SPEAKER PREVIEW: Striking the Deal – In-house or Outsource?

Session IV of the AuditoriumsMeet 2012 programme ‘Rethinking Operations’ examines new ideas and innovative approaches to the eternal challenge of improving operations.

One common dilemma for management teams within live entertainment venues is that of catering – should we handle our F&B operations in-house, or outsource to an external contractor? Both options have their benefits and drawbacks, but one venue’s management team believe they have found a ‘best of both worlds’ solution…

At AuditoriumsMeet 2012, Jacky Isaac, HR and Operations Director at the Ricoh Arena, will join the international speaking line up to discuss the Arena’s ground-breaking joint-venture agreement with leading caterer Compass Group.

The multipurpose Coventry venue initially signed a £125 million ten-year deal with Compass in 2009; a contract that saw the Group take charge of all conference, exhibition and banqueting facilities, in addition to hotel management, housekeeping, security, guest services and sales and marketing operations.

The partnership has since evolved further into a comprehensive agreement that sees the organisations combine to form ‘IEC Experience Ltd’ – a new company with a joint operating board.

And, in Edinburgh, Jacky (who was appointed MD of IEC Experience in April), will chart the journey from a traditional client/contractor relationship, where client and contractor strategies and plans are often non-aligned, to the structured JV agreement that is in place today… one that is delivering mutual financial benefit and transparency, operational clarity and a team committed to delivery of outstanding customer service.

Image credits: Ricoh Arena

Over two days, AuditoriumsMeet 2012 explores the latest trends in venue finance, operations, revenue generation, design and visitor experiences.

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About the speaker:

Jacky Isaac joined Arena Coventry Limited as Operations and H.R. Director in 2007 and was appointed Managing Director of the IEC Experience Ltd in April 2012.

Prior to joining ACL and drawing on over 20 years extensive operational and H.R. experience, Jacky worked as a consultant with a varied portfolio of clients which included; Manchester United, the NEC Group and Middlesbrough Football Club her work was mainly centred on delivery of variable labour strategies including paperless recruitment.

Jacky has also worked at a senior level within the Sports, Leisure and Hospitality Division of Compass Group UK with responsibility for all aspect of delivery of variable labour. She was awarded Team Player of the year at the International Stadium Summit 2011. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Personnel and Development.