate the live experience for fans and artists worldwide. Hear a mix of insights, data and highlights to keep in mind as the next wave of industry considerations take center stage in this opening EVMC presentaion.
Speaker Of The House: Derrick L. Christian II (Director, Marketing & Brand Innovation at United Center)
Panelists: Kim Allen (President / Director, Arena Marketing at EVMC / Golden1 Center), Kurt Schwartzkopf (EVP/Co-Head of Sports, NBA & NHL Arenas at Ticketmaster North America), Eric Gardner (Vice President, Booking at Oak View Group), Wesley Cullen (Vice President, International Business Development at Oak View Group)
Whether you are a first time attendee or a veteran of the conference, participating in the EVMC team building session helps kick-off the conference with a great networking opportunity and, most importantly, a lot of fun!
Back by popular demand, this year we take to the streets around downtown Seattle for a virtual scavenger hunt! Make sure your phone is charged and ready to take photos for challenges, and dress ready to get in some steps in this fun, casual group activity.
We're going green! Complimentary transportation via the Seattle Center Monorail will be provided. Your EVMC badge will be your monorail ticket and validated by a representative at each station.
Depart from the hotel's main lobby to Westlake Center Monorail Station (3-minute walk). Ride to the end of the line (1 stop) to Seattle Center (base of the Space Needle) and walk to Climate Pledge Arena (5-minute walk)
Those already out and about from Team Building can meet at Climate Pledge Arena.
Don't forget your EVMC Registration badge as it is needed for entry to the party & the monorail.
Join us for a night of cocktails and bites at Climate Pledge Arena. Located on the Seattle Center campus, Climate Pledge Arena is home to the Seattle Kraken, Seattle Storm and live music and events. Opened in October of 2021, the arena is the most progressive sustainable arena in the world. Tours available.
Climate Pledge Arena gate entry details to be announced.
EVMC badge is required for entry to event.
Complimentary coffee and pastries are available in the second-floor foyer ahead of the day's sessions.
Speaker: Kim Allen (President - EVMC)
As the marketer you have been notified that a show is going on sale, but how exactly was it booked and how can you as the marketer help support more content development and market your venue to the industry? Take a trip inside venue programming and the alignment needed between marketing and programming to ensure venue success. This panel will give you the details on booking and the general process, but also how a marketer can in many cases be the key to booking a show at the venue and setting your venue apart.
Moderator: Eric Bresler (SVP, Programming at Climate Pledge Arena & OVG)
Panelists: Natalie Caplan (Vice President at ArenaNetwork, Venue Coalition & Theater Network), Michael Cullen (Assistant Director, Marketing & Brand Development at ExtraMile Arena), Lynn Carlotto (General Manager at Tacoma City Theaters / ASM Global), Meghan Blood (Director of Marketing at BOK Center)
Hear from conference sponsors about their latest technologies, learn about current trends in the industry or catch up with current partners.
In the age of social media, where content is king, good video editing can make or break your engagement. Learn tips, tricks and the best tools to help you create the best Reels, TikToks, sizzle videos and more.
Moderator: Gina Rotolo (Vice President Marketing & Communications at Coachella Valley Firebirds)
Panelists: Amelia Jude (Digital Content Manager at Moda Center), Eddie Hayes (Video Production Manager at Climate Pledge Arena), Katie Ann Plick (Owner at Plicks Flicks)
As our industry grows and evolves, so does group sales! Group sales is a great way to move large volumes of tickets, and get those butts in seats! In this session, we will dive into some of the old school methods that should be put to rest, some of the modern methods that more teams should be adopting, and evaluate some of the tried and true methods in this post-pandemic selling landscape!
Moderator: Erin Simmons (Sr. Manager, Group Sales at Milwaukee Bucks)
Panelists: Jess Mero (Vice President, Arena and Hospitality Marketing at Fiserv Forum), Lillian Lee (VP, Digital Marketing & Strategy at FEVO), Meredith Pipkin (Manager of Revenue Strategy at Madison Square Garden), Adam Stevens (Group Sales Manager at Iowa Events Center)
Preparation is key for last-minute cancellations, delays or incidents. Learn how to prepare your communications check-list for real-time messaging, social media and fan engagement.
Moderator: Kirk Wingerson (Marketing Division Manager at Amway Center / Camping World Stadium)
Panelists: Blair Cardinal (Vice-President, Communications at OVG360), Melissa Kucirek (President at Moxie Publicity), Missy Zedeck (Senior Marketing Manager at AEG Presents)
Marketing and Corporate Partnerships teams need to work together to fulfill entitlements and activations. Often this relationship can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be! Learn ways you can build better relationships with your venue's Corporate Partnership’s team. Create meaningful campaigns that add value to your sponsors and expand your marketing reach.
Moderator: Rosie Selle (VP, Marketing at Climate Pledge Arena)
Panelists: Jeff Webster (Chief Commercial Officer at Oak View Group), Ali Bickford (VP, Partnership Activation at Seattle Kraken / Climate Pledge Arena), Brian Kitts (Director, Marketing & Communications at Red Rocks Amphitheatre)
Join us as we look to provide ideas on what to bring back to your office/company to help maintain the efforts and continue to grow. Whether you have the backing of your company or are looking to make an impact within your team, our panelists are here to help guide a candid conversation for some ideas on how the initiatives adopted by many in 2020 can still keep moving in the right direction in 2023.
Moderator: Kate Clarke-Bean (Director of Marketing and Public Relations at Bryce Jordan Center)
Panelists: Megan King (Vice President, Human Resources at 313 Presents), Dr. Debonair Oates-Primus (VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion at Oak View Group)
When it comes to making a difference, what closes the gap between our good intentions and action? Who do we look to for inspiration and leadership as we work toward a more inclusive, equitable, sustainable world? Laura Clise has spent the past five years catalyzing intentional spending to support Main Street small businesses in partnership with corporations, local government, and community-based organizations. Her journey to entrepreneurship offers lessons on belonging, community and collective action. From leading change and bridging cultural differences, to insights from reconnecting with what truly matters, the stories she shares offer a reminder of the power of human connection.
Speaker: Laura Clise (Founder and CEO - Intentionalist)
Don’t miss the 7th Annual EVMC Awards Luncheon, honoring some of the most creative ideas and innovative individuals in live entertainment. The 2023 winners will be announced for categories including Marketing & Publicity Campaigns of the Year, Most Creative Artist Gifts, Most Creative Artist Welcome, Impact Award & EVMC Breakthrough Professional of the Year. In addition, winners of the 2023 EVMC Gigi and Hall of Fame Awards will be recognized.
How do you KNOW if your marketing campaigns are working? We put so much time and energy into our campaigns but are they successful? In this session, we will look at BI/Analytics and how to use data to grow your business. We will share tips on how to leverage your marketing tech stack outside of just ticketing data. We will explore benchmarks for success, extracting information from ticketing data, what to do with it, and how to effectively use data to your advantage.
Moderator: Jessica Runyon Hartwig (VP, Global Client Marketing at Ticketmaster)
Panelists: Brian Bauer (President, Bauer Entertainment Marketing), Karlis Kezbers (VP, Global Client Analytics at Ticketmaster), Kevin Landauer (VP of Business Intelligence at Climate Pledge Arena),
Take a break to network with your peers and recharge during this coffee break. Our Sponsor Showcase will be in full swing in the 2nd Floor Foyer, make sure to connect and learn more about new offerings to our industry!
Choose one of the topics below to join the discussion of. All topics are repeated in session #2 & #3.
- We're Hiring! Where Are the Applicants? How to Market Your Job Openings and End Staff Shortages
- Location: Redwood B
- Led by: Melina Bermudez (Human Resources Director at Seattle Convention Center)
- Getting Creative With Your DIY Show Announcements
- Location: Redwood B
- Led by: Tanya Bowley (Marketing Manager at Amway Center)
- K-Pop! Crash Course of the culture and music for a viral genre. Get BTS tips for BTS and learn what to think with BLACKPINK in your area. Next Stop: K-Pop
- Location: Grand Ballroom C
- Led by: Rebecca Greve (Marketing Coordinator at United Center)
- Capturing Concerts Creatively
- Location: Grand Ballroom C
- Led by: Teagan Raher (Marketing Manager at Moody Center)
- Hype Up Your Event PR: Techniques on creating unique PR moments like DIY on-sale videos, media drops, and newsworthy media events without talent.
- Location: Grand Ballroom D
- Led by: Gracie Pugliese (Director, Marketing and PR at Snapdragon Stadium)
- PR Practices & Media Coverage - Learn best practices and platforms to help you, monitor, analyze, and share earned media coverage.
- Location: Grand Ballroom D
- Led by: Gaby Mungarro (Manager, Communications at Crypto.com Arena, Microsoft Theater, L.A. Live)
- DEI: The 411 on starting ERGs (Employee Resources Groups)
- Location: Cedar A
- Led by: Peyton Jeter (Director of Marketing at OVG360)
- Navigating AI: Best practices on getting started using AI platforms. Is it right for your venue and your marketing campaigns?
- Location: Cedar A
- Led by: Will Thomas (Co-Founder of ActionCut.ai / Gesundheit Media)
- Media Contracts 101: Process from start to finish + Tips on how to determine your media mix
- Location: Willow A
- Led by: Megan Ebeck (Marketing Manager at Honda Center) & Steven Kargol (Director of Marketing at Footprint Cente)
- Social Selling Platforms: Which tools can your team utilize to maximize sales & revenue?
- Location: Willow B
- Led by: Meredith Pipkin (Manager of Revenue Strategy at Madison Square Garden)
Choose one of the topics below to join the discussion of. All topics are repeated in session #1 & #3.
- We're Hiring! Where Are the Applicants? How to Market Your Job Openings and End Staff Shortages
- Location: Redwood B
- Led by: Melina Bermudez (Human Resources Director at Seattle Convention Center)
- Getting Creative With Your DIY Show Announcements
- Location: Redwood B
- Led by: Tanya Bowley (Marketing Manager at Amway Center)
- K-Pop! Crash Course of the culture and music for a viral genre. Get BTS tips for BTS and learn what to think with BLACKPINK in your area. Next Stop: K-Pop
- Location: Grand Ballroom C
- Led by: Rebecca Greve (Marketing Coordinator at United Center)
- Capturing Concerts Creatively
- Location: Grand Ballroom C
- Led by: Teagan Raher (Marketing Manager at Moody Center)
- Hype Up Your Event PR: Techniques on creating unique PR moments like DIY on-sale videos, media drops, and newsworthy media events without talent.
- Location: Grand Ballroom D
- Led by: Gracie Pugliese (Director, Marketing and PR at Snapdragon Stadium)
- PR Practices & Media Coverage - Learn best practices and platforms to help you, monitor, analyze, and share earned media coverage.
- Location: Grand Ballroom D
- Led by: Gaby Mungarro (Manager, Communications at Crypto.com Arena, Microsoft Theater, L.A. Live)
- DEI: The 411 on starting ERGs (Employee Resources Groups)
- Location: Cedar A
- Led by: Peyton Jeter (Director of Marketing at OVG360)
- Navigating AI: Best practices on getting started using AI platforms. Is it right for your venue and your marketing campaigns?
- Location: Cedar A
- Led by: Will Thomas (Co-Founder of ActionCut.ai / Gesundheit Media)
- Media Contracts 101: Process from start to finish + Tips on how to determine your media mix
- Location: Willow A
- Led by: Megan Ebeck (Marketing Manager at Honda Center) & Steven Kargol (Director of Marketing at Footprint Cente)
- Social Selling Platforms: Which tools can your team utilize to maximize sales & revenue?
- Location: Willow B
- Led by: Meredith Pipkin (Manager of Revenue Strategy at Madison Square Garden)
Choose one of the topics below to join the discussion of. All topics are repeated in session #1 & #2.
- We're Hiring! Where Are the Applicants? How to Market Your Job Openings and End Staff Shortages
- Location: Redwood B
- Led by: Melina Bermudez (Human Resources Director at Seattle Convention Center)
- Getting Creative With Your DIY Show Announcements
- Location: Redwood B
- Led by: Tanya Bowley (Marketing Manager at Amway Center)
- K-Pop! Crash Course of the culture and music for a viral genre. Get BTS tips for BTS and learn what to think with BLACKPINK in your area. Next Stop: K-Pop
- Location: Grand Ballroom C
- Led by: Rebecca Greve (Marketing Coordinator at United Center)
- Capturing Concerts Creatively
- Location: Grand Ballroom C
- Led by: Teagan Raher (Marketing Manager at Moody Center)
- Hype Up Your Event PR: Techniques on creating unique PR moments like DIY on-sale videos, media drops, and newsworthy media events without talent.
- Location: Grand Ballroom D
- Led by: Gracie Pugliese (Director, Marketing and PR at Snapdragon Stadium)
- PR Practices & Media Coverage - Learn best practices and platforms to help you, monitor, analyze, and share earned media coverage.
- Location: Grand Ballroom D
- Led by: Gaby Mungarro (Manager, Communications at Crypto.com Arena, Microsoft Theater, L.A. Live)
- DEI: The 411 on starting ERGs (Employee Resources Groups)
- Location: Cedar A
- Led by: Peyton Jeter (Director of Marketing at OVG360)
- Navigating AI: Best practices on getting started using AI platforms. Is it right for your venue and your marketing campaigns?
- Location: Cedar A
- Led by: Will Thomas (Co-Founder of ActionCut.ai / Gesundheit Media)
- Media Contracts 101: Process from start to finish + Tips on how to determine your media mix
- Location: Willow A
- Led by: Megan Ebeck (Marketing Manager at Honda Center) & Steven Kargol (Director of Marketing at Footprint Cente)
- Social Selling Platforms: Which tools can your team utilize to maximize sales & revenue?
- Location: Willow B
- Led by: Meredith Pipkin (Manager of Revenue Strategy at Madison Square Garden)
After a long day of conferencing, it's time to unwind, enjoy a few drinks, nosh on some tasty snacks and connect with fellow EVMC attendees. On the docket: bowling, arcade games and maybe even a little karaoke. So join us at Garage Billiards & Bowl for a night on FEVO. Can’t wait to see you there.
In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, buses will not be provided as it is a short 15 minute walk! EVMC badge is required for entry.
Complimentary coffee and pastries are available in the second-floor foyer ahead of the day's sessions.
Plastic is one of the most used materials in the world. You may think you don't use that much, but we use it constantly. According to research conducted by the Global Environment Facility, around 50% of the plastic people use is only used once and the amount of plastic that is thrown away annually can circle the earth 4 times.
In efforts to reduce its environmental impact and plastic consumption, Climate Pledge Arena, an operationally zero waste facility, has made it it’s mission to ban single-use plastic front of house by 2024. Learn how this decision was made and what steps to take to reduce single use plastic in your daily lives.
Moderator: Janice Jimenez (Director of Marketing at Climate Pledge Arena)
Panelists: Briana Treat (Director of Sustainability at Climate Pledge Arena/Seattle Kraken), Rob Johnson (SVP, Sustainability + Transportation at Climate Pledge Arena/Seattle Kraken), Amy Morrison (SVP Marketing at Concerts West, AEG Presents)
GDPR, CASL, CCPA, PII all Greek to you? Consumer information and data privacy are important areas for marketers to understand. From list sharing and automatic opt-ins, get a crash course in what it all means and how you can better protect your consumer's data.
Moderator: Joyce Szudzik (VP of Marketing at Acrisure Arena)
Panelists: Hewan Teshome (SVP & General Counsel at Climate Pledge Arena/Seattle Kraken), David Rice (Partner at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP)
Social media can be informative, funny and some hard core marketing tool. But, why not all of these? Learn from other marketers about the right media and a balanced message mix for your venue, event and specific audience.
Moderator: Samantha Marker (Social Media Manager at SoFi Stadium/YouTube Theater)
Panelists: Tessa Ruid (Arena Marketing Manager at Fiserv Forum/Milwaukee Bucks, Sam Guerrero (Social Media and Digital Marketing Manager at Bryce Jordan Center), Kaitlyn Bouzek (Digital Marketing Manager at City of Denver/Red Rocks Amphitheatre)
Hear insights from top communications and media professionals on best practices for fostering media relations and managing misinformation. Learn tips on controlling your narrative, and understand terminology including “on background only,” vs. “off the record.” Gain knowledge on how to curate stories for optimal coverage.
Moderator: Vanessa Kromer (Senior Director of Publicity at SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater and Hollywood Park)
Panelists: Chris Daniels (Senior Reporter and Correspondent for "Spotlight on America" at KOMO TV (ABC Affiliate)), Katie Townsend (Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Seattle Kraken), Nina Jackson (Director of Marketing & Public Relations at ASM Global-NRG Park)
Whether it's the return of the same show - again! - or educating your market on a new touring production, creativity is key. Learn best practices from family show promoters on how to market their shows to turn your plans into ticket sales.
Moderator: Steven Kargol (Director of Marketing at Footprint Center)
Panelists: Luke Elliott (Senior Sales Manager – Touring Shows Division at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group), Jessi Armstrong (Director, Marketing and Fan Experience at Thrill One Sports and Entertainment), Paul Murphy (Director, Event Marketing & Sales at Feld Entertainment), Sunni Hickman (Vice President, Marketing at Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios)
If you can trace the correct path to cause someone’s mind to flip to your way of thinking, you make the sale. Every action you perform is based on your psychology. When you apply psychology to your sales process, you come out understanding far more about your audience, which in turn can grow your business faster.
Moderator: Erin Mitchell Martin (Vice President, Venues Marketing at Monumental Sports & Entertainment)
Panelists: Mike Mendolia (Manager, Premium Sales at Seattle Mariners), Kaitlyn Liptak (Manager, Group Sales at Seattle Storm), Francisco Moreno (VP, Ticket Sales & Service at Seattle Sounders)
Join us for lunch in Grand Ballroom C & D where we will announce the site for EVMC 2024, the winner of the weeks 50/50 draw and a special surprise announcement from EVMC!
Join us for this unique LIVE recording of EVMC's podcast, Adventures In Venueland! Attendees will sit-in as podcast hosts Dave Redelberger and Paul Hooper interview Joe Paganelli, CEO of New Rising Sun, producers of the Pacific Northwest's iconic Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival – celebrating it's 50 anniversary this fall. Learn all about Joe's time with The Fillmore Auditorium with Bill Graham Presents, the TV Music team at Sony Pictures, Seattle's McCaw Hall, and now New Rising Sun.
The audio from this interview and audience questions will be recorded and uploaded to all podcast platforms, such as Apple and Spotify. Enjoy this look behind the curtain of how we record the podcast, unfiltered, and with live audience reaction and participation
Hosts: Dave Redelberger & Paul Hooper
Panelist: Joe Paganelli, CEO of New Rising Sun (Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival)
Latin music concerts are booming! Are you ready to support these events as they cross cultures and spread across the US and into Canada? This panel welcomes super-star professionals behind the biggest artists and tours to dive into what is driving the growth in Latin concerts, how as marketers we can reach these fans and what to expect next. Don’t miss this chance to connect with and learn from representatives from agency, promoter, ticketing and platforms.
Moderator: Wesley Cullen (VP of International Business Development at Oak VIew Group)
Panelists: Liz Roca (Director, Tour Marketing at United Talent Agency), Fabi Kulick (Head of Marketing, Latin Touring at Live Nation), Dyann Lesnever (Sr. Manager - Artist & Promoter Relations (Latin Music) at Ticketmaster Music), Ivan Alarcon (CEO and co-founder at Vibras Lab)
Our industry continues to change around us. Recent strides have been made in diversity, equity and inclusion, but we know sometimes our own work environment may not be changing enough. With help from TADA Partners, a firm dedicated to infusing DEIB into all aspects of a human's experience in the workplace, you'll hear from industry leaders in the DEIB space, have the opportunity to share your progress and concerns, and learn from other participants who are affecting change for good at their organizations. Our desired outcome for this session is that you will leave feeling supported and equipped with ways you can contribute to an inclusive workplace and industry. Join us, let’s talk!
Speakers: Dani Carbary (Chief Engagement Officer at TADA Partners) & Tara Buchan (Chief Strategy Officer at TADA Partners), Marcus Allen (Producer at Seattle Kraken)
Take a break and network with fellow EVMC attendees in the 2nd Floor Foyer.
The pandemic has forced many of us to reevaluate life and our priorities including, work-life balance. As a result, Quiet Quitting has surfaced. What is it, and why are so many people jumping on the bandwagon? Burnout in our industry is real but how do you navigate as a manager of multi-generational teams? Culture is quickly changing, and we all need to be on top of our game to navigate these complex waters. With a diverse panel of HR leaders and marketers, we will discuss quiet quitting, healthy work-life balance, mental health in our industry and how to best manage staff from different generations.
Moderator: Kay Meilleur (Regional Director of Marketing at ASM Global / Meridian Centre)
Panelists: Stefani Sugihara (Sr. Manager, People & Culture at Seattle Kraken), Grace Powlas (Director of Marketing at Bon Secours Wellness Arena), Gina Rotolo (VP Marketing and Communications at OVG/Coachella Valley Firebirds)
We all know the tried-and-true marketing tactics – email, social, tv, radio. But what else is out there to help promote shows and events? Brainstorm with fellow marketers to learn unique and creative ways to amplify your marketing campaigns.
Moderator: Tessa Morris (Director, Chase Center Marketing at Golden State Warriors)
Panelists: Jenna Neer (Director of Marketing & Branding at Arrival Artists), Kristen Santero (Director of Entertainment Marketing at Caesars Entertainment), Noah Azlan (Director of Marketing at AEG Presents), Mark Kaminski (CEO at Over The Top Marketing), Nikki O’Brien (Director of Promotions Marketing, Live Events at The Harlem Globetrotters)
With over one billion global monthly active users and 150 million in the U.S. alone, TikTok has become a key platform for brands and communities to connect across various industries, including sports, entertainment, music, and more. This session will dive into best practices for venues and promoters to effectively build an organic content strategy, reach new audiences and fans, and build brand love that translates to ticket sales.
Moderator: Celina Torrijos (Digital Content Manager at Scotiabank Arena)
Panelists: Adam Burchill (Head of Sports and Gaming, North America at TikTok), Abby Luschei (Assistant Editor at Seattle Refined), Allison Row (Social Media Coordinator at Footprint Center)
Some of the most sought-after inventory in our venues today are our premium & hospitality offerings. In this session, we will dive into how sales teams and marketers can work together to highlight these products in unique ways and drive higher demand.
Moderator: Paul Bee (VP, Ticket Sales & Service at Milwaukee Bucks & Fiserv Forum)
Panelists: Erin Nourijanian (Vice President, Marketing at UBS Arena), Bill Chapin (Senior Vice President, Sales & Service at Seattle Kraken & Climate Pledge Arena), Kathryn Kowalski (Vice President, Business Development at Oak View Group)
Few sales techniques are as universal and effective as upselling. All event marketers are in sales, even if not traditional ticketing and are often tasked to increase revenue streams. For this session, we'll dive into the art of an upsell; focusing on adding value through incremental revenue streams, off-manifest experiences, working with your F&B partners and more.
Moderator: Jen Strum (Director of Marketing at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort)
Panelists: Kimberly Calderbank (Director, Premium Service & Hospitality at Seattle Kraken), Chris Biele (Director of Sales and Marketing at ASM Global - Pechanga Arena), Erin Buck (Director, Event Sales & Marketing at Feld Entertainment)
EVMC is organizing a group activity for Saturday, June 10th.
Sign Up by completing the form here.
Half Day Whale Watching
Experience the best Seattle whale watching tour that leaves and returns direct from downtown! Hop aboard the San Juan Clipper and cruise out of Pier 69 on your adventure across the Salish Sea to discover and see transient orca whales, humpback whales, minke whales, gray whales and a variety of sealife and wildlife!
Under the guidance of an onboard expert naturalist, you will explore one of the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic areas while searching for a vast array of whales and sealife. Tour departs at 10:30a; tour duration is 3-5 hours based on sighting locations. Cost is approximately $135pp. More information can be found here.
Shelby Thompson, conference planner, will get in touch with each group in early May to finalize details and take payment. In the meantime, if you have questions feel free to contact Shelby (sthompson@eventarenamarketing.com).