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 2022 and the days ahead.
NFT’s and Blockchain are terms many of us don’t understand and don’t know where to start. This panel not only will give you a crash course of what it is but will explore how your venue, tour, or show (large or small) can get started in the world of NFT’s. This will also explore the data that comes along with this new world and what you can do with it.
Moderator: Jessica Runyon Hartwig (Vice President, Global Client Marketing - Ticketmaster)
Panelists: Rusty Watkins (Sr. Director, NFT Account Management and Marketing - Ticketmaster), Justin Atkins (Artist & Promoter Relations Director - Ticketmaster Music), Erin Swartz (Sr. Director of Brand Creative and Project Management - Minnesota Vikings), Tom Campanella (Director of Consulting Services - KAGR)
In a post pandemic world, they may matter more than they ever have! For over two years we’ve needed to distance instead of hug and we spend more time on tech than ever before. As we slowly get back to this new normal, we must remember, we are in the business of relationships! We help bring people together to experience joy, laughter, and camaraderie. Sometimes we even help create a little magic by creating lifelong memories. Be remembered for the authentic relationships we build, be remembered by staff managers, promoters, and artists. Learn some key tricks of the trade by industry experts, and marketers who excel at building and maintaining effective relationships both professionally and personally.
Moderator: Alex Merchan (Executive Vice President - ASM Global)
Panelists: Jim Delaney (President - Activate Sports & Entertainment), Edie Brown (President - Edie Brown and Associates), Cara Vanderhook (Vice President, Marketing & Communications - Crypto.com Arena, Microsoft Theater, L.A. LIVE)
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!
This year we take to the streets around downtown Minneapolis 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
Busses depart from the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis at 6:30 PM for the Kick-Off Party at U.S. Bank Stadium. Buses will be available for transportation back from the event.
Note: EVMC credential required to board and for entry to the party.
Enjoy reuniting with your favorite EVMC friends and making new connections under the lights as ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management company and producer of live event experiences, welcomes you to U.S. Bank Stadium. This Opening Night Party will offer food, drinks, and fun at Mystic Lake’s Club Purple featuring an exclusive outdoor patio overlooking downtown Minneapolis. With private tours of U.S. Bank Stadium, including experiencing the venue’s luxury clubs and suites, the U.S. Bank Stadium Art Collection, and the Vikings Locker Room, you won’t want to miss this purple-charged event!
EVMC registration badge required for entry.
Important Event Information:
- Entry is off of 401 Chicago Avenue at the SW Legacy Gate. You must show your EVMC Badge for entry!
- Bags are permitted and will be subject to a search upon arrival. Please leave suitcases and large bags or backpacks at the hotel. The NFL Clear Bag Policy is NOT in effect for our EVMC event.
- Uber/Lyft rideshare dropoff is pre-programmed for 9th Avenue South between 6th Street South and 7th Street South. If you are dropped at this location, walk toward the stadium and walk toward the left around to the Legacy Gate located off of Chicago Avenue for event entry.
- If you take Uber/Lyft back to the hotel, they are pre-programmed to pick you up at 9th Avenue South between 6th Street South and 7th Street South.
Speaker: Dave Redelberger (President - EVMC)
The crisis of Climate Change is not going away. Venues like ours have large carbon footprints, and can be a significant waste contributor in our communities. However, many venues both large and small have taken steps on reducing their carbon footprint. But how do we tell that story to both fans and tours? This panel dives into not only what you as a marketer can do to celebrate these wins but also gives tips and tricks on how to create new wins and continue to make a positive change.
Moderator: Kelly McGrath (Director, Sales and Marketing - Xcel Energy Center)
Panelists: Rosie Selle (Vice President, Marketing - Climate Pledge Arena), Kim Allen (Director, Arena Marketing - Golden 1 Center), Michael Martin (CEO/Founder - Effect Partners and r.Cup)
Speaker: Lonnie Mayne with Red Shoes Living
Bio: Lonnie Mayne is an author and internationally recognized leadership authority, and award-winning keynote speaker who is in high demand. Lonnie is the Founder and CEO of Red Shoes Living, Inc. Red Shoes Living is a philosophy and framework that gets applied to leadership, culture, customer experience and to how one individually lives their life. Lonnie is the author of the acclaimed book, Red Shoes Living - Stand Out for The Positive in How You Work and How You Live. A deeply meaningful philosophy that inspires us to live our best life and do our best work. It’s a way of humanizing business and igniting human potential. It reminds us to stand out in our own way in literally everything we do. When we get it right, we create experiences that stand out, like a pair of red shoes. He is a former technology and turnaround executive who has spent thirty years building leadership teams to deliver Red Shoes Experiences, both inside teams, and getting the very best out of people using the Red Shoes Living framework.
There is an abundance of social media communities but LinkedIn remains one of the most powerful platforms to use for business. Explore the tips, tricks and techniques of how you can effectively use LinkedIn as a Sales Tool in the Ticket Sales space.
Moderator: Lauren Kalinosky (Director of Group Sales - Pittsburgh Pirates)
Panelists: Oliver Saikaly (Account Executive - LinkedIn), Erin Simmons (Group Sales Manager - Milwaukee Bucks)
With so many marketers leaving our industry during the pandemic and new faces arriving daily, it’s time for a crash course on the basics! This panel will discuss the importance of advertising, who pays for it, what is an ad settlement, what is a rider, do I buy an artist a gift, how much do I spend, how do I get a trade photo, the importance of a great press release, dealing with a PR crisis, and many other topics led by industry veterans. This is not to be missed by any newcomer.
Moderator: Kate Girotti (Regional VP Marketing & Assistant General Manager - Gila River Arena & ASM Global)
Panelists: Christine Pileckas (Director of Booking & Marketing - INTRUST Bank Arena), Carrie Steen (Director of Integrated Marketing - Goldenvoice), Kerry Graue (UBS Arena PR Lead - Scoop Marketing)
Don’t miss the Annual EVMC Awards Luncheon, honoring some of the most creative ideas and innovative individuals in live entertainment. The 2022 winners will be announced for categories including Marketing & Publicity Campaigns of the Year, Most Creative Artist Gifts, Most Creative Artist Welcome, Impact Award and a new category, EVMC Breakthrough Professional of the Year. In addition, winners of the 2022 EVMC Gigi and Hall of Fame Awards will be recognized.
So you want to spice up your venue Instagram Grid? Break into the world of Tik Tok? Expand your content strategy to go beyond show announcements? This panel brings together expert social media teams to give you insight on making content out of nothing. Big budget, small budget or no budget learn how to engage your fans with these social media best practices.
Moderator: Hannah Baker (Brand Manager - BOK Center)
Panelists: Hailey Tucker (Social Media Manager, Crypto.com Arena, Microsoft Theater, L.A. LIVE), Hannah Taheri (Social Media Specialist - Climate Pledge Arena), Christina Ventura (Senior Manager, Digital + Social - UBS Arena)
Value added selling is a philosophy and a process. When customers aren't buying, salespeople who add value can boost current and future sales. During this session, we will discuss the ways in which you can add value to your premium products in an effort to move the sales needle.
Moderator: Meredith Pipkin (Arena Shows & Events Manager - Milwaukee Bucks)
Panelists: Stan Macko (Regional Director of Group Sales - OVG360 at Addition Financial Arena), Samantha Exler (Marketing & Group Sales Coordinator - Enmarket Arena & Johnny Mercer Theatre), Alex Eernisse (Manager, Premium Sales - Minnesota United FC)
Take a break and network with fellow EVMC attendees in the Nicollet Promenade
Choose one of the topics below to join the discussion of. All topics are repeated in session #2 & #3.
TOPICS:
- From the ARMY, to Swifty, to the Beehive, how to deal with rabid fans on social
- Led by: Samantha Marker (Social Media Manager - SoFi Stadium & Hollywood Park)
- Reimagining Group Sales in a post COVID-19 world
- Led by: Erin Simmons (Group Sales Manager - Milwaukee Bucks)
- Supporting Our Stages. How venues of any size can continue to work better together to strengthen the venue industry.
- Led by: Buffie Blesi (Founder (MNIVA) & CEO & Chief Inspiration Officer of Rock What You Got’)
- Media Buying 101
- Led by: Tessa Morris (Director, Chase Center Marketing - Director, Chase Center Marketing)
- Branding Yourself on LinkedIn
- Led by: Oliver Saikaly (Account Executive – LinkedIn Sales Solutions)
- Enough E-Cards Aready! Streamlining Email Engagement with Your Audiences
- Led by: Jana DeGeorge (Director of Marketing - Simmons Bank Arena) & Lily Hesen (Digital Marketing Coordinator - Simmons Bank Arena)
- Whats up with music licensing? How to navigate leveraging artist music in social spots
- Led by: John Rikess (Senior Manager of Digital Strategy - Minnesota Wild)
- TikTok Tips & Tricks
- Led by: Amelia Jude (Digital Content Manager - Portland Trail Blazers)
- Immersive Experience PR – A Fast Growing Trend in Live Entertainment
- Led by: John Tellem (Partner - TGPR (Tellem Grody PR))
- How to craft your PR pitch
- Led by: Dave Schwartz (Senior Manager, Communications and Engagement - Minnesota Wild)
Choose one of the topics below to join the discussion of. All topics are repeated in session #1 & #3.
TOPICS:
- From the ARMY, to Swifty, to the Beehive, how to deal with rabid fans on social
- Led by: Samantha Marker (Social Media Manager - SoFi Stadium & Hollywood Park)
- Reimagining Group Sales in a post COVID-19 world
- Led by: Erin Simmons (Group Sales Manager - Milwaukee Bucks)
- Supporting Our Stages. How venues of any size can continue to work better together to strengthen the venue industry.
- Led by: Buffie Blesi (Founder (MNIVA) & CEO & Chief Inspiration Officer of Rock What You Got’)
- Media Buying 101
- Led by: Tessa Morris (Director, Chase Center Marketing - Director, Chase Center Marketing)
- Branding Yourself on LinkedIn
- Led by: Led by: Oliver Saikaly (Account Executive – LinkedIn Sales Solutions)
- Enough E-Cards Aready! Streamlining Email Engagement with Your Audiences
- Led by: Jana DeGeorge (Director of Marketing - Simmons Bank Arena) & Lily Hesen (Digital Marketing Coordinator - Simmons Bank Arena)
- Whats up with music licensing? How to navigate leveraging artist music in social spots
- Led by: John Rikess (Senior Manager of Digital Strategy - Minnesota Wild)
- TikTok Tips & Tricks
- Led by: Amelia Jude (Digital Content Manager - Portland Trail Blazers)
- Immersive Experience PR – A Fast Growing Trend in Live Entertainment
- Led by: John Tellem (Partner - TGPR (Tellem Grody PR))
- How to craft your PR pitch
- Led by: Dave Schwartz (Senior Manager, Communications and Engagement - Minnesota Wild)
Choose one of the topics below to join the discussion of. This is a repeat of topics during session #1 & #2.
TOPICS:
- From the ARMY, to Swifty, to the Beehive, how to deal with rabid fans on social
- Led by: Samantha Marker (Social Media Manager - SoFi Stadium & Hollywood Park)
- Reimagining Group Sales in a post COVID-19 world
- Led by: Erin Simmons (Group Sales Manager - Milwaukee Bucks)
- Supporting Our Stages. How venues of any size can continue to work better together to strengthen the venue industry.
- Led by: Buffie Blesi (Founder (MNIVA) & CEO & Chief Inspiration Officer of Rock What You Got’)
- Media Buying 101
- Led by: Tessa Morris (Director, Chase Center Marketing - Director, Chase Center Marketing)
- Branding Yourself on LinkedIn
- Led by: Led by: Oliver Saikaly (Account Executive – LinkedIn Sales Solutions)
- Enough E-Cards Aready! Streamlining Email Engagement with Your Audiences
- Led by: Jana DeGeorge (Director of Marketing - Simmons Bank Arena) & Lily Hesen (Digital Marketing Coordinator - Simmons Bank Arena)
- Whats up with music licensing? How to navigate leveraging artist music in social spots
- Led by: John Rikess (Senior Manager of Digital Strategy - Minnesota Wild)
- TikTok Tips & Tricks
- Led by: Amelia Jude (Digital Content Manager - Portland Trail Blazers)
- Immersive Experience PR – A Fast Growing Trend in Live Entertainment
- Led by: John Tellem (Partner - TGPR (Tellem Grody PR))
- How to craft your PR pitch
- Led by: Dave Schwartz (Senior Manager, Communications and Engagement - Minnesota Wild)
This panel will discuss how each of their respective organizations set about creating an inclusive and diverse environment. How did it manifest in your organization? What is the maturity stage of your DE&I program? How are you approaching issues? How are you and your organization holding yourself accountable? Accountability plans for the future. What has been the evolution?
Moderator: Kate Clarke Bean (Director of Marketing & PR - Bryce Jordan Center)
Panelists: Dr. Debonair Oates- Primus (VP, DE&I - Oak View Group), Kelly Lovell - Taylor (Marketing & PR Officer - Tempe Center for the Arts), Anne Doepner (Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Minnesota Vikings)
First bus departs at 7:00 PM for the party at Xcel Energy Center.
Don't forget your EVMC Registration badge as it is needed for entry to the party and for the bus.
Buses will be available for transportation back from the event.
After two years apart, Xcel Energy Center invites you to gather with your EVMC family for a Minnesota-style reunion. Enjoy traditional Minnesota-themed food and drinks, yard games on the concourse, arena highlight tours and more!
EVMC Badge is required for entry. Entry through Saint Paul Rivercentre (175 Kellogg blvd).
Managing an unforeseen situation at your event, venue, or organization is a team effort. Understanding when, and how to react without stoking the firestorm can be challenging. In this session hear from a variety of perspectives on the best practices to communicate across all communication platforms. Learn tips on how to message and connect with your audience during a vulnerable situation, and gain some proactive tips during unpredictable times.
Moderator: Vanessa Kromer (Senior Director of Publicity - SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater and Hollywood Park)
Panelists: Rachael Johnson (Director, Guest Experience and Security - Xcel Energy Center), Kim Bedier (SVP & General Manager - Honda Center & ocVibe), Terry Charles (Senior Manager, Corporate Communications - PMI Entertainment Group)
Take a break and network with fellow EVMC attendees in the Nicollet Promenade
Is your staff bitter or burnt out? We are the leaders who are meant to be positive. In a world where even we are struggling, how can we help our teams? The job competition is fierce and there are ample opportunities that are paying more. How do we keep the great team we have and keep them motivated?
Moderator: Kirk Wingerson (Marketing Division Manager - Amway Center/Camping World Stadium)
Panelists: Tammy Koolbeck (Executive Director - Iowa State Center), Ann Dunne (Assistant General Manager - U.S. Bank Stadium), Michael Marion (General Manager - Simmons Bank Arena
From Micro-Influencers to Macro-Influencers. From players on sports teams at your venue to team players in your community. Here’s how to follow up with those who have huge followings to turn anyone into the MVP of your brand. Learn ways to infuse influencer marketing in your strategy with sample contracts, best practices, case studies and beyond.
Moderator: Derrick L. Christian II (Director, Marketing & Brand Innovation - United Center)
Panelists: Victoria Malisani (Influencer Communications Coordinator - Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment), Carrie Schmid (Owner - Carrie the Moment), Jena Holiday (Full-time artist, writer, entrepreneur and storyteller - Spoonful of Faith (Illustration and Design Studio))
Hear from conference sponsors about their latest technologies, learn about current trends in the industry or catch up with current partners.
Join us for lunch in Nicollet Ballroom C&D where we will announce the site for EVMC 2023 and the winner of the weeks 50/50 draw!
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. The audio will be recorded and uploaded to all the podcast platforms, such as Apple and Spotify, at a later date. Enjoy this look behind the curtain of how we record the podcast, unfiltered, and with live audience reaction and interaction.
Hosts: Paul Hooper & Dave Redelberger
Guest: Kosha Irby
Let’s face it - marketing in 2022 isn’t the same as it used to be. With more technology available than ever before to hone in on specific demographics, how do you leverage these or kick it old school in order to reach diverse groups like the LGBTQS+ community, BIPOC groups or even religious groups to maximize your marketing spend?
Moderator: Troy Pryor (Founder & Creator - Creative Cypher)
Panelists: NK Gutiérrez (Co-Chair - Black Harvest Film Festival), Fran Westbrooks (President & Managing Partner - BLVD Content LLC), Lori Shapiro (Director of Marketing Strategy - Outback Presents)
Gifting and welcomes were all the rage in 2019 but what about now? This panel dives into not only what makes a good gift but how you manage with little or no budget coming out of a pandemic. What is the purpose of artist gifting in this day and age and how do you balance artist lead requests for backstage experiences?
Moderator: Adam Armit (Manager, Commercial Marketing - Music & Live Events - Scotiabank Arena)
Panelists: Shelby O'Neal (Marketing Manager - American Airlines Center), Lucy Albers, CVP (Director of Marketing and Public Relations - Paycom Center), Carrie Samek (Director, Event & Media Marketing - Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse)
Limited buses will be leaving for Target Center and looping. If able, we encourage you to walk if you would like to beat the rush!
Buses will board outside of the Nicolette Promenade
Are You Ready? Join us at Target Center as we close out our week at EVMC with the long-awaited WWE Happy Hour! Immediately following the Happy Hour, each attendee will receive a complimentary ticket to the nationally televised WWE Friday Night Smackdown!
WWE Happy Hour: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
WWE Friday Night SmackDown: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Your EVMC registration badge is required for entry. The “Happy Hour” is located on Skyway Level at the TCL SixOneTwo Lounge. When entering street level through the Main Lobby (corner of First Avenue & 6th Street) take the set of escalators up to the Skyway. The TCL SixOne Two will be straight ahead on the left side.
Following the WWE Happy Hour, catch WWE in action at Target Center with a complimentary ticket to the nationally televised WWE Friday Night SmackDown!
Your ticket to this event will be distributed at the Happy Hour. Open to EVMC registrants only.
Take advantage of being in Minnesota with these optional, self guided and self funded Twin Cities adventures.
Paisley Park
For guaranteed admission please purchase online in advance.
Paisley Park is Prince's extraordinary estate and production complex in Chanhassen, MN. Fans have the unprecedented opportunity to experience first-hand what it was like for Prince to create, produce and perform inside this private sanctuary and remarkable production complex. Throughout the experience, visitors will see artifacts from Prince's personal archives, including iconic concert wardrobe, awards, musical instruments, artwork, motorcycles, rare music and video recordings.
Explore Local Breweries
Northeast Minneapolis is an eclectic neighborhood that’s located just across the river from downtown. Both of the places below have a LOT of personality and they’re within walking distance of each other. Some crowd pleasers include:
- Psycho Suzi’s is a tiki-bar in a converted old church right on the river. Great for brunch. www.psychosuzis.com
- Betty Danger’s has a ferris wheel and putt putt golf and is also great for brunch. www.bettydangers.com
There are numerous breweries in the area. A fun Minneapolis neighborhood to explore!
Mall of America
The mall has a lot to do/see/shop, and is very close to the airport, so it’s a great Saturday morning activity if you just have a few hours before a flight and want to grab a bite to eat and shop, etc.
A Day on the Lake
Rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard and enjoy some time on the water!