| 7:00 p.m. | Board Advisors Reception: ALSD, Design, Tech Board Advisors & IIFX Distinguished Fellows
Game Night: Indianapolis Indians vs. Memphis RedBirds at Victory Field |
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| 8:00 a.m. | Registration Open All Day |  |
| 8:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. |
Exhibitor Set Up | |
| 2:00 p.m. | New Attendee Meeting
Winning High Consequence Conversations |
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| 3:00 p.m. | Opening Keynote: Interview with Tamika Catchings | |
| 3:30 p.m. | Placemaking Super Panel: The Indy Narrative
Built on big events and a strategy to use sports as an economic driver, Indianapolis has developed into a destination unlike any other. With its sports facilities and hotels are largely in downtown, coupled with hundreds of the largest sports events on the planet, Indianapolis is a placemaking legend. Join the panel to understand what makes a city a star, and how your own should take note. |
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| 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. |
All-Attendee Opening Tradeshow Reception | |
| 7:00 p.m. | Bus Departures for Lucas Oil Stadium Busses shuttle guests to and from; Guests may walk back. |
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| 7:00 p.m. | Tour and Reception at Lucas Oil Stadium | |
| 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. |
All Attendee Tradeshow Breakfast | |
| 8:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. |
Bullseye One-to-One Meetings | |
| 9:00 a.m. |
State of the Industry
It’s been an incredible year of change in the major league venue world and this year’s State of the Industry will get you up to speed with all the changes taking place with new venues, naming rights deals, team moves, and all the intrigue of potential changes in the works. Beyond the latest new builds and renovations, come for our special spotlight on “Super Hosts: Cities that Shine” where we will examine the cities that perennially host the biggest sporting events, winning bids for Super Bowls, Final Fours and other major events year-in, year-out. What’s the secret sauce? |
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| 9:30 a.m. |
Visionary Award Presentation
2023 Recipient: Mel Raines, President & COO, Pacers Sports & Entertainment |
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| 9:45 a.m. |
Super Panel: Fieldhouse of the Future
The recently wrapped $360 million renovation of Gainbridge Fieldhouse will be on full display for ALSD attendees. Before tours begin, let’s learn about the operational lift, premium product mix, and feature elements of the arena’s surrounding cityscape. |
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| 10:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. |
League Day Part I
Teams and Venues only may attend League and Standalone Meetings |
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| 11:45 a.m. 1:10 p.m. |
League Day: The Mega Brainstorm; Premium Teams and Venues only
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Understanding the Modern Fan Mindset Attracting, growing, and retaining a loyal fan base is the central mission of sports and entertainment organizations. As competition for the out-of-home entertainment dollar intensifies and lifestyles center around the home, though, a deeper, more sophisticated, and data-driven approach is required to satisfy modern sports fan.
Today’s sports business leaders should foster a culture of innovation, highlighting best practices for building and scaling technology initiatives across organizations.
Novelty has its place in the premium design landscape. But what really distinguishes a design is leading with functionality and flexibility, followed by form. Let’s look at several case histories from inside and outside of sports that deliver on the premium and practical objectives.
This panel will delve into the role of data and analytics in driving revenue, operational efficiency, and fan engagement across sports and entertainment organizations, highlighting real-world examples of success.
Venues tell a story. Often the fans, former and current athletes, celebrations of city and state jump off the pages. In this session, learn how you can lean into location-based design to enhance each celebrated chapter in your team and venue story.
Women leading the way in the sports & entertainment industry, serving in leadership and executive roles in security, safety, event operations, guest services, risk management, and more. Our distinguished panel talks 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.
This panel will discuss how sports and entertainment organizations are leveraging CRM and personalization strategies to build long-term relationships with fans, increase loyalty, and drive revenue.
As stadiums become more dependent on online networks, professional sports and entertainment entities become increasingly threatened by cyberattacks. What are the specific threats and risks, and how do we mitigate them?
Is your venue the heartbeat of your city? Could it also be the catalyst to economic, real estate, education, and corporate growth. Learn what we have learned, what’s working, and what should you lean into to make your venue and surrounding district a reservoir of growth opportunity?
| 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
All Attendee Tradeshow Lunch | |
| 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. |
Bullseye One-to-One Meetings | |
| 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. |
League Day Part II | |
A detailed perspective on why everyone needs a seat at the table. In this session, Marketing, Suites, Sales, Food & Beverage professionals are paired with Safety, Security & Event Operations to better understand the practical importance of working together prior, during and after an incident, emergency and/or crisis. Professionals from all aspects of game and event operations are invited to explore specific techniques and work real-world event scenarios to better ensure your team's preparedness.
At the very least, fan experience begins with the expectation of a clean and well-lit venue. While this is absolutely necessary, it's also absolutely overlooked. There is an art and a science behind keeping a place always ready for game time. Here is how it is done by Canada's largest privately owned janitorial and facility maintenance company with over 8,000 employees - Scandinavian Building Services.
Indiana has gained a reputation as the preeminent host for major events and is now actively developing a thriving sports tech ecosystem. Sports Tech HQ was formed to help Indiana focus on future technology business opportunities. Learn from firms on emerging tech and more about Sports Tech HQ.
Have fun discovering the latest trends in AR, VR, and interactive content. Sports and entertainment entities are constantly pressed to create more immersive, engaging, and unforgettable experiences for fans. Let the tools we have available help in the mission.
The fan experience is more than what happens during live sports or entertainment events, it is created and curated during each step of their journey before, during, and after the event. A venue’s design and how it is built can create a seamless flow from parking areas to the venue and from space-to-space. Safety and security are inherent parts of the overall design and build of every venue and event and can be the decisive factors in the overall experience. Purposeful design and smart construction can mitigate safety and security risks and make the fans feel safe and secure.
Delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of ticketing technology and its close relationship with digital identity. We will shed light on the current state of ticketing, explore the transformative potential of digital identity, and discuss the future possibilities that lie ahead.
| 3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. |
Bullseye One-to-One Meetings | |
ROSSETTI’s Return on DesignTM successfully translates data into high-performing architectural concepts. RODTM bridges the art of design and the science of data. We will discuss how this strategic approach validates design decisions by proactively defining a project’s payback period and revenue lift. Matt Rossetti will open your eyes to what is possible via some very recognizable sports renovation examples. The ROI for your venue renovation has never looked this good.
Enabling smart networks to meet fans demands has gone beyond the underlying infrastructure that provides wireless connectivity. It has been elevated to a new era of delivering wireless experiences that provide a seamless journey for venue guests and endless mobility to the applications that deliver on the next G. This session will discuss how JMA’s scalable network platform has powered more professional sports stadiums with seamless upgrades for the Big Game than any other.
| 4:30 p.m. |
IIFX Attendees Depart for NCAA: Walking | |
| 5:00 p.m. |
All-Attendee Tradeshow Happy Hour | |
| 5:00 p.m. |
Bullseye One-to-One Meetings | |
| 5:00 p.m. |
IIFX Reception and Hall of Fame Induction at NCAA Headquarters | |
| 6:30 p.m. |
Bus Departures for Gainbridge Fieldhouse | |
| 6:30 p.m. |
Tour and Reception at Gainbridge Fieldhouse | |
| 8:30 a.m. |
Opening Address and Welcome
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| 8:30 a.m. |
A Celebration of the Venue Marketplace and Industry Achievements
ALSD’s annual Spotlight competition returned in 2023, and the winners are the cream of the crop. Additionally, IIFX joins the celebration featuring four winners as part of their IIFX Innovation Awards. Join us to crown winners from Spotlight categories such as suites, clubs, culinary creations, amenities, technology, and new premium offerings and IIFX categories like woman innovator and venue award. |
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| 9:00 a.m. |
The Mega Trends Shaping Premium Seating
Shifting consumer needs, rapid technology improvements, and powerful macro-economic forces are having a big (and mostly positive) impact on our industry. In the next decade, these forces will alter the way we work and the type of products buyers demand. It’s more important than ever for those of us in the premium seating industry consider lessons from adjacent industries and think strategically as we make bold bets on the future of premium seating. |
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| 9:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. |
Rooted in the Real World
Venues that capture real-world luxury are thriving. As the trend towards premium experiences that marry exclusive access with luxurious intent grows, venue experts Forward Associates and ASM consider what luxury looks like in the real world and how food and drink and other standalone experiences are changing the way venues operate. |
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| 10:00 a.m. |
Beyond the Pitch: Soccer’s New Downtown District – “Eleven Park”
Eleven Park is a transformational riverfront neighborhood development in downtown Indianapolis, anchored by a 20,000 seat multi-purpose soccer stadium and will showcase premier retail, restaurants, residential, office space, public plazas, entertainment venues and much more. Eleven Park will be an experience and a destination for those looking to live, work and play in downtown Indianapolis. |
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10:40 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
As corporate and individual buyers and buying patterns evolve and the desire for flexibility increases, it’s important to adapt and address new needs. New lead generation tools can assist in this new era, as can creating bespoke packages for the right buyer, using the right channels. This session will help understand how to maximize sales and efficiencies in today's market.
Step behind-the-scenes as we explore the digital strategy at TD Garden. Join us as we dive into the integrations across the venue, team, and district, and discover the successes achieved, as well as the invaluable lessons learned throughout the process.
The Blank Family of Businesses Core Values are Lead by Example, Put People First, Innovate Continuously, Giveback to Others, Listen & Respond, and Include Everyone. These core values are the essential elements that power our people, culture, policy, process, tools, and technology to create and consistently deliver world-class fan, guest and customer experiences every time, everywhere, every opportunity, no exceptions.
Gone are the days when suites were the only option. Today, venues must continually evolve their premium offerings to match the desired experience of their clients. This session will explore not only new premium spaces such as lofts and upper level premium clubs, but also how to educate our clients on the why, where, and what to buy options.
11:20 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
When it comes to guest experience satisfaction, our frontline staff are the face of our venues. While not breaking news, what is new is dealing with the challenges of hiring, retaining, and inspiring individuals in this post-COVID world of venue management. Not only do we need these team members to show up in numbers, but do so with the enthusiasm and commitment necessary to help ensure an exceptional guest experience.
Engage with a panel of Sports & Entertainment leaders to learn how to enhance fan experiences through better digital engagement strategy, all while improving venue productivity. Brief presentations from each panelist will be followed by interactive Q&A discussions with attendees.
Indy Eleven’s President answers questions about the new 20,000-seat multi-purpose stadium in downtown Indianapolis. Operations, premium seating, F&B will all be addressed with an underpinning of fan experience in mind.
The future of the live events industry depends on our collective ability to get the next generation of fans off the couch and into the venue. Join our session to learn how some of the best in the business engage and retain this underserved consumer with innovative products, features, and experiences.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) hosts the World’s Largest Single Day Sporting Event – the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race – with over 330,000 fans in attendance. Join NTT and the IMS to hear about what they are doing to enhance the journey of the fan, both inside and outside the venue for the Indianapolis 500, Brickyard Weekend, and other fan events. Whether watching an event live or virtually, fans enjoy live, data-driven sporting insights not available in the past.
| 12:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. |
All-Attendee Tradeshow Lunch
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| 12:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. |
Bullseye One-to-One Meetings
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12:30 p.m. - 12:55 p.m.
Innovation is fundamental to economic growth and quality of life. With the increase in camera systems, both number and resolution, and new breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence; video analytics is making the world safer, smarter and more cost effective, and is redefining businesses.
In this Solution Session, Boldyn Networks’ Crystal Poncsak, Senior Director of Wireless Solutions, and Jammie Witherspoon, Senior Director of Technical Solutions, will be joined by an executive from T-Mobile Arena to explore how we delivered best-in-class 5G connectivity to Las Vegas' most iconic sports and entertainment venue and home to the 2023 Stanley Cup champions. The robust 5G distributed antenna system (DAS) network supports all 5G spectrum bands and major wireless carriers to provide a seamless and high-quality mobile connection throughout the venue.
InControl is a global manufacturer of simulation software that creates digital twins for critical infrastructures. We offer a comprehensive integrated platform for Crowd Management, Traffic, Manufacturing, and Logistics.
Our simulation solutions provide supply chain and crowd simulation output data, 2D and 3D models, and VR visualization. We have successfully implemented our solutions across multiple industries worldwide, with particular expertise in simulating large-scale logistical systems and infrastructures related to the sports and entertainment industry.
Modern Venues have become overwhelmed with wireless devices communicating across a broad range of licensed and unlicensed spectrums. Finding clean space for IoT devices and other emerging use cases dictates the need to tap into new frequency bands to reduce interference. This session talks about use cases and technologies leveraging Wi-fi 6E, CBRS, LoRAWAN, and other licensed & unlicensed spectrums.
The leader in data and wealth intelligence on the global High Net Worth population, Altrata solutions equip Sports and Entertainment organizations with consumer-centric insights to craft more impactful and efficient strategies geared towards your most valuable fans. Altrata’s robust Analytics offering (via Wealth-X VHNW & UHNW research) uncovers unique insights on the world’s most complex and wealthy consumers – highlighting Sports as the leading interest and passion of individuals with a net worth of $5M or more.
1:00 p.m. - 1:25 p.m.
Join Mallory Eichhorn (FEVO) and top FEVO clients as they share expertise on leveraging online platforms to transform the premium and suite sales landscape. Topics will include: using immersive visuals, data and audience targeting to sell premium inventory; how to create a seamless and personalized online experience for high-value clientele; and other insights to help your organization remain at the forefront of the revolution in selling premium online!
Providing a good (safe) fan experience continues to push the safety and security perimeter of a venue outward. In this session, you'll hear about one technology that helps address the growing risk and threat of gun violence, including a case study on how one venue is taking action.
Did you know that according to an Oracle Future Stadiums report, 30% of fans across the globe marked being able to stay in their seat as top priority for the overall fan experience?
Join Justin Antonacci, CFO of Mercedes Benz Stadiums and Richard Wallace, Head of Sales, North America at AiFi Inc, leading provider of frictionless checkout solutions as they chat about how AiFi’s autonomous checkout is helping Mercedes Benz Stadiums increase revenue, reduce wait time, and keep fans in their seats and in front of the action longer.
Join us for an insightful session on the powerful combination of Private Wireless and Wi-Fi technologies in sports venues. As the demand for high-quality connectivity continues to grow, sports facilities are faced with the challenge of providing seamless, robust, and high-capacity wireless networks to enhance the fan experience and back of house operations. In this session, we will explore how private wireless and Wi-Fi networks can complement each other to create a comprehensive connectivity solution.
WW&L will be joined by the Kansas City Current and KU Athletics to spotlight how innovative gifting and printed souvenir tickets with embedded QR codes can cost-effectively ignite virtual experiences that monetize premium fans, starting before stadium construction/renovation through kickoff, tip-off or when the first pitch is thrown.
One session, two case studies. First, learn how the Colorado Rockies worked closely with Cambria to completely change the portfolio of suite experiences at Coors Field, creating the WOW factor. Secondly, explore the Jacksonville Jaguars' amazing new Wellness and Training Facility, and see how The Miller Electric Center uses Cambria to provide elevated finishes and health-safety features throughout.
1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
A fan’s first impression is everything! It’s an experience with the user at the forefront of every decision that will establish better trust and more meaningful interactions with their customer. Creating an interactive experience that keeps you entertained and excited throughout means you must UNLEASH the FAN within. Everyone involved in the events must play a bigger game. They must embody the biggest fan from the crazy fun lunatic to the silent celebrity. Just BE THE FAN!
Using the recent installation of the Field Suites inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA we will discuss how the design and implementation team supported the ideation, development, and acceleration of existing premium inventory. We’ll show how we induced demand through products that can be brought to market in a venue’s off-season without sacrificing quality.
This panel will explore how sports and entertainment companies are embracing green technology and sustainability initiatives to reduce their environmental impact, optimize operations, and enhance the fan experience.
In order to deliver exceptional service, you must first learn the new rules in etiquette. Today’s customers expect frictionless and white glove. They look to you to solve the problem, or at least find a solution. They want memories without having to encounter operational hurdles. This session will evaluate service, what may be missing from your operation, and what tools can enhance your teams’ etiquette. It will help full time and front line personnel understand that the gift of hospitality should be shared venue-wide.
The ALSD and InfoTech Research Group are working to help you improve premium fan experiences through the power of technology. Learn how to drive out innovative technology solutions for exclusive premium experiences. Learn about current best practices and how to improve the premium experience via technology.
2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Learn how to make moments extraordinary every step of the way. Three customer service gurus have each opened or operated multiple buildings in multiple markets, and understand the evolving customer desires. They will uncover the three keys to making moments no matter the market or venue.
Premium tech tools help us manage time and data, communicate more clearly, and improve customer engagement. But how do we determine the best tech to best address our needs and our company culture? This session will explore the challenges tech can attack, how to use tech to build pipelines and improve conversion, and what solutions you may not even know you need.
When it comes to fan experience, technology is not one size fits all. It’s important to understand what tech works best for which fans and why, where it should be employed, and what's missing. Data underpins many of these decisions, like where to build belly-up vs. grab n’ go stands, and how F&B and retail lines can be eliminated with in-seat service. Moreover, understanding how our premium and GA demographics consume the game will help guide storytelling opportunities within the venue.
The growth of sports betting and online gaming is challenging the sports and entertainment industry with increasing incidents of match fixing. Sportradar, a sports technology company that monitors the intersection of sports, betting, and integrity, reported 1,212 suspicious matches in 92 countries in 2022. The panel will discuss these challenges and ways to ensure the integrity of sports around the world.
We are opening venues and unveiling renovations that look different than before. Inclusion and sustainability take center stage, with unprecedented investments in women’s athletics and community accessibility. What are the critical themes bringing our venues into a new era?
3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
In 2018, the United States Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. Sports betting is now legal in 36 states and in Washington, DC, with 34 states having active programs. Mobile sports betting is growing with more than 26 states allowing bets to be placed through apps. States are establishing or expanding their gaming commissions to license and regulate sports betting and gaming.
Sustainability is applicable to environmental, business, and cultural objectives. Sports and sporting venues are a powerful platform with the ability to positively affect all three. In this session, we will outline case histories and action plans for sports teams, venues, and premium areas to harness the power and possibility of sustainability. As a bonus, learn of sustainable gifting opportunities.
This session will discuss the standardized training courses that best reflect what is needed to keep fans and spectators safe during the diverse events your team will oversee. Our goal is to provide you with the best practices in emergency response to avoid post-incident litigation. The focus will be on simple, yet effective training strategies to empower all of your employees to respond with confidence and the knowledge to mitigate loss. Novel concepts such as employee Emergency Response Teams will also be discussed.
For our staff and front line to feel compelled to serve our clients, we must first compel them to work. It starts with designing standard-setting back-of-house spaces, which are inviting and outfitted properly. Moreover, staff space should make our personnel feel as though they are the premium clients in the building. If we wish to maximize hospitality and minimize turnover, timidity, and liability we must care and feed those who are caring and feeding.
The ability to drive renewals, retention, and new business, and build dynamic teams are constantly top of mind for elite sports teams. A study by Bain & Co. found that a modest 5% increase in customer retention can increase company profitability by 75%. What’s their secret, and how do they get and stay ahead? This session will answer these questions and address how to optimize your relationships, grow your business, and upsell and cross-sell, all while driving bottom-line results.
4:20 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Digital technologies are revolutionizing the way fans experience sports and live entertainment. Fans can now attend games virtually, interact with
players and other fans, and purchase digital merchandise. This is creating new opportunities for fan engagement and loyalty, propelled by rapid
advances in immersive technology. Venues need to embrace these new technologies for engaging with the next generation of digital native fans.
Successful teams intersect revenue and business units through cross training and rewards. Specifically in partnerships, premium seating, and ticketing today, there is massive potential to introduce this full-menu concept as a means to exceeding internal revenue goals, while also enhancing incentives for buyers.
| 5:30 p.m. |
Bus Departures for Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Busses shuttle guests to and from. |
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| 6:00 p.m. |
Tour and Reception at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
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