BOK CENTER AND STAFF NOMINATED FOR INDUSTRY AWARDS
(Tulsa, Okla.) September 3, 2015 – BOK Center received several nominations from the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA) earlier this week for its annual honors and awards. BOK Center was nominated for 2015 Venue of the Year. Jeff Nickler, BOK Center General Manager, was nominated for Venue Executive of the Year and Michael Owens, Director of Booking, received a nomination for Rookie of the Year.
Winners will be announced at IEBA’s 45th Annual Conference, which will be held October 10-13, 2015 in Nashville and are voted on by IEBA members.
“Congratulations to the entire SMG Tulsa team for BOK Center’s Venue of the Year nomination. Being nominated two years in a row proves that BOK Center is one of the industry’s top performing venues with a proven track record. It’s great to know that the hard work they are doing in Tulsa is being recognized by industry peers,” said Joe Romano, SMG Senior Vice President – Stadiums and Arenas.
“SMG also congratulates Jeff and Michael for their individual honors,” said Romano. “Jeff has been an integral part of BOK Center from the beginning and has continued to elevate Tulsa’s status on a national scale throughout the years.”
“Michael’s enthusiasm and passion for the industry has contributed greatly to BOK Center’s success in booking the most sought-after concerts and events,” stated Romano.
Nickler joined the SMG Tulsa team in 2008 as Premium Services and Sales Manager and was an integral part of the Grand Opening team for BOK Center. He also served as Special Events Manager and later Director of Booking and Special Events. In 2011, he was promoted to Assistant General Manager and was then promoted to General Manager in February of 2014. Under Nickler’s leadership, BOK Center most recently completed successful bids to host the 2016 Bassmaster Classic and the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament First and Second Rounds.
Venue Executive of the Year nominees are selected by IEBA membership. The venue they manage must have bought or promoted at least ten (10) concerts/engagements during the prior calendar year, be in good standing with all agents and help promote live music.
Owens joined the SMG Tulsa team in August 2012 as Booking and Special Events Manager. He was promoted to Director of Booking in July of 2014. As Director of Booking, Owens works with both regional and national promoters and agents to develop content for BOK Center.
The Rookie of the Year award is presented to an outstanding IEBA Young Professional member. Nominees are recognized as a young professional who has shown outstanding performance and a significant breakthrough in his/her career. The Young Professional can belong to any IEBA Membership Category and must be 30 years old or younger.
IEBA is a non-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals. Founded in 1970, IEBA provides networking, showcasing and educational opportunities to strengthen relationships, foster growth and increase revenue for the live entertainment industry.