Industry News for September 27, 2024

Hot off the Press

Europalco, the largest provider of solutions for events and shows in Southern Europe, in partnership with Knower Impact Meetings, recently experienced the success of AIVØLUT1ØN, the first conference in Lisbon entirely dedicated to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Held in the Sala Tejo of the MEO Arena, this landmark event brought together business leaders, innovators, and AI enthusiasts to explore the transformative power of AI in business management and beyond. The AIVØLUT1ØN event marked an important milestone in the AI landscape, attracting many attendees. Europalco played a big part in this success by providing full AV and staging services. The team of approximately 28 members worked on-site and after two months of extensive preparation, they flawlessly executed all technical details. 

People on the Move

Proof of the Pudding, a leader in food service management and catering for prestige sporting events, state-of-the-art convention centers, sports and entertainment arenas and college stadiums, announced the following hirings, promotions and expanded roles of its leadership team: 

Darren Hubbard has been promoted to senior vice president of operations, from regional vice president. Dontez Pherribo has been promoted to senior vice president of operations, from regional vice president. Jenna Hansen has been promoted to vice president of sales for golf and special events. Stephanie Hansard’s position as regional vice president has expanded to include Proof’s offsite division, POP-UP Emergency Management Services and Proof’s new Atlanta venues, The Dogwood at Westside Paper, Summit at 8West, and Collier Hall. Sebastian Panseri joins the company as general manager of the offsite division. Jason Causey joins the company as general manager of venues. Jeremy Campbell has been promoted to executive vice president of operations and the hiring of Tristan Porter as chief development officer and Mike Pappas as executive vice president of operations. 

Awards and Accolades

Moani Tolentino, manager of Hawaiian culture at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, is a 2024 Pineapple Award honoree by Pacific Business News, a Honolulu-based newspaper and online news site covering business in Hawaii. The Pineapple Awards honor individuals for their leadership in the tourism industry and community in addition to their dedication to making an impact on visitors through authentic Hawaiian experiences. The Pineapple Award recipients are determined based on a nomination process. Award recipients were announced and celebrated at an award ceremony in Honolulu on September 12, 2024. Moani Tolentino oversees Grand Hyatt Kauai’s Ke Kumo O Hihinui Cultural Center, an immersive experience designed to help travelers learn about native Hawaiian history and culture. Tolentino curates and leads most of the resort’s cultural activities including Hawaiian language classes, hula and ukelele demonstrations, coconut basket weaving, and kukui nut bracelet making.   

The Walter E. Washington Convention Center announced that it has been awarded LEED Platinum. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable. The Walter E. Washington Convention Center achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and solutions in areas including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Green buildings allow companies to operate more sustainably and give the people inside them a healthier, more comfortable space to work. 

Hot off the Press

Prim Design Co, a leader in the Southwest special event and interior design industry, announced its division into two distinct entities: Prim Design Co and Prim Rentals. This strategic move will enable the company to focus more specifically on its two core services—interior design and luxury event rentals—allowing for greater growth and specialized offerings in both fields. Prim Design Co will continue to be led by Lara McDonald, CEO and Lead Interior Designer. The company will focus primarily on offering high-end interior design services. Lara will also remain involved in curating cutting-edge rental products for Prim Rentals to ensure the company's cohesive brand continues. Prim Rentals, the newly separated entity, will focus exclusively on luxury event rentals and event design services. This division will be led by Maureen Harkness, who has been appointed as CEO and Partner of Prim Rentals. With her extensive experience in the event rental industry, Maureen will lead the charge in delivering top-tier rental products and exceptional service to clients throughout Arizona and the Southwest.