LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 24, 2006--The 100 biggest events in the days surrounding the Oscars will generate at least $150 million in revenue for Los Angeles' event and hospitality industries, according to a story published today by BiZBash Media (http://www.bizbash.com), the company that publishes event industry trade magazines and Web sites in New York, Los Angeles/Southern California, Florida, and Toronto. That estimate comes from interviews with event producers and vendors who have worked on Oscar parties and other similar events, and includes fees for venues, food and beverage, and such additional vendors as security, public relations, linens, valet parking, and custom tents.

"Marketers understand the tremendous publicity and marketing potential surrounding the Oscars, and the pour substantial amounts of money into making an impact during the awards," said Chad Kaydo, BiZBash's editor in chief.

The big five events on Oscar night alone-the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' official Governors Ball, Vanity Fair's exclusive party, the Elton John AIDS Foundation benefit, AIDS Project L.A.'s fund-raiser, and the Night of 100 Stars viewing dinner-cost approximately a total of $10 million. The Ultrasuede tablecloths at the Governors ball this year will cost about $85 apiece-or $17,000 for 200 tables. And Wolfgang Puck's elaborate menu will cost between $450 and $750 a head; for 1,560 guests, that could be more than $1 million just for the catering bill and related costs of dining service.

The Vanity Fair party at Mortons-with its well-documented reputation as the evening's most exclusive, star-studded party-comes with a price tag estimated at $2 million. (The magazine's PR team didn't respond to our requests for comment.) Among the unexpected costs for the event are car rentals and hotel rooms for as many as 30 staffers who go to Los Angeles for as long as three weeks to prepare for the party; they stay at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where guest rooms start at $410 per night.