IN BRIEF INDUSTRY PULSE
Brittany Flores Live Nation
Amir Mertaban Microsoft Theater
Jeff Nickler Oak View Group
BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Live Nation recently announced two international acquisitions: Mainland Music, one of the leading concert promoters in Switzerland, and DF Entertainment, one of Argentina’s top independent concert promoters. Founded in 2012, Mainland Music promotes over 650 shows 8
annually across a variety of genres. The company will continue all operations, while partnering with Live Nation on tours and other promotion opportunities. Buenos Airesbased DF Entertainment sold more than 500,000 event tickets last year, and oversees a rapidly growing lineup of artists. Regarding Live Nation’s acquisition of a majority stake in DF Entertainment, Michael Rapino, President and CEO, Live Nation Entertainment, commented: “The demand for concerts and live events across South America has never been higher, and the local insight of Diego [Finkelstein, DF Entertainment Founder] and the DF Entertainment team will help us connect more artists and fans throughout Argentina than ever before. DF Entertainment has proven to be an amazing partner and the premier promoter in Argentina, and we’re glad to have them join the Live Nation family after many years working together.” BEVERLY HILLS, CA — Live Nation has recently made several appointments within its U.S. Concerts division, naming Kelly Flanigan President of Washington DC, Wilson Howard Chief Operating Officer of Washington DC / Carolinas, Brittany Flores President of Miami – U.S. Concerts and Neil Jacobsen President of Tampa / Orlando – U.S. Concerts. All will report to Bob Roux, President of U.S. Concerts. BROOKINGS, SD — In January,
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and South Dakota Secretary of Tourism Jim Hagen presented the Swiftel Center the 2018 George S. Mickelson Great Service Award at the 2019 Governor’s Conference on Tourism. “The Swiftel Center is taking a unique look at motivating and educating their staff to provide high levels of customer service,” said Noem. “Whether a fulltime or part-time employee, they are demonstrating what people-first service looks like and are seeing the benefits of their excellence.” “We are honored to be recognized by the Governor of South Dakota for the George S. Mickelson Great Service Award,” said Tom Richter, Executive Director of the VenuWorksmanaged Swiftel Center. “The Swiftel Center Team takes great pride in consistently putting service first for our customers and patrons.” LOS ANGELES, CA — Amir Mertaban was recently appointed General Manager of Microsoft Theater. He previously held the GM position at Fox Performing Arts Center and the Riverside Municipal Auditorium. Prior to that appointment, Mertaban served as Assistant General Manager at Warner Theatre in Washington, DC. LOS ANGELES, CA — Jeff Nickler recently joined Oak View Group as Senior Vice President of the Arena Alliance. Nickler had been General Manager of the SMGmanaged BOK Center, in Tulsa, OK, for the past six years. In his new position, he leads the efforts of 28 professional venues working together to increase special events as well as sponsorships.
NEW YORK, NY — The Madison Square Garden Company recently appointed Geraldine Calpin Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “We are pleased to welcome Geraldine to The Madison Square Garden Company,” said President Andrew Lustgarten. “Her significant expertise in marketing and brand development will be important to our efforts to strengthen our visibility in the marketplace and establish innovative ways to engage with our customers, as well as our ambitious plans to expand the MSG brand to new markets.” Calpin joins MSG from WeWork, where she was Chief Marketing Officer – EMEA. Prior to WeWork, she had a 16-year career at Hilton Worldwide. SPOKANE, WA — On Dec. 2, Metallica set a new singleconcert attendance record at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena: 13,184 guests. Neil Diamond had held the record since Aug. 17, 1999, when he drew 12,526 patrons to the arena. “To break an almost 20year attendance record was amazing, but doing it with a crowd of all ages coming to see a band like Metallica makes it all the more special,” commented Matt Gibson, Spokane Arena General Manager. For more Spokane venue news, see the Northwest Regional Spotlight on page 25. WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — In January, Jamey Hines was appointed National Director, SMG Promotions. He assists the SMG Entertainment Team with generating more offers and events for SMG-managed facilities. Previously, Hines was the General Manager of the Sands Bethlehem Event Center, in Bethlehem, PA.
FACILITIES & EVENT MANAGEMENT 2018-19 BOOKING GUIDE