Adventures In Venueland

From the South Bay to the Valley, from the West Side to the East Side – we head to Los Angeles for this episode to chat with Kishore Ramlagan, the Manager, Marketing & Promotions at Hollywood Park, SoFi Stadium & YouTube Theater. Kishore takes us along for the ride through his unconventional career path – from playing soccer and being a fan to joining the industry through an internship with the LA Galaxy, to time with Staples Center (now Crypto.com Arena) leading to his current role. We discuss the advent of more stadium tours and how what was once a rare concert play has turned into a more common touring strategy for artists. We discuss the demand for Taylor Swift tickets, of which their stadium is hosting five shows, and the evolution of ticket sales and how marketers adapt. Kishore shares pivotal career moments that shaped his path and challenged him as well as his advice for people entering the industry. From leveraging networking to a drive to add and build his knowledge, he has been able to parlay one opportunity to the next while continuing to challenge and prove himself. Enjoy this wonderful episode which includes some excellent career advice, some fun stories, and plenty of talk about WWE fandom. As The Rock might say… Do you smell what Kishore is cooking? 🤨

Kishore Ramlagan: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
SoFi Stadium: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
YouTube Theater: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Hollywood Park: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

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Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE – OH!… IO! Ohio rock legends unite as we go behind-the-scenes of a unique charity event, VetsAid, which recently gathered iconic Ohio rock bands at Nationwide Arena to raise funds for veterans charities in the state. We chat with Tracy Hedrick, Chief Marketing Officer for Ohio State University Department of Athletics and Business Advancement, who walks us through how the event came together and the planning and development that went into it. Hear how Joe Walsh, notable member of The Eagles and The James Gang, started this event and how his son, Christian, helped curate and plan a one-of-a-kind night. In a lineup that featured Joe Walsh (went to school in Kent, OH), Dave Grohl (born in Warren, OH), Nine Inch Nails (formed in Cleveland, OH), The Black Keys (formed in Akron, OH), The James Gang (formed in Cleveland, OH), The Breeders (formed in Dayton, OH), and Ohio State University Marching Band (Columbus, OH) – this concert was a true feature of the who’s who of Ohio rock. Grab your black t-shirt, throw up those Devil horns, and rock out with us for this fun, informative episode taking a look at hosting one-off charity events.

Tracy Hedrick: LinkedIn | Email
Nationwide Arena: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

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Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

It’s Tulsa time! For this episode we rock the BOK with Meghan Blood, Director of Marketing at BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hear all about Meghan’s journey into live events, from college in Oklahoma to working in Dallas and now at one of the most cutting-edge arenas in the country in Tulsa. We discuss artist gifting, fan activations, artist welcomes, back-of-house murals and clings, and all the 360° marketing tactics that their arena employs and works hard to innovate with. We learn about some of their more successful and recent campaigns, and the effort and challenges that went into pulling them off. Hear what makes Tulsa a unique and special city, and how the arena, which is getting ready to celebrate its 15th anniversary next year, changed the city and revitalized downtown. Enjoy this fun, light-hearted episode where we dive into the nuts and bolts of campaigns and innovation in the live events industry.

Meghan Blood: LinkedIn | Email
BOK Center: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

From the Live Music Capitol of the World to the Country Music Capitol, we catch up with Mark Salazar for this episode, the Arena Marketing Assistant at Bridgestone Arena, who recently moved from Austin to Nashville. Mark, who is early in his live events career, walks us through his adventure, from gigs with C3 Presents and Austin Radio Network, to finishing school while getting experience and also working at a local Austin pizza place. We discuss how experience in food service translates well to working in live events, and how Mark learned the importance of being nice to people and making sure they are having a good time – whether it’s at a restaurant or at a concert. He tells us how important it is to guide people through a positive experience by being the best version of yourself and creating a positive, memorable experience. Enjoy this lovely, unique episode with the perspective of someone early in their journey as they navigate networking, explore conferences, and develop their career.

Mark Salazar: Instagram | LinkedIn
Bridgestone Arena: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Step inside the studio with us for this in-person interview with Janice Jimenez, Marketing Director at Climate Pledge Arena, live from the Amazon Music Artist Lounge located backstage at Climate Pledge Arena. As we visit Seattle to plan the upcoming EAMC conference, Janice tells us all about Seattle’s amazing new arena and it’s many features and initiatives. Hear about some of the incredible climate-forward, green programs and strategies that the arena employs, and how they are working to innovate and lead the charge in the live events industry. She walks us through her career, from starting on the venue side with an internship at Honda Center in Anaheim, to lots of experience working for promoters such as Feld Entertainment, Cirque du Soleil, and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live. We discuss opportunities and challenges that come with working with brands and intellectual properties, and how JJ’s experience with them bettered her career journey. Enjoy this fun, energetic, live interview with excellent career tips and lots of great info about The Emerald City, Seattle.

Janice Jimenez: Instagram | LinkedIn | Email
Climate Pledge Arena: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

BONUS EPISODE – In honor of spooky season, enjoy this ghoulish bonus episode which goes inside a hauntingly unique event, the Thriller Parade & Halloween Festival in Lexington, KY. 🧟‍♀️ Grab your favorite goblet of blood and undead dancing shoes as we chat with Amber Luallen, Superintendent of Cultural Arts & Events at Lexington Parks & Recreation, which plans and produces the event. Learn how this wild reenactment, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary and has been recognized by USA Today and Oprah Magazine, has evolved into a Halloween spectacular which brings tens of thousands of viewers downtown. Hear about the planning and evolution of the event as well as tips for any cities looking to put on their own Thriller reenactment. Enjoy this undead episode as a great way to kick off your Halloween celebrations. “It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark...”

Amber Luallen: Email | LinkedIn
Lexington Parks & Recreation: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

It’s Episode 5️⃣0️⃣ of Adventures In Venueland! We’re celebrating by heading to the beautiful Isla del Encanto – Puerto Rico. Joining us from San Juan is Wesley Cullen, VP of International Business Development for Oak View Group. Hear all about Wesley’s exciting role with OVG, which has her focusing on new venues they’re developing internationally, like a new arena coming soon to São Paulo, Brazil. Wesley takes us through her career journey, and how a love of traveling and cultures has led her to exciting roles. She talks about her first industry job with WWE, her time with Coliseo de Puerto Rico, leaving the industry and working at Bacardi, and her exciting return to live events. Hear Wesley’s advice through her adventures and what tips she has about being intentional while being willing to pursue new opportunities. This episode is a wonderful love letter to culture, travel, and live events – a perfect way to celebrate our fiftieth episode!

Wesley Cullen: Instagram | LinkedIn | Email
Oak View Group: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Cruise down South Figueroa in the City of Angels and you’ll find Crypto.com Arena, Microsoft Theater, and L.A. LIVE – a mecca of entertainment in Los Angeles. Join us as we catch up with Cara Vanderhook, Vice President of Marketing and Communications, and learn all about the happenings of a district that houses four professional teams, the largest stage in California, and some of the biggest awards shows. Cara walks us through what makes the venues so iconic, and how they continue to compete and innovate in a dense entertainment market – where competition is not only other venues, but the beach and beautiful weather. She tells us about her path to her current role, some of the best career advice she’s received, and her approach to advancing her own career while supporting the employees under her. This is an excellent episode for people looking to take the leap and chase that amazing dream job. Cara is a perfect example of a music and sports fan that is now working with the teams and properties she grew up infatuated with.

Cara Vanderhook: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
Crypto.com Arena: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Microsoft Theater: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
L.A. LIVE: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

A music-loving rockstar dad with legendary hair – this episode we grab our sunglasses and head to Orlando to chat with former thespian and current Marketing Division Manager at Orlando Venues, Kirk Wingerson. Kirk guides us through his adventure, from the outback of Australia to the swamp of Gainesville, from touring Broadway and interviews with luminaries like Lin-Manuel Miranda to his current role. Hear about his career advice and the phone call that changed the trajectory of his life. We chat music, music, and more music, and how a healthy love of live events allows you to appreciate the industry and continue to improve in your career. Enjoy this fun episode chock full of good stories, great life lessons, and a dose of Iggy Pop.

Kirk Wingerson: Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
Amway Center: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Camping World Stadium: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.

Wax the coping and drop into the half pipe with us as we skate down to sunny Phoenix, Arizona to talk with Steven Kargol, Director of Arena Marketing at Footprint Center, home of the Phoenix Suns, Mercury, and Rattlers. Come with us on this episode’s adventure, as Steven takes us through his career – from a skater kid attending Vans Warped Tour, to multiple stints on the promoter and venue sides, and learning from valuable experience in group sales and marketing. We discuss Footprint Center’s efforts to reduce plastics, how relationships and kindness can chart your industry success, and even some fun arena hacks. This is a great episode for people looking to take some calculated career risks, learn how to push for what you need to be successful in your job, and advice on navigating to and from businesses to land at the ideal situation for your talent and skills. Grab that suntan lotion and meet us in The Valley.

Steven Kargol: Instagram | LinkedIn | Email
Footprint Center: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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ADVENTURES IN VENUELAND

Follow on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or X/Twitter
Learn more about Event & Venue Marketing Conference

Meet our team:

Paul Hooper | Co-host, Booking, Branding & Marketing
Dave Redelberger | Co-host & Guest Research
Megan Ebeck | Marketing, Design & Digital Advertising
Samantha Marker | Marketing, Copywriting & Publicity
Camille Faulkner | Audio Editing & Mixing

Have a suggestion for a guest or bonus episode? We'd love to hear it! Send us an email.