Agenda

Sunday, May 19

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  1. 4:00 pm — 6:00 pm

    Check-In & Registration | Exhibitor Move-In

    Conference Center 3rd Floor Foyer
  2. 4:30 pm — 6:00 pm

    New! T-Mobile Arena Tour

    We are excited to offer a tour of the T-Mobile Arena! Completed in 2016, the $375 million, 650,000 square-foot multi-purpose indoor arena hosts various sports and entertainment events, including the home arena of the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League.

    The tour will take place from 5:00 - 6:00 pm PT on Sunday, May 19. Participants will meet at the lobby of the MGM Grand Hotel at 4:30pm. We will then depart shortly after as it is a 15 minute walk from the MGM Grand to the T-Mobile Arena. At the end of the tour, we will walk participants back to the MGM Grand Hotel and drop you off at LEVEL Up, for our Meet & Greet (taking place from 6:00 - 8:00pm). Sign up for the tour today for only $30.00! Hurry - limited seats available!

    To add the tour to your registration, follow this link > enter the email address and password used to register > continue to the agenda > select the Tour option > head to the payment page to purchase the $30.00 tour ticket.

  3. 6:00 pm — 8:00 pm

    Meet & Greet at LEVEL UP

    Meet and mingle with fellow attendees before the conference kicks off tomorrow! Join us at LEVEL UP at the MGM Grand Hotel. Featuring everything from nightly entertainment to live sports on big-screen TV’s and endless arcade games, there’s no better place to drink, play, win (and network!).

    Please note attendees are responsible for the cost of their food and drink.

Monday, May 20

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  1. 7:00 am — 5:00 pm

    Check-in & Registration

    Conference Center 3rd Floor Foyer
  2. 7:30 am — 9:00 am

    Q&A Breakfast Workshop: P3 Alternative Delivery (Open to Public Sector Only | Advanced Registration Required)

    Chairman's Ballroom 353/354

    Join industry leaders and AIAI members for breakfast and an interactive conversation specifically tailored to the needs of owners. This pre-conference session is designed for those beginning to explore P3s to gain a better understanding of where they can be applicable. Learn about when P3s do and do not make sense to advance, the major considerations that need to be made when choosing this route, how the model can save money and time when dealing with system repairs and maintenance, and some crucial first steps.

    Click here to register.

  3. 8:00 am — 9:00 am

    Networking Breakfast

    Expo Hall
  4. 9:00 am — 9:45 am

    Opening Keynote: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

    Chairman's Ballroom 369/370

    Join us as we kick off the 6th annual conference with Brian Yost, the Chief Operating Officer for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the destination marketing organization for Las Vegas and Southern Nevada that also owns and operates the Las Vegas Convention Center, one of the largest convention centers in the United States.

    In his role, Mr. Yost is responsible for providing leadership and developing the strategy to create exceptional customer experiences and overseeing the operations at the 4.6 million square foot Las Vegas Convention Center. As part of his Las Vegas Convention Center oversight, he leads the business sales efforts for the facility and current planning of an upcoming renovation. Mr. Yost also helps drive visitation to the destination by managing signature citywide sports and special events such as the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl and NFL Draft as well as securing Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.

  5. 9:45 am — 10:30 am

    Morning Plenary: State of the Market

    Chairman's Ballroom 369/370

    In this multi-sector discussion, we look at what's happened in the past year across the sports and entertainment industries, as well as a look to the year(s) ahead. Industry experts join us to review the common issues and potential solutions faced by venues across the U.S. The panel will discuss the types of projects they're seeing coming down the pipeline, and where future opportunities lie.

  6. 10:30 am — 11:00 am

    Networking Break

    Expo Hall
  7. 11:00 am — 12:00 pm

    How to Work with the Community and Decision-Makers to Approve and Fund New Stadium: Lessons from People Who’ve Been There

    Chairman's Ballroom 369/370

    Learn about the highly-collaborative effort to approve and fund the one of the most exciting new stadium projects in the U.S. from those who successfully navigated the process. Through the work of multiple stakeholders and deep community input, Nashville will gain not just an excellent new home for the Titans, but a bustling center of commerce and community benefits as a result. Panel members include a Titans representative, a key attorney and lobbyist to discuss the legal and political components of the project, a public relations consultant and grassroots organizer who engaged supporters for the project, a city planner, and a member of the local sports authority.

  8. 11:00 am — 12:00 pm

    Game On! Scoring Big with Creative Funding for Your State-of-the-Art Sports Facilities

    Chairman's Ballroom 353/354

    Destinations across the US are looking to upgrade or build sports facilities. However, securing funding for upgrading or building these facilities presents a significant challenge. This moderated panel delves into innovative funding mechanisms that you can leverage to bring your modern facility projects to fruition. Learn how other destinations are utilizing these novel solutions and what is available in your destination to add to your tool box!

  9. 11:00 am — 12:00 pm

    Why do a P3? Building the Business Case for a P3 and Selling it to Your Community

    Chairman's Ballroom 351/352

    What business considerations must an owner review before starting the P3 process? This panel will discuss the elements that must be considered as the owners build out the business case for a P3 and share ideas on how to effectively communicate it to the community at large.

  10. 12:00 pm — 1:15 pm

    Networking Lunch

    Expo Hall
  11. 1:15 pm — 2:00 pm

    The Traditional Convention Headquarters Hotel is Old News. New Formats of Urban Resort & Leisure-Oriented Convention Hotels are Flipping the Narrative

    Chairman's Ballroom 369/370

    Gone are the days when a convention headquarters hotel primarily served group business. The economic realities of relying on one segment simply don't add up for developers, brands, or their public-sector partners who are investing as much as 45% in incentives for projects. How are the savviest owners/operators/developers designing hotels for long-term success? The urban lifestyle resort that also caters to major group business. Come hear from developers and operators who are leveraging new revenue and markets with 'cool' big-box hotels that feature massive pool decks, spas, multiple restaurants and bars, and other features that target multiple audiences. When it comes to economics, the pivot toward leisure can increase value, increase tax revenue, decrease the public incentives needed, and create a better sense of place than ever before.

  12. 2:00 pm — 2:45 pm

    Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Master Plan: Imagining a State-of-the-Art Facility and a New District in Dallas and Beyond

    Chairman's Ballroom 369/370

    Join us for an update on the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas as panelists share lessons learned and provide a update on the project one year later. Panelists will also discuss the importance of development in and around convention centers including hotels, affordable housing and entertainment districts.

  13. 2:45 pm — 3:30 pm

    Experience is the Anchor – A District-Wide Approach to Creating Thriving and Resilient Sports & Entertainment Facilities

    Chairman's Ballroom 369/370

    Sports and entertainment events are revenue generators, but they’re also integral parts of our cultural fabric. Adjacent entertainment districts are evolving to accommodate a broader mix of uses that help fund facility maintenance and extend the game-day experience for a 24/7/365 buzz.

    Learn first-hand as we explore entertainment adjacent projects, Thrive City (Chase Center), Amway Center Sports & Entertainment district, McGregor Square (Coors Field), Aloha Stadium Entertainment District, Gallagher Way (Wrigley Field), LA Live, Nashville Yards, and more! We’ll discuss challenges related to early adoption, community benefit and impact, partnership and team structure, sponsorship and site activation, lessons learned, as well as special ordinances and design innovations that propel content-rich outdoor gathering places and successful mixed-use developments. You don’t want to miss this!

  14. 2:45 pm — 3:30 pm

    Case Study: How HCSCC/NRG Park’s Willingness to Think Outside the Box has Led to Both a Historic Energy Efficient Facilities Project and a Separate Initiative to Leverage their Facilities Management Experience to Support Cities within Harris County

    Chairman's Ballroom 351/352

    How do you address much needed facilities upgrades and achieve sustainability goals without the availability of existing funds? Approaching the half-life of NRG Park’s stadium and convention center complex, the Harris County Sports and Convention Corp. (HCSCC) / NRG Park needed facilities upgrades across their HVAC and mechanical systems, building controls, lighting, water and various other facility improvement measures.  Leveraging advances in technology alongside an energy savings performance contract, NRG Park was able to get $33+ million in much needed upgrades paid for through guaranteed utility and operational savings. These energy efficient upgrades will also reduce CO2 emissions by 241,000 metric tons annually in support Harris County's climate action goals.

    HCSCC is leveraging its experience in the development, management, and operations of the NRG Park facilities to now benefit cities throughout Harris County Texas. We will discuss the current initiative with the City of Baytown, Texas.

  15. 2:45 pm — 3:30 pm

    Crawler Cranes on Roofs, Pandemics, and a Giant Blue Bear - Oh My! Expanding Convention Centers in Dense Urban Areas by Building Up

    Chairman's Ballroom 353/354

    Showcasing the Colorado Convention Center Expansion as a case study, this session will include the owner, architect, contractor, and program manager. With hundreds of stakeholders holding them accountable, the team navigated the big ask of expanding an existing facility by 250,000 SF with nowhere to go but ‘up’. Challenges such as a worldwide pandemic and construction above an active convention center required collaboration at all levels. Despite this, the team achieved an on-time, on-budget project that exceeded diversity and inclusivity requirements. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the creative solutions and best practices employed by the panelists, enabling them to tackle similar projects in their respective cities.

  16. 3:30 pm — 4:00 pm

    Networking Break

    Expo Hall
  17. 4:00 pm — 5:00 pm

    Roundtables

    Expo Hall
  18. 4:00 pm — 5:00 pm

    Roundtable #1 Building Optimization, Leverage Technology and Data Insights to Improve Efficiency, Reduce Energy Consumption, Manage Costs and Enhance Tenant Experience!

    Expo Hall

    This session explores strategies and real-world examples of how leveraging data can help track energy usage, lower operational costs, and create productive, comfortable environments tailored to tenant needs. From sporting arenas to convention centers, discover ways to optimize space utilization, identify savings opportunities, and drive impactful improvements through data-driven insights. With the power of technology and data, you can start making impactful improvements in your facilities.

  19. 4:00 pm — 5:00 pm

    Roundtable #2 Transit to Events: Integrated Ticketing and Creating a Transit Culture

    Expo Hall

    As Los Angeles gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2028 Olympics, and other major events, the city is striving to make it easy and intuitive for everyone to use public transportation. To do this, it is critical to modernize transit fare payment infrastructure as well as create robust interoperability with events and venues. In 2023, LA Metro was awarded a US Department of Transportation SMART Grant (Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation) to test the concept of Integrated Event Ticketing by building a minimal viable product (MVP) that integrates transit trip planning and fare purchase with event ticketing, such as for concerts and sporting events. Join this roundtable as LA Metro discusses the importance of partnerships between transit agencies and event venues to provide a seamless customer journey from transit to the event.

  20. 4:00 pm — 5:00 pm

    Roundtable #3 Unlocking Venue Potential: How to Use Insightful Data to Upgrade and Transform the Visitor Experience and Boost Revenue

    Expo Hall

    Join a dynamic discussion on leveraging data to elevate visitor experiences with Legends IQ. This roundtable invites venue managers to explore the powerful intersection of data intelligence, technology, and digital signage solutions, offering practical guidance on implementing innovative strategies to enrich guest interactions and leave lasting impressions. Discover how harnessing the power of data can unlock new opportunities for your venue, creating tailored and unforgettable visitor experiences enhanced by cutting-edge digital technologies. Learn how business intelligence data allows you to better understand your audience and ultimately generate more revenue.

  21. 4:00 pm — 5:00 pm

    Roundtable #4 Successful Navigation of the Roles and Relationships of the Owner and the Operator

  22. 5:00 pm — 6:00 pm

    Opening Night Networking Reception

    Expo Hall

    Join us at this special evening networking reception for all attendees. Enjoy drinks and light fare while meeting with exhibitors, speakers, and conference delegates. 

Tuesday, May 21

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  1. 7:00 am — 12:30 pm

    Check-In & Registration

    Conference Center 3rd Floor Foyer
  2. 7:30 am — 9:00 am

    AIAI P3Direct Bootcamp: Project Delivery (Open to Public Sector Only l Advanced Registration Required)

    Chairman's Ballroom 353/354

    Is your project a good Public-Private Partnership candidate? Join AIAI experts as they explore what makes a good P3 project and what to consider as you bring your project to market.

    Click here to reigster.

  3. 8:00 am — 9:00 am

    Networking Breakfast

    Expo Hall
  4. 9:00 am — 10:00 am

    Morning Plenary: Delivered as Promised – How the BMO Centre Fulfilled Years of Commitments, Planning and Community Engagement

    Chairman's Ballroom 369/370

    The BMO Centre Expansion project is an example of a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to urban development. Through public-private partnerships, innovative financing models, and stakeholder engagement, the project will not only expand the city's convention and exhibition capacity but will also catalyze the evolution of Calgary's culture + entertainment district into a vibrant hub for commerce, culture, and community.Key points of discussion will include:

    • Innovative Project Delivery Models: The BMO Centre Expansion project showcases a blend of traditional and unconventional project delivery methods, including design-build contracts, value engineering, and risk-sharing arrangements. By adopting these innovative approaches, the project team has optimized efficiency, minimized costs, and accelerated the delivery timeline.
    • Creating Sustainable Entertainment Anchors: Entertainment districts play a pivotal role in shaping the identity and vitality of urban centers. By expanding the BMO Centre and integrating it within Calgary's entertainment district, the project has established an economically sustainable anchor capable of attracting visitors year-round. Through synergistic partnerships with local businesses, cultural institutions, and hospitality ventures, the expanded BMO Centre serves as a catalyst for economic growth and community cohesion.
    • Successful Project Delivery Enables Continued Investment and Development
  5. 10:00 am — 11:00 am

    A Story of Resiliency and Adaptive Reuse: The Rise, Fall and Reimagining of the American Mall

    Chairman's Ballroom 369/370

    The American Mall was once listed by Consumer Reports as one of the top 50 most revolutionary consumer innovations, ranked alongside things like antibiotics and personal computers. Today it is estimated that 68% of Americans live within one hour of a ‘dead mall’ and 2 in 5 live near two or more “dead” malls.  28% of Americans had an abandoned mall torn down where they live in the last 5 years.

    In many communities the death of the American mall is being turned into a positive.  The large footprint, easily accessible facilities are being reimagined into sports, recreation and well being centers that provide even broader benefit to the community.  In addition, these visionary projects represent the ultimate in sustainability, through adaptive reuse.  We will also speak to the financing.

    This session will explore four significant projects: WeStreet Ice Center, UT Southwestern Redbird Mall Renovation, Nexus Park and Austin Community College Highland Campus.

  6. 10:00 am — 11:00 am

    Critical Factors for Moving a P3 Forward

    Chairman's Ballroom 351/352

    Join this session as industry experts present best practices and lessons learned through experience in successfully utilizing and developing projects with the P3 approach.

  7. 11:00 am — 11:30 am

    Networking Break

    Expo Hall
  8. 11:30 am — 12:30 pm

    P3 Recipe for Success: Essential Components for an Entertainment District to Thrive

    Chairman's Ballroom 369/370

    Entertainment districts are being planned or are popping up all over the country. While they vary in size, building type, and tenant mix, the collective intent of developers and municipalities is clear: to rejuvenate exhausted or neglected real estate, to generate much-needed tax revenues, and to bolster their cities’ live-work-play-visit image as they compete fiercely with other metros for businesses and residents.Public and private supporters view entertainment districts as potential catalysts for broader urban redevelopment. Learn more about the P3 (Public-Private) partnerships and perspectives that offer a unique synergy between government and business and are drivers for economic development across many communities throughout the U.S. This session will highlight the process that several planned and upcoming entertainment districts are navigating, essential components for these districts to thrive, and other key ingredients needed for success!

  9. 12:30 pm

    Conference Ends l Exhibitor Breakdown