Hello Team,
Since we last spoke, I had the opportunity to connect with over 100 client partners at our annual IAVM (International Association of Venue Managers) client appreciation dinner at their VenueConnect event, as well as visit a few of our key partners in the New Orleans market.
We are often so “in it” with our venues, that it’s difficult to stand back and reflect on the transformation journey many of them are on. From managing multimillion dollar infrastructure investments, to preparing to host some of the most prestigious events while the world watches, their navigation of sensitive issues, energy in the face of seemingly overwhelming tasks and authentic community engagement is an inspiration to us all. In New Orleans alone, I listened, amazed, to the steadfast vision of our convention center partners who lovingly frame the city and the center as the “sleeping giant” of the country and the industry. Immediately following, I marveled at the outcome of the incredible 500-million-dollar investment in the Superdome, while our partner reflected on the bittersweet nature of the project being over. Not to worry though… it won’t be long until the next big project!
At IAVM, there wasn’t a venue partner who wasn’t proud to share the next phase of their transformation journey because “done” is not in their vocabulary. Our industry demands perpetual motion in response to disruption, expectation changes, and fierce competition. And do you know why our partner dinner is the hottest ticket in town at IAVM each year? Because we continue to rise to those challenges! Two attendees at our dinner were recently recognized for the 30 Under 30 Award at IAVM. As they shared with me, they were thrilled with their award, but they were most excited to be able to join the infamous Sodexo Live! dinner for the first time! Made me very proud on behalf of all of us.
Speaking of proud, our Sodexo Live! teams in New Orleans at the Superdome and the convention center have been on a rollercoaster journey themselves, to not just keep up with the change, but to deliver on that needed push/pull dynamic of great partnerships… being as comfortable in leading as they are at following on a transformational journey with our client partners. It hasn’t always been perfect, but it has always been earnest in intent. That’s what drives growth and performance. Authentic reflection and unwavering determination to be a better version of ourselves each day.
On that note, I’ll finish this Loop with a reminder to please complete your self-review in Success Factors by this Friday, August 9 (link to access below). Just like with our clients, calibration and alignment meetings are a critical marker of healthy partnerships and high performing teams. The time you take in this process to earnestly reflect on what’s working and what could be better, will give your manager the greatest chance of contributing to your future growth in meaningful ways.
Belinda
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Welcome, Ryan Robinson!
Ryan joins our team as Executive Chef at Lucas Oil Stadium. He has nearly 30 years of culinary experience, having previously worked at the 95 Cordova at the AAA 4 Diamond Casa Monica Hotel, the Jaguar’s TIAA Bank Stadium in Jacksonville, as Director of Operations for University of Idaho’s NCAA venues, and more.
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Congrats, Parag Shah!
Parag has been promoted to Senior Director of Analytics and Business Intelligence. A critical member of our team, Parag has been with us for more than seven years, helping us to better understand and utilize crucial data to better serve our guests and clients.
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University of Texas Athletics Welcomes Sodexo Live! As New Partner
The University of Texas announced a multi-year agreement with Sodexo Live! to manage fan hospitality for fans and performance dining for Longhorn athletes. The deal encompasses the iconic Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium, which seats more than 100,000 for football gamedays and in 2024 will celebrate its 100th anniversary. It will also include the newly renovated membership club, The University of Texas Club, and also a number of other venues on the Austin campus, including UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Red & Charline McCombs Field, Gregory Gymnasium, Mike A. Myers Stadium and the Texas Athletics Nutrition Center.
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Booked and Busy at Orange County Convention Center
Our team recently volunteered at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida’s Mercy Kitchen, helping to sort and put together 1k+ boxes of fresh produce to go back to the local community (about 4,464 meals). They also launched an all-new burgers and chicken concept, featuring a revised menu and logo from the original OC Spice Grill concept, rounding out five new concepts this year! And finally, the team proactively built out a braille menu ahead of the National Federation of the Blind’s Annual Convention (read article here), which was a massive hit with the convention leaders.
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Volunteering in Virginia Beach
Our Virginia Beach Convention Center team volunteered earlier this month at the Foodbank of Southeast Virginia. Together they boxed up 360 meal kits to be delivered to those in need in the community. Great work!
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Go Behind The Scenes for the Big Soup Event at Miami Beach Convention Center
Executive Chef Ismael LaSalle and our Miami Beach Convention Center team participated in another “Big Soup” Servathon! The team made 160 gallons of Mexican Chicken Vegetable soup that was donated to Miami’s Camillus House. More than just soup, it’s a statement against food insecurity, aligned with Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation’s mission. Watch here.
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Help Spread the Word About These Open Roles!
Sodexo Live! is currently hiring for the following open positions: (1) Executive Chef – Yakima Convention Center, (2) Executive Chef – Plimoth Patuxet Museums, (3) Warehouse Manager – Seattle Mariners and (4) Operations Manager – Keystone Centre. Please share with anyone in your network who may be interested.
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STH Group Unveils New Logo: A Sodexo Live! Company
STH Group recently unveiled its new logo to celebrate its endorsement as a Sodexo Live! company! This marks a new era for STH, taking things to the next level as they continue to strive for authenticity, innovation, and service excellence, uniting guests through sport. For a refresher on Sodexo Live! and STH, read the release here.
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San Diego Convention Center and Sodexo Live!’s Exclusive Chocolate Bars Back for Comic-Con 2024
The annual exclusive chocolate bars returned to San Diego Convention Center for Comic Con! Our Executive Chef Sufi Karaien and Pastry Chef Kristianna Zabala teamed up for four brand new flavors to delight attendees. The flavors include First in Line (milk chocolate with puffed rice, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, a hint of coffee, and marshmallows), Pirate Potion (blend of white chocolate, tangy dried pineapple, zesty lime, and coconut, topped off with a sprinkle of key lime zest), Sunday Sundae (milk chocolate with swirls of caramel, dotted with bananas, strawberries, and cherries, tied together with a hint of vanilla and a crunchy peanut topping) and Moonlight Voyage (blends of creamy white chocolate with dried miso and nutty black sesame, with bursts of tart dried strawberries). Read more here and check out the new Collector’s Boxes.
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Big Ten Sticks with Indianapolis
Off of an already big year for sports in Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium, the Big Ten football championship announced it will be staying in Indianapolis through 2028. The first Big 10 Championship was played in 2011, and it hasn’t left Lucas Oil Stadium since.
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2024 BNP Paribas Open Economic Impact Nears $1 Billion
New data has come in from Indian Wells detailing out the near $1 billion economic impact that the 2024 BNP Paribas Open event had. This increase is about more than 50 percent from their 2022 study. Read more.
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The Olympic Village Is Serving 2,000 Chocolate Muffins Per Day Since the Treats Went Viral
The most popular baked good in the Olympic Village in Paris isn’t a croissant, pain au chocolat or any other classic French pastry — it’s a double chocolate muffin that’s gone viral on TikTok. The muffins were made popular by Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, and now about 2,000 are eaten each day with many athletes sharing their reviews on social media.
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Paris 2024 Top-Tier Coverage
As Paris 2024 is underway, Sodexo Live! and our Experience Makers’ efforts continue to be shared on key news outlets like The New York Times, The Today Show (start at 3:19), NBC, US Weekly, and more.
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All vital resources are also provided on Sodexo_Net.
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Belinda Oakley
