04-22-2013 Century Center Board Selects SMG to Manage Century Center

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Contact: Gregg Caren Senior Vice President Strategic Business Development 610.729.7922 gcaren @smgworld.com For Immediate Release Century Center Board Selects Recognized Leader SMG to Manage Century Center Goals focus on streamlining customer experience, enhanced marketing and sales and forging local alliances to benefit South Bend and St. Joseph County. SOUTH BEND, IN (April 22, 2013) — On April 18, 2013,the Century Center Board of Managers approved the city's Board of Public Works' unanimous recommendation to contract with SMG—a professional convention and entertainment venue management firm—to operate the Century Center effective July 1, 2013. With the decision to change management firms,the Century Center will also take advantage of the firm's internal catering division, SAVOR, as well as the company's recognized brand amongst meeting and convention planners both regionally and nationally. "Our immediate goal is to focus on a smooth transition for staff, and ensure clients a first class experience by engaging them in our hospitality approach to managing convention centers.At the same time, we will immediately seek to link this 'Michiana'-based convention venue and Bendix Theater with our regional and national network. By providing access to our systems, resources and clients, we can help enhance performance and broaden exposure for the Center, city and county,"said Gregg Caren, SMG Senior Vice President for Strategic Business Development. The Century Center, including over 60,000 square feet of exhibition, meeting and banquet space and a 694-seat theater has been home to numerous conferences, conventions,trade shows, concerts, performances and events for more than 36 years. SMG will take over operational responsibilities from Global Spectrum,who held the contract since 2006. "We are very pleased to see the Century Center join the SMG network. SMG has an incredible legacy of more than 30 years of professional management and a commitment to its employees, high quality standards and exceptional service in dozens of venues and destinations like ours. I look forward to working with SMG and their team as they help take the Century Center to the next level,"said Century Center Board President, Greg Downes. "In the selection process, we heard nothing but praise for SMG's performance in many of those other cities, as well as a commitment and plan to engage key local stakeholders like Visit South Bend Mishawaka,the Doubletree Hotel and numerous local eateries,vendors and suppliers," Downes added. Local officials and hospitality leaders recognize the vital need to expand market share through a creative team approach to marketing. "We are most excited about SMG's South Bend Alliance, which will help us all focus our efforts in a collaborative way to benefit the local economy,"noted convention bureau executive director Rob DeCleene. "In speaking with my counterparts at convention bureaus around the