Interview with Jessica Gaffney, SVP Tech Division, ALSD

In this interview, we hear from Jessica Gaffney, SVP of the Association of Luxury Suite Director’s Tech Division, and Founder of Wavework, about the importance of innovators in the tech space coming together with their sports and entertainment counterparts to share best-in-class experiences.

Jessica Gaffney heads up the Association of Luxury Suite Directors’ (ALSD) Technology Division, which has grown exponentially over the last 18 months, due to the fact that fans are now demanding a mobile, frictionless gameday experience that is engaging, safe and secure.

The key focus of the ALSD Tech Division is for industry executives from clubs, teams, leagues and venues to come together to explore the latest technologies with their peers, and look at how to leverage technology to deliver best-in-class experiences, while improving operational efficiency, and maximising revenue streams.

ALSD International 2023 is being hosted at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, October 9-10. Optimising revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions is the key focus of this industry-leading event, with architecture & design, fan experience, hospitality, premium seating, sustainability and technology taking centre stage.

Speaking about the ALSD Tech Division, Jessica Gaffney said:

The ALSD Tech Community allows vendors and suppliers to discuss technologies and innovations with teams and venues through a variety of opportunities, whether through networking sessions, 1-on-1 bullseye meetings or panel sessions at the Conference. 

Members and attendees can hear firsthand from the game changing technology leaders who manage the IT backbone for the world’s most innovative and iconic venues. Technology is critical infrastructure everywhere in the venue, from concessions, ticketing, premium, advertising and sponsor activation, to gaming, gambling, mobile, security and immersive experiences.

The ALSD is really growing and we have so much more to offer than just ‘premium’, benefitting from a global network. As we continue to expand our offerings and opportunities in technology and the design and build space, there’s the opportunity for all sports and entertainment teams, leagues, etc., to bring a wider group of colleagues from across all departments. As we like to say: “It’s all connected!”.

I can’t wait to bring the inaugural ALSD International Tech Symposium to Manchester this October!

Jessica Gaffney runs the Tech Division for the ALSD. The ALSD Tech Symposium is being held July 9-11 as part of the wider ALSD Conference & Tradeshow, taking place in Indianapolis next month. The Tech Symposium and Sports Venue Design & Build Forum run concurrently with the ALSD Conference and Tradeshow, with all ALSD attendees welcome to join any and all of these programs.

About Jessica Gaffney

Jessica boasts a pro sports background, having worked for the NFL’s New York Jets as Director of Premium Partnerships, before setting up Wavework Concierge, a client management software system for professional sports, which was recently acquired by the Multilot Corporation.

She joined the ALSD family back in 2021 to develop a thriving Technology Division, focused around the premium core of the ALSD to create and share industry best practices that will drive optimal outcomes for venues, teams, partners and fans, now and into the future.

This interview was filmed on site at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during the 2022 edition of the ALSD International Conference & Exhibition.