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NEWS: Multiple Anime Expo Staffers Resign in Board Dispute

So... what is the relationship between BAM!'s contract being terminated and the walk-out of the eight key staffers? Did Chase Wang call some favors to make this happen, or are they just being mentioned in the same story?

configspace wrote:

I was thinking the exactly the same thing. (the only exception would be Warren Buffet). Funny thing is, even if it's a stereotype, you could see it coming a mile away, given his background as an exec at NBC-Universal. It's not right the mindset for this kind of organization but I bet it's what the board is attracted to.

Doing a quick google search (Michael Lattanzio and Universal) I see that:

"Lattanzio was executive director of operations for the NBC Universal Park and Resorts CityWalk entertainment complex in Universal City, where he led the management team responsible for entertainment and special events, operations, physical plant, retail, marketing, property and tenant management, security, parking and valet and vendor outsourcing/supervision.

Previously, Lattanzio served as part of the international senior management team that planned, launched, and operated Universal Studios Japan theme park and CityWalk, where he oversaw Universal's first overseas development into a world- class resort and entertainment destination."

I could see how having a CEO with prior business experience in Japan, along with experience in operating a large amusement park, could have an attraction to the SPJA Board. That said, and events seem to be proving this out, that I would not envy the task the Board would have in trying to get a volunteer organization like AX working smoothly with a hardcore corporate executive. Talk about a culture clash...

While it's cool to blame the executive types and all, frankly, I'm not buying the one-sided finger pointing one bit. Let's not forget the fact that he is a big name, and successful executive who has organized and run operations far heftier than this in the past.

He could be brilliant. I haven't met the guy. But I also must point out that a non-profit like the SPJA couldn't possibly pay very much money even to a CEO. So I do wonder.

the fact that there is drama, is not good and extremely unfair to the people who are working very very hard.

if anything i think the CEO should lead by example...but just my two cents

While it's cool to blame the executive types and all, frankly, I'm not buying the one-sided finger pointing one bit. Let's not forget the fact that he is a big name, and successful executive who has organized and run operations far heftier than this in the past.

Plus, AX is no stranger to drama amongst its staff, so part of me has to wonder if the whole "clash" here is amongst two sides who equally refuse to do things any other way than theirs. From past incidents it seems that these staffers are prone to problems and drama, which I refuse to believe wasn't a contributing factor here. Part of me is beginning to think this is all a bunch of drama from staffers who are used to pulling strings and bumped in to an exec that wasn't going to let them.

Honestly, it just seems like AX grew too big for just the volunteers and staffers to do along without experience, but once the business world came in they couldn't handle the compromise and drama ensued. It's a bummer, and I hope AX can survive this. I mean, the anime market and industry is shaky enough as it is right now, the collapse of the countries largest convention would be another hefty blow.