EVMC Announces Award Winners

The 2024 edition of the Event & Venue Marketing Conference scheduled for June 5-7 in Denver is sold out, the first time the annual conference of entertainment marketing professionals has done so.

The 9th Annual EVMC Awards Luncheon is scheduled for June 6, when Liz Roca will be presented with the 2024 Gigi Award of Excellence, Kelly McGrath will be inducted into the EVMC Hall of Fame, Brian Kitts will be presented with the Impact Award and Daniel Klein has been named 2024 Breakthrough Professional of the Yeae. The winners for Marketing and Publicity Campaign of the Year, Most Creative Artist Gift and Most Creative Artist Welcome will also be recognized.

The top honor is the Gigi Award of Excellence, named for the late Gigi Pilhofer, one of the founders of EVMC. This year’s honoree is Liz Roca, Tour Marketing Director at United Talent Agency where she works with artists such as Bad Bunny, Karol G, Carin Leon, Young Miko and Romeo Santos. Prior to her time at UTA, Roca spent more than 18 years at Miami’s American Airlines Arena as Director of Marketing where she worked on concerts like Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Andrea Bocelli and Beyonce. Roca volunteered as an EVMC committee member for several years before joining the Board of Directors. In 2006, Roca and her team hosted EVMC in Miami while she worked at the American Airlines Arena. Since then, she has supported the conference by
participating as a speaker and attendee.

Kelly McGrath is this year’s Hall of Fame inductee. The veteran marketing executive is the General Manager for the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. McGrath joined Minnesota Sports & Entertainment in 2000 as the Director of Sales for the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. In 2005, McGrath became Director of Sales for Xcel Energy Center and later assumed marketing responsibilities for the venue. Her role expanded in 2022 to Director of Marketing and Communications for all MSE-managed facilities. A longtime EVMC attendee, McGrath, and her team co-hosted EVMC in 2022 in the Twin Cities, the first in-person conference following a two-year shut-down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. McGrath has supported the conference by volunteering her time, and resources and fostering the next generation of industry professionals.

The 2024 Impact Award recognizes individuals making a change for the good in their community and this year’s recipient is Brian Kitts, co-founder of You Can Play Project. As the driving force behind business development, ticketing and marketing functions for Denver’s city-owned venues, including the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Kitts has demonstrated an unwavering
commitment to elevating the cultural landscape of his city. Kitts’ co-founding the You Can Play Project has set him apart as a catalyst for positive change. The You Can Play Project stands at the forefront of advocacy for LGBTQ+ and ally issues in sports, striving to ensure safety, and inclusion for all participants. By fostering a community of allies and challenging the culture of
locker rooms and spectator areas, Kitts and his team are reshaping the landscape of sports to one of respect, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Daniel Klein is this year’s Breakthrough Professional of the Year as the Coordinator of Marketing-Music & Live Events for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. The award recognizes a professional who has worked in the live entertainment industry for less than ten years, making an impact or difference in marketing. During the start of his career at MLSE, Klein’s time has been marked by exemplary leadership, innovative strategies, and impactful contributions. Under his leadership, MLSE’s Artist Gifting program has flourished, earning the prestigious EVMC “Most Creative Artist Gift Award” in previous years and nominations for 2024. His curation of dozens of custom artist gifts/experiences garnered widespread attention on TikTok and other platforms, showcasing his creativity, and brand elevation prowess. Recognized as a natural leader, Klein spearheaded the revitalization of the venue marketing intern program, nurturing future talents and cultivating a collaborative work environment.