Who’s News in Special Events for April 2, 2020

Ronan Powell has joined Toronto-based Fifth Element Group as director of client development, with responsibility for the overall client experience.

Andrea Michaels, president of Sherman Oaks, Calif.-based Extraordinary Events, announced today that effective March 20, her company has discontinued operations. "As a result of the current health and financial crisis, we have had to dismiss our team and close our offices," she said. Her company, which frequently appeared on the Special Events “50 Top Events Companies” list, has won multiple industry awards, including the Special Events Gala Award. Michaels herself has won three Gala Awards for her industry leadership and dedication to excellence. "My commitment to the integrity, creativity as well as strategic solutions that the events world can offer to corporate clients will never waver," she added. "It is an industry that will once again engage, entertain and influence, and I will always be a part of that, whether as a participant or an observer."

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center announced yesterday that it has found alternate dates for 10 shows originally scheduled for the peak of the coronavirus crisis. These shows represent more than $160 million in economic impact for the city of New Orleans and will take place at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center later in the year, management said.

Eric Laanstra has joined Knoxville, Tenn.-based event structure company Area Four Industries as part of its “rigging commandos” team, which develops training for riggers and technicians.

Do you have business news to share with us? Please send it here—thank you.