AIPC
Engagement via design
VENUE ASSOCIATION AIPC CEO SVEN BOSSU AND GREG O ’ DELL , PRESIDENT OF VENUE MANAGEMENT , OVG360 , SAY CREATING VENUE DESIGN ‘ BRIDGES ’ TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES IS CRUCIAL IN DEMONSTRATING THE VALUE OF EVENTS
O ver half of the global AIPC community has expansion or renovation plans underway . The US leads the way , with the new Sphere ( pictured below ) in Las Vegas demonstrating the level of innovation possible .
Next to enhancing the customer experience , venues seek to engage with local community via venue design . Creating that bridge is crucial for demonstrating the value of events and attracting talent .
During the 2023 AIPC Conference , the results of the yearly member survey were shared , showing that over 50 % of the AIPC community has a renovation or expansion planned or underway . During a panel design on architecture , it became clear that the purpose of these investments very often goes beyond a simple increase of sellable space or a lick of paint . Two focus areas stood out : enhancing the customer experience and engaging with the local community .
The brand-new Sphere in Las Vegas – designed by AIPC business partner Populous – shows to which level customer experience can be pushed . The 112m high venue is covered with 1.2 million LED lamps on the outside , pushing the notion of eye-catcher to a different level . The interior is equipped with a wraparound LED screen , measuring 15,000sqm . 4D features , including wind and scent will also be used . And all 18,600 seats have high speed internet access . As The Edge of U2 puts is : “ It ’ s a canvas of an unparalleled scale ”.
But next to customer experience , venues find it increasingly important to leverage the design of their building to reflect the uniqueness of the community
Above : Sven Bossu
it ’ s embedded in and indeed to engage with that community . This engagement is important for several reasons . First of all , it generates support . Second , having the local community actively involved adds value to the events . And third , it allows to demonstrate the values of the venues , which is crucial to attract talent .
OVG360 , which managed over 300 mainly US-based venues ( from arenas to convention centres and anything in between ) has embraced this value driven approach . In their view , recognising diversity , fostering inclusion , and working towards common core values have become more urgent than ever . This is translated into practice in multiple ways – from creating diverse talent pipelines to commitment to ambitious sustainability objectives .
Located in the heart of Georgetown , Seattle , the Climate Pledge Arena is a great example of how a venue can engage with the local community and demonstrate its commitment to core values , such as sustainability . The building – which dates back to 1962 and is a true landmark – was completely recycled .
The goals are both simple and ambitious : become zero carbon by moving 100 % to renewable energy and banning use of fossil fuels , zero-use of single plastics , zero waste and finally demonstrate leadership in water quality and water use wherever possible . An example of the latter is the ‘ Rain to Rink ’ system , which harvests water off the roof , collects it into a 15,000-gallon cistern , and turns it into green ice . It is a journey for all involved , including the NHL ’ s Seattle Kraken fans .
In a period where 79 % of the AIPC community finds attracting staff ( very ) challenging and when the choice of employer becomes more and more value driven , it is of key importance that convention centres demonstrate the values they stand for . The Climate Pledge Arena is just one example , with many more to follow .
ISSUE 126 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 15