Salem Sports Events expands to Kernersville

Salem Sports Events has expanded its design and live environment fabrication services in the Triad, opening an office in Kernersville on Nov. 24.

Salem Sports Events specializes in the design, production, logistics and operations of hospitality spaces, live events, brand activations, and permanent construction projects. The company also has offices in Winston-Salem and High Point.

Jeff Ickes, the CEO of Salem Sports Events, said that when he became the owner of the company in 1997, he wanted to expand its services to include creating immersive environments.

“Salem was already an established and growing company that focused on signage for sporting events before we took ownership. When my wife, Kim, and I took on the leadership role in the business, our intention was to elevate a solid foundation into something bigger and more impactful,” Ickes said. “We saw an opportunity to build a company that could elevate the entire physical experience at events, not just parts of it. We wanted to create something trusted by major brands, powered by skilled trades, and driven by a team that takes pride in what they build.”

Ickes said the Kernersville facility sets the stage for manufactured live environments.

“The Kernersville location is where so much of our craftsmanship comes to life. From carpentry and millwork to logistics and project management, this is the place where large builds are staged and prepared for the field. The space gives us the capacity and efficiency we need to operate at a national level, and we take a lot of pride in what we do here,” Ickes said.

James Auerbach, the chief revenue officer of Salem Sports Events, said the company found Kernersville to be the perfect fit.

“Staying local mattered to us. Kernersville was close enough to keep our operations tight while giving us the space and infrastructure we need to grow. We wanted our team to be able to move easily between both locations without disrupting how we work,” Auerbach said. “The area offered multiple facility options that met our space, layout, and operational needs, along with easy highway access, a growing labor market, and a business environment that genuinely supports growing companies.”

Ickes said the expansion is creating job opportunities for roles in metal fabrication, carpentry, printing, logistics and project management support.

“This facility brings skilled trade and production careers to Kernersville, plus it creates a ripple effect through local vendors, suppliers, and services. As we grow here, that impact grows with us, and we are proud to be adding long-term value to the area,” Ickes said.

Salem Sports Events has partnered with local organizations in the area such as the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Winston-Salem and Team Winston-Salem, a professional cycling team, and Ickes said he is eager to support local nonprofits and organizations in Kernersville.

“Community involvement is part of who we are. We support local schools, nonprofits, and community efforts wherever we operate, and Kernersville will be no different. We are excited to build relationships here and look for ways to contribute in a meaningful way,” Ickes said.