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AMC Conference Committee Chair Todd Hunt talks about upcoming conference

By Kayla McKinley posted 08-28-2012 09:45

  
The weeks seem to be flying by and just around the corner is this year's Arena Management Conference, Sept. 9-11, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Too many times we forget how important networking and education can be in re-energizing our professional careers. We spoke to Todd Hunt, CFE, the director of BancorpSouth Arena and the AMC conference committee chair, to find out how he plans to use this year's conference to reconnect to his professional goals. 

What does Las Vegas bring to the table in terms of a conference destination? Las Vegas is a great destination, and it has become a much different city since the last time AMC was there back in 1998, so it was definitely time to return. Compared to Orlando where we had AMC 11, Las Vegas is at the other end of the resort destination spectrum. Both are destinations of the highest caliber with plenty to do and see. 

What will be your highlights at AMC? The entire program schedule at this year's AMC excites me. From Dean Budnick's keynote to the data presented on ticketing trends and research. I think we will really benefit from the expert panelists like Pat Christensen from Las Vegas Exhibits who will be part of a presentation on electronic music events as well as what we will hear about best practices for social media as well as sessions touching on customer service for our guest relations professionals. 

Speaking of social media, what are your social media goals you hope to hear about at the conference? I think many of us are already building great Twitter and Facebook followings. It is really becoming a family sort of feel being able to connect on a personal level to many of our fans. But it also makes sense to find ways to take these interactions to a monetary level. I'm excited to hear more from the industry experts we will be bringing in to talk about how our arenas can engage followers socially but still find ways to convert these interactions into transactions. 

Any other programs you always look forward to? It is always great to get to hear from the agents and promoters to find out what's new and who will be touring. We'll have more information on this exciting session in an upcoming e-news, so stay tuned! Additionally, our arenas are focused on being green — and not the kind of green you see so much of in Vegas. Arena managers will get to hear more about how their venues can be sustainable in affordable ways. In the past, it has been sometimes more expensive to be green than not. And this year's sessions will show arena managers what they can do to save green and be green. And finally, speaking of green — this year's AMC participants will have the opportunity to explore the natural side of Vegas with a tour of Red Rock Canyon. So I hope they will take advantage of this unique opportunity as well. 

There is still time to register for AMC 2012. It's going to a great experience — from the opening night at the Hard Rock to the closing celebration at the Orleans. This year is a don't-miss! 

Register today and join your peers in re-energizing your professional career and reconnecting with your goals!
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