SEAT Spring 2012

SEAT Spring 2012

COVER STORY: THE COMMUNITY
It’s time to register for the 22nd Annual ALSD Conference and Tradeshow in Minneapolis. Check out this year’s schedule of events, sessions, tours, and keynote speakers.

FEATURES:

BUILDING A SALES RETAINING WALL
Recently, some teams have constructed stand-alone retention departments to resist decreases in season ticket renewal rates.
BY RYAN MIRABEDINI

IN A FIRST FLUSH OF LUXURY SUITES
The new BBVA Compass Stadium is ushering in a new premium era for the Houston Dynamo and for MLS and is a new icon for the City of Houston.
BY JARED FRANK

STRATEGIES AND BEST PRACTICES TO KEEP SPONSORS COMING BACK
A recent survey completed by 38 teams from MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, and NHL sheds light on the best approaches for retaining sponsors.
BY DR. PETER TITLEBAUM AND TODD C. KOESTERS, MSA, JD

INTRODUCING THE SPONSORSHIP HEALTH REPORT
Former Bank of America executive, Ray Bednar, says it’s time to focus on corporations’ objectives throughout the life of their marketing investments. And he has developed a program that does just that.
INTERVIEW BY BILL DORSEY

SPORTS TECHNOLOGY CORNER:

WHO OWNS YOUR APP?
Teams and venues need to consider owning their own mobile applications to ensure a desired fan experience and new revenue stream isn’t lost.
BY PAUL KAPUSTKA

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
The Venue Technology Group has its own division within the ALSD and its own community. Check out this year’s schedule of events, sessions, tours, and keynote speakers.

THE CORNERS OF THE DATABASE MARKETING AND CRM MARKETS
Learn all the options your organization needs to consider when addressing your data management situation.
BY BOBBY WHITSON

DEPARTMENTS:

NEW ALSD MEMBERS

ALSD STAFF EDITORIAL
Editor’s Note
BY JARED FRANK

A Note from the President
BY JENNIFER ARK

Rocket Science: The Byzantine World of Ticketing
BY BILL DORSEY

ALSD MEMBER Q&A

INDUSTRY AND ASSOCIATION NEWS
ALSD veteran Rick Lassiter is cut from a different mold
XL Center holds grand opening for Webster Bank Lounge during March Madness
Feature Recipe: Fenway Park chef celebrates 100th anniversary of America’s Most Beloved Ballpark

THE ALSD ONLINE

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
SEAT visits with: Britt Carlson (and Staff)
Director of Premium Seating 
Minnesota Timberwolves
BY JARED FRANK

COMING ATTRACTIONS

About the Cover: The ALSD Conference features a visit to Target Field this year, which in 2010, was rated the number one stadium experience in North America by ESPN The Magazine.