| (Tulsa, Okla.) September 3, 2019 – BOK Center continues to generate national industry recognition and maintain a legacy of excellence with more industry nominations. Recently, the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) announced that Casey Sparks, BOK Center general manager, was nominated for “Venue Executive of the Year” and Joe Giordano, BOK Center assistant general manager, was nominated for “Young Professional of the Year.” Winners will be announced at the Honors & Awards Ceremony of IEBA’s 49th Annual Conference on Tuesday, October 29, which will be held in Nashville and are voted on by IEBA members.
This is Sparks’ first time being nominated for “Venue Executive of the Year” since taking over the reigns at BOK Center just six months ago. This award recognizes the top venue professionals in the industry and BOK Center has a long standing history of general managers that have been nominated for this award in the 11 years the building has been open. John Bolton, the venue’s first general manager from 2008 – 2014, was nominated for this award twice and was named “Venue Executive of the Year” in 2011. Jeff Nickler, the venue’s second general manager from 2014 – 2018, was nominated for the award in 2015 and 2016.
“As cliché as it may sound, it truly is an honor to be nominated, especially when you look back at the legacy both GM’s before me have set with their multiple nominations,” commented Sparks. “I also know that while my name may be the one that is officially on the ballot, this nomination is only possible because of the incredible team we have in Tulsa.”
Sparks most recently served as the assistant general manager for BOK Center for five years where she oversaw all arena business operations. She was instrumental in BOK Center’s grand opening in 2008 when she was the director of marketing.
This is Giordano’s third overall time being nominated for “Young Professional of the Year,” but first time being nominated since becoming assistant general manager in March. He was previously nominated for the award in 2017 and 2018. Giordano most recently served as the director of booking for BOK Center since 2016. As assistant general manager, Giordano oversees all arena business operations relating to booking, event marketing, business development, event management, customer service, media relations, project management, premium seating and employee development.
“I’m truly humbled and grateful to be nominated again by my industry peers for Young Professional of the Year at IEBA in Nashville,” said Giordano. “It has been a special year for all of us at BOK Center and I’m truly excited to continue to tell the Tulsa story and represent our amazing community at one of the biggest Music Industry Conferences of the year this October.”
IEBA is one of the leading non-profit trade organizations for live entertainment industry professionals. Founded in 1970 and based in Nashville, IEBA provides networking, showcasing and educational opportunities to strengthen relationships, foster growth and increase revenue for the live entertainment industry. |
