Eventage’s Post

SPEAKER ALERT! Looking forward to seeing friends and colleagues at IDA's Annual Conference in Seattle next week (link below)! In case you’re interested, I’ll be speaking on “BEYOND THE POP-UP - ADDRESSING LARGE RETAIL VACANCIES", a session on Thursday morning (Sept 24th, 8:30 am, 5th Floor, Quinault Room). I initially proposed this topic because so much of the great work being done to backfill empty storefronts in the post-pandemic Downtown has been focused on pop-up businesses in tiny floorplates, without addressing the growing number of larger, 5K+ sq ft boxes once filled with major footfall generators – from the massive brand flagships along the nation’s top-tier shopping streets (which I have discussed extensively in my recent articles) to the large-format drug stores and full-service bank branches in Downtowns big and small across all of North America. What are the prospects and solutions for those critical anchor spaces? I’ll be identifying the retail brands and operators that are still interested in them, as well as the growing crop of experiential and “eater-tainment” concepts that have been expanding in urban cores. I’ll also be delving into other kinds of tenancies that have emerged, like ones in “meds and eds” as well as arts and culture. Finally, I’ll be exploring the role of the Downtown organization in promoting, sponsoring and managing different kinds of entrepreneurial platforms in such spaces, thereby teeing up the presentations of the session’s three other superb panelists: Cassie Hoeprich, a past and present client at San Francisco’s Mid-Market Business Association & Foundation and now, Downtown Houston+; Sean Webster, Manager of Level Up Downtown at the Downtown Boston BID; and Dillon Goodson, Co-Founder of Public Sphere Projects, with whom I’m presently working in Downtown Allentown. So, put it on your conference calendar – I hope to see you there! #retailcontrarian #retail #retailleasing #retailrealestate #retailproperty #retailtrends #retaildevelopment #retailmarket #retailbroker #retailspace #retailindustry #retailers #downtown #mainstreet #mainstreets #citycenter #citycentre #highstreet #urbanretail #icsc #commercialrealestate #ida #iedc #uli #icma #planning #marketanalysis #siteselection #futureofretail #urbandevelopment #jll #zoning #retailvacancy #vacantstorefronts #emptystorefronts #citymanager #cnu #businessimprovementdistrict #wwd #retailbrew #storefront #downtownrevitalization #nyt #bof #wsj #urbanregeneration #planetizen #economicdevelopment #storefronts #atcm #shopping #urbanist #bloomberg #bia #businessimprovementarea #downtownseattle #flagships #brandflagships #chaindrugstores #bankbranches #entrepreneurs #experiential #eatertainment #medsandeds #smallbusinesses #indies Jon Scholes Kevin V. Nguyen Michael Edwards Kimberly Bares Bryan McArdle Scott Rowitz Emmanuel Rey, MBA Ashwin Kutty Merike Treier Tiffini Connell Noah Buhayar Tanja Carter Teri Smith Theresa Barreras Don Blakeney

From helping shuttle 25,000 Human Resource professionals in Chicago to helping ensure data privacy and protecting a communities’ personal information via properly shredding old documents in San Diego, last week was a great time. On this episode of "Convention Centers from Around the Globe", we are featuring the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois. Did you know these fun facts? 1. Formally opened in 1960, McCormick Place is named in honor of Colonel Robert R McCormick, a controversial and charismatic visionary who served as editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune and whom, prior to his death in 1955, spearheaded the drive to build a world-class lake-front convention center in the city of Chicago. (Source: https://lnkd.in/gYbbZqDm) 2. The McCormick Place Convention Center campus is comprised of four buildings: the North, South, East “Lakeside Center,” and West Buildings. The campus includes more than 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, the 10,000 seat Wintrust Arena, the 4,188 seat proscenium arch Arie Crown Theater, nearly 3,000 attached guest rooms, and a variety of onsite dining options – all connected by a network of pedestrian skybridges and promenades. (Source: https://lnkd.in/gEvtxPmV) 3. Whether it’s at badge pick up, expo hall, conference education areas or aiding attendees arriving to, or departing from, the convention space, ESM Pros crafts attendee experiences in Chicago and beyond. When shuttle stops transform into instant networking opportunities, smiles and comments such as “best shuttle assistant event” is no surprise. We look forward to crafting your future attendee experiences. #ESMPros #CraftedExperiences #CustomerService #McCormickPlace #Chicago #SanDiego #Events #InstantNetworkingOpportunities #EventStaffing #EventLogistics #EventStaff #FunFacts

Navigating the Bag Ban? We've Got You Covered! With the current bag ban in place across various venues in Sweden due to heightened safety precautions, businesses and event organizers are facing new challenges in ensuring smooth guest experiences. At Speed Box, we understand the importance of balancing safety with convenience. Our secure storage solutions are designed to help companies and venues overcome these challenges by providing a safe, reliable, and easy way for guests to store their belongings. Our storage boxes offer: - Peace of mind for visitors: Guests can safely store their personal items, allowing them to enjoy the event without worry. - Seamless integration: Our storage units are customizable and fit easily into public spaces, from event venues to corporate offices. - Security first: Built with tamper-proof designs and digital access solutions, we prioritize the security of stored belongings. Whether you're organizing large events, running a museum, or managing a corporate venue, Speed Box is here to help you provide a safe, convenient solution for your visitors—helping you meet the new regulations and enhance the overall experience. 📞 Contact us today to find out how we can tailor our storage solutions to your needs! #SecurityFirst #BagBan #SpeedBoxSweden #PublicSafety #ConvenienceMatters #StorageSolutions #EventSafety

#MeetMetroCruise and help us welcome Michael DePietropaolo, our newest Operations Manager at MSS! With a lengthy career in San Francisco's events industry, including producing countless events at Pier 27 and serving as Event Venue Manager at Metro Events LLC, Michael brings a unique and valuable experience to our San Francisco team.    Let’s hear more about Michael’s journey and vision for the future:   Q: What were your first impressions of MSS and our Port of San Francisco location?    A: The view from my office window overlooking the San Francisco Bay never gets old! Our team is a terrific, small, close-knit group, and my first impressions of MSS came in the form of a question that I asked myself: How lucky would I be to work here?   Q: Can you share some of the key projects you’ve worked on since joining MSS?    A: I continually examine our terminal operations to maximize efficiencies without compromising the Guest Experience. It's a constant work in progress. Whenever we change a passenger flow or check-in procedure, I always ask, "How can we make this even better?"   Q: What achievements are you most proud of so far?    A: Planning our irregular turn with Grand Princess at Pier 80 took months of effort and coordination with the city. Bringing together so many people and organizations was a massive task, but in the end, I couldn’t have been prouder of our team for pulling off such a monumental event.   Q: How do you see your role evolving, and what impact do you hope to have on the company’s strategic initiatives?    A: When I joined last October, I learned about the challenges and inefficiencies at the San Francisco terminal. I'm working to make it as systematic and organized as possible, ensuring passengers experience the smoothest and friendliest embarkation or debarkation in the world. As a high-profile city, I want our terminal to always live up to its reputation.   Q: Can you share a personal philosophy that guides your work?    A: As a manager, I believe in providing my employees with everything they need to be successful at their jobs—information, training, equipment, guidance, and leadership—so they can focus on providing excellent customer service and a superior terminal experience.   Q: Can you share something personal that people would be surprised to learn about you?   A: Growing up outside Philadelphia, I always knew I'd move to California to escape the winters. At 19, I bought a one-way ticket to San Francisco and have lived here ever since. Though my family wasn’t thrilled about my move, their support made it easier for me to stay and call this city home.   Q: What advice would you give to new employees at MSS?    A: Most of our ground agents have had long, successful careers and now work a few times a month to stay connected with colleagues and friends. Most importantly, because it's fun! Whether they prefer check-in, wheelchair pushing, or directional roles, we have a position for everyone and welcome them onboard! ⚓ 

A really efficient & effective solution for security screening at high footfall facilities ...

The event’s over, but the work is far from done.... Guests have left, production has rolled out, and the site teams are clearing the last remnants of what was once a bustling, vibrant space. But for those of us in the live events industry, this is where the real grind continues. Final checks, post-event reports, site handovers, and making sure every last detail is wrapped up before heading into the next event—it’s a process that often goes unseen but is just as critical as the event itself. This image sums up the post-event blur—a mix of exhaustion, pride, and reflection. It’s the moment when the adrenaline fades, and you finally step back to process everything that happened. The long hours, the split-second decisions, the challenges, and the team effort that got you through it all. It’s not glamorous, and it’s rarely acknowledged, but it’s a reminder of the relentless commitment it takes to deliver something extraordinary. The work continues. The lessons are learned. The next event is waiting. #LiveEvents #PostEvent #EventLife #FinishStrong #Safety

Here's a piece from the portfolio of work we do at Social Video. From interviews, to presentations, to lifestyle and events. We plan it, you share it and we then can capture it 📸

😶🌫️ Stuck on which room is best suited to your event? Our website's comparison page can help you find the perfect space!✨ Simply visit "Our Rooms" to see detailed information on capacity, facilities, and room layouts. This feature will streamline your planning process, allowing you to quickly find the right room and focus on organising the fun parts of your event. Check it out now and make your event planning easier! ⬇️ 🌐 - https://lnkd.in/eDtBenXZ #EventPlanning #VenueSelection #PerfectSpace #Auditorium #AuditoriumHire #EventHire #LocationHire #EventPlanning #EventPlanner #FunctionRoom #FunctionRoomHire #Parking #FreeParking #ConferenceCentre #ConferenceRoom #Networking #Meeting

Planning a team event can feel overwhelming, but what if it didn’t have to be? 🙂↔️ It has been described as challenging—balancing logistics, ensuring everyone is engaged, and creating something meaningful. But with the right opportunities, these moments can bring teams closer together in ways that truly matter. Whether your team is new to San Francisco or knows the city well, there’s always an opportunity to see it in a new light and connect in meaningful ways. Think about your team exploring iconic spots like the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, or Fisherman’s Wharf. Even for those who’ve visited before, these landmarks take on new meaning when experienced as part of a shared moment. Or imagine a stroll through the vibrant neighborhoods of North Beach or the Mission District, where culture and history meet. For a more relaxing day, a wine tour provides the perfect setting to unwind and connect on a different level. 🍷 🌉 At Dylan’s Tours, we specialize in creating personal and meaningful experiences tailored to what your team needs. It’s not just about sightseeing—it’s about fostering connection, building trust, and creating moments that bring people closer. Whether it’s seeing familiar places with fresh eyes or offering a completely new experience, our tours make corporate events seamless and memorable. A meaningful team event doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s create yours together. With that being said, in your opinion, what helps your team feel valued and appreciated? 🤗 #sanfrancisco #corporateevent #winetour #citytour #personal #teambuilding #event

Making a Memorable First Impression...... As whispers of an impending visit from a distinguished guest echoed through the office, anticipation filled the air. It was a important occasion, an opportunity for us to showcase not just our workspace, but the warmth and professionalism that defined our company culture. With meticulous attention to detail, we transformed every corner of the office into a beacon of hospitality and excellence. When the dignitary arrived, I was honoured to be the first to greet him. With a genuine smile and a firm handshake, I welcomed him into our midst, setting the tone for what would be a memorable encounter. As we exchanged pleasantries, I could sense his worry melting away, replaced by a genuine sense of curiosity and engagement. Throughout his visit, I made it my mission to ensure that he felt valued and respected at every turn. Whether guiding him through our facilities or engaging him in conversation, I sought to leave a lasting impression of warmth and professionalism. And as he departed, expressing his gratitude for our hospitality, I knew that our efforts had not been in vain. But the true impact of his visit became apparent in the days that followed. Inspired by the warmth and professionalism he encountered, the dignitary spoke highly of his experience to his colleagues and associates. And in doing so, he opened doors of opportunity that we had only dreamed of, paving the way for new partnerships and collaborations that would shape the future of our company. This experience served as a powerful reminder of the ripple effect of a warm welcome. In a world where connections are forged in an instant, the way we greet others can have a profound impact on the opportunities that come our way. As we continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, let us never underestimate the power of a genuine smile and a heartfelt greeting. #FirstImpressions #Hospitality #Professionalism #ClientConnection #BusinessSuccess #PartnershipBuilding