Spectra Venue Management (formerly Global Spectrum) and Food Services & Hospitality Divisions Combined
October 12, 2015
Comcast Spectator’s Spectra Venue Management division (formerly Global Spectrum) and the Spectra Food Services & Hospitality division (formerly Ovations Food Services) will be combined, effective Nov. 2.
This model integrates Spectra food and venue operations management into one team. In total, there will be four geographic divisions and 19 regions.
“The strong partnerships we have with our clients allow us to innovate in ways that benefits our clients, our employees and our customers,” said Glen Brandeburg, who joined the company in 2015 as the president and COO of Spectra Venue Management and Food Services & Hospitality divisions.
He added, “These geographic divisions will drive even more efficiencies to enhance the fan/customer experience.”
With this geographical realignment, Spectra by Comcast Spectacor assigned four leaders to the newly created positions of divisional senior vice presidents.
They are Hank Abate (Northeast Division), Doug Drewes (Southeast Division), Shura Garnett (Central Division) and Charlie Neary (West Division). They will report to Brandeburg and oversee several regions within their divisions.
Abate joined Spectra predecessor Global Spectrum in December of 2013 as senior vice president of Arenas and Stadiums for the company.
He spent 20 years with SMG as a senior vice president of Stadiums and Arenas. During his time at SMG, he oversaw 70 arenas nationwide.
Garnett, a 12-year Spectra employee, recently served the company as general manager of the Saint Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, Mo., and as a regional vice president, focusing on the convention center business for Spectra.
She has been in the facility management industry since 1987. She is a past chairman of the Board for International Association of Venue Managers.
Drewes began in the industry at the age of 20, and has managed some of the most prominent facilities in the country.
Prior to joining Spectra Food Services & Hospitality in 2014 as the executive vice president overseeing operations in the eastern half of North America, Drewes spent 26 years with Centerplate, overseeing 88 accounts.
Neary has been with the Spectra since 2001 when his company, FanFare Enterprises, a regional foodservice company, merged with Spectra.
Formerly overseeing Spectra Food Services & Hospitality’s operations in the western half of North America, Neary was responsible for managing half of all food service clientvenues for Spectra.
“Our new leadership team has incredible industry experience and will be a great team,” said Ken Young, founder and CEO of Spectra Food Services & Hospitality. “I am really excited for our future and how it will benefit our clients, our employees, and ultimately, our customers.”
Spectra by Comcast Spectacor partners with more than 300 clients at 400 global properties to create experiences for millions of visitors every year.
Spectra’s expertise is embodied within three divisions: Venue Management (formerly Global Spectrum), Food Services & Hospitality (formerly Ovations Food Services) and Ticketing & Fan Engagement (formerly Paciolan). Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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