Step Beyond in 2013
Centerplate, the nation’s largest event hospitality partner to North America’s premier convention centers, sports stadiums and entertainment venues, held its 2013 Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado the week of February 4th.
The theme of the meeting “Step Beyond” reflected the company’s commitment to client success for 2013; during the event, all of the firm’s general managers were encouraged to leverage Centerplate’s unique position and strategic approach to hospitality to take their clients’ brands and businesses to new heights in 2013.
The meeting also featured a line-up of notable guest speakers including Mike Bohn – Athletic Director at the University of Colorado, David Almeida – Vice President, Sales for Anheuser-Busch, and Joe Ellis – President of the Denver Broncos.
The company marked several milestones achieved during 2012 for Centerplate, demonstrating the vital role of the Hospitality Service Center. In the span of 10 months, the company has excelled as hospitality host for nearly every major sports championship in the United States: the 2012 BCS National Championship Game, 2012 Super Bowl, 2012 NCAA Final Four, 2012 National Hockey League Stanley Cup Championships, and 2012 Major League Baseball World Series. In the past 12 months, Centerplate also served as the hospitality host to the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Art Basel at the Miami Beach Convention Center as well as, the yearly PCMA meeting held at the Orange County Convention Center, The North American Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit, San Diego Comic Con at the San Diego Convention Center and the Great American Beer Fest at the Colorado Convention Center.
As part of the week, Centerplate recognized teams and individuals whose efforts in 2012 exemplified the company’s commitment to deliver Craveable Experiences. Raveable ResultsTM for its clients and guests.
Centerplate Promise Award
Peggy Daidakis, Executive Director of the Baltimore Convention Center and Centerplate client. Peggy is an active member of the community and an integral participant in the Journey Home Program, an initiative set up by the Mayor to eradicate child homelessness in the City in the next 10 years. For the past two years, the Baltimore Convention Center has hosted the Journey Home Gala which has raised more than $800,000 for this most worthy cause.
President’s Award
Doug Conner, VP of Operations, Orange County Convention Center
General Managers of the Year
Kernell Jupiter, General Manager, Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Nancy Murgillo, General Manager, San Diego Convention Center
Vendor Partner of the Year
Sysco Corporation
Culinary Excellence
Executive Chef James Katurakes at the Orange County Convention Center and Executive Chef Blair Rasmussen at the Vancouver Convention Center
Rookie General Manager of the Year
Darren Hubbard, General Manager at the University of Mississippi