VenuesNow 2026 All-Star Honoree: Elmer Straub

Elmer Straub
SVP, Entertainment Production & Operations
313 Presents

WORDS TO LIVE BY
“As much as it is important to go from ‘Good to Great,’ sometimes Great can be the enemy of Good.”

Formed in 2017 as a joint venture between Ilitch Sports & Entertainment and Pistons Sports & Entertainment, Detroit-based 313 Presents supports, markets and produces events at area venues including Little Caesars Arena, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Fox Theatre, Comerica Park and Meadow Brook Amphitheater.

“We have such strong Production/Coordination and Sales/Sponsorship teams, and their consistency and professionalism are a big reason we’re able to work so effectively with tours, promoters, other departments, sponsors and outside entities,” says Elmer Straub, SVP of entertainment production and operations at 313 Presents. Recent concerts include Rush, Megan Moroney, J. Cole, Nate Bargatze and Melanie Martinez at Little Caesars Arena; Five Finger Death Punch, Hilary Duff, Avenged Sevenfold and more at Pine Knob Music Theatre; and Madison Beer, Tori Amos, Metric, Marcus King and more at the historic Fox Theatre.

“We’ve also had some great wins with our sponsorship team in partnership with our concessionaire, Levy, including a few new national vendors at Pine Knob,” Straub says, noting a new digital marquee at the historic amphitheater in nearby Clarkston.

“On the guest experience side, we upgraded the VIP furniture and overall experience at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, and with our booking department always looking near and far for opportunities, working with an idea from our partners at Live Nation, we implemented a new parking initiative and also expanded our existing premier parking options for our guests.”

Live events are often about things out of the organizer’s hands, and this year saw smoke from Canadian wildfires and thunderstorms putting shows in jeopardy.

Straub also notes organizational changes at 313, which “can naturally create uncertainty for team members,” Straub says, but “as a leader, it’s important to keep the team focused on the opportunities that can arise with change and where we can lean in to best capitalize and grow.”