News
December 7, 2016SMG Regional General Manager Among Nominees for Pollstar Concert Industry Awards
Bob Belber, SMG Regional General Manager and SMG Region Director of Live Entertainment for the Times Union Center and Albany Capital Center, has been named one of five finalists worldwide by Pollstar Magazine for the 28th Annual Concert Industry Awards in the category of Facility Executive of the Year. Other finalists in this group include executives at Madison Square Garden in New York City and the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Pollstar, a trade publication covering the concert tour industry, established the annual recognition in 1984 honoring the achievements and professionalism of artists, venues, managers and talent buyers.
In his 20 years as manager of the SMG-run Times Union Center, Belber has overseen the growth of the arena, and the Capital Region, as a premier events destination. Since opening in1990, nearly 18 million people have attended more than 4,000 events at the Times Union Center. In addition to his position with the Times Union Center, Belber is also the director of booking for 13 northeast facilities managed by SMG of Philadelphia.
This year, Belber has also supervised the influx of sales for the Albany Capital Center, a new convention center set to open in March 2017. As construction of the Albany Capital Center moves ahead, the Times Union Center is undergoing a $30 million renovation, which will include a new façade and atrium with an indoor garden and three-story waterfall as its centerpiece. Finally, the Albany Capital Center and Times Union Center will be joined via an enclosed walkway, which will also link to the Empire State Plaza, The Egg and the Renaissance Albany Hotel, forming what will be known as the Capital Complex.
“I’m thrilled to see the recognition for two of our deserving SMG General Managers nominated in the Facility Executive of the Year category and excited to see the recognition for all of our renowned nominated venues,” said Doug Thornton, executive vice president, SMG. “We’re proud to say that, this year, SMG has received a record seven nominations in five different categories.”
This year’s winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Novo in Los Angeles on February 2.
