K.C.-based architecture firm HOK "is re-inventing
itself," according to Steve Cameron of the SPORTSBUSINESS
JOURNAL, who writes the company "has established three
interrelated working groups, including one that will
concentrate on events planning." Cameron reports that HOK
will maintain its "thriving sports structures business and
add a convention facility design group." HOK VP/Marketing
Bob White, on the company's recent move into events
planning: "The marketplace is changing. Customers are
asking different things of us. Our response is to say,
please don't think of us as people who can't see past the
fields of sports." Cameron writes HOK "landed
internationally known" consultant Bob Stiles, who joined the
firm August 1, as VP/Event Planning. He also worked with
the Olympic committees in L.A., Atlanta and Sydney. More
White: "One exciting aspect of the event planning business
is that there really isn't any other company out there which
can offer our comprehensive approach." Meanwhile, HOK
officials said that the one competitor "that might come
closest to the full-package strategy" of HOK is Anderson
Consulting Team. White, on the "dwindling number" of U.S.
cities that "still need huge" new stadiums: "It doesn't take
a genius to point out that the American market for major
league facilities is cresting" (SBJ, 8/14 issue).
