The Vanderburgh County Commission voted yesterday to renew the county’s contract with SMG, the convention-facilities management firm currently overseeing operations at the Old National Event Plaza. SMG has managed the ONEP since 2001.
The new contract will pay SMG a $160,000 annual fixed fee, with the stipulation that SMG will invest $200,000 in bringing new events into the facility and another $30,000 to assist with marketing and sales activities.
SMG, known as a worldwide leader in convention and entertainment facility management, is also eligible for an incentive fee to reduce the ONEP’s operating financial deficit, or it will rebate up to half of its fixed fee back to the county.
“With the new infrastructure in place at the ONEP and other local developments in progress, the county is set up to succeed with this contract,†said Vanderburgh County Commissioner Bruce Ungethiem. “The investment we make along with the investment SMG has pledged creates a win-win for taxpayers and the local economy.â€
In addition to providing oversight of all sales, marketing, maintenance and food-and-beverage services at the ONEP, SMG will refocus its efforts on pursuing convention business with state associations, corporate meetings and regional events. SMG will also be announcing new leadership in the next few days to oversee the ONEP.
SMG has been providing facility management for 40 years, and currently manages 230 facilities worldwide.
Wow. I guess they didn’t want to see the backlash if they handed the ONB Events Plaza to those “we don’t need to make a profit” geniuses at Venuworks. I wonder if Venuworks also had a stipulation to bring new acts to the Ford Center. How many times do we have to deal with Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, and Martina McBride coming to town every other year?
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