May 6, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - During the 2007 campaign, UCF welcomed thousands of football fans to Bright House Networks Stadium. This week, UCF Athletics hosted a unique national conference at the 45,000-seat facility.
For two days, the Venue Hospitality Association held its national collegiate conference inside the club lounge at Bright House Networks Stadium's Roth Tower. The conference is the only event dedicated to serving the collegiate premium seat marketplace.
Hospitality professionals from colleges and universities across the country came to the UCF campus for the event. The conference focused on topics involving luxury suites, club seats and development.
The forum was sponsored by UCF Athletics, the Golden Knights Club, The Venue Group, Inc. and Aramark. UCF associate athletics director Tim Leonard and coordinator of development Kevin Miller served as hosts for the event.
"The event allows industry leaders from the premium seating spectrum of athletics development to share ideas about what works and hasn't worked at their respective institutions," said Miller. "This is a great opportunity for UCF to show these industry leaders what we have to offer from a premium seating and facilities standpoint."
Former Golden Knights Club staffer Padraic McMeel, who now works at Missouri State, is a member of the Venue Hospitality Associations' Board of Directors.
Representatives from Clemson, Missouri State, NC State, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Washington and Wisconsin attended the conference.
In addition to participating in panels, attendees toured Bright House Networks Stadium and the new UCF Arena. Both facilities opened this past fall.