Cincinnati, OH, August 31 – The Association of Luxury Suite Directors (ALSD), the sports and entertainment industry’s community leader in premium seating, venue design, build and technology, took another big step in its evolution today, announcing a collaboration with the Innovation Institute for Fan Experience (IIFX), an Institute of distinguished thought leaders and advanced practitioners focused on the fan journey and delivering first-rate fan experiences. This new affiliation is the first of its kind and will provide a deep reservoir of information, analytics, and best practices for sports and entertainment professionals around the globe.
It’s All About the Fan Journey
“The focus of the sports and entertainment world revolves around the fan journey. The investment in the touchpoints and metrics of fan satisfaction is monumental and we’re taking our association’s 32-year platform to the next level with IIFX,” says Jeff Morander, ALSD’s recently appointed CEO. The partnership with IIFX materialized as the ALSD is undergoing a transformation under new leadership, as well as their recent launching of a new Technology Symposium at their annual conference. Morander added, “The IIFX and ALSD have very similar ideologies, which is exciting. It is a belief that everything is connected in the venue experience: design, technology, premium seating, safety, wayfinding, quality of offerings – every touchpoint matters and directly impacts the customer journey. The partnership between ALSD and IIFX celebrates the concept that, ultimately, every element needs to work together to provide an exceptional fan experience.”
A Big Moment
“This is a big moment in our industry,” said Dr. Lou Marciani, IIFX’s Director who co-founded the organization in 2020 with Associate Director Chris Kinnan and Treasurer John White. IIFX strives to create an ideal fan experience resulting in measurable revenue growth, new and repeat attendance, workforce professional growth and development and maximized health, safety and security through best practices, innovative technology solutions and high-quality services. Says Marciani: “Fans expect a frictionless, immersive, connected, social and memory-making experience that starts with their journey the moment they make the decision to attend an event and ends when they return home after the event. Every touchpoint on the journey affects the overall experience.”
Since its founding in 2020, IIFX has a global vision and has affiliates in the USA, UK, and Canada. Its Distinguished Fellows are a “Who’s Who” of thought leaders and advanced practitioners from across the sports & entertainment industry, with extensive experience and knowledge to help create the future fan experience.
In 2021, IIFX launched the Xperience Consortium, which is an affiliate network of enterprises and startups. The Consortium is a global sports and entertainment industry resource, one that tracks technology trends and industry gaps, while identifying companies, consultancies and technologies that can help address current and emerging challenges to sports and entertainment operations.
Sports & Entertainment Professionals’ Opportunities to Benefit
The partnership between ALSD and IIFX will be on display next month at ALSD’s “sister show” in London, ALSD International, when IIFX will present their Innovation Venue Award to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the ALSD International’s host venue. And, in association with IIFX in Indianapolis in 2023, ALSD’s annual conference will feature session content on the fan journey incorporating wisdom and best practices of both organizations. “This powerful partnership further expands the reach and deepens the relevance of the ALSD,” says Morander. We often say that ‘it’s all connected.’ IIFX understands that and we’re excited to come together to the benefit of both our communities.”
For more information about ALSD, visit: alsd.com
For more information about ALSD International, visit: alsdinternational.com
For more information about IIFX, visit: iifx.org