VenuesNow 2025 All-Star Honoree: Kenneth Gaber

KENNETH GABER
President, OVG Hospitality
Oak View Group

FIRST LIVE JOB
‘Ground crew and fill-in mascot (Tator the Gator) for the Norwich Navigators at the age of 14.’

Launching not even four years ago, Oak View Group’s hospitality division now counts major venue clients like NHL venue Benchmark International Arena in Tampa Bay, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles and Mexico City’s Estadio GNP Seguros.

“Almost four years ago, if you had told me that OVGH and I would be where we are today, I would have thought you were dreaming,” says Kenneth Gaber, president of OVG Hospitality. (OVG is Pollstar’s parent company). “For me, the possibilities are endless. To answer the question, we are going to keep focusing on being great partners to our customers, clients and associates; to challenge mediocrity; and ensure we are playing to win every day. And keep growing!”

Gaber and his team have launched operations at more than 40 venues worldwide, and he says most of the rollouts went without a hitch, with any issues minor and swiftly resolved.

“This success is a direct result of the systems and processes we implemented over three years ago in anticipation of future growth,” Gaber says. “Equally important: we created an amazing team that has an equal knowledge-to-heart ratio.”

Gaber says his division’s biggest challenge in the past year was opening 15 venues in five cities in a country where they had never operated, but they overcame every hurdle by working closely with their partners and clients to establish the necessary infrastructure and build a team of local and international managers while always focusing on customer service.

Gaber knows speed is what enhances the fan experience, but he also looks to find ways to lessen the impact of live events on the planet.

“Our business is all about speed of service—but when we can pair that with sustainability, it makes a world of difference,” he says. “We’re implementing the same can-lid removal machines used at Coldplay shows, allowing guests to drink directly from the can without the need for a secondary cup. Additionally, our POS systems are evolving, enabling us to introduce more self-checkout options in our concourse spaces. In many locations, this will allow us to double our points of sale.”