The first informal gathering of what was to become the Stadium Managers Association was held in Memphis, TN in 1974. These dedicated industry leaders wanted to establish a meeting that centered on stadium specific issues and could be held at a time of year that was convenient for the stadiums.
The first Stadium Seminar was organized by Colonel Robert Sigholtz, formerly with RFK Stadium, and met informally each year in late January, with sessions taught by attendees. A few limited outside functions were also held.
Beginning in 1986, the responsibility of managing the Stadium Seminar Committee was placed in the hands of Harry Renaud with B.C. Place; Rick Nafe with Tampa Stadium; and Bill Wilson with the Rose Bowl. Rounding out the first official Stadium Seminar Committee was Jerry Bell with the Minnesota Twins, and Gabe Paul with the Milwaukee Brewers. Jerry Oliver with the Florida Suncoast Dome and Bill Turner with Anaheim Stadium were also eventually appointed to the Committee.
Following the format development at the 1986 Seminar in New Orleans, the Stadium Seminar Committee became what we know today as the SMA Annual Seminar and in 1992 SMA became an officially incorporated industry trade association.
The SMA Annual Seminar continues to meet each year in late January or early February, usually directly following the Super Bowl.
SMA is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 6 regular members and 1 corporate sponsor member.
