Bart Whitaker

504-217-0072

bartwhit@gmail.com

BartWhitaker.com

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Performing Arts Manager (3/21-11/21)

Suffolk, VA
Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts

Full Service Cultural Arts Center with Performing, Educational, and Visual Arts Offerings, including Gift Shop and Restaurant. Responsible for booking Three in One Series and manage all Venue Operations.

Expert Witness (1/2000-Current)

BartWhitaker.com
EXPERT WITNESS CASES

Attorney Johnny Cochran (Disney’s Wide World of Sports Case); the Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, Edward Jones Dome, Rosenblatt Stadium, New York Yankees, Darlington Raceway, Durham Bulls, Smoothie King Center/New Orleans Pelicans, Ringling Brothers Circus… Working as an Expert Witness has enabled me to engage current Venue, Event, Crowd Management Industry Issues.

Quality Control Consultant (3/10-Current)

BartWhitaker.com
UNIVERSOUL ENTERTAINMENT

The Second Largest Touring Circus in the United States

Advisor/Consultant for the owner. Event/Venue Advisor, FOH Training/Management, booked first indoor events in company’s 18-year history….

Success Strategist (5/96-Current)
BartWhitaker.com 

Facility/Organization Start-up/Reorganization/Projects: Carolina Panthers/Cleveland Browns of the NFL: Start-up; Georgia Dome Event Security/Crowd Management Privatization Start-up (Andy Frain), International Village Start-Up, Chamblee Business Association Start-Up, SMG (Olympic Operations/Marketing Plan), BCAC (start-up), New Orleans Convention Center, SAFE Management/Super Bowl…

Corporate Hospitality: Directed several Atlanta Centennial Olympics Corporate Hospitality Programs; numerous Masters, US Open, PGA Championship, PGA Tour Championship, Super Bowls and Final 4 Corporate Travel Programs, Directed the Sydney Olympics Program for Beaulieu of America. Travel/Hospitality Manager for the Atlanta Falcons (Team, Family & Fan Club) for Super Bowl 33, Tour de Georgia Hospitality Manager, various corporate programs including the Atlanta Braves, US Open Tennis, MLB All-Star Game, Rolling Stones, U-2, Oscars & Grammy Awards, Rose Bowl, BCS Championship Game…

Event Management/Marketing, Sales & Sponsorships: The Super Bowl, Final 4, Executive Director for the Delta Air Lines Holiday Basketball Classic (GA/GA Tech); Atlanta Steeplechase, Marketing and Promotions Manager for Georgia State University Basketball Team (Lefty Driessell), the Norfolk State University Athletic Marketing Department, Group Ticket Sales for Pace Motorsports/Supercross, Sugar Bowl Parade and Gala, NCAA Final 4 Merchandising, “Lefty’s” Golf Classic, Official Beer Vendor for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games

Assistant General Manager (3/90-7/96)
Georgia Dome-Georgia World Congress Center Atlanta, GA
71,500 seat Domed Stadium; various seating capacities in the Dome/Arena configurations; 120,000 Also: led facility through vigorous Grand Opening, Atlanta Falcons inaugural season, Super Bowl XXVIII, and major conventions/trade and consumer shows; responsible for the development of internal communications/teamwork manuals and training for all employees and contractors. Served on the Board of Directors and as Chairman of the Stadiums Committee for the IAVM and wrote articles for The Facility Manager on Stadium Management topics…
Events/Clients included: Atlanta Falcons; NFL (Super Bowl); Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl; Atlanta Sports Council; Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games; Major Concert Promoters (The Rolling Stones, Billy Joel/Elton John, U-2, Eric Clapton…); SEC Conference Championships, NCAA (Final 4), Amway, Comdex, Super Show…

General Manager  St. Pete., FL (8/88-3/90)
Bayfront Center/Duke Energy Performing Arts Center-Mahaffey Performing Arts Center
8,500 seat Arena and 2,000 seat Performing Arts Center, Bayfront Marina/Park, 75-acre property
Directed a dynamic restructuring project, involving a public-to-private management transformation, supervised a $100 million dollar renovation/construction project, Implemented the Foundation start-up, event series, and first ever sponsorship activities. BFC staff also assisted in the start-up and grand opening of the Florida Suncoast Dome (i.e., Thunderdome – Tropicana Field).
Events/Clients include Harry Connick Jr.; Temps/Tops 25th Anniversary Show; Whitney Houston; Tom Petty; Stars on Ice, Disney on Ice, Driving Miss Daisy, Le Miz, Ringling Brothers, David Copperfield, Kenny G, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Tampa Bay Orchestra, St. Petersburg Opera, St. Petersburg Grand Prix, Tampa Boat Show…

General Manager (8/86-8/88)
Macon CENTROPLEX Macon, GA
10,000 seat Arena and 3,000 seat Auditorium, 3750 seat Single A Baseball Stadium (Luther Williams), Central City Park
Reorganized the corporate structure/operation, including staffing, security, bookings, corporate partners, budget, and marketing plans. These efforts resulted in the organization’s only two profitable years in its 20-year history. Improved facility’s cleanliness and communication system, as well as the public’s perception of the facility. Developed feasibility study to renovate, rename and expand facility. Expansion project completed in 1996.
Events/Clients include Reba McEntire; Randy Travis; Hank Williams, Family Shows; Disney on Ice, Stars on Ice, Ice Capades, Mercer University Men’s Basketball, Georgia High School Athletic Association Championships, Convention and Visitors Bureau; Macon Braves (Minor League Baseball Team); Jehovah’s Witness; and GA Manufactured Housing Association, Cherry Blossom Festival…

Director of Events and Public Services (8/80-8/86)
Louisiana SUPERDOME New Orleans, LA
75,000 seat Domed Stadium, various seating capacities in Dome/Arena configurations, 188,000 sq. ft. exhibit space, and 80,000 sq. ft. meeting room space
Directed daily FT Security Staff of 50, FT Event Services Staff of 15, and Public Service/Contract Security staff of over 1000. Responsible for the oversight, coordination, preparation, and follow-through of each Superdome event. Reorganized the Events and Public Services Department, including the creation of the first Department Mission and Policy Manual. Responsible for vast improvement in public perception and image of Superdome. Directed all in-house Team Building Activities including Annual Holiday Event, Golf Tournament, Service/Merit Awards…
Events/Clients include, Bayou Classic; Pelican Cup Baseball Series; Stevie Wonder; Rick James; National Food Technologies; Seventh Day Adventists; National Education Association; New Orleans Saints; USFL Breakers; Tulane University; Sugar Bowl Committee, NFL (Super Bowl), NCAA (Final 4)…

Chairman of Speakers Special Events Services
Capital University Columbus, OH
Facilitated budgeting, booking, marketing, and operations of Capital University’s Special Events

Food and Beverage Supervisor for Ogden Concessions/Catering   Columbus, OH
Ohio Stadium/St. John’s Arena (The Ohio State University), The Ohio State Fair, Columbus Zoo

Expert Witness Experience

  • DISNEY WORLD – THEFT OF iNTELECTUAL PROPERTY
  • EDWARD JONES DOME – personal injury/Standard Operating Procedures
  • NY Yankees – personal injury/Event Set up
  • durham bulls – CROWD MANAGEMENT SOP’S/INJURY
  • saturn/gm – EVENT SET UP/INJURY
  • dalington raceway – EVENT SET UP/INJURY
  • Univ. of South carolina – SECURITY/CROWD MANAGEMENT/INJURY
  • san diego chargers – Ca Fire insurance claim Dispute
  • Philadelphia Eagles – BUSINESS SOP’S/INJURY
  • OMAHA ROYALS/Rosenblatt Stadium – FACILITY SET UP/INJURY
  • yigo, guam, amusement park – security/felony assault/crowd management
  • New Orleans pelicans – Personal injury
  • Ringling Brothers Circus – Performer injuries/equipment rigging
  • smoothie king center – CONSTRUCTION/ENGINEERING FAILURE-NBA GAME INCIDENT
  • TRAVIS SCOTT ASTROWORLD – CROWD MANAGEMENT FAILURE

One of the Most Well-Rounded Venue Managers in the Country

In addition to being an Expert Witness (which keeps me abreast of current trends and activities in the Venue and Event Industries), my involvement in and with venues is unrivaled. My roles in Venue Management:

  • As the Venue Manager
  • As a Venue Department Head
  • As a Promoter
  • As an Executive Director
  • As a Corporate Hospitality Manager
  • As a Sponsor
  • As a Contractor
  • As a Security Consultant
  • As a Management Consultant/Advisor
  • As a Board Member
  • Managed four (4) buildings on the National Registry of Historical Places
  • Current Memberships: IAVM, Venues Now, Event Safety Alliance, APAP

I also have taught classes and given lectures at the following Universities:

  • Tulane University
  • Mercer University
  • University of Georgia
  • GA Tech University
  • Georgia State University (Board Member of the Sports Management Master’s Program)
  • University of Georgia Southern
  • University of South Carolina (As the Start-up Manager at the GA Dome, we recruited heavily with this successful Sports Management Program, and I received a special Letter of Recognition from the Program Director)
  • Old Dominion University
  • Capital University

Professional, Academic, and COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

  • Chairperson, Stadium Committee, International Association of Assembly Managers (IAVM)
  • Director At Large, Stadium Committee, Board of Directors (IAVM)
  • Member, Stadium, Meetings, Allied Committees, (IAVM)
  • Member, Event Safety Alliance (ESA)
  • Member, Stadium Managers Association (SMA)
  • Member, Atlanta Sports Council
  • Member, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
  • Member, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau
  • Member, Georgia World Congress Center Authority
  • Board of Directors, Georgia State University, Sports Management Department
  • President, Gainsborough Community Center
  • Executive Committee Member
  • Member, Bayfront Center Advisory Group & Foundation
  • Member, St. Petersburg, Chamber of Commerce
  • Member, Macon Chamber, CVB, Point of Destination and 2005 Committees
  • Member/Director, Chamblee Business Association
  • President Elect, Chamblee Business Association

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Consulted with the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns (NFL) for their stadium start-ups
  • Successfully directed fourth consecutive facility project from start-up or reorganization through efficient operational phase (Georgia Dome)
  • Elected Chairperson, Stadiums Committee, & Board Member – IAVM
  • Directed a dynamic facility-restructuring project at The Bayfront Center, which involved a transformation of City Management to Private Management and overseeing a $100 million dollar renovation and development of initial foundation and sponsorships for event series
  • Hired by Attorney Johnny Cochran in 2000 as one of 4 expert witnesses in a successful Disneyworld Lawsuit involving the Venue and Events Industry – Verdict of $450m
  • Selected by Capital University as “Alumni of the Year”, 2003
  • Contracted to create and manage an incentive travel event to The 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia. This $3 million dollar event consisted of 4 separate waves of 60 people. Charter flights, private hotels, ticket/event selection, Food and beverage/ meals, ground transportation, amenity packages, and trip coordination/direction were all part of this successful event. The productive partnership with the US Virgin Islands, allowed us to be an Official Olympic Entity of the Olympic Games
  • As Event Producer and Director, created and developed “Lefty’s” Golf Classic, a profitable celebrity golf tournament for Georgia State University Men’s Basketball Head Coach, Coach “Lefty” Driesell.
  • Created and implemented marketing strategy for Georgia State University Men’s Basketball Program. Since inception, season ticket sales increased 500%, efforts produced $300,000 worth of advertising and marketing coverage, and corporate sponsorships collected $300,000 (cash and value-in-kind)
  • Directed organization and logistics of Delta Air Lines Classic for Kids (basketball tournament held at the Georgia Dome); Named Executive Director for 1998 event
  • Designed and fulfilled box holder sales and catering programs for the Atlanta Steeplechase. This is the first time that this private, not-for-profit organization has hired an outside marketing consultant to assist with their marketing and management of the event
  • Directed all start-up activities at the $400 million dollar Georgia Dome, the world’s largest cable-supported dome stadium. Led staff through first season of events, which exceeded all expectations
  • Selected Director at Large, Stadiums Committee & Board of Directors – IAVM
  • Directed and supervised event operations for Super Bowl XX at Louisiana Superdome on January 26, 1986 and Super Bowl XXVIII at Georgia Dome on January 30, 1994
  • Coordinated the largest indoor concert ever held in the United States, at the Louisiana Superdome, during the 1981 Rolling Stones Concert, which attracted 87,500 people
  • Regularly wrote articles for the Facility Manager Magazine
  • Designed stadium standard operating procedures for the New Orleans Breakers (USFL) administrative staff for their introductory season at the Superdome in 1984; conducted instructional meetings and acted as liaison between the Superdome’s and Breaker’s staff
  • Directed management reorganization for Macon Georgia’s Public Assembly Venues which lead to the only two years of operational profits in its 20-year history. Developed RFP for the renovation of the 20-year-old Macon Coliseum, construction of the convention center and complex renaming.
  • Featured in the August 1986 edition of Performance Magazine in its promising critique of the Macon Centroplex
  • Organized venue operations of the 48th-52nd editions of the Sugar Bowl
  • Directed internal operations for the 1981-1985 New Orleans Saints home football games, and 1992-1994 Atlanta Falcons home football games
  • Coordinated facility operations for the 1982 NCAA Basketball Final Four held at Superdome, including preparations for the four teams, NCAA, CBS TV, and over 500 media. The 62,000 people attending this event comprised a record crowd for a basketball game in the United States. First ever Final 4 to be held in a Domed Stadium
  • Featured in the February 1981 edition of Managing the Leisure Facility magazine; the article described the planning and coordination of activities prior to and during the Rolling Stones Superdome performance.

ASSOCIATION / CONFERENCE / SEMINAR PARTICIPATION

  • GA State University, Sports Management Department, Board of Directors
  • Univ. of Georgia, Sports Administration Annual Guest Lecturer
  • GA Tech University, Sports Administration Annual Guest Lecturer
  • IAVM National Conference, Stadium Committee Chairperson , Responsible for programming for programming sessions and committee meetings
  • IAVM National Conference, Board Member & Stadium Committee Chairperson Instrumental in re-developing committee structure of the Association
  • IAVM National Conference, Panelist – Minneapolis, MN “How to Produce the Mega Event”
  • IAAM Facility Manager Magazine
    Regularly write stadium articles
    Responsible for all stadium articles
  • IAAM National Conference Stadium Committee Member
  • Stadium Managers Association (SMA), Panelist
    ⬥ Grand Openings
    ⬥ Start-ups
    ⬥ Board Liaison with IAVM
  • IAVM Sports and Event Management, Panelist – St. Petersburg, FL
  • Performance Magazine Summit – St. Petersburg, FL
    Conference Coordinator and Host
  • IAVM National Conference Panelist – Boston, MA
    “Marketing the 10,000 Seat Arena” Seminar
  • IAVM District V Conference Panelist – Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    “Grand Opening/Grand Re-Openings” Seminar
  • IAVM District V Member – 1985
  • SMA (Stadium Members Association) Member since 1992 

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science Degree, Business Administration – Capital University Columbus, OH