sept-2017

158 159 significant cosmeticupgrades,all newseats,carpeting, painting,sound andmechanical systems,lighting,and concourse,restroomand dressing-room improvements. Rittenberry says,“Wewill be replacing and upgrading ourWi-Fi network throughout thebuilding inthe first quarterof2018.Thatwill beanew,faster,network.We’re also lookingtogoout tobid,verysoon,withanRFPfor anAVprovider,sowe’ll haveanexclusiveAPprovider that will haveall thenewest technologyandequipment from anAVstandpoint–rigging,lights,sound,video.Our clients won’thave tobring ina thirdpartyvendor toprovide that equipment.Itwill behereonsite.” TheKECisalsoworkingonRFPs for anestimated $25million“Agri-plex”that couldreplace thecrumbling and largelyvacantCardinal StadiumontheExpoCen- tergrounds.Clearingthestadiumwouldmake room formoreparking; upto1,000animal stalls; andupto 200,000square feetof space for showing livestockand stagingother agricultural events.Meanwhile,anenter- tainment complexwould includebars,restaurants,and retail space. Rittenberrybelieves that all thenewupgradesand additions–ongoing,planned,andhopedfor-will help KentuckyVenuescompetemoreeffectivelyinavery competitivemarketplace.Meanwhile,he touts someof PREFERRED VENDORS n Ungerboeck Software International www.ungerboeck.com Ungerboeck, the global leader in venue and event manage- ment technology, empowers over 40,000 users in more than 50 countries. With a customer-focused approach, Ungerboeck’s comprehensive purpose-built solutions have enabled Kentucky Venues and other organizations around the world to more efficiently manage their operations, uncover new opportunities and grow their businesses. n Axxis, Inc. www.axxisinc.com Axxis, Inc., formerly known as Fuelspot.com, Inc., develops market data, software, and integration software solutions for the downstream petroleum and bio-energy industries. The company serves petroleum suppliers and marketers, energy traders and risk management customers, government agen- cies, bio fuels, convenience stores, transportation customers, wholesalers, farmers, brokers, retailers, and associations and publications in North America. n Chattanooga Tent & Event Solutions www.chattanoogatent.com 502.568.6030 | info@axxisinc.com | www.axxisinc.com WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Axxis is a full service production company. What exactly does that mean? Well, to us, it means we can provide everything from the conceptual design and planning all the way through the execution of your live event. Unlike most production companies that we come across, we actually own the majority of our own gear and employ full-time technicians who run and service the equipment we own. Whatever your venue or technical needs – from trade show booths or corporate meetings to conferences, concerts and festivals, we are ready to help you stand out from the crowd. We make events come alive! KENTUCKY VENUES Proud provider of tenting for the Kentucky State Fair for more than 40 years! n Large Tent Inventory n Extensive Knowledge and Experience n Meticulous Quality Control n Professional Planning Process n Tent Manufacturing Capabilities (800) 843-8514 | 1110 Oak Street, Chattanooga, TN 37403 office@chattanoogatent.com | www.chattanoogatent.com hisorganization’scurrent advantages.“I thinkthemost important thingaboutKentuckyVenues is thenumberof eventswehaveandthenumberof events thatweown andoperate.Inmost centers,90or even100percentof theirbusiness is just rentingout their center.Weownand operateseveral of ourownevents.InadditiontotheKen- tuckyState Fair that we operate,we also operate the National FarmMachineryShow,theNorthAmerican International LivestockExpo,and the KentuckyAll In Hoopfest,which is several thousand high school kids playing in anNCAAbasketball recruiting tournament. That’s quite different frommost centers.Most centers are just the venue; we’re also the promoter and owner of our large events and shows.” Finally,Rittenberryalso believes strongly that the Cityof Louisville has a lot to offer visitors.“It’s a hot city, right now,”he claims.“It’s growing.The number of ho- tels and the number of newvenues that are opening here are reallymaking it a desirable location for trade shows,conventions,and corporatemeetings.We have 3,000 newadditional hotel rooms opening downtown between nowand the time our Center opens.Agreat newcenter,brand newhotels,and there are always things going on.Sowe feel like the city is booming.”