On Thursday, March 25, 2021, the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX) will host a one-day virtual summit themed “Prepping for the Return of Fans!”

The one-day event will provide sports and entertainment industry professionals with a deep dive into the latest innovative ideas being used by industry leaders to safely return to work, play and spectate at live sports and entertainment events. This summit is free to anyone who can benefit as part of IIFX’s mission to “build and support a global alliance of thought leaders and stakeholders centered around safety, security and the services that contribute to the ideal fan experience.”

Lee Zeidman, President of the Los Angles Staples Center Arena will kick off the event, talking about “Strategies to Get Fans Back.”  As President of STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater and L.A. LIVE, the sports, residential and entertainment district, Zeidman oversees all of the venue’s event operations and production. He also supervises STAPLES Center’s overall day-to-day support for its tenants, sponsors, clients and partners including the reigning NBA Champion Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Kings and the Los Angeles Sparks.

Key areas covered will be health, safety, security, operations and management. To register, click here.

The AGENDA includes:

Opening Remarks/ Keynote

“Strategies to Get Fans Back”

Lee Zeidman, President, Los Angeles Staples Center Arena/Microsoft Theater/LA Live

9:45 am – 11:00 am

“Translating Ten Tough Business Lessons Learned from Pandemic into Reopening Actions”

Danny DeLorenzi, Vice President Security and Safety Services, MetLife Stadium

Jennifer Sullivan, Senor Director, Corporate Safety and Security at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment

Matt Kenny, Vice President Stadium Services and Events, Kansas City Chiefs Football Club

Nick Spampanato, Vice President Venue & Operations, AEG Presents

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Premium Lounge Meeting /General Networking

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

“Where’s my Staff? Building a Confident and Capable Post- Pandemic Workforce”

Rick Fenton, Vice President Corporate Security, Ilitch Holdings

Paul Turner, Senior Director, Event Operations at AT&T Stadium

Mark Briggs, Senior Vice President Sports & Entertainment Health & Security, Parsons

12:30 – 1:45 pm

Mid-Day Keynote Address

“Re-Defining Relationships with Fans”

Mario Coutinho, Vice President Operations and Security at Toronto Blue Jays and Roger Centre

David Allison, Director of Safety and Security, Department of Athletics, University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Pranav Kothari, Medical Director, Rock Family of Companies

Ryan McConnell, Senior Vice President, Kantar

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

“Health Safety Passports and Access Control”

Jerome Pickett, Senior Vice President, General Manager, Sports & Entertainment of Clear

Dr. Til Jolly, Chief Medical Officer, Aveshka

Brian Herbert, Vice President, Security, Golden State Warriors

3:15 – 3:45 pm       

Premium Lounge Meeting /General Networking

3:45 pm – 5:00 pm

“The Re-Defined Post-Pandemic Venue/Event Safety, Security and Services”

Nick Treder, Director of Sports & Entertainment, Johnson Controls

Eric Neuburger, Stadium Director, Lucas Oil Stadium

Lisa Schroeder, Vice President, Financial Operations, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Andy Major, Vice President Operations and Guest Experience, Buffalo Bills

5:00 pm                   

Ending Keynote/Closing Summit –

“TRUST and CONFIDENCE are the Name of the Game

Dr. Lou Marcianj, Moderator

Dr. Thom Mayer, NFLPA Medical Director

Dr. Til Jolly, Chief Medical Officer, Aveshka, Inc.

Russ Simons, Sofi Stadium and Managing Partner, Venue Solutions Group