Not just a venue, but a part of your life. - Von Braun Center

VBC
VON BRAUN
CENTER
Not just a venue, but a part of your life.
Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2011-2012
A Year in Review

Letter from the Executive Director
As we go through life, we have all heard words of wisdom from our parents like “the older you get the faster time passes.” Looking back on
the past year, that’s exactly how I feel. We have many events at the Von Braun Center whose organizers have become family to us and many times
when those annual events roll around I stop and think “Wow, didn’t we just have that event a few months ago?” My, time does fly! Months turn
into years very quickly and in 2013, I will be celebrating my 37 th year with the VBC.
In 2012, I was thrilled to have been selected by the Boys and Girls Club of North Alabama to be inducted into their Hall of Fame. It was
an incredible honor to have been recognized by an organization that meant so much to me throughout my adolescent years. I spent more than 10
years of my youth as a member of the Boys Club. Those who watched me grow up there helped to shape me as an individual and as a leader. I was
very fortunate to have been influenced by mentors from the Boys Club at such an early age. I truly believe that it was the Boys Club that set me on
the path that I continue on today.
Over the past couple of years, I have been updating you on the status of many renovation projects – I am happy to say that those projects are
now COMPLETE! Now we are able to enjoy the fruits of our labor as we provide service in amazing venues to our clients and guests. The overwhelmingly
positive feedback we have received has made the growing pains worthwhile! The renovations have made the Propst Arena and Mark C.
Smith Concert Hall into new venues to experience. If you have not attended an event in these venues, brace yourself for a spectacular change!
But our work is never complete, as we wrapped up the renovations, we saw a need to rebrand the Von Braun Center. Bring on the new logo,
new website, revitalized Facebook page …. and the NEW MARQUEE! Our staff and board spent a great deal of time and effort to make sure that
all of these rebranding efforts truly reflected the future look of the Von Braun Center. Please visit our website, “like” us on Facebook, and when you
are downtown, check out the marquee to get a glimpse of the exciting events that we have scheduled at the VBC.
While we were working on rebranding, we also continued to focus on customer service. How could we make it easier for customers to enjoy
an event at the VBC? Answer – install a new point of sale system that allows for simpler and quicker transactions for our customers. At every concession
and bar location, we have simplified the purchasing process. Just tell us what you want and a couple of taps later, voila! Your order is ready
and you are back to your event!
And while you are attending events at the Propst Arena, have you visited the hottest new venue in downtown Huntsville? Yes, that is the Bud
Light Café where all the fun is taking place. We have lots of local craft beers as well as the best flame-grilled steaks, burgers, and hotdogs in town!
The Bud Light Café is open for Arena events and we have also been known to host an occasional reception or two. And while you are there, be sure
to check out the open air patio and the incredible view of Big Spring Park. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience the Bud Light Café,
you don’t know what you have been missing.
It is a great time to be a part of this wonderful community where we can all live, work, and play with such ease. Downtown Huntsville is a
huge asset to this area and I am proud of the Von Braun Center’s contribution.
The VBC team accomplished many goals in 2012. Not the least of which was completing the fiscal year in the black. Our team works hard to
maintain our entire facility while supporting an incredible number of events throughout the year and when we are able to complete capital projects
to further improve our facility we have accomplished yet another goal.
Last but not least, I would like to extend a special thank you to our clients and patrons for supporting the VBC in 2012. You came out in
huge numbers and attended VBC events with almost 1 million of your closest friends! We strive to make our clients and guests feel at home and,
again, give them an experience that includes “something they didn’t know they were missing!” As I look forward to 2013, I am thankful for our
VBC staff and their families. Many times they are asked to do a lot and sacrifice a lot. They are frequently challenged to complete tasks that seem
next to impossible, and yet they seem to consistently make magic happen. So to the 60 full-time employees and over 300 part-time and contract
employees I say “Job well done.”
Thank you again for your support of the Von Braun Center and Enjoy the Show in 2013!
Sincerely,
2
Steven G. Maples, CFE, Executive Director

The Organization
The Von Braun Center is governed by a seven-member Board of
Control appointed by the Mayor of Huntsville and the City Council.
The Von Braun Center is an anchor within its community. Located
in downtown Huntsville, the VBC offers a beautiful facility for local,
regional, and national events. VBC provides multiple venues for the
presentation of cultural, educational, entertainment, sporting and
social events. The VBC has a staff of proven professionals ready to
contribute to the success of your event.
The History
The Von Braun Center was built
thanks to the foresight of local
leaders and a very real civic demand.
The facility built in 1975
was welcomed by the community
and the demand for use continued,
leading to three additions
within a ten year period driven
largely by local and civic demand.
Mission
Statement
The Von Braun Center is a multipurpose
facility with the primary
objective of facilitating and
promoting events and activities in
addition to generating economic
benefit and improving the quality
of life for the Huntsville community
and surrounding areas.
The VBC management team is committed to
facilitating and promoting the vision of Huntsville.
Steve Maples, CFE, has served
as the Von Braun Center’s
Executive Director for the past
six years. As Executive Director,
Maples oversees the entire
operation of the Von Braun
Center.
Michael Vojticek, CPA, has
been a member of the senior
management team of the Von
Braun Center for 22 years.
Brandi Quick, CFE, has
been a member of the senior
management team of the Von
Braun Center for 10 years.
Left to right:
Steve Maples, CFE, Executive Director;
Brandi Quick, CFE, Assistant Director;
Michael Vojticek, CPA, Assistant Director
Board
of
Control
Wayne Bonner, Chairman
Eddie Turner, Vice Chairman
Evans Quinlivan, Secretary
Linda Maynor
Sandra Moon
Betty Schonrock Dr. Bill Sullins
3

Come enjoy the fun from
the best seat in the house!
Bud Light Café
The Bud Light Café, located inside the Propst Arena, is a wonderful additional to Huntsville’s nightlife. The Café is open
prior to concerts and sporting events held within the Propst Arena and offers a breathtaking view of downtown via the
“open air” patio. Enjoy dinner from the “cook to order” menu and live entertainment.
The experience at the Bud Light Café is enhanced by high definition video boards displaying the latest graphics in
commercials, special effects and upcoming events. The VBC also added a new point-of-sale system that enables customers
to complete transactions with their credit/debit card at every station. Concession gift cards are now available.
The Website
With a new look for the facility –
The Von Braun Center needed a
new “online” look.
The website is very user friendly
and everything the patron needs is
right at his fingertips.
4

1975-2006
The Marquee
The Von Braun Center installed a GalaxyPro 16mm Outdoor LED Video Display this year. The original marquee
was demolished in February 2006 in preparation for the Embassy Suites Hotel & Spa. The Marquee is a wonderful
addition to the Von Braun Center – adding an outstanding amenity to our clients…..promoting events.
VBC
VON BRAUN
CENTER
A Fresh New Look
The Von Braun Center began the new fiscal year with a “new look”
to the facility and a new logo.
The new logo ties the Von Braun Center with Huntsville’s space
history and preserves Dr. Werhner Von Braun’s scientific legacy
and everlasting contribution to the space program.
5

The World of Entertainment
A Concert Line-up
to rival any…..
Avenged Sevenfold with Hollywood Undead,
Asking Alexandria & Black Veil Brides
Bill Maher
Black Jacket Symphony presents Dark Side of the Moon
Black Jacket Symphony presents Led Zepplin’s “IV”
Black Jacket Symphony presents AC/DC Back in Black
Brian Regan
Celtic Woman
Corey Smith
David Jeremiah
Elton John
Firefighter’s Association presents Aaron Tippin
Foreigner - Huntsville Hospital Celebrity Classic
Hip Hop / Comedy Awards Show
Jason Aldean
Jerry Seinfeld
Keep Christmas Alive - Festival of Sacred Music
Kenny G
Lady Antebellum with Josh Kelley & Edens Edge
Lonestar
Mike Epps & Friends
Miranda Lambert
Oakwood University Festival of Spiritual Music
Rain - A Tribute to the Beatles
Rock & Worship Road Show
Ron White
Elton John 2012 Tour
Sarod Concert with Amjad Ali Khan
Shinedown & Chevelle
Steve Wariner
The Temptations
The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards
Valentine’s Blues Fest
Young Jeezy
A variety of Family Shows…..
Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam
Disney Live! presents Phineas & Ferb
Disney on Ice - World Of Fantasy
Harlem Globetrotters
Jordan World Circus
Professional Bull Riders (PBR)
Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Sesame Street Live: Elmo’s Super Heroes!
SPORTFIGHT X - MMA
Stephen Fite Children’s Concert
WWE Raw: Wrestlemania Revenge
Sesame Street Live
Theatrical Shows Galore……
Tyler Perry’s “The Haves & Have Nots”
Broadway Theatre League presents “Young Frankenstein”
Broadway Theatre League presents “My Fair Lady”
Broadway Theatre League presents “Shrek the Musical”
Broadway Theatre League presents “In the Heights”
Broadway Theatre League presents “Rock of Ages”
6
Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents “Beethoven’s Last Night”
Elton John

David Jeremiah
VBC Event Composition
Shrek
The Tempations
Sporting
Events
UAH
Hockey
Hammers
Football
Concerts
Performing
Arts
Family
Shows
Havoc
Hockey
October 1, 2011-September 30, 2012
Tickets Sold
324,482
The 3rd Annual
Shrimp Blast
presented by the
Landers McLarty
Group provided
family entertainment,
food and fun.
The event was filled
with such acts as
Tangerine Tambourine,
KUSH, Black Eyed
Susan and the evening
closed with a foot
stompin performance
by Rollin’ in the Hay.
The 2nd Annual
Heads-N-Tails
Crawfish Boil
presented by
Iberia Bank saw
fabulous growth
in its second year.
The family event
featured such acts
as Lil’ Malcolm
& the House
Rockers and
Roux du Bayou.
Festivals
7

Utility Helicopters User’s Conference
Conventions, Conferences, Tradeshows and Sports
Conventions &
Conferences
28th National Symposium on Child Abuse
Alabama Cattleman’s Association
Alabama Chief of Police Association
Alabama Modeling & Simulation Conference & Expo
Alabama National Guard Yellow Ribbon Program
Alpha Kappa Alpha Undergraduate Roundup
Army Aviation Association of America
ASAALTL
AUSA Missile Conference
AUVSI Pathfinders Chapter
Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Episcopal Diocesan Convention
Exposure Youth Camp
Friction Stir Welding Symposium
HAMA Convention
HAMACON
IBM System & Software Engineering Symposium
IEEE Metro Area Workshop
Information Systems Securities Association
Joseph P. Cribbons Army Aviation
Product Symposium
Jr. Beta Club Convention
LTD Summit 2012
Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion
Military Vehicle Preservation Association
Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge
of Alabama
National Tourism Summit
NCMS Conference
NDIA/MDA Small Business Conference
Quad A Fixed Wing Symposium
S.I.S.T.E.R. Conference
SLSSRR
Southside Church of Christ
Space & Missile Defense Conference & Exhibition
Tennessee Valley Corridor
TNT Fireworks Training
Total Transformation with
Bishop George G. Boomer
Utility Helicopters Users’ Conference
Verizon Shareholder Meeting
Violent Gang & Gun Crime Reduction Conference
WBCNA Conference
Women’s Conference
Consumer &
Trade showS
ACTE Technology Fair
Alabama RV Super Show
Building Home & Garden Show
24th Annual Building, Home & Remodeling Show
Business Opportunity ExpoTest Week
Celebrations Bridal Fair
Central Liquidators
Chamber Business Expo
Delta Zeta Marketplace
Discover the Dinosaurs
FanFair Quilt Show 2011
Gem and Mineral Show
Halsey Food Show
Huntsville Hamfest
Nancy Green Cameras
NEACA Craft Show
North Alabama Connection Professional
Employment Day
Northern Alabama Industrial and Tool Show
Randolph’s Under The Christmas Tree
Senior Center Expo
Spa, Swim Spa, And Sauna Show
Taste of Huntsville
Tennessee Valley Hunting & Fishing Expo
The Boat Show
WZYP Bridal Fair
Consumer
Shows
AAAA Army Fixed Wing Professional Forum
Sporting Events
Alabama State High School Wrestling
Championship
Big Spring Volleyball Bash
Dance Educators of America
Conventions
Dixie Derby Girls
Huntsville Gymnastic Center
Jamfest Cheer & Dance Competition
R.M. Rocket City Classic
Taekwondo Tournament
Conventions
Trade
Shows
Conferences
Amateur
Sports
LTD Summitt
AUSA Missile Conference
8
Big Spring Volleyball Bash

Banquets
AGAPE of North Alabama Auction & Dinner
Alabama A&M Black Tie Gala
Alabama Policy Institute Dinner with Laura Ingraham
Alabama Science Fair Banquet
Alabama Update with Governor Bentley
Alpha Kappa Alpha Deb Ball
American Cancer Society Summer Lights Gala
Army Aviation Ball
Athletic Hall of Fame
AUSA Civilian of the Year Awards Banquet
Bentley Prayer Breakfast
Black and White Ball
Chamber of Commerce - Army Salute Luncheon
Chamber of Commerce - Best Places to Work Luncheon
Chamber of Commerce - Redstone Update
Christ Our Passover
Christian Womens’ Job Corps Circles’ Luncheon
Crescen-Dough Auction
Crimson Caravan
Funset Social & Charity Club
Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser
Huntsville Hospital Foundation Society of 1895
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild Debutante Ball
JF Drake State Technical College 50th Reunion
Lockheed Martin Veterans’ Event
Martin Luther King Unity Breakfast
Medical Gala
National Childrens Advocay Center Banquet
and Reception
Oakwood UNCF Banquet
Omega Psi Phi
Pope John Paul II High School Fundraiser
Redstone Federal Credit Union Annual Meeting
Saint John AME Church
Semper Fi Luncheon
Small Business Awards
Sparkman Senior Banquet
St. John’s Benefit Ball
St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church
150th Anniversary
State of the City Address with Mayor Tommy Battle
Touch of Red Gala
Victorian Cotillion Ball
Vive le Livre 25th Anniverary featuring Scott Turow
Washington Update Breakfast with
Senator Richard Shelby
Washington Update with
Congressman Mo Brooks
Wings Awards
Women Honoring Women
Meetings
AAI Meeting
Applied Leadership - Crestcom
AU Tax Seminar
Aviagen
Balch & Bingham
BodyWorkz CMS
Boeing
Buick/GMC Sales Rally
CAGE II
CEU Day
Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting
Deeper Life
Farrin Legal Seminar
Huntsville Bible College
Huntsville Rotary Club
IBM Training
NASHRM
ProScout, Inc
Reeds Diamond Dash
Sensa Solutions
United Records
Warren, Averett, Kimbrough & Marino
Lunch Roundtable
Boys & Girls Club of
North Alabama
Leaders & Legends
Banquet
Nutcracker Ball
SAIC Holiday Celebration
Social
Stars Dancing for HEALS
VT Group Holiday Party
WYLE Holiday Party
Social
Functions
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
Undergraduate Round-up
Social Events
100 Black Men of Greater Huntsville Holiday Gala
Associated Builders’ Excellence in Construction
Auburn Reception
Avion Holiday Party
Boys & Girls Club Leaders and Legends
with Nick Saban
BP America Holiday Party
Dog Ball
Dynetics Holiday Party
ERC Christmas Party
Holy Family Silent Auction
Holy Spirit Regional School
Hospice Family Care Benefit
Huntsville Hospital Foundation Miracle Bash
Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild
Debutante Ball
Intergraph Holiday Party
Jerry Damson Automotive Group Holiday Party
L. G. Electronics Holiday Party
Margarita Ball
MITS Holiday Party
Weddings
Meetings
Banquets
Graduations
Banquets, Meetings and Social Events
Bentley Prayer Breakfast
Amos Wedding
Reception
Oakwood UNCF Gala
9

Sports
The 2012-2013 season marks the 9th season
of Huntsville Havoc hockey at the Von Braun
Center. The SPHL consists of teams throughout
the Southeast with current members in
Knoxville, TN; Columbus, GA; Augusta,
GA; Fayetteville, NC; Pensacola, FL; Biloxi,
MS; Lafayette, LA and Southaven, MS.
The Alabama Hammers will head into the
2013 Professional Indoor Football League
season with a new head coach and a new
attitude.
Former Vipers coach Dean Cokinos
returns to lead the Hammers against a league
that includes the Richmond Raiders, Albany
Panthers,
Knoxville Nighthawks, Columbus
Lions, Louisianna Swachbucklers, Charlotte
Speed and Leehigh Valley (Pa.) Steelhawks.
The University of Alabama in Huntsville
is home to the only NCAA Division I Ice
Hockey team south of the Mason Dixon
Line. The Charger Hockey team has called
the Von Braun Center home since its beginning.
Established in 1979, Charger Hockey
has a rich winning tradition boasting two
NCAA Division II National Championships
and qualifiying for the NCAA Division I
National Tournament in 2007 and 2010.
doing our part...
The Von Braun Center kicked-off its Recycling and Conservation Initiative
Program in October 2008 and it has been going strong ever since.
In the 2011-2012 fiscal year the Von Braun Center recycled:
• Paper – 10,930 lbs.
• Plastic – 2,160 lbs.
• Aluminum cans – 72 lbs.
• Cardboard – 34,460 lbs.
• Electronic equipment – 1,156 lbs.
• Spent Fluorescent Lamps – 1,248
• Spent dry cell batteries – 1,091
10
The VBC diverted 146.5 tons or 293,600 lbs. of trash from the local
landfill by transporting it to the Waste to Energy Facility.
By sending our trash to the Waste to Energy Facility, we were able
to achieve an average diversion rate of 97% for the year.

In the Words of Our Clients...
The St. John’s Gala was a tremendous success again
this year, much because of the very nice venue and
courteous staff at the VBC.
Ken McCormick, St. John’s Benefit Ball
Our Summit Event is the biggest and most prestigious
event of the year for our organization. It involves a red
carpet celebration for the highest achievement we offer
for our attendees. Thank you VBC for providing the
perfect venue. Your staff, and your city, made this the
least stressful event we’ve ever had! We felt welcomed
and appreciated. Southern hospitality and
professionalism at its finest!
John Dumproff, CEO,
Leadership Team Development, Inc.
On behalf of the organizing committee I wanted to
write to thank everyone at the Von Braun Center who
was involved in making the 9th FSW International
Symposium such a success.
Your facilities were excellent and the event coordinated
perfectly. The Von Braun Center and Huntsville was a
perfect place for our event.
Thank you once again and please pass on our gratitude
to everyone concerned.
Jonathan Martin, 9th International
Symposium Organizing Committee
Everything looked great! Thanks again for everything,
and I look forward to working with you again in
the future.
Ellena Smith, Alabama Fashion Alliance
I attended the symphony on Saturday night and I was
delighted with the entire experience.
The new concert hall is fabulous, and I’m so grateful
that Mrs. Smith and her dear husband found it
worthwhile to invest in the music hall. Notice that I
don’t say re-furbished hall; it definitely feels like a new
hall! Please extend my appreciation to her.
If I had the means, there would be a yellow rose in her
chair every night that she attends a performance.
Frances Akridge
I wanted to say “Thank You” to you and your staff at
the VBC for a great job last night. Everyone was so
accommodating to us. The comments from many in
attendance regarding dinner were – absolutely great!!
Please pass along our thanks to catering staff and the
chef!! Great comments about the lights!!!!!!
Beth Brooks, Women Honoring Women
There are no words to tell you how very much we
appreciate everything you did to make our event the
great success it was. The food was great and hot when
it arrived at our places. The staff was really wonderful.
You went above and beyond for us – a great night
for the Humane Society and all the precious animals
they care for.
Judy Link, Dog Ball
The food was excellent, our guests raved about
the steak several days after the event. The staff
was wonderful and very responsive and friendly.
Rachel Paris, Trideum Holiday Party
Everyone I dealt with at the VBC was extremely
professional and helpful.
Beth Bice, CWJC “Circles” Luncheon
The VBC staff is wonderful! Thanks to all for making
the Symposium so successful. We’ll see you in 2013.
Marilyn Grundy, 28th Annual National
Symposium on Child Abuse
The VBC staff was very courteous, responsive and
professional. The food was beautifully presented,
very tasty, pleasing and plentiful.
Mark Barkley, Mallory/Stamps Family Reunion
Excellent staff and so helpful…always enjoy working
with them!
Lynn Kilgore, Building, Home & Garden Show
The words “Thank You” are sometimes used lightly
or in passing, and at times cannot express my true
feelings. Your personal attention to details for and at
the DRM breakfast not only blessed me but hundreds
in attendance.
Please pass on our thanks to your entire staff, their
polite and courteous attention to every detail made
our participants enjoy a wonderful and comfortable
environment.
I pray God’s blessing on you and the entire staff at
the VBC as they continue to make events for others
as successful as was the DRM event.
Tony Reppucci, Bentley Automotive Group
$12,000,000
$10,000,000
$8,000,000
$6,000,000
$4,000,000
$2,000,000
Gross Revenue
VBC Gross Revenue
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Social
Functions
VBC Event Composition
VBC Event Composition
Meetings
Sporting Events
Entertainment
Events
Conferences
Trade/
Consumer
Shows
A Year in Review
Event Photography by Mike Misianowycz of Harvest Action Photo, Portraits by Bill Vaughn Photography,
and other photographs by Todd Hess of Jeff White Photography and Krel Shults of Shults Design.
11

Photograph by Charles Winters
VBC
VON BRAUN
CENTER
700 Monroe Street
Huntsville, Alabama 35801
256.533.1953
www.vonbrauncenter.com