FANCENTRIC - Return to Work, Play and Spectate: Recent Episodes
Christopher J. Kinnan
Established as a result of the global pandemic in 2020. the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience, is building a global alliance to lead the NEXT great leap forward in fan experience — one steeped in health, safety, security, and service. . Our FANCENTRIC Podcast Series explores topics about the sports and entertainment industry that should interest all fans. Our guests include visionary industry thought leaders, advanced practitioners, authors, technologists, and fans from around the world.We are bound together by passion and the incomparable skills of visionary thought leaders throughout the international community. Along with our technical and subject matter experts, we discuss new ways to change the world’s sports and entertainment fan experience for the better.
COPYRIGHT 2024 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Recorded: 8/6/2024
Protecting Sports & Entertainment Organizations from People Risk
DETECT. DETER. MITIGATE.
Join Dr. Lou and his guest, Tom Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of CLEARFORCE as the begin a series of discussions about detecting, deterring, and mitigating risk posed by people. Even the best employees in any organization, including sports and entertainment venues, their sponsors, and vendors can pose a risk to your operations, employees, and brand.
Established in 2015, ClearForce is a people risk analytics company that combines software, data services, compliance, and workflow automation to build safe and secure organizations. Their patented Resolve™ platform and continuous evaluation solutions help public and private sector organizations mitigate people risk associated with mission critical initiatives for insider threat, workplace safety, cyber security, SAFETY Act, trusted workforce, and suicide prevention.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in August 2020, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (www.iifx.org) is building the leading and most trusted authority on the ‘Fan Journey’ for the sports and entertainment industry. IIFX provides training, industry content creation, Fan Journey best practices, consultancy, and business and education services to domestic and international sports & entertainment organizations.
COPYRIGHT 2024 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
IIFX FANCENTRIC TECH WITH WICKET
Recorded: 6/05/2024
YOUR FACE IS YOUR TICKET!
Fans, Sports & Entertainment leaders, and anyone with an interest in technology that enhances the Fan Journey will enjoy this discussion between Dr. Lou Marciani, the Director & Co-Founder of the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience, and Jeff Boehm, Chief Operating Officer @Wicket.
The Wicket facial authentication platform is a privacy-first solution that enables sensational event experiences for fans, guests, and employees with frictionless touchpoints that delight users and strengthen security for sports and credentialed venues.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in August 2020, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (www.iifx.org) is building the leading and most trusted authority on the ‘Fan Journey’ for the sports and entertainment industry. IIFX provides training, industry content creation, Fan Journey best practices, consultancy, and business and education services to domestic and international sports & entertainment organizations.
Copyright 2024 by IIFX
All Rights Reserved
Recorded 4/24/2024
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director & Co-Founder of IIFX, and Jim Mercurio, former Executive VP & General Manager @ Levi's Stadium and President of JCM Events Management & Consulting, LLC, host our free FANCENTRIC livestream and podcast.
Watch and learn how sports and entertainment leaders prepare their venues and staff to protect their fans and staff by preparing for protests and security threats long before any event. Sports and entertainment events are about the spectacle, something that protestors and malevolent actors seek to use to their advantage.
Join Dr. Lou and Jim as they query their guest panel about their experiences in preparing for protests and security threats, including developing action plans and training their staff to respond to almost any protest or threat condition.
MODERATOR: MIKE HARTNETT, VICE PRESIDENT OF VENUE SECURITY FOR ILITCH SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MIKE HARTNETT currently serves as Vice President of Venue Security for Ilitch Sports and Entertainment. In this position, he is responsible for leading the daily security operations and event-based security for Little Caesars Arena and its office buildings, Comerica Park, Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill, Pine Knob Music Theater, Meadow Brook Amphitheater, the Fox Theater and Fox Office Centre, Little Caesars Global Resource Center and throughout the District of Detroit. Mr. Hartnett is focused on creating a safe and secure environment for guests, colleagues, clients, athletes, and performers across all venues in the Ilitch Sports and Entertainment family.
PANELISTS
LAURIE GOODELL serves with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Office of Security Programs, focusing specifically in the Active Assailant Security branch on preparedness resources, training, and assessment for stakeholders within the critical infrastructure of the United States. She has been integral to the development and release of the Vehicle Ramming Self-Assessment Tool and CISA’s Vehicle Incident Prevention and Mitigation Security Guide, scheduled for imminent release.
POLICE LIEUTENANT KENDALL BELL oversees arguably the busiest, most successful, and professional events planning section in the world. Each year this section plans over 8500 events. The events range from our New Year’s Eve celebration, the NFL Draft, and Pro Bowl, the NHL All Star Weekend, the Electric Daisy Carnival, Life is Beautiful, Allegiant Stadium (Raiders, Concerts, and other events), T Mobile Arena (Vegas Golden Knights, Concerts, Sporting Events), Conventions (CES, SEMA, JCK Jewelry Show), Music Award Shows (Billboard Music Awards, the Grammy’s, the Latin Music Awards), Parades, Presidential visits, and many more.
SENIOR COMMANDER BRAD HAZELETT has been with the Saint Paul (Minnesota) Police Department for 27 years. He played key roles in planning, operations and leadership during the 2008 Republican National Convention, 2018 Superbowl, and the riots related to George Floyd and Daunte Wright. In 2023, he was promoted to Senior Commander and took charge of the SPPD Special Operations Unit. SOU provides public safety planning and staffing for all large public events, parades, festivals, protests, and demonstrations. In 2024 he rejoined the SPPD SWAT team as a team Commander.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in August 2020, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (www.iifx.org) is building the leading and most trusted authority on the ‘Fan Journey’ for the sports and entertainment industry. IIFX provides training, industry content creation, Fan Journey best practices, consultancy, and business and education services to domestic and international sports & entertainment organizations.
COPYRIGHT 2024 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Recorded 20 March 2024 by IIFX
Join Dr. Lou Marciani, Director & Co-Founder of IIFX, and Jim Mercurio, former Executive VP & General Manager @ Levi's Stadium and President of JCM Events Management & Consulting, LLC, for our free FANCENTRIC podcast.
Russ Simons, Chief Listening Officer and Managing Partner @Venue Solutions Group and Tom Bedard, Senior Manager of Emergency Operations join the discussion.
Fans, Sports & Entertainment leaders, and anyone with an interest in the legal liability posed by weather incidents that threaten business and event operations should enjoy this discussion.
Learn how sports and entertainment leaders prepare their venues and staff to protect their fans and staff during adverse weather conditions.
Join Dr. Lou and Jim as they query their guest panel about their experiences in preparing for adverse weather, including developing action plans and training their staff to respond to almost any weather condition.
The National Weather Service reports that more than 30 people a year die from lightning strikes in the United States, most during some outdoor sports or entertainment activity. There are 20-25 million lightning flashes in storms across the United States each year.
Are you and your venue staff prepared? Learn from the weather experience of our guests.
Over the past three and a half 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 PR, safety and security. At Venue Solutions Group (VSG), Russ directs the firm’s organizational analysis, operational consulting, guest experience benchmarking, and safety, security, and risk management efforts. VSG is a team of former senior facility managers who evaluate building systems, operations, management, facility condition, guest experience, safety and security, and sustainable operations. Russ has worked with team and facility operators at every level from collegiate to all U.S. based major professional leagues. Russ’s work goes hand-in-hand with architects and engineers to design facilities that are safe, operationally efficient, revenue positive and sustainable. He has worked with a wide variety of clients, including the Orlando Magic, San Diego Padres, Indiana State Fair, Pittsburgh Steelers, Reliant Park, Texas A&M University, The Fabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta, 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 all operational aspects.
Tom Bedard is a meteorologist and emergency manager with over a decade of experience in severe weather. Specializing in weather safety planning, Tom has developed weather training courses currently in-use by FEMA’s National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, he has implemented weather safety services at hundreds of venues across North America, and he has helped develop best practices for how private weather services support event operations. He currently resides in Bentonville, AR where he works as a meteorologist and emergency operations center senior manager.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in August 2020, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (www.iifx.org) is building the leading and most trusted authority on the ‘Fan Journey’ for the sports and entertainment industry. IIFX provides training, industry content creation, Fan Journey best practices, consultancy, and business and education services to domestic and international sports & entertainment organizations.
COPYRIGHT 2024 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Recorded 2/6/2024
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director & Co-Founder of IIFX, and Jim Mercurio, former Executive VP & General Manager @ Levi's Stadium, for our free FANCENTRIC podcast.
Fans, Sports & Entertainment leaders, and anyone with an interest in the legal liability protections afforded by the SAFETY Act for sellers of qualified anti-terrorism technologies (QATTs) should join the IIFX Live Stream event on 6 February 2024 at 11 AM Central time.
Learn how these technologies could save lives in the event of a terrorist attack.
Join Dr. Lou and Jim as they query their guest panel about their experiences in earning SAFETY Act Designation and Certification for their technologies and venues. Learn from their experiences and from the legal expertise of our guests.
The SAFETY Act Designation and Certification programs emerged in the 2002 Homeland Security Act. According to the Department of Homeland Security, SAFETY Act liability protections apply to "a wide range of technologies, including: products, services, software and other forms of intellectual property that are designed or modified to identify, detect, deter, respond to, or otherwise mitigate the impact or harm arising from an Act of Terrorism. Protections apply only to claims arising out of, relating to, or resulting from an Act of Terrorism."
This live stream event starts at 11 AM Central on Tuesday, 6 February 2024.
Our panelists include:
RICHARD FENTON
Vice President/CSO
Corporate Security & Safety
Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
JOHN PETRONE II, Esq.
Senior Managing Director
Petrone Risk
www.petronerisk.com
KATHLEEN GRIGGS
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Databuoy Corporation
www.databuoy.com
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in August 2020, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (www.iifx.org) is building the leading and most trusted authority on the ‘Fan Journey’ for the sports and entertainment industry. IIFX provides training, industry content creation, Fan Journey best practices, consultancy, and business and education services to domestic and international sports & entertainment organizations.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - ARE YOU AND YOUR VENUE READY
Recorded: 12/06/2023
Fans, Sports & Entertainment leaders, and anyone with an interest in Emergency Preparedness should watch the IIFX Live Stream event recorded on 6 December 2023.
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director & Co-Founder of IIFX, and Jim Mercurio, former Executive VP & General Manager @ Levi's Stadium, hosted our free FANCENTRIC podcast.
This live stream event explores the importance of emergency preparedness in mitigating risk, creating emergency response teams, training your staff, types of emergencies you should prepare for, and the policies, procedures, and plans you should always have ready to go.
Join Dr. Lou and Jim as they query their guest panel about fan behavior. Our panelists include:
DARCY LEUTZINGER, PhD
Director of Security, UWM
President, Premier Training Services
LINDSAY GIETZEN, PhD
PA-C, PhD | Program Director, DMSc/DHSc
University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences
Sacramento | Stockton | San Francisco
B. TILMAN JOLLY, MD, FACEP
Principal
KBMA Solutions
Chief Medical Officer & Co-Founder
Columbus Street Partners
JOHN PETRONE II, Esq
Senior Managing Director
Petrone Risk
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in August 2020, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (www.iifx.org) is building the leading and most trusted authority on the ‘Fan Journey’ for the sports and entertainment industry. IIFX provides training, industry content creation, Fan Journey best practices, consultancy, and business and education services to domestic and international sports & entertainment organizations.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FANCENTRIC Live Stream 1
What is Going on With Fan Behavior?!
Recorded: 11/13/2023
42:31 (minutes:seconds)
Dr. Lou Marciani and Jim Mercurio are the hosts for our FANCENTRIC live stream and podcasts. This inaugural livestream event explores the behavior of fans during sports & entertainment events. Join Dr. Lou and Jim as they query their guest panel about fan behavior. Hear from:
MARIO COUTINHO
Vice President of Stadium Operations and Security
Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club
DAN DONOVAN
Founder + Managing Partner
Stratoscope
LINDSAY GIETZEN
PA-C, PhD | Program Director, DMSc/DHSc
University of the Pacific, School of Health Sciences
Sacramento | Stockton | San Francisco
DARCY LEUTZINGER
Director of Security, UWM
Owner, Premier Training Services
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in August 2020, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (www.iifx.org) is building the leading and most trusted authority on the ‘Fan Journey’ for the sports and entertainment industry. IIFX provides training, industry content creation, Fan Journey best practices, consultancy, and business and education services to domestic and international sports & entertainment organizations.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FANCENTRIC TECH - Genetec and Capitol One Arena - An Innovative Fan Security PartnershipRecorded: 11/6/2023
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX interviews Sylvester Servance, Director of Venue Security of Monumental Sports & Entertainment about how they use Genetec Inc. security capabilities throughout the Capitol One Arena, their e-Sports Arena, an office complex, and the practice facility for the Washington Wizards and Mystics . They discuss:
- Importance of security technology in the Sports & Entertainment Industry
- Security Best Practices and developing security threat profiles
- The role of Genetec security solutions in protecting fans, teams, and artists during sports & entertainment events
- How Genetec solutions integrate with surveillance cameras, access control systems, and other security capabilities
- Access control, video surveillance, facility management, and other security capabilities that Genetec provides.
- Genetec success stories at Capitol One Arena
- The role of analytics in sports & entertainment
- Ways Genetec solutions can make key points along the fan journey frictionless
- How Genetec solutions can help enhance the fan experience
Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. Today, the company develops solutions designed to improve security, intelligence, and operations for enterprises, governments, and the communities in which we live. Its flagship product, Security Center, is an open architecture platform that unifies IP-based video surveillance, access control, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), communications, and analytics. Founded in 1997, and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Genetec serves its customers via an extensive network of certified channel partners and consultants in over 159 countries.
Genetec Inc. is a leading member of the IIFX Xperience Consortium.
The FANCENTRIC Tech Talk is a podcast series produced by the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience and its Xperience Consortium.
About the Xperience Consortium
The Xperience Consortium is a worldwide industry technology ecosystem and think tank focused on innovation and the fan journey. The Fan Journey is the Experience! The Xperience Consortium helps the sports & entertainment industry discover and deploy innovative solutions that move the industry forward in its quest for a frictionless, premium fan journey. The XC is focused on sports & entertainment organizations seeking:
- Increased Revenue
- Sustained Growth
- Sustainable and Efficient Operations
- Frictionless Fan Journey
- Growing & Diversified Fan Base
- Immersive, Memory-making, Premium Fan Experiences
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in August 2020, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (www.iifx.org) is building the leading and most trusted authority on the ‘Fan Journey’ for the sports and entertainment industry. IIFX provides training, industry content creation, Fan Journey best practices, consultancy, and business and education services to domestic and international sports & entertainment organizations.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
On Wednesday, September 27, 2023, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX), in association with the Security Industry Association Women in Security Forum, hosted a virtual town hall titled “Women in Sports & Entertainment Security – Taking Charge and Making a Difference!” This was the third in a series of IIFX Town Halls featuring women in sports and entertainment security.
"Our Women in Sports & Entertainment Security Town Hall events feature impressive women who lead the way in sports and entertainment industry," said Kasia Hanson, Chair of the Security Industry Association Women in Security Forum.
The distinguished panel talked about their leadership experiences, the pressing safety, security, and risk management challenges that women leaders are addressing today, and the future of women leaders in the sports and entertainment.
The Town Hall is part of IIFX's FANCENTRIC series of podcasts and forums and is complimentary to all who can benefit from attending. It features visionary industry thought leaders, advanced practitioners, academics, authors, technologists, and fans from around the world.
"Sports stadiums and entertainment venues in 2030 will feature different talent, fans, and staff than what we see today. Our Town Hall series feature programs to inspire the next generation of young women who will lead the sports and entertainment industry," said Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX..
Our panelists included:
Kasia Hanson – Global Director of Video | Security | Venues @Intel Corporation.
Kasia is the Chair of the Security Industry Association Women in Security Forum, the 2022 SIA Progress Award Recipient, a Women in Security Power 100 honoree, ISJ Top Security Influencer, a Distinguished Fellow for the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX), and was named the #3 IFSEC Security Influencer in 2021. Kasia will moderate the Town Hall.
Sheryl Pinckney-Maas – CEO and Founder of Guardian Zone, LLC
Sheryl is the CEO and Founder of Guardian Zone, LLC, a technology company in Texas that is a leading provider of crowd-sourced security solutions. Her company is the first in the market that addresses the public-private challenges at large public venues. The Guardian Zone solution includes an innovative security mobile app and software platform that bridges the communication gap between on-site security, law enforcement, and the public during an emergency.
Holli Draines – CEO, Elite Strategy Global, Inc.
As a black female business leader and champion of diversity and inclusivity efforts, Holli Draines helped Elite Strategy Global (ESG) to break beyond barriers that were created by dated thinking, prejudices, and social inequality. Holli has led her team’s efforts on several major security and risk management projects through formulating effective security protocols that align with business and safety standards; successfully mitigating risk and business disruptions and saving organizations time, money, and resources.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in August 2020, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (www.iifx.org) is building the leading and most trusted authority on the ‘Fan Journey’ for the sports and entertainment industry. IIFX provides training, industry content creation, Fan Journey best practices, consultancy, and business and education services to domestic and international sports & entertainment organizations.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Raising the Bar: Women in Sports & Entertainment - Taking Charge and Making a Difference!
This is the second in a quarterly series of IIFX Town Halls featuring women in sports and entertainment. This live Town Hall event was featured at the 2023 ALSD Conference & Tradeshow in Conjunction with IIFX from 9-11 July 2023 in Indianapolis, IN (USA).
IIFX continues to highlight women leaders who are at the forefront of change in the sports and entertainment and preparing the way for the next generation of women. Our panelists come from academia, industry, and the sports & entertainment industry.
Our distinguished panel talked about their experiences, the pressing security and operational challenges that women leaders are addressing today, and the future view of sports and entertainment, including the importance of diversity and inclusion with an emphasis on helping the next generation of young women become future industry leaders.
Moderator: Patty Keller, EdD, Boston College. Dr. Patty Raube Keller has a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Sports Medicine from Greensboro College, a master’s degree in Education with a concentration in counseling and administration from Campbell University and a doctorate in Education Leadership from Rowan University.
Panelists:
Kasia Hanson, Global Sales Leader - Physical Security | Cybersecurity | Sports, Intel Corp & Chair of the Security Industry Association Women in Security Forum. Kasia is an award-winning security leader at Intel, leading Global Security Ecosystem Development and Partnerships. Kasia is the past Chair of the Security Industry Association Women in Security Forum, the 2022 SIA Progress Award Recipient, a Women in Security Power 100 honoree, and an ISJ Top Security Influencer.
Katheen Griggs, President, Databuoy Corporation. Kathleen grew the company to an $18.5M Defense contract to develop and field Embedded Systems Command and Control Technology. She is a former Navy Engineer and DARPA Technical Agent, where she managed DARPA Warfighter Visualization, Smart Modules, and Distributed Robotics program efforts. Her program successes include video geo-registration,
augmented reality, and wearable computing.
Gayle Keller, Chief Reinvention Officer, Gayle Keller, LLC. Gayle Keller is a former Microsoft sales executive who after 20+ years in tech felt impassioned to help close the gender gap in the S.T.E.A.M. fields after experiencing firsthand the gender biases that still exist in the workplace.
Katie Keenan, Senior Director, Live Event Operations, National Football League. Katie is a global live event and venue operations executive with 18 years of experience in the sports industry. As Senior Director, Live Events & Operations at the NFL, she leads a team responsible for the planning and delivery of the NFL’s marquee events including Super Bowl and NFL Draft.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) was founded in 2020. IIFX’s vision is to be the leading and most trusted global authority on providing exceptional, memory-making fan experiences for the sports and entertainment industry. The Institute focuses on the fan journey and creating the ideal fan experience for its member organizations, one that results in increased revenue, sustainable growth, operational efficiency, a diversified workforce, new and repeat attendance, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services. IIFX produces content and events and facilitates dialogue and collaboration around its core areas of expertise.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
A Special Interview With Harry Hynekamp, VP of Guest Experiences @AMB Sports + Entertainment - A Companion on the Fan Journey
Recorded 6/5/2023
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX is joined by Harry Hynekamp the Vice President of Guest Experiences for AMB Sports & Entertainment. Harry is a Companion on the Fan Journey for sports and entertainment fans.
Harry joined AMBSE in 2018. His team is responsible for delivering the best
guest experiences for all customers, guests and fans of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC, and all other world class sports and entertainment events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The NFL's 2022-23 Voice Of The Fan Survey show that Harry and his team know how to deliver a memory-making experience. The Atlanta Falcons are the franchise with the best Gameday Staff and Overall Gameday Satisfaction in the NFL.
Dr. Lou and Harry talk about how Harry's prescription for success, including the importance of building a culture of success, deliver amazing hospitality and fan experiences, and the importance of living up to core values in everything you do. Harry is a master class in leadership, one focused on people, passion, purpose, and profits.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) was founded in 2020. IIFX’s vision is to be the leading and most trusted global authority on providing exceptional, memory-making fan experiences for the sports and entertainment industry. The Institute focuses on the fan journey and creating the ideal fan experience for its member organizations, one that results in increased revenue, sustainable growth, operational efficiency, a diversified workforce, new and repeat attendance, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services. IIFX produces content and events and facilitates dialogue and collaboration around its core areas of expertise.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
The Future Role of Policing in the Sports & Entertainment Industry
An IIFX Town Hall Event
Recorded 4/27/2023
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX is joined by a distinguished panel of sports & entertainment and policing leaders. They discuss:
- Role of policing in the Sports & Entertainment Industry
- Importance of early event planning with key police and community stakeholders
- Tech trends and innovations shaping the future of policing in the Sports &
Entertainment Industry - Role of technology in policing
- Staffing challenges
- Policing Best Practices
- Pitch invasions and fan behavior
GARY GARDNER (Moderator) brings over forty years of investigative, security, intelligence, analysis, forensic, technology, management and teaching experience to the national and international business and law enforcement communities.
PANELISTS
RICK FENTON is the Vice President and Chief Security Officer for Ilitch Holdings and an IIFX Distinguished Fellow. He has been with Ilitch Holdings since 2000. Rick oversees/directs all corporate security and safety functions, venue security and safety, security systems, corporate loss prevention, investigations, and executive services for all the Ilitch Companies, including Little Caesars Pizza, and Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park in Detroit.
JIM MERCURIO is an IIFX Distinguished Fellow and the former Executive Vice President and General Manager of Levi’s Stadium. Jim spent more than 30 years with the 49ers, overseeing all aspects of stadium and event operations, including executive oversight of the food and beverage operations, engineering, grounds, guest services, housekeeping, operations and logistics, parking, and transportation.
EILEEN WILLIAMS is the Senior Safety Officer for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Football Club in London and is an IIFX Distinguished Fellow. For more than 20 years, Eileen has worked in the event industry, and specializes in safety, security and service delivery at major sporting events and music festivals.
LIEUTENANT AMY HURWITZ is a 20-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department. Lt. Hurwitz currently works in the Homeland Security Unit and has responsibilities as the Officer in Charge of the SFPD Marine Unit and as the Officer in Charge of Police Services at the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors.
JOE MONROE is the Chief of Police for the University of Kentucky. Joe began his tenure as Chief of Police in 2009 and now oversees 191 employees and an $11 million annual budget. Joe oversees the operations of the police, security for UK Healthcare facilities, campus security technology, and several other units. Additionally, he leads the University’s Crisis Management Response team efforts.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) was founded in 2020. IIFX’s vision is to be the leading and most trusted global authority on providing exceptional, memory-making fan experiences for the sports and entertainment industry. The Institute focuses on the fan journey and creating the ideal fan experience for its member organizations, one that results in increased revenue, sustainable growth, operational efficiency, a diversified workforce, new and repeat attendance, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services. IIFX produces content and events and facilitates dialogue and collaboration around its core areas of expertise.
Contact Dr. Lou Marciani at info@iifx.org for more information
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
XC Tech Talk with Axis Communications
Recorded 4/17/2023
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX interviews Rob Meuhlbauer, Senior Manager for Business Development @ Axis Communications . They discuss:
- Role of the Xperience Consortium in the Sports & Entertainment Industry
- Importance of video management systems and cameras in safety and security
- Tech trends and innovations
- Role of AI and advanced analytics in emerging camera technology
- Video analytics in venue and event operations
- Software standards affecting the industry
- Venues, fans, and fan behavior
Axis Communications enables a smarter and safer world by creating solutions for improving security and business performance. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers solutions in video surveillance, access control, intercom, and audio systems. They are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training. Axis has around 4,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden. For more information about Axis, please visit our website www.axis.com.
Axis Communications is a founding member of the IIFX Xperience Consortium.
XC Tech Talk is a podcast series produced by the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience and its Xperience Consortium.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) was founded in 2020. IIFX’s vision is to be the leading and most trusted global authority on providing exceptional, memory-making fan experiences for the sports and entertainment industry. The Institute focuses on the fan journey and creating the ideal fan experience for its member organizations, one that results in increased revenue, sustainable growth, operational efficiency, a diversified workforce, new and repeat attendance, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services. IIFX produces content and events and facilitates dialogue and collaboration around its core areas of expertise.
About the Xperience Consortium
The Xperience Consortium's mission is to deploy innovative technology that moves the sports and entertainment industry forward in its digital journey while helping organizations:
- Drive revenue
- Provide professional development
- Maximize security, public health, and safety
- Increase physical and digital fan engagement
Contact Dr. Lou Marciani at info@iifx.org for more information
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Women in Sports & Entertainment Security - Taking Charge and Making a Difference
An IIFX Town Hall Event
3/15/2023
The first in a series of IIFX Town Halls featuring women in sports and entertainment security. This Town Hall event features an impressive group of women who are leading the way in sports security for the next generation of women. Our panelists their experiences, the pressing security challenges women leaders are addressing today, and the future of sports and entertainment security.
Our Moderator, KASIA HANSON, is an award-winning security leader at Intel, leading Global Security Ecosystem Development and Partnerships. She leads the strategy and development of physical and cybersecurity ecosystem partnerships, go-to-market, and sales acceleration strategies across Intel’s security portfolio. She is passionate about helping diversify and advance women in security. Kasia is the Chair of the Security Industry Association Women in Security Forum, the 2022 SIA Progress Award Recipient, a Women in Security Power 100 honoree, ISJ Top Security Influencer, a Distinguished Fellow for the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience in Sports (IIFX).
PANELISTS
MURIEL HOWELL is a private security consultant providing her expertise to national organizations. After retiring with 20 years of honorable service in the United States Air Force, her past 18 years of security management and leadership has spanned the globe. She has earned leadership positions as Event Security, Team Security and Executive Protection within organizations such as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Hornets Sports & Entertainment (Charlotte Hornets) and Crowd Management Group, Inc. (Miss America Organization)
EILEEN WILLIAMS MBE has worked in the event industry for 20 years, and specializes in safety, security & service delivery at major sporting events and music festivals. Her portfolio includes key operational roles in stadium event management, mass recruitment, workforce management, training and development with the extended skills of the design, and implementation and delivery of national and international qualifications. Her experience includes FIFA World Cup and Rugby & Cricket World Cup events and multiple site global tournaments – Olympics & Commonwealth Games, and planning and design of freestanding festival and concert locations. Eileen is the Senior Safety Officer at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
ADRIANNE WYNNE is the Sr. Director of Security at Chase Center, the state-of-the-art sports and entertainment arena located in San Francisco, CA, and home to the 2022 NBA Champions the Golden State Warriors. In 2018 Adrianne was hired as one of the first employees on the Golden State Warriors Arena Operations team. A year before opening Chase Center, she developed standard operating procedures for all event staffing, budgeting, and hiring. Adrianne is currently responsible for executing all safety and security protocols for Chase Center, Thrive City, and the surrounding retail areas. Adrianne is a 16-year veteran in the venue and event management industry.
About IIFX
Founded in 2020, IIFX’s vision is to be the leading and most trusted global authority on providing exceptional fan experience for sports and entertainment. The focus is on creating the ideal fan experience for our members and partners resulting in measurable revenue growth, new and repeat attendance, workforce professional growth and development, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services. IIFX produces content, events, and facilitates dialogue and collaboration in the sport and entrainment industry around its core areas of expertise.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
XC Tech Talk with NTT DATA
Recorded 3/10/2023
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX interviews Bill Baver, Vice President of NTT SMART World and Ajay Prakash, Senior Director @NTT SMART World. They discuss how Data is King! in the sports and entertainment industry. Topics include:
- Digital Transformation
- Predictive analytics
- The Digital Transformation projects at Little Caesars Arena
- Data and the Indy Raceway
- How data can inform decision-making and strategies
NTT DATA – a part of NTT Group – is a trusted global innovator of IT and business services headquartered in Tokyo. We help clients transform through consulting, industry solutions, business process services, IT modernization and managed services. NTT DATA enables clients, as well as society, to move confidently into the digital future. We are committed to our clients' long-term success and combine global reach with local client attention to serve them in over 50 countries. Visit us at nttdata.com.
NTT DATA is a founding member of the IIFX Xperience Consortium.
XC Tech Talk is a podcast series produced by the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience and its Xperience Consortium.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in 2020, IIFX’s vision is to be the leading and most trusted global authority on providing exceptional fan experience for sports and entertainment. The focus is on creating the ideal fan experience for our members and partners resulting in measurable revenue growth, new and repeat attendance, workforce professional growth and development, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services. IIFX produces content, events, and facilitates dialogue and collaboration in the sport and entrainment industry around its core areas of expertise.
About the Xperience Consortium
The Xperience Consortium's mission is to deploy innovative technology that moves the sports and entertainment industry forward in its digital journey while helping organizations:
- Drive revenue
- Provide professional development
- Maximize security, public health, and safety
- Increase physical and digital fan engagement
Contact Dr. Lou Marciani at info@iifx.org for more information or go to www.iifx.org.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
XC Tech Talk with Databuoy Corporation
Recorded 2/10/2023
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX interviews Kathleen Griggs, CEO of Databuoy Corporation. They discuss the Shotpoint Gunfire Localization &
Geofob Mobile Panic Button Systems and:
- Multi-sensor fusion approach
- Rapid reporting and system accuracy
- The Las Vegas Freemont Street system deployment
- Case Studies
- The system and its impact on the Fan Experience
Databuoy is a developer of IoT Sensor Networks for cities. Databuoy designs for anywhere people congregate. Databuoy provides reliable, accurate and timely response to gunfire or emergency incidents using Shotpoint, a gunshot detection and localization providing <2 meter accuracy and notifications within 2-seconds of detection. Databuoy also offers Geofob, an RF Panic/Assistance buttons that provides localization within the sensor network. For more information, go to www.databuoy.com
XC Tech Talk is a podcast series produced by the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience and its Xperience Consortium.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in 2020, IIFX’s vision is to be the leading and most trusted global authority on providing exceptional fan experience for sports and entertainment. The focus is on creating the ideal fan experience for our members and partners resulting in measurable revenue growth, new and repeat attendance, workforce professional growth and development, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services. IIFX produces content, events, and facilitates dialogue and collaboration in the sport and entrainment industry around its core areas of expertise.
About the Xperience Consortium
The Xperience Consortium's mission is to deploy innovative technology that moves the sports and entertainment industry forward in its digital journey while helping organizations:
- Drive revenue
- Provide professional development
- Maximize security, public health, and safety
- Increase physical and digital fan engagement
Contact Dr. Lou Marciani at info@iifx.org for more information or go to www.iifx.org.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Best Practices: Sports & Entertainment Venue Emergency Response
An IIFX Town Hall
Recorded: 1/26/2023
NOTE: This informative podcast is for anyone with an interest in considerations for sports & entertainment venues' emergency response. The information provided herein is the informed opinion of the panelists. The information in this Town Hall is designed for venue and event managers, team leaders and staff, physicians, managers, supervisors, incident managers, and others associated with sports and entertainment venues of all sizes.
On Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 1:00 PM CT, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) hosted a virtual town hall titled "Best Practices for Sports & Entertainment Venue Emergency Medical Response."
A distinguished panel of Sports & Entertainment industry leaders joined the IIFX Medical Advisory Board’s experts to discuss best practices for responding to a medical emergency during a sports or entertainment event.
The very public, sudden cardiac arrest incident and hospitalization of 24-year-old Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin illustrated the importance of having well-trained staff, trainers, and a medical team available to provide emergency medical response.
This Virtual Town Hall event focused on the key elements of emergency medical response. Expert panelists discussed:
- Field response to critical medical incidents
- Standards for field response applicable to smaller venues with fewer resources
- Venue response to critical incidents
- Importance of CPR and AED training, and stop the bleed training
- Planning and exercises
- Coordination with nonmedical resources and leadership
- Public communications – during and after incident
- Legal considerations and Duty of Care
The Town Hall Panel included:
MODERATOR
Dr. Til Jolly, MD, FACEP – Chief Medical Officer of Aveshka and Chair of the IIFX Medical Advisory Board.
PANELISTS
Professor Julian Redhead, MBBS, FRCP, FCEM, MFSEM, Dip SEM
Medical Director, Consultant in Emergency Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Chelsea Premier Football Club Doctor
Brian Herbert
Vice President of Security
Golden State Warriors/Chase Center
Lindsay Gietzen, PhD, PA-C
Program Director, Doctor of Medical Science/Doctor of Health Science, University of the Pacific
Co-Owner @ Premier Training Services
Connor Fitzpatrick
Executive Director at CrowdRx
This Town Hall is part of IIFX's FANCENTRIC series of podcasts and forums. It features visionary industry thought leaders, advanced practitioners, academics, authors, technologists, and fans from around the world.
The audience posed questions to IIFX’s industry and medical experts who provided important considerations for the duty of care and preparation for serious medical emergencies at sports and entertainment venues.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in 2020, IIFX’s vision is to be the leading and most trusted global authority in providing exceptional sports and entertainment fan experience. The focus is on creating the ideal fan experience for our members and partners resulting in measurable revenue growth, new and repeat attendance, workforce professional growth and development, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services. With offices in the USA, UK, and Canada, IIFX produces content, events, and facilitates dialogue and collaboration in the sport and entertainment industry around its core areas of expertise.
COPYRIGHT 2023 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
XC Tech Talk with Meridian Rapid Defense
Recorded 1/13/2023
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX interviews Peter Whitford, CEO of Meridian Rapid Defense Group. They discuss:
- Securing the Tournament of Roses parade
- How 700 lbs. of a steel barrier makes for a better fan experience
- How a perimeter of steel barriers helps a perimeter safety and security company send a positive message to fans
- How Archer Barriers and Beam Gates interact in a high tech fan engagement world
- Dealing with crowds as they enter, circulate, and exit venues
Meridian Rapid Defense Group provides perimeter security solutions that protect people, communities, and places. Meridian is the first point of entry that fans see before entering any arena, stadium, or event. Meridian is SAFETY Act certified and delivers its products through the company’s fully trained Field Specialists. Meridian provides signature Meridian Archer Barriers (Anti-Vehicle Barriers) that are mobile, easy to emplace, and are manufactured in the United States using 100% American steel. Meridian’s Vehicle Safety Mitigation Plans and drone coverage, which is also included in the After-Action Reporting. In the future, Meridian will add facial recognition and other AI integration to improve the entry process.
XC Tech Talk is a podcast series produced by the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience and its Xperience Consortium.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in 2020, IIFX’s vision is to be the leading and most trusted global authority on providing exceptional fan experience for sports and entertainment. The focus is on creating the ideal fan experience for our members and partners resulting in measurable revenue growth, new and repeat attendance, workforce professional growth and development, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services. IIFX produces content, events, and facilitates dialogue and collaboration in the sport and entrainment industry around its core areas of expertise.
About the Xperience Consortium The Xperience Consortium's mission is to deploy innovative technology that moves the sports and entertainment industry forward in its digital journey while helping organizations:
- Drive revenue
- Provide professional development
- Maximize security, public health, and safety
- Increase physical and digital fan engagement
Contact Dr. Lou Marciani at info@iifx.org for more information.
COPYRIGHT 2022 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
XC TECH TALK WITH GUARDIAN ZONE
Recorded on 12/09/2022
Dr. Lou Marciani, the Director and Co-Founder of the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) discusses the power of "safety in the palm of your hand" provided by the Guardian Zone app and security platform with Sheryl Pinckney-Maas, the Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Zone. Topics include:
- Sports and Entertainment Industry Use Cases
- Safety and Security Challenges that Guardian Zone addresses at sports and entertainment venues, festivals, concerts, universities, and high schools
- Guardian Zone's unique capabilities empowering fans to document and report what they see to security in real-time
- What fans, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, expect from event producers and venues in terms of their safety and security
- Duty of care
Guardian Zone is a woman-and-minority-owned security software-as-a-service (SaaS) company located in Colleyville, Texas that has created a new digital security platform that enhances public safety at medium and large facilities and venues.
Guardian Zone technology gathers crowdsourced intelligence in real-time from staff, vendors, and fans at concerts, festivals, and stadiums to support on-site security personnel. It is a force multiplier that allows event security to respond faster to incidents while encouraging fan engagement before, during and after an incident.
Guardian Zone's goal is to put safety in every hand.
Guardian Zone's cloud-based technology is easy-to-use, easy-to-deploy and interactive with mass notification capabilities. It provides security with actionable intelligence, location, and other key information for a quicker response.
Guardian Zone's mobile app and software allow patrons with a smartphone to connect immediately with on-site security via the security portal to alert them to crowd flow problems, egregious behavior (e.g., fights, thefts, and sexual assault) medical emergencies and active shooters.
Guardian Zone is a member of the Security Industry Association (SIA), SIA’s Women In Security Forum (WISF), Innovation Institute of Fan Experience (IIFX), and the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4)
fansafety #concerts #festivals #events #crowdflow #safety #security #WISF #IIFX #SIA #NCS4 #fanengagement #crowdsourcedinformation
XC Tech Talk is a podcast series produced by the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience and its Xperience Consortium.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in 2020, IIFX’s vision is to be the leading and most trusted global authority on providing exceptional fan experience for sports and entertainment. The focus is on creating the ideal fan experience for our members and partners resulting in measurable revenue growth, new and repeat attendance, workforce professional growth and development, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services. IIFX produces content, events, and facilitates dialogue and collaboration in the sport and entrainment industry around its core areas of expertise.
About the Xperience Consortium The Xperience Consortium's mission is to deploy innovative technology that moves the sports and entertainment industry forward in its digital journey while helping organizations:
- Drive revenue
- Provide professional development
- Maximize security, public health, and safety
- Increase physical and digital fan engagement
Contact Dr. Lou Marciani at info@iifx.org for more information.
COPYRIGHT 2022 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Recorded 9/21/2022 by IIFX
DISCLAIMER: This presentation is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as providing legal advice. For legal advice, please consult an attorney you have retained to address your specific questions.
On Wednesday, September 21, 2022, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) hosted a virtual town hall titled “Incident Reporting and Litigation: From the Venue to the Courthouse.” A distinguished panel of Sports & Entertainment industry litigation experts discussed incident reporting and how to manage the potential litigation that may result.
Our Panel Included:
Bill Squires – Owner, The Right Stuff Consulting
Carla Varriale-Barker – Shareholder, Segal McCambridge
John Pitblado – Shareholder, Carlton Fields
Incidents and litigation are facts of life in the Sports & Entertainment industry. The industry creates eye-watering spectacles and memory-making experiences for fans around the world. Every step of the fan journey from travel, parking, security screening, entry, circulating through the venue, the event itself, exit, and travel home can be laden with potential brand-damaging incidents that make or break the fan experience and affect your financial bottom line. How best can you prepare for when a venue incident leads you to the courthouse?
The Town Hall is part of IIFX's FANCENTRIC series of podcasts and forums and is complimentary to any and all that can benefit from attending this Town Hall event.
IIFX proudly works with its sports & entertainment industry and technology partners to create the ideal FANCENTRICTM experience. The goal is to help our partners enhance the fan experience and enjoy measurable revenue growth, new and repeat attendance, workforce professional growth and development, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services.
About the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
Founded in 2020, IIFX’s vision is to be the leading and most trusted global authority on providing exceptional fan experience for sports and entertainment. The focus is on creating the ideal fan experience for our members and partners resulting in measurable revenue growth, new and repeat attendance, workforce professional growth and development, and maximized health, safety, and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions, and high-quality services. With offices in the USA, UK, and Canada, IIFX produces content, events, and facilities dialogue and collaboration in the sport and entrainment industry around its core areas of expertise.
Visit: iifx.org for more information.
COPYRIGHT 2022 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Frictionless Fan Experience with Genetec Venue Parking
Recorded 2/24/2022
Fans want convenience to go with the spectacle of any great sports or entertainment event. Touchless technologies are making it possible to reduce the time spent in lines, pay for services, and even park. The advent of a frictionless fan experience is here.
Genetec's Venue Parking and Mobile Post Payment Plugin System is making a difference in the fan experience by reducing entry time by 50%, allowing fans to enter a venue and be seated 30-minutes sooner. Happier fans with more time spent in the venue are spending more money, increasing revenue. Compliance and payment for parking stands at a staggeringly high 98%.
The Genetec parking system is built on the premise that a fan journey starts and ends with parking, so they have a system that can help venues deliver a frictionless parking experience.
Join Dr. Lou Marciani and his guest, Chris Yigit, Technology Partnership Manager for Genetec AutoVu License Plate Recognition Solution as they discuss how simple investments in parking technology can create frictionless parking and a better fan experience.
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience, is building a global alliance to lead the NEXT great leap forward in fan experience — one steeped in health, safety, security, and service.
Our FANCENTRIC Podcast Series explores topics about the sports and entertainment industry that should interest all fans. Our guests include visionary industry thought leaders, advanced practitioners, authors, technologists, and fans from around the world.
Join us as we discuss new ways to change the world’s sports and entertainment fan experience for the better.
COPYRIGHT 2022 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FANCENTRIC
An IIFX Town Hall Recorded on 19 January 2022
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) Medical Advisory Board hosted a FANCENTRIC Town Hall with medical experts who discussed Covid-19, its variants, and effects on the Sports & Entertainment industry.
We are inundated with information about COVID-19 and its new variants. Every day brings a new study, recommendation, or contradiction of previous policy. One thing we know is that COVID-19 essentially wiped out the 2020 sports and entertainment year for fans. While things looked up in 2021, Omicron appeared and had an impact on sports and entertainment events. With more than a million infections daily in the United States in January 2022, how will the pandemic unfold for the industry throughout 2022?
The town hall is part of IIFX's FANCENTRIC series of podcasts and forums. FANCENTRIC productions feature visionary industry thought leaders, advanced practitioners, academics, authors, technologists, and fans from around the world.
This Town Hall Event was moderated by Dr. Til Jolly, MD, the Chief Medical Officer of Aveshka and the Chair of the IIFX Medical Advisory Board.
Panelists included:
Dr. Michael Anderson, MD - Senior Advisor, Aveshka for the Department of Health and Human Services and Children’s National Hospital
Dr. Andy Jagoda, MD - Professor and Chair Emeritus of Emergency Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Dr. Robert Nied, MD - Medical Director, Sports Medicine Center at Kaiser Permanente, Mission Bay and the Team Physician for the Golden State Warriors (NBA)
Dr. Eric W. Ossmann, MD, FACEP - Chief Medical Officer and Founder of VIGILINT
Panelists answered questions posed by attendees and shared their wisdom on how Covid 19 and Omicron affects the sports and entertainment industry, its operations, and its fans. Learn how to navigate your way through the Omicron surge and build resilience for future events.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
AN IIFX VIRTUAL TOWN HALL EVENT
Recorded on 15 December 2021
On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) hosted a Virtual Town Hall titled “What is Going on with Fan Behavior? Challenges and Solutions.” Leading executives who are successfully producing live events answered questions posed by those attending the event, sharing their insights and some of their best processes and technology practices.
Watch the video to learn how they are creating a safe and secure experience resulting in increased fan participation and revenue.
The Virtual Town Hall event is sponsored by Respondology, a company of 20+ year digital veterans dedicated to making a positive impact through technology by “doing something about the hate and damage produced by people hiding behind the anonymity of social media.”
Fan-related incidents at the Astroworld Festival, EUROS 2020, and a myriad of college and professional sporting events is challenging the best event plans.
The town hall is part of IIFX's FANCENTRIC series of podcasts and forums. FANCENTRIC productions feature visionary industry thought leaders, advanced practitioners, academics, authors, technologists, and fans from around the world.
The Virtual Town Hall panel included:
Sean Patterson, Assistant Chief of Police, University of Tennessee
Jim Mercurio, Executive Vice President and GM, San Francisco 49ers/Levi Stadium; IIFX Distinguished Fellow
Professor Chris Kemp, CEO of Mind Over Matter Consultancy Ltd and IIFX Advisor
Vince DiGennaro, Director of Strategic Accounts, BEST Crowd Management
Shaun West, Associate Vice President and Head of Team and Arena Security, Nation Basketball Association
Mario Coutinho, President of the Stadium Managers Association; Vice President of Stadium Operations and Security, Toronto Blue Jays; IIFX Distinguished Fellow
Eileen Williams, Safety Officer, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium; IIFX Distinguished Fellow
Timothy Frederick, Police Sergeant, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Events Planning Section
Lou Barani, Global Terrorism Risk Consultant, AIG
Mark McCourt, author of “Snow Day: Lessons in Leadership and Resilience from Crisis and Mass Casualty Events“ moderated the virtual town hall.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Future of Robots in the Sports & Entertainment Industry
FANCENTRIC Podcast Episode 4
Join Dr. Lou and Dr. Travis Deyle, Co-Founder and CEO of Cobalt Robotics, a company that
applies artificial intelligence and robotic automation to handle mundane, important tasks, as they discuss the future of robotics in the sports and entertainment industry. Artificial intelligence and robotics will be a big part of the future fan experience at sports and entertainment events.
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience, is building a global alliance to lead the NEXT great leap forward in fan experience — one steeped in health, safety, security, and service.
Our FANCENTRIC Podcast Series explores topics about the sports and entertainment industry that should interest all fans. Our guests include visionary industry thought leaders, advanced practitioners, authors, technologists, and fans from around the world.
Join us as we discuss new ways to change the world’s sports and entertainment fan experience for the better.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Esports rEvolution
FANCENTRIC Podcast Episode 3
Join Dr. Lou and Matt Payne, Founder of Inner Circle, a consulting firm specializing in Security and Crisis Management, as they discuss the revolution taking place in the $3.5 billion (and growing) Esports industry.
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience, is building a global alliance to lead the NEXT great leap forward in fan experience — one steeped in health, safety, security, and service.
Our FANCENTRIC Podcast Series explores topics about the sports and entertainment industry that should interest all fans. Our guests include visionary industry thought leaders, advanced practitioners, authors, technologists, and fans from around the world.
Join us as we discuss new ways to change the world’s sports and entertainment fan experience for the better.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
COVID Health Playbook
FANCENTRIC Podcast Episode 2
Join Dr. Lou and Dr. Til Jolly, Chairman of IIFX's Medical Advisory Board and the Chief Medical Officer for Aveshka as they discuss the latest on vaccines, testing, monoclonal infusion, new therapeutics and their role in the sports and entertainment industry. The duo also address youth sports and vaccinations.
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience, is building a global alliance to lead the NEXT great leap forward in fan experience — one steeped in health, safety, security, and service.
Our FANCENTRIC Podcast Series explores topics about the sports and entertainment industry that should interest all fans. Our guests include visionary industry thought leaders, advanced practitioners, authors, technologists, and fans from around the world.
Join us as we discuss new ways to change the world’s sports and entertainment fan experience for the better.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
FANCENTRIC 01-2021
Join Dr. Lou and Eileen Williams, the Senior Safety Officer at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the United Kingdom as they discuss whether sports safety and security has changed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience, is building a global alliance to lead the NEXT great leap forward in fan experience — one steeped in health, safety, security, and service.
Our FANCENTRIC Podcast Series explores topics about the sports and entertainment industry that should interest all fans. Our guests include visionary industry thought leaders, advanced practitioners, authors, technologists, and fans from around the world.
Join us as we discuss new ways to change the world’s sports and entertainment fan experience for the better.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Session 1
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) and Campus Safety hosted a National One Day Virtual Summit: Preparing for the Return of Interscholastic Athletics and After School Activities.
The virtual summit featured an impressive array of diverse professionals in high school activities and interscholastic athletics and other agencies focusing on the preparation for the return of interscholastic athletics and after school activities. They focused on the common challenges of adapting and innovating health safety, security, operations, and management into a possible new management paradigm.
The Summit agenda brought together thought leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to address critical issues for reopening their school activities and interscholastic athletic events in the fall of 2021. Leading practitioners presented the most pressing challenges and provided first -hand observations and best practices.
Panelists:
Kevin Wren, School Safety Advocate, A3 Communications
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder, Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Session 2
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) and Campus Safety hosted a National One Day Virtual Summit: Preparing for the Return of Interscholastic Athletics and After School Activities.
The virtual summit featured an impressive array of diverse professionals in high school activities and interscholastic athletics and other agencies focusing on the preparation for the return of interscholastic athletics and after school activities. They focused on the common challenges of adapting and innovating health safety, security, operations, and management into a possible new management paradigm.
The Summit agenda brought together thought leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to address critical issues for reopening their school activities and interscholastic athletic events in the fall of 2021. Leading practitioners presented the most pressing challenges and provided first -hand observations and best practices.
Panelists:
- Nancy Beatty, Athletic Director, Providence Day - Charlotte, North Carolina
- Lamont Dodson, Police Captain, Cleveland Municipal School District - Cleveland Ohio
- Tom Gladney, Athletic Director, Biloxi High School - Biloxi, Mississippi
- Jennifer Serran, Risk Management Specialist Folsom Cordova Unified School District Rancho Cordova, CA
- Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder, Innovation Institute for Fan Experience
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Session 3
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) and Campus Safety hosted a National One Day Virtual Summit: Preparing for the Return of Interscholastic Athletics and After School Activities.
The virtual summit featured an impressive array of diverse professionals in high school activities and interscholastic athletics and other agencies focusing on the preparation for the return of interscholastic athletics and after school activities. They focused on the common challenges of adapting and innovating health safety, security, operations, and management into a possible new management paradigm.
The Summit agenda brought together thought leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to address critical issues for reopening their school activities and interscholastic athletic events in the fall of 2021. Leading practitioners presented the most pressing challenges and provided first -hand observations and best practices.
Panelists:
- Tom McDermott, CEIA USA
- Kevin Wren, School Safety Advocate, A3 Communications
- Guy Grace, IIFX, Facilitator
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Session 9
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) and Campus Safety hosted a National One Day Virtual Summit: Preparing for the Return of Interscholastic Athletics and After School Activities.
The virtual summit featured an impressive array of diverse professionals in high school activities and interscholastic athletics and other agencies focusing on the preparation for the return of interscholastic athletics and after school activities. They focused on the common challenges of adapting and innovating health safety, security, operations, and management into a possible new management paradigm.
The Summit agenda brought together thought leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to address critical issues for reopening their school activities and interscholastic athletic events in the fall of 2021. Leading practitioners presented the most pressing challenges and provided first -hand observations and best practices.
Host:
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX
Panelists:
Larry Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Schools/Ex. Director of Public Safety Grand Rapids Public Schools Grand Rapids, Michigan
Dr. James Hanna, Superintendent Rossville Consolidated School District Lafayette, Indiana
Dr. Kechia Rowles, Athletic Director, Rockdale County Public Schools, Conyers, Georgia
Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan, Director of Systemwide Athletics Montgomery County Public Schools Montgomery, Maryland
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Session 8
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) and Campus Safety hosted a National One Day Virtual Summit: Preparing for the Return of Interscholastic Athletics and After School Activities.
The virtual summit featured an impressive array of diverse professionals in high school activities and interscholastic athletics and other agencies focusing on the preparation for the return of interscholastic athletics and after school activities. They focused on the common challenges of adapting and innovating health safety, security, operations, and management into a possible new management paradigm.
The Summit agenda brought together thought leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to address critical issues for reopening their school activities and interscholastic athletic events in the fall of 2021. Leading practitioners presented the most pressing challenges and provided first -hand observations and best practices.
Host:
Christopher Kinnan, Associate Director and Co-Founder, Innovation Institute for Fan Experience, Facilitator
Panelists:
Andre Walker, Athletic Director Houston ISD, Houston, Texas
Lance Carter, Assistant Athletic Director, Katy ISD, Katy, Texas
Tom McDermott, CEIA USA
Judy Miller, Director of Risk Management and Environmental Safety, Perris Union High School, Perris, California
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Session 7
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) and Campus Safety hosted a National One Day Virtual Summit: Preparing for the Return of Interscholastic Athletics and After School Activities.
The virtual summit featured an impressive array of diverse professionals in high school activities and interscholastic athletics and other agencies focusing on the preparation for the return of interscholastic athletics and after school activities. They focused on the common challenges of adapting and innovating health safety, security, operations, and management into a possible new management paradigm.
The Summit agenda brought together thought leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to address critical issues for reopening their school activities and interscholastic athletic events in the fall of 2021. Leading practitioners presented the most pressing challenges and provided first -hand observations and best practices.
Panelists:
Dr. Timothy A. McGuine, Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health
Dr. Til. Jolly, Chief Medical Officer, Aveshka, Inc. and Chair, Medical Advisory Board, IIFX
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Session 6
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) and Campus Safety hosted a National One Day Virtual Summit: Preparing for the Return of Interscholastic Athletics and After School Activities.
The virtual summit featured an impressive array of diverse professionals in high school activities and interscholastic athletics and other agencies focusing on the preparation for the return of interscholastic athletics and after school activities. They focused on the common challenges of adapting and innovating health safety, security, operations, and management into a possible new management paradigm.
The Summit agenda brought together thought leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to address critical issues for reopening their school activities and interscholastic athletic events in the fall of 2021. Leading practitioners presented the most pressing challenges and provided first -hand observations and best practices.
Host:
Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX
Panelists:
Glenzetta Hall, Professional Counselor (LPC)
Debbie Grace, School Psychologist
Dr. Til. Jolly, Chief Medical Officer, Aveshka, Inc. and Chair, Medical Advisory Board, IIFX
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Session 5
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) and Campus Safety hosted a National One Day Virtual Summit: Preparing for the Return of Interscholastic Athletics and After School Activities.
The virtual summit featured an impressive array of diverse professionals in high school activities and interscholastic athletics and other agencies focusing on the preparation for the return of interscholastic athletics and after school activities. They focused on the common challenges of adapting and innovating health safety, security, operations, and management into a possible new management paradigm.
The Summit agenda brought together thought leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to address critical issues for reopening their school activities and interscholastic athletic events in the fall of 2021. Leading practitioners presented the most pressing challenges and provided first -hand observations and best practices.
Host:
Christopher Kinnan, Associate Director and Co-Founder, Innovation Institute for Fan Experience, Facilitator
Panelists:
Robby Ball, Coordinator, Educational Support Services, Safety and Security Hurst-Euless Bedford ISD Bedford, Texas
Jennifer Frazier, Director of Athletics McKinney ISD McKinney, Texas
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Powering the return of fans is Job One for venue owners and operators everywhere. The same digital technology that allows us to gather fan data to tailor experiences that delight fans and create new revenue streams can also make buildings more integrated, adaptive, proactive and self-learning.
Bringing together traditional operational technology, IT systems and cloud applications infused with AI and IoT, as well as cutting-edge technology such as digital twin, allows us to gain unprecedented insight, integration and collaboration to better adapt venues for the return of fans and future planning.
In this informative webinar, technology experts from Johnson Controls:
· demonstrate how OpenBlue Digital Twin enables 3D visual analysis by leveraging data in and around the building structure, plus location, events, assets and people, as well as past, present and future events related to the building and the environment
· show how digital twin allows for crowd modeling, arrival and departure analysis; “what if” scenario modeling for planned events; foot traffic heat mapping for disinfection; along with unplanned incident response events
· demonstrate how OpenBlue Digital Twin simulations allow end users, venue management and other stakeholders to test and validate their plans around cleaning and safety, where decisions are based on data and demand and not rigid schedules
Host: Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX
Panelists:
Chad Pakett, Advanced Solutions Digital Leader, Johnson Controls
Nick Treder, Director of Sports & Entertainment, Johnson Controls
Jason Pelski, Sr. Manager of Architecture & Platform, Johnson Controls
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
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This IIFX webinar with Babel Street illuminates the trending behavior and tactics of users across the vast data landscape online. While traditional social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook will continue to be popular platforms of interest for sports chatter, this Webinar will also highlight the shift of users, particularly those nefarious in nature, who are moving to uncensored platforms, posting hate speech, planning action, and more. We will take a deep dive into this activity and show examples and use cases focused around the sports and entertainment industry. Babel Street employs a team of experts with backgrounds and real world experience with structured open source and social media discovery and analytics in a variety of public and private sectors.
HOST: Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX
PANELISTS:
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Eric Swanfeldt, Director of Commercial Accounts, Babel Street
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Erin Eizenstat, Director of Intelligence, MSA Security
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Justin Kelley, Vice President of International Operations, MSA Security
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
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There have been more recent news and studies about youth sports and the risk of spreading COVID-19 in these venues which have brought a great deal of concern to parents and those who work with our nation’s youth. Dr. Til Jolly, Aveshka’s Chief Medical Officer and IIFX Distinguished Fellow and Medical Task Force Chair, sits down with Skip Gilbert, CEO of US Youth Soccer. In this podcast, Mr. Gilbert sheds insight into the effects of COVID-19 on his organization and how the game of soccer, sports in general, and how our young athletes have been affected by the pandemic. They discuss the issues, and the precautions US Soccer took to ensure the safety of children when playing – at both indoor and outdoor venues, while taking into account the variances of state rules and mandates when competing. This podcast provides insights, guidance, and safe practices that are applicable not just for soccer, but for all youth sports as we continue navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, deal with variants of the virus, and prepare for future waves.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
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Sport is nothing without its fans. d&b Fanblock – powered by Autograph Stadium Sound combines technical and theatrical expertise to supply the emotionally charged atmosphere of a full stadium, arena or sports center while they are either empty or have greatly reduced seating capacity. d&b provides professional audio solutions to accurately transfer passions through high-end quality speech and music reproduction. d&b is internationally regarded as a leading company for sound reinforcement systems in installed and mobile applications, with a reputation for quality of construction, standard of service, systemintegration principles, and pioneering technological development. Founded in Germany in 1981, company headquarters are located in Backnang, near Stuttgart, where research, development, and production take place. Together with branch offices worldwide, the d&b team numbers more than 400 co-workers.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
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COVID Concessions – How Stadiums Can Adapt
Learn how top stadiums have adapted their concessions experience for COVID, the lessons they learned, and what it means for the future.
Mashgin provides a completely touchless self-checkout solution for sports stadiums. Utilizing computer vision, Mashgin rings up an entire tray of items at once without the need for barcodes – resulting in transactions up to 4x faster than cashiers. Stadiums that deploy Mashgin have seen their concessions throughput double and increased concessions sales as much as 34%.
Featured Speakers:
Alicia Woznicki, VP, Design & Development for Sports & Entertainment at Aramark
Taryn Donovan, Senior Director of Venue Services for the Mets
Jack Hogan, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Mashgin
Notable Quotables
- (ORACLE) 82% of people who use to attend live events say they miss the experience.
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(ORACLE) 85% are excited about return to stadium food food.
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(ORACLE) Providing self service options to fans makes attendees feel in control of their experience and creates a lasting impact beyond the event itself. They will play a huge role in boosting stadium attendance in the coming year.
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(Taryn) In the last year, we've had to completely reimagine the fan experience.
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(Taryn) A lot of the changes that we've made on the concession side are venues completely cashless.
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(Taryn) The goal is always to speed up transaction times while still providing a great guest experience.
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(Alicia) App engagement and teams are really trying to build that 360 frictionless experience from the time you leave your house, to the time you get to your house, making sure that every everything can be done kind of through your phone through your app...
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(Taryn) One of the biggest things for us is been the change to everything running through the MLB ballpark app, no more printed tickets, no more paper tickets...
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(Taryn) Our goal is contactless from the time that you park or cashless in parking to need to go to the box office to make a purchase for cashless there, your phone, use your phone to scan your tickets, and then you're inside the ballpark. You can order food beverage, we do retail order mobile ordering, you can you know pick it up, you never have to really interact with a staff member.
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(Alicia) We've built three different concepts around Mashgin technology, a "Fan Favorites Express" model, which is really traditional, classic, core menu items. You can grab off of a hotline, and people just kind of kind of queue up grab their own food, they have a much larger beverage variety, and then they can put everything down at once and check out themselves. And we have seen where we've implemented this concept a much higher throughput number and a higher sales volume.
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(Taryn) We first started with Mashgin technology, and in 2019, we only had them at walk through through locations. And this year, we just put them in our "Delta Marketplace," which is more of a general concessions for our seats right behind home plate. And I have heard so much great feedback.
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(Alicia) The challenge for us is how do we continue to meet these new expectations that fans who have been out have seen just in stadiums and in the greater marketplace, they want to be treated like a VIP, to get a much more personalized, convenient experience than you did before.
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(Alicia) When people shop on their own, we're seeing a 20% increase in average check, because they don't have that pressure of the line behind them or getting up there and having to make a decision.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
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How to Leverage Technologies to Improve the Fan Experience
The amount of new health and safety protocols creates additional challenges while maintaining an enjoyable fan experience during your re-opening efforts. Fans and visitors are excited to get back to their favorite past times, and you need to ensure their safety through every step of your facility. Your existing technology – including IP surveillance cameras, access control, and network audio devices – can support with your efforts by providing solutions beyond traditional security measures.
Join key industry experts for a panel-style discussion about creative surveillance technology uses and lessons learned in maintaining a positive fan experience while adhering to safety and health requirements. You’ll hear from Security Physical Security Specialist, Ahlonko Bruce, as he shares his experience in re-opening Chicago’s beloved United Center. He will be joined by Axis Communications’ Steve Burdet (Solution Management Manager) and Kevin Taylor (Segment Development Manager for Smart Cities) as they uncover unique uses for your existing infrastructure throughout every level of your facility – from your parking lot to fan seating – and every area in between.
Host: Kevin Taylor, Segment Development Manager, Smart Cities, Axis Communications
Panelist: Robert Muehlbauer, Senior Manager, Business Development, Axis Communications
Panelist: Ahlonko Bruce, Security Physical Security Specialist, United Center
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
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The innovative sanitation solutions company will explore some of the key challenges public organizations such as schools, universities and sports venues have faced since the onset of the pandemic and strategies to implement cost effective, safe and efficient disinfection procedures to create a safe environment for all.
The webinar explores a real world example of how one school district used innovation and cost cutting strategies to achieve safe and efficient solutions allowing them to safely re-open.
Timothy and Michele Petsch, founders and co-owners of TMI Salt Pure Corporation will discuss how sports and entertainment organizations of any size, with a particular focus on education, can quickly develop and implement scalable, cost-effective, and efficient cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting systems. We’ll go over how the systems ensure a safe environment for patrons that complies with CDC guidelines. With the increased need to disinfect high touch surfaces in public places budgets can get stretched thin and the supply chain and logistics can be problematic. The discussion will also include budget friendly solutions such as manufacturing disinfectant on site and reducing labor by disinfecting as you clean with Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl). HOCl is not only effective against COVID-SARS 2, but is also non-toxic, environmental and affordable. Our panelist is a representative from the Anchorage School District, Rob Holland, Director of Maintenance and Operations who has helped the district attain unprecedented cleanliness standards within a limited budget. Rob recently received a Denali Award for Excellence.
“Rob’s vision will literally save the District thousands of dollars over the next several years. His innovation and strategic thinking maximized the best outcome while effectively operating within a very limited budget,” said Senior Director of Maintenance and Operations Darin Hargraves.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
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Learn how the SilvaClean technology platform revolutionizes fabric hygiene to create a cleaner and safer overall environment.
Applied Silver is creating a world where everyday fabrics kill harmful bacteria, mold and mildew – for a cleaner, healthier world.
SilvaClean® patented cloud-based smart technology platform makes textiles residually antimicrobial. Clinically validated and proven to reduce pathogens and germs (for details refer to product label), SilvaClean® silver ions infuse fabric with active-pathogen and germ-killing properties. SilvaClean also eliminates odors, removes stains, and reduces static. Learn more about the SilvaClean science.
Join:
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Dr. Priya Balachandran – Priya is Applied Silver’s operational leader. Under this role, she oversees all of Applied Silver’s operations including Marketing, Product, Customer Service, Field Service, Manufacturing, IT and HR. She directly manages corporate and product marketing, customer collaborations and KOLs. Dr. Balachandran is an accomplished health technology executive with experience in commercializing disruptive innovations impacting outcomes in healthcare, biopharmaceuticals, sports medicine, and consumer products.
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Missy Travis – Missy is the founder of IP&C Consulting LLC, a consulting company that assists other Infection Preventionists, business owners, and sports teams develop an effective infection prevention program. She has 20 years of experience focusing on infection prevention techniques.
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Frank Belzer – As the SVP of Portfolio Sales at Universal Parks and Resorts, Frank oversees all domestic and international sales strategies for all four current and soon-to-be five theme park destinations. This oversight includes managing all trade partner relationships, development of unique programs for youth, military and other specialized groups, supervision of the call center, the hotels and the Universal Parks and Vacations Travel Company.
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Graham Siderius – Graham enters his 13th season with the Ducks and second as Vice President, Corporate Partnerships. In his capacity, Siderius oversees the organization’s Corporate Partnership team and related revenue, activation, and new business development for the Ducks and Honda Center. He also oversees Corporate Partnerships at FivePoint Arena and Great Park Ice, The Rinks operations and via contracts with the city of Anaheim, manages advertising sales for the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) marquee signs and naming rights sales efforts.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
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Venue Twin is the world’s most advanced 3D solution for stadiums and arenas. It opens new operational and commercial opportunities for venue owners, by creating a fully interactive 3D version of sports and entertainment venues.
Plan any event at your venue in real-time, easily and accurately moving any infrastructure, staff or any item to the exact place you need it to be, on any floor level. You can run customer walk-throughs remotely with incredible detail.
For fans considering buying tickets, Venue Twin has the most advanced 3D Seat View, even showing fans their route though the venue – ideal for families and fans with disabilities. While for sponsors and advertisers, Venue Twin enables corporate partners to plan and design their client hospitality with the fully interactive 3D Suite View. These are just some of the numerous commercial opportunities that our ground-breaking 3D Venue Twin technology provides.
Venue Twin has been developed by OnePlan, the world’s leading event planning platform.
Join Dr. Lou Marciani, the Director and Co-Founder of IIFX, Paul Foster, Founder of OnePlan, and Jason Fesyk, Supervisor of Stadium Major Events at Commonwealth Stadium at City of Edmonton, as they discuss how Venue Twin by OnePlan can help venue and event managers, sponsors, and other organizations with equities can plan and visualize sports and entertainment events of any size.
WHAT IS COVID TECH PLAYBOOK?
A Live Webinar Series – The Latest Innovative TECHnology Powering a Confident Return to Live Events.
Xperience, an IIFX technology network of enterprises and startups is producing a COVID-19 Return to Work, Play and Spectate Tech Talk Series. As we move into 2021, sports and entertainment organizations will prepare to reset/restart/reopen to fans. The process of opening a venue and delivering a live sports/entertainment experience has never been more difficult. Not only must venue operators meet medical and government requirements to ensure safety, while maintaining a security posture, they must also convince skeptical fans that the in-venue experience is worth it.
The Tech Talk Series will provide insight how these products may affect and assist your organization in the COVID-19 Return to Work, Play and Spectate. Technology provides some of the most important tools in the toolkit to help the sports and entertainment industry manage risk, signal they are ready to their staff and fans, reopen their doors, and deliver memory making experiences.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Nine months later, the four vaccines debuted in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia. The United States has since added another vaccine to the world’s public health arsenal in the fight against COVID-19 – more are certain to follow. The challenge is to overcome vaccine hesitancy so that the world can reach a level of herd immunity sufficient to interrupt the spread of COVID-19 so that we no longer fear it. For the sports and entertainment industry, herd immunity makes it possible to return to work, play, and spectate.
Dr. Til Jolly, Aveshka’s Chief Medical Officer and IIFX Distinguished Fellow, welcomes Dr. Bruce Gellin, the President of Global Immunization for the Sabin Vaccine Institute to discuss the latest on vaccines and the implications for getting back together with family and our larger community. He addresses vaccination and its role in helping the sports and entertainment industry return to work, play, and spectate.
Dr. Gellin served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health and Director of the National Vaccine Program Office at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where he was the principle technical, strategic and policy advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Health on all aspects of the National Vaccine Program. In this role, Dr. Gellin served as a technical and policy advisor to the World Health Organization, focusing on influenza vaccines and global issues of vaccine hesitancy.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
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One year ago this week, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Dr. Til Jolly, Aveshka’s Chief Medical Officer and IIFX Distinguished Fellow, touches base with Dr. Molly O’Shea, Pediatrician, Parent Coach, Writer, and Speaker (www.drmollyoshea.com) to examine how youth mental health has fared under year one of the pandemic. Dr. O’Shea emphasizes for parents, coaches, school leaders, or anyone that works with children, the criticality of addressing youth mental health issues and encouraging those that need help to get it. She also discusses how a safe return to sports and activities are a crucial step to getting our youth’s mental and physical welfare back on track.
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PRODUCER'S NOTE: Today is 11 March 2021, exactly one year to the day that the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 virus as a pandemic. As of this posting, there are more than 118 million people who have tested positive for the virus and more than 2.6 million deaths worldwide; a horrendous toll. There is hope the pandemic will pass into history next year as the rapid development and distribution of multiple vaccines signals the advent of herd immunity. While the world will never be free of COVID-19, the likelihood of it becoming something seasonal, like the flu, may make it manageable. One thing we know from our collective experience during the pandemic is that we are all still learning more about COVID-19. So IIFX, Aveshka, and the IIFX Medical Task Force will continue to bring you up to date information about COVID-19 and other public health and safety hazards.
DISCLAIMER: The Innovation Institute for Fan Experiences (IIFX) provides information to those in the sports and entertainment industry and other interested parties and to assist in operating events in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this podcast is not intended and is not designed to serve as an industry best practice and should not in any manner be considered a best practice for the sports and/or entertainment industries. While IIFX makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information, information provided in this podcast is “as is” without any warranty of accuracy, reliability, or otherwise, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or compliance with government regulations, or freedom from infringement. Neither IIFX nor its officers, directors, members, employees, volunteers, or agents will be liable for any loss, damage, or claim with respect to any liabilities, including direct, special, indirect, or consequential damages, incurred in connection with this podcast or reliance on the information presented.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
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rZERO - HOW TO PROTECT FANS, STAFF AND PLAYERS IN COVID-19 AND BEYOND
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is relentless, and challenges persist. With a desire to bring fans, staff, and players safely back to the arena, leaders are facing increased pressure to implement effective safety and disinfection protocols, fast. So, what is the best approach?
On March 4, 2021, IIFX and the biosafety company R-Zero discussed how to use UV-C to reduce the spread of infection. By incorporating the same multi-layered approach as hospitals, you can safely bring fans, staff, and players back to the arena.
As COVID-19 has expanded the need for highly effective disinfection solutions beyond patient rooms and operating rooms, arenas across the country are mapping hospital best practices to their own facilities. The highest standards for disinfection will not only help prevent the spread of COVID-19, but also other pathogens prevalent in luxury suites and lockers rooms, such as norovirus and the seasonal flu.
From this webinar you will learn:
-The efficacy of UV-C light, common myths, and how to evaluate it as an air and surface disinfection tool for your facilities.
-How to incorporate hospital-grade disinfection practices in your cleaning and disinfection protocols
-Why UV-C disinfection will make your fans, players, and staff feel safer when they are inside your venue.
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Dr. Richard L. Wade
A leading expert in toxicology, Dr. Richard L. Wade has spent the last 43 years in microbiological contamination, toxicology, and risk management roles for the corporate and governmental sectors, including through his time as deputy chief for occupational health Cal/OSHA. He currently serves as Chief Scientist for R-Zero, the first biosafety company dedicated to making the spaces we all live, learn, work, and play safer and clinically clean. He is an advocate for making UV-C light disinfection a regular part of daily cleaning and disinfection processes in the COVID-19 era and beyond.
Dr. Wade has provided technical consultation, risk management and mitigation strategies for some of the world’s most challenging contamination scenarios, including oil spills, the Ebola outbreak and the aftermath of fires and explosions. He has advised many prominent institutions over his career including the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Supreme Court, NASA and ABC News.
Dr. Wade received a Ph.D. and M.P.H. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and a B.S. in Biological Chemistry from the University of New Hampshire. He completed postdoctoral studies and training in risk management and corporate planning at Oxford University and the Executive Training Program in Health Policy and Management at Harvard University.
Eli Harris – President, Co-Founder
Eli is an entrepreneur passionate about democratizing technology to aid public health crises and disaster relief, and R-Zero is the most recent manifestation of that passion. Before co-founding R-Zero in April 2020, Eli founded Eco Flow, a portable energy storage company with a mission to develop renewable power solutions that are accessible to the most vulnerable. Eco Flow’s latest product was deployed to ad-hoc hospitals in Wuhan during the initial outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to that, Eli led international partnerships at DJI Technology, the global industry leader in drone development and manufacturing, where he traveled to more than 15 countries researching and testing how drones could support projects like search-and-rescue missions.
WHAT IS COVID TECH PLAYBOOK?
A Live Webinar Series – The Latest Innovative TECHnology Powering a Confident Return to Live Events. The Tech Series provides insight how these products may affect and assist your organization in the COVID-19 Return to Work, Play and Spectate.
COPYRIGHT 2021 BY IIFX
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Contact Tracing 101: Protecting Employee Safety & Privacy with Insight Connected Platform
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Insight is committed to serving as a good corporate citizen. This means conducting business with integrity, avoiding corruption of all kinds and reducing our impact on the environment.
We firmly believe technology inspires the spirit of togetherness, and we’ll continue to explore new innovations in technology with integrity and thoughtfulness at the heart of everything we do.
Ali Lavine, Insight (she will be available for Q&A at the end) and Ellen Brockley.
WHAT IS COVID TECH PLAYBOOK?
A Live Webinar Series – The Latest Innovative TECHnology Powering a Confident Return to Live Events.
Xperience, an IIFX technology network of enterprises and startups is producing a COVID-19 Return to Work, Play and Spectate Tech Talk Series. As we move into 2021, sports and entertainment organizations will prepare to reset/restart/reopen to fans. The process of opening a venue and delivering a live sports/entertainment experience has never been more difficult. Not only must venue operators meet medical and government requirements to ensure safety, while maintaining a security posture, they must also convince skeptical fans that the in-venue experience is worth it.
The Tech Talk Series will provide insight how these products may affect and assist your organization in the COVID-19 Return to Work, Play and Spectate. Technology provides some of the most important tools in the toolkit to help the sports and entertainment industry manage risk, signal they are ready to their staff and fans, reopen their doors, and deliver memory making experiences.
- Google Calendar+ iCal Export
DETAILS
Date: February 18
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Website:
https://www.insight.com/en_US/home.html
COVID TECH PLAYBOOK
SEASON 1, EPISODE 4
Copyright 2021 by IIFX
All Rights Reserved
“Now, Back to the Game”; Using Scalable AI-Enabled IoT to Get Fans Safely Back In Seats and Empower Your Team
Sports and entertainment facilities have been hit hard by the global pandemic, IntelliSite is helping fans back in their seats to enjoy the game or concert with smart, data-driven services.
Learn how IntelliSite is guiding facilities large and small ‘build-back-better’ by designing end-to-end cloud-native, extensible suite of IoT AI-enabled solutions. Increasing public safety and accuracy of incident reporting, for CDC compliance as well as an array of security-focused safety outcomes. All centrally managed with Platinum-level support.
“There are no ‘off-the-shelf’ smart stadiums or arenas; every facility brings with it unique challenges and opportunities,” explains Ken Mills, CEO of EPIC IO, IntelliSite and Broad Sky Networks. “Our solutions are guided by the desired outcomes, launching projects with a ‘smart community as a service’ mindset means taking incremental steps to drive results.”
Some of the IntelliSite solutions we will be reviewing include:
IntelliSite’s hBM (Heuristic Based Monitoring) – Keep your fans, staff and teams safe and remain compliant with CDC Guidelines– conduct thermal scans in motion with accuracy, identify mask usage and monitor occupancy from one central location.
IntelliSite’s Solutions for Smart & Safe Communities – AI Enabled IoT to make your stadiums and arenas safer.
SPEAKER INFORMATION
Ken Mills serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Epic IO, IntelliSite & Broad Sky Networks.
Ken has an early background in nuclear physics and reactor engineering, and over 20 years of business-to-business technology and information security expertise.
IntelliSite Corporation, a portfolio company of DFW Capital Partners, delivers outcomes for our customers across IoT, Safety & Security and Computer Vision.
Founded in 2001, IntelliSite has evolved its turnkey IoT solutions to a wide range of managed applications that create connected businesses and actionable outcomes.
IntelliSite, with hundreds of deployed applications across the U.S., Europe and Latin America, provides enterprise-scale solutions spanning across the healthcare, public works, financial, energy, agriculture, retail, and education markets. IntelliSite provides a proven solution that utilizes high-volume, high-analytic IoT services that produce measurable results. Strategic partners include DELL, Verizon, World Wide Technology, Inc., Cisco, Intel amongst others.
WHAT IS COVID TECH PLAYBOOK?
A Live Webinar Series – The Latest Innovative TECHnology Powering a Confident Return to Live Events.
Xperience, an IIFX technology network of enterprises and startups is producing a COVID-19 Return to Work, Play and Spectate Tech Talk Series. As we move into 2021, sports and entertainment organizations will prepare to reset/restart/reopen to fans. The process of opening a venue and delivering a live sports/entertainment experience has never been more difficult. Not only must venue operators meet medical and government requirements to ensure safety, while maintaining a security posture, they must also convince skeptical fans that the in-venue experience is worth it.
The Tech Talk Series will provide insight how these products may affect and assist your organization in the COVID-19 Return to Work, Play and Spectate. Technology provides some of the most important tools in the toolkit to help the sports and entertainment industry manage risk, signal they are ready to their staff and fans, reopen their doors, and deliver memory making experiences.
COVID TECH PLAYBOOK
Xperience, an IIFX technology network of enterprises and startups is producing a COVID-19 Return to Work, Play and Spectate Tech Talk Series. This is the second episode of the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience's (IIFX) COVID-TECH Playbook series. Dr. Lou Marciani, the IIFX Director and the host of Dr. Lou's Views, welcomes Kyle Hopkins, Vice President of Business Development for VOS Systems LLC.
As we move into 2021, sports and entertainment organizations will prepare to reset/restart/reopen to fans. The process of opening a venue and delivering a live sports/entertainment experience has never been more difficult. Not only must venue operators meet medical and government requirements to ensure safety, while maintaining a security posture, they must also convince skeptical fans that after watching sports and entertainment events from their homes during the pandemic, the in-venue experience is worth it.
COVID Tech Playbook is a forum for technology companies who are delivering real solutions to helps sports and entertainment organizations in the COVID-19 Return to Work, Play, and Spectate. Technology provides some of the most important tools in the toolkit to help the sports and entertainment industry manage risk, signal they are ready to their staff and fans, reopen their doors, and deliver memory making experiences. AlertTrace provides automated contact tracing services using wearable devices to help mitigate the spread of infectious disease by helping determine when someone has had close contact with an infected person and ensuring compliance with social distancing requirements.
ALERTTRACE
Is your organization having trouble following CDC guidelines? Manual contact tracing is not accurate, contacts can be easily missed or forgotten, and social distancing can be hard to enforce in the workplace.
AlertTrace is a sophisticated and affordable contact tracing solution that offers a unified approach in ensuring all your bases are covered. With zero tracking or GPS capabilities, user-friendly software, and encrypted and secured anonymous data for maximum privacy protection, AlertTrace technology assists you in keeping your employees safe and your organization in operation.
How It Works (From the AlertTrace website)
Assign
Unique ID’s are used to match employees to an AlertTrace wearable. Wearables are then deployed to the workforce – much like ID badges.
Capture
AlertTrace wearables, using real-time measurements, capture “contacts” when within a specific distance of another wearable. AlertTrace captures the contact with full data security and protection of personal privacy.
Trace
Critical contact data is viewable on our analytics dashboard. This platform can be used to quickly trace the contact history of positive cases of infection to alert those most at risk.
HOST: Kyle Hopkins, Vice President of Business Development , VOS Systems LLC
Music by: Volodymyr Piddubnyk (Epic Awards Ceremony Opening Fanfare), available on Storyblocks.
NTT Ltd. - IIFX COVID TECH PLAYBOOK
Leveraging NTT Smart Solutions to Revolutionize the Stadium Experience
This is the first segment of the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience's (IIFX) COVID-TECH Playbook series. Dr. Lou Marciani, the IIFX Director and the host of Dr. Lou's Views, welcomes Bill Baver, the Vice President of NTT SMART WORLD as he hosts his team of NTT experts who explain how to leverage NTT Smart Solutions to Revolutionize the Stadium Experience as we return to work, play, and spectate.
You will hear from NTT experts about some of the key challenges sports organizations are facing right now and how technology and data can help them solve these to become more resilient.
Our NTT experts will share real world examples of how sports events and organizations across cycling, baseball, car racing and golf have leveraged Smart Solutions to improve fan safety and enhance the overall fan experience by enabling them to better follow and engage with their favorite sports and athletes.
You will leave this session with some concrete ideas on how to accelerate your own Smart Sports journey, where to start and how to grow a small pilot into a project that will revolutionize your all business.
About NTT
NTT is a leading global technology and services provider for your digital journey: from planning and strategic design, to implementation, deployment and ongoing support.
NTT Smart Solutions can help transform your data into actionable intelligence. Powered by a big data engine, our solutions can calibrate and curate data in record time with highly accurate results to reveal trends that are hidden in your data.
To accelerate Smart Sports, we have developed Stadium solutions with enhanced occupancy control and we’re proud to be part of the global holding company under NTT, called NTT Incorporated (Inc.) Jun Sawada, current President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for NTT, is also the CEO of NTT Inc. For more information, please visit www.global.ntt.
Host and Panelists
HOST: Bill Baver, Vice President of NTT SMART World
PANELISTS
· Bennett Indart, Vice President of NTT SMART World
· Peter Gray, Senior Vice President, Advanced Technology for Sport, NTT
· Akhil Uniyal, Vice President of Growth & Strategy for Smart Sport, NTT
· Kirk Compton, Vice President Cloud & Enterprise Application Management Services Sales, NTT
Music by: Volodymyr Piddubnyk (Epic Awards Ceremony Opening Fanfare). Available on Storyblocks
Anyone involved in Interscholastic Athletics -- you don't want to miss this virtual forum on the medical risk of returning to play and spectate co-hosted by IIFX and the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Our panelists include: Dr. Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS); Andre Walker, Director of Athletics, Houston Independent School District; Guy Grace, former Director of Security, Littleton Public Schools; and Nancy Beatty, Director of Athletics at Providence Day School. https://iifx.org/playbook/
**MODERATOR:
B. TILMAN JOLLY, MD, FACEP CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, AVESHKA**
PANEL:
Umair A. Shah – Executive Director, Harris County (TX) Public Health
Michael Anderson, MD – Professor of Pediatrics at UCSF
Mario Continho – VP Stadium Operations & Security Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club
Aveshka's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Til Jolly was selected to serve as a Distinguished Fellow for the newly launched Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX).
A significant portion of Aveshka's consulting, innovation, and technology service areas are actively involved in supporting COVID-19 response efforts, providing tailored approaches to ensure operational continuity, a safe return to operations, and readiness for future crises for any type of organization. IIFX's selection of Dr. Jolly as a Distinguished Fellow adds an innovative and knowledgeable leader in the realms of public health and safety, clinical medicine, preparedness, event operations, and risk communications to its coalition of subject matter experts.
"Stadiums, arenas, and other venues are critical parts of communities around the world," said Dr. Jolly. "As we focus on health risks, I am pleased to bring Aveshka's all-hazards, data-driven preparedness approach to work with the IIFX as its leadership and advisory teams work with leaders from various disciplines to make the fan experience not only a great one, but a safe one, now and in the future."
"The Innovation Institute is very fortunate to have Dr. Jolly accept the role as a Distinguished Fellow," said Dr. Lou Marciani, Director and Co-Founder of IIFX. "His accomplishments and real-world experience in sports league emergency preparedness, event operations, and risk communications are invaluable. As we move through the COVID-19 pandemic and take on any future event, his health risks guidance will help navigate new and existing challenges facing the sports and entertainment industry."
ABOUT AVESHKA, INC.Aveshka is a thought leader that integrates strategy, technology and innovation to deliver cutting edge, breakthrough solutions that strengthen the nation against security threats. Aveshka accelerates the advantage for its customers' missions, rendering them protected today and prepared for a safer and smarter tomorrow. Visit www.aveshka.com.
ABOUT THE INNOVATION INSTITUTE FOR FAN EXPERIENCEIIFX, with offices in the USA, UK, and Canada is a member-funded and member-informed organization that is the leading and most trusted global authority on providing safety, security, and fan experience for sports and entertainment. Visit www.iifx.org.
This episode leverages the knowledge and experience of outstanding thought leaders in the sports, entertainment and the medical community, identify key learnings, questions, and decisions that must be made during the “Great Wait” to safely return to work, play and spectate and make informed and innovative recommendations to guide these industries forward.
MODERATOR:
B. TILMAN JOLLY, MD, FACEP CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER, AVESHKA
PANEL:Jim Mercurio– Executive Vice President and General Manager, San Francisco 49ers
Jeff Steele – Associate Athletic Director/Facilities & Operations, Auburn University
Joe Lewis – CEO, Joe Lewis Company
Rob Nied, MD – Team Physician, Golden State Warriors
Episode 11 - 'We, The Fans - Critical International Insights.'
Michael O'Connell of Critical Insights Consultancy, gives us his perspectives on the future of sports and entertainment and when and how he thinks fans will be able to return to spectate.
The second in our series: #CoronavirusRiskPlaybook, Wed. Oct. 28, 12-1 CST.
Wembley Stadium in London, UK, is an internationally recognized, iconic, world class venue with 90,000 seats known for hosting major football (soccer), NFL and concert events.
Listen to Wembley's seasoned Director and Medical/Safety team whose experience through COVID provide excellent insights.
Wembley Stadium in London is an internationally recognized, iconic, world class venue with 90,000 seats known for hosting major football (soccer), NFL and concert events. Hear live from Wembley's seasoned Director and Medical/Safety team whose experience through COVID will provide excellent insight. You don't want to miss this second in our series: COVID RISK PLAYBOOK, Wed. Oct. 28, 12-1 CST. See flyer below. REGISTER AT THIS LINK: https://iifx.org/playbook/
On Wednesday, 21 October 2020, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) hosted the first of four weekly forums running between 21 October and 11 November 2020. This series presents and interprets current scientific information on COVID-19 in the context of venue operations. This information is presented by the IIFX medical team, composed of public health, professional sports physicians, health industry and medical professionals, and industry thought leaders, and practitioners.
The series is designed to help venue owners, event planners, event managers, fans, parents, and anyone with an interest in returning to work, play, and spectate, to cut through the noise and develop actionable plans to restore business operations and build resilience to future shocks.
The four-part series concludes November 11th, a week before IIFX’s International Conference & Expo that will be held November 17th and 18th.
This first session in the Coronavirus Playbook series begins October 21st — Youth Sports-What Is The Medical Risk for Returning to Play & Spectate.
The Forum begins at 12 noon CST. The session is structured to provide good, accurate, and actionable information to help youth sports event planners and managers identify the key learnings, question, and decisions that must be made during the “Great Wait” to safety return to play and spectate.
Each forum in the series runs an hour; with individual presentations by the participants lasting from 5-7 minutes, with 3-4 presenters for each session. A moderator will facilitate the discussion and an audience Q&A for the remainder of the time. The forums are presented via Zoom. The content and subject of each session are attuned to current conditions and information relevant to the sport and entertainment industry.
On Wednesday, 21 October 2020, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) will host the first of four weekly forums running between 21 October and 11 November 2020. This series presents and interprets current scientific information on COVID-19 in the context of venue operations. This information is presented by the IIFX medical team, composed of public health, professional sports physicians, health industry and medical professionals, and industry thought leaders, and practitioners.
The series is designed to help venue owners, event planners, event managers, fans, parents, and anyone with an interest in returning to work, play, and spectate, to cut through the noise and develop actionable plans to restore business operations and build resilience to future shocks.
The four-part series concludes November 11th, a week before IIFX’s International Conference & Expo that will be held November 17th and 18th.
This first session in the Coronavirus Playbook series begins October 21st — Youth Sports-What Is The Medical Risk for Returning to Play & Spectate. The Forum begins at 12 noon CST. The session is structured to provide good, accurate, and actionable information to help youth sports event planners and managers identify the key learnings, question, and decisions that must be made during the “Great Wait” to safety return to play and spectate.
Each forum in the series runs an hour; with individual presentations by the participants lasting from 5-7 minutes, with 3-4 presenters for each session. A moderator will facilitate the discussion and an audience Q&A for the remainder of the time. The forums are presented via Zoom. The content and subject of each session are attuned to current conditions and information relevant to the sport and entertainment industry.
Over the past 35 years, Russ Simons has been involved in nearly every facet of the sports and entertainment facility industry in the United States - from design and construction to operations, marketing and public relations, to safety & security.
At Venue Solutions Group, Russ directs the firm’s safety, security, risk and crowd management operations. He works with operators at every level from college to every major professional league. His work goes hand-in-hand with architects & engineers to design facilities that are safe, operationally efficient and sustainable.
IIFX caught up with Russ at the newly completed 5 billion dollar state of the art SoFi stadium in LA, to discuss the challenges of the pandemic, future solutions and how he thinks we will be able to “Return to Work, Play and Spectate”
Over the last 20 years, Joe Lewis has been involved in live television and event production, working as the driving force behind some of the biggest live fan experiences television events, and sporting events in the world.
With humble beginnings in the mailroom of Sony Pictures, Joe fought through the ranks of the entertainment industry to build a full-service production, design, build and event business, Joe Lewis Company (JLC). In late 2019, JLC became the majority investor in television format leader Small World International and launched a partnership with a leading hologram platform PORTL.
The firm boasts a world-class, multi-disciplinary tribe; all armed with a wide range of in-house resources and services. In addition to the top TV and Film Studios, some clients include the NFL, Oscars, MGM, Netflix, LA Chargers, AEG, MAC Cosmetics, ViacomCBS, NBA, BET Networks, Warner Media Group and William Morris / Endeavor among others.
In addition to leading JLC, Joe serves as Producer of The Oscars Pre Show, Grammy Awards Red Carpet, and the Special Olympics World Games. He is an Entertainment Advisor for the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4). In March 2020, he launched the Entertainment Industry Resource as a single-source COVID-19 health & safety services compliance resource for productions and events. He is passionate in his support of Special Olympics International and his scholarship fund supporting students with unique potential – Big Dreams.
While the pandemic will eventually pass, the world has been awakened to the reality that the way we do business can change overnight, and in an industry that depends on the very idea of gathering people together, we must be ready for anything.
The Innovation Institute is a member-funded and member-informed organization that has named an unparalleled group of Institute Fellows representing the best and the brightest in the industry. Through expert collaboration, the Innovation Institute is building the largest global alliance to lead a world of sport and entertainment that has been forever changed and informed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
With challenges ranging from pandemics to terrorism to protests, thought leader Peter Dalton’s insights are valuable to any organization navigating the path of organizing safe and secure events moving forward.
The Innovation Institute for Fan Experience is proud to present the second in 'Return To Work, Play and Spectate' podcast series with safety and security experts in sports and entertainment around the world.