MIS creates ‘Fan Experience’ department for year-round focus on guest services
BROOKLYN, Mich. (Dec. 15, 2011) – It’s a fitting way to wrap up a season of innovation at Michigan International Speedway. Track President Roger Curtis has announced a number of structural changes, including implementation of a Fan Experience Department to better serve its guests year-round.
“Michigan International Speedway firmly believes in our vision of creating lasting memories for every person every time. And to do that it is essential we continue to innovate in everything we do – that includes technologies, strategies and even business models that improve how we serve our guests,” Curtis said. “We have always believed guest services is a year-round function; now we have an entire department dedicated to that relationship.”
The new Fan Experience Department will place a continued emphasis on assisting fans and ensuring they have a great experience from doorstep to doorstep, not just by simply selling a race ticket or pit pass – and not just in the summer. Curtis emphasized the structure and the mission of Fan Experience Department is a daily opportunity to serve guests who come to MIS, ensuring the highest customer service for everyone the racetrack does business with while continuing to elevate the race weekend experience.
The components of the Fan Experience Department include ticketing, guest services and a new arm, fan services.
Linda Wyne has been named senior director of Fan Experience, and will lead the new department. She brings more than 15 years knowledge of ticket operations at MIS and has assembled a dynamic trio in Tim Booth, director of Guest Services, and Alisha Cottrell, the new director of Fan Services, and Ian Kirkpatrick, the new manager of Ticket Services, as her leadership team.
Cottrell formerly focused on community and government relations, but will shift to implementing race weekend events the fans love such as the free Saturday concerts, MIS Kids Club and the track’s growing Fan Appreciation program. Booth will continue training all service groups and employees of MIS, implementing the post-race fan surveys, all tram operations and guest information booths, the guest guide, Rookie Pit Stop, Fan Advisory Board and Spirit of America blood drive. Kirkpatrick started as an intern at MIS back in 2006, worked at Richmond International Raceway for three years after that, and eventually came back to MIS in October 2010.
“Our relationship doesn’t stop with a fan just because we mail them a race ticket. Our philosophy is to provide the best in a total, year-round guest experience as well as the best live event experience in NASCAR,” Curtis said.
Additionally, changes were made to the track’s Corporate Partnerships Department. Josh Burgett, a 10-year veteran of motorsports, has been named senior director of Corporate Partnerships, and will oversee all aspects of corporate sales, including sponsorships, official partner designations, signage, displays and suites and chalets, and all group sales and premium seating options, including the Champions’ Club presented by CP Federal Credit Union, for fans and corporations. In addition to outbound sales, Corporate Partnerships will continue to emphasize outstanding service for partners and guests.
Rounding out the marketing side of the speedway, Sammie Lukaskiewicz has been named senior director of Marketing and Communications. Her team is charged with expanding its role as the speedway’s “megaphone” and will continue to focus on integration of all aspects of marketing, advertising, promotions, media relations and social media. Lukaskiewicz has been with the company for nearly 12 years.
Additionally, Curtis has announced two promotions to some of its most admired and respected employees. Barry Gibson has been named senior director of Operations and Dan Salenbien has been named senior director of Maintenance and Facilities. Between the two, Gibson and Salenbien have nearly 70 years of combined experience at MIS.
“These changes are not only well deserved promotions, but they are going to ensure all our customers continue to receive top-notch service – from fans, to media, to corporate partners, anyone we do business with,” Curtis said.
Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.
The best, guaranteed lowest prices in 2012 will go to customers who make a $10 goodwill deposit. New customers can log onto http://www.MISpeedway.com or call 800-354-1010 to leave a deposit by Jan. 31. That deposit ensures race fans get the best pricing for 2012.
All other tickets go on sale Feb. 1.
Michigan International Speedway 2012 Schedule
Saturday, May 19 Great Lakes Wine Fest presented by Jackson County CVB
Friday, June 15 ARCA Racing Series RainEater Wiper Blades 200 Saturday, June 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series Alliance Truck Parts 250 Sunday, June 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
Friday, Aug. 17 Gatorade Pole Day Saturday, Aug. 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Sunday, Aug. 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
