About VenuWorks » News
November 23, 2009 - Pollock, Hoyt Sherman Place Named to Venues Today Hall of Headlines
Hoyt Sherman Place, managed by VenuWorks, and its Executive Director, Carol Pollock, were recently named runners up in the 2009 Hall of Headlines Award by nationally recognized live entertainment industry publication Venues Today.
Pollock and her staff were nominated in the Bookings category for booking 37 concerts/shows in 2009, triple the number of events in the past three years; growing attendance by 25 percent, increasing the number of active promoters using the venue from five to 13; and enticing a movie shoot for "Janie Jones" in September. VenuWorks has reduced the operating deficit by $150,000 from its first full year of management in 2007.
"What an incredible honor for Carol and her staff to receive recognition on a national scale in a venue with 1,200 seats," said Steve Peters, VenuWorks President. "Not only do they book the Theatre but they schedule and manage a significant amount of events in the Art Galleries."
Hoyt Sherman Place was the only nomination for a theatre and for a venue under 5,000 seats. The Bookings category was won by Marc Geiger (WME Entertainment), Gregg Perloff (Another Planet Entertainment) and Brad Parsons (ArenaNetwork) for the successful launch of another exciting, new, arena touring event - "Star Wars in Concert." Other nominations included AEG for its "This Is It" tour and public memorial services and venues in Las Vegas, Tulsa, Ontario and Auckland, New Zealand.
"We were thrilled to hear the news," said Mary Sheldahl, HSP Foundation Board President. "When we signed on with VenuWorks as the management company, we knew we were getting a company that not only understood the local market but who was recognized nationally as well."
Pollock, working along with management from Terrace Hill and Salisbury House, introduced "Mardi Gras" to Des Moines with a Gala Fundraiser in February 2009. The fundraiser featured receptions at each home with a concert by Marcia Ball and BeauSoleil at Hoyt Sherman Place.
"We are honored to be recognized by our industry peers," said Pollock. "The economy continues to be a challenge and we are thankful for the support we receive from Des Moines and the surrounding communities for our events."
BACKGROUND
VenuWorks is well known for its success in providing full management services for arenas, theaters, and convention centers, which are primarily under the governance of municipalities, counties, colleges, and universities. VenuWorks, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, serves 33 facilities in 17 communities throughout the US. It also manages food and beverage operations and provides event booking and promotion services. VenuWorks also performs feasibility studies and consulting work for clients with existing and prospective public assembly facilities.
#30#