December 6, 2013
CEO Newsletter
This week I had a couple of interesting conversations with some of our industry consultants. A few brought up the fact that some of our competitors are screaming the virtues of “big data” and what was our take? One questioned why we don’t bid on all business and even suggested that we are we making a mistake by not doing so.
First, let’s take the easy question about new bids. I simply stated that we review each bid on its merits and if it is perceived to be a true “checkbook” play or has a track record of being driven purely by financials then we pass on the opportunity as it is not for Centerplate. The consultants don’t like to hear this as they want everyone participating in their bidding process. The reality is that if more of our competitors chose to bid sensibly then these clients (mostly major sports clubs) and the industry would deliver a better fan experience.
With regard to big data, we are not interested in big data for the sake of big data but for the sake of “big winning”. At Centerplate we use data to deliver better results than our competitors. My question back was if one company is growing at 2% and another one is growing at 2-3x that rate who would you listen to? It is not merely about capturing big data. We have been doing that since I arrived. It is what you do with the data that counts. In truth, data collection was merely the backbone of capturing the insights that helped form the basis for our segmentation studies and the creation of STIR to specifically develop concepts and programs for individual venues. Our growth performance over the last five years cannot be matched. We have not just used big data. We have harnessed big data and proven vastly superior operational performance – our NFL is up almost double digit vs. prior year and our convention center business is attaining growth in excess of 10%. We don’t capture big data; we use smart data. Your challenge is to make sure that you are analyzing and capturing your venue date and using that information to develop your annual venue plan.
I am delighted to announce that our winning streak in the UK continues with the signing of the River & Rowing Museum in Henley and the renewal of ACC Liverpool, home to BT Convention Centre and Echo Arena. We won the renewal through an RFP process and have been awarded all of the on-site public and hospitality catering services at the venue’s existing facilities as well as the option to serve the new Exhibition Centre Liverpool which is due to open in 2015 as part of the expansion of the complex. Congratulations to all involved in making it happen!
E3 moments of the week …
Cranmore Mountain Resort and Cannon Mountain are featured in Ski New Hampshire Magazine 2013-2014 in an article on special mountain treats and the variety of old-fashioned high-energy mountain foods. Cranmore’s Tuckerman’s Chipotle & Ale chili, a secret made-from-scratch mountain recipe by Mike Rennie, served with or without cheddar on top, got first mention along with a photo. Cannon Mountain’s New England clam chowder and side of fries received raves for bolstering you to go back out to face the snowy slopes. Kudos to Mike, Stefanie Warsnip and our teams at Cranmore and Cannon Mountains!
Our team at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center had a very busy October and two events in particular were very challenging and high profile, the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit with 16,00 attendees and the Lexus National Dealer Meeting for 1,100 dealers and their spouses. We partnered with local celebrity chef John Besh on an exquisite menu for the Lexus dinner event which included performances by FUN and Sting. The Fresh Summit client could not have been more pleased, “We are a food show and with that comes some pretty high expectations. Your staff went above and beyond for our event. Chef and his team did an outstanding job; they were instrumental in making our show a success. We are looking forward to many more events in New Orleans. It was truly a pleasure to work with such a wonderful and dedicated team and we look forward to seeing everyone again in 2017.” Job well done to Chef Stephan Blaser, Cathy Borgula, Brian Benadom, Richard Ginzel, Jack Lyon, Susette Rodriguez, Cindy Tlaiye and our entire team at the convention center!
Students of the Honors 391D course, Strategic Management of Food Systems in Sports Venues, at the Metropolitan State University of Denver recently presented their research project on the World Arena in Colorado Springs to various members of our Denver team. The goal of the course was to examine how food systems in a sports venue can meet strategic objectives and support the brand of a professional athletic team and was designed by John Sergi and Laurence Rua in partnership with the University’s Restaurant Management program. Laurence was a regular class visitor and conducted student tours of our local venues. Great job by John, Laurence and our team in Denver!
Congratulations to John Timbrook and Mary Macdonald, GM and Operations Manager at Gunstock Ski Resort, on receiving the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Award from the Department of Defense! The award recognizes their support of our employees who are Service members and the role these volunteer forces play in the well-being of our communities and our country.
We have 25 days left in the year. Let’s make sure we use every one of them as an opportunity to shine.
Onwards!
River & Rowing Museum Henley Press Release
Toronto Board Award Press Release
Michael Evans December 10, 2013 at 8:47 am
Thanks for the chance to shine.The best is yet to come 2014.
Michelle Harris December 9, 2013 at 10:06 am
Thank you so much for writing this! I always look forward to your updates and the uplifting, motivational effect it has on our team.