Nick Cardinale has spent enough time at the country’s biggest live events to know exactly what people want when they seek VIP experiences.
Some guests seek comfort. Others want bragging rights. Many simply want to experience a bucket‑list moment without worrying about logistics.
As chief operating officer of Quint — the Liberty Media‑owned hospitality company behind Barrett‑Jackson VIP Experiences, Derby Experiences, F1 Experiences and NBA Experiences — Cardinale oversees the programs for all of them.
“Some people only go to events a certain way,” he said. “And others say, ‘If I’m finally doing this, I’m doing it right.’ Our job is to build experiences that meet both.”
More than 25 years old, Quint powers premium hospitality at some of the world’s largest events. The company operates globally in Formula 1, partners with the Kentucky Derby and the NBA, and maintains offices in Charlotte, London, Dubai, Qatar, and, soon, Spain. Cardinale previously spent a decade as chief operating officer at Barrett-Jackson.
The company’s model is simple: partner with major brands, build elevated hospitality programs, and deliver them under the event’s own banner.
“Nobody really knows who Quint is,” Cardinale said with a laugh. “We white‑label everything.”
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Barrett‑Jackson: Elevated views of the auction block
For Scottsdale’s flagship collector‑car auction, Quint’s offerings center on vantage points and comfort. The most exclusive option is Craig Jackson’s Skybox, a three‑day hospitality experience perched above the auction block.
Guests have gourmet food, a hosted premium bar, reserved auction seating and access to the opening‑night gala.
Barrett‑Jackson builds the skyboxes itself — indoor versions of the hospitality suites seen at major golf tournaments — positioned around the arena’s perimeter.
A step below is the Luxury Lounge, a sprawling, centrally located hospitality space with panoramic views of the auction arena. Both packages offer the option of a bidder badge with an approved application.
Additional tiers include Staging Lanes, a three‑day experience overlooking the lanes where vehicles queue before crossing the block, and a one‑day Staging Lanes option for guests who want a taste of the action without committing to the full weekend.
These offerings attract two distinct groups: seasoned premium‑event guests who prefer elevated access as a matter of habit, and first‑timers celebrating something meaningful.
“It’s like first‑class seating,” Cardinale said.
“Some people fly that way every time. Others do it for a honeymoon or a milestone. Barrett‑Jackson is definitely a bucket‑list event for car enthusiasts.”
NBA All‑Star: A one-weekend takeover
While Barrett‑Jackson is an annual Scottsdale staple, NBA All‑Star is a rare local appearance — and a massive undertaking. Quint supports All‑Star every year, working with the host team in each city. For Phoenix, that meant nearly two years of planning with the Suns.
The 2027 lineup includes multiple tiers:
- Hall of Fame Package: Premium lower‑level seating for all three marquee events, Lunch with a Legend featuring Shawn Marion, the NBA Champions Table culinary experience, NBA EXP Lounge access, an on‑court photo opportunity and NBA Jam Session admission.
- Legend Package: Lower‑level seating, NBA Champions Table access, a shootaround with an NBA Legend, a behind‑the‑scenes arena tour and additional hospitality perks.
- MVP Package: Premium seating for Saturday and Sunday, Lunch with a Legend, NBA EXP Lounge access and optional Hyatt Regency accommodations.
- Playmaker Package: Lower‑level seating for all three events, NBA Champions Club hospitality and NBA Jam Session access.
- NBA EXP Lounge Premium Package: Suite‑level theater seating, premium lounge access and optional hotel accommodations.
- Rookie, Draftee and Prospect Packages: Flexible single‑event or dual‑event options with pregame hospitality, family‑friendly activations and NBA Jam Session admission.
Each package blends premium seating with behind‑the‑scenes access, culinary experiences and appearances by NBA Legends — a structure designed to make the weekend feel immersive rather than transactional.
