BizBash National News

NEW YORK - GUEST QUESTIONS: Calvin Klein's 40th Impresses With Strict Minimalism, Access to High Line

]]>Last night on the far west side, Calvin Klein hosted one of Fashion Week's most-hyped events, celebrating the label's 40th anniversary. A temporary pavilion designed by architect John Pawson was built specially for the affair next to the High Line, a one-and-a-half-mile-long abandoned railway being transformed into a public park. The guests, who left the party around midnight, wore black and white clothing and hailed from the fashion, beauty, and entertainment industries. Most were completely surprised by the magnitude of the event, and some even plucked white roses to take home as a memento.

A longtime supporter of the nonprofit organization Friends of the High Line, Calvin Klein dropped $3 million for the party, a sum The Daily News reported also includes a donation to the development of the elevated oasis. We asked guests whether the birthday bash was indeed the biggest event of the season.

“When they donate millions of dollars and erect the great wall of Calvin Klein, it’s pretty amazing.”
—Molly Sims, actress and model

“The food was amazing. I loved the tuna tartare, and there was a little ginger cookie that was delicious.”
—Dani Stahl, accessories director, Nylon magazine

LOS ANGELES - EVENT REPORT: VMA Hospitality Suites Pick Venues With L.A. Character

]]>Back in Los Angeles after a long absence to tour other cities, MTV's Video Music Awards rolled into town this past weekend with all of the related events in tow, including those ubiquitous swag and hospitality suites. And this time, the suites took over some distinctive L.A. properties that seemed to call attention to the particular character of this year's VMA host city.

Hype Marketing's House of Hype took over a massive home above Hollywood, a property so big and far from its neighbors that it dominates an entire hillside. The setup at the house featured a photo booth and T-shirt screenprinting by Hit & Run by day, with live performances by Young Jeezy and Robin Thicke into the wee hours throughout the weekend. Guests reached the property—which features a grotto pool, a sand volleyball court, and expansive downtown-to-ocean views—by way of shuttle from a parking garage on the Sunset Strip below. Video directors Chris Robinson, Jessy Terrero, and Anthony Mandler nominally cohosted the House of Hype programming in honor of their award nominations.

LOS ANGELES - EVENT REPORT: HBO Creates Vampire-Friendly Rooftop Landscape for Eerie True Blood Party

]]>How much does HBO love Alan Ball, executive producer of its hit Six Feet Under and its trumpeted new vampire series True Blood? Enough to send the cable channel’s favorite event planner, Billy Butchkavitz, to the set to find inspiration for the after-party of True Blood’s premiere Thursday—a first in Butchkavitz’s 10-year collaboration with HBO. And enough to cover the roof of the ArcLight Hollywood parking structure with 30,000 square feet of crimson carpet, topped with banquettes, buffets, and seats covered in 2,400 yards of cut red velve to create a vast vampire-friendly landscape the color of blood.

The evening began with a Cinerama Dome screening of two hourlong episodes of the Southern Gothic series starring Anna Pacquin as a telepathic waitress. Nearly 1,200 guests ascended to the roof party, where waiters met them with jars of Tru Blood cocktails (rum, cranberry juice, and pineapple juice), named after the synthetic blood consumed by the show’s vampires. Working with HBO vice president of special events Lauren McMahon, Butchkavitz combined props from the set with Mexican relic shrines and wooden birds to create an atmosphere of creepy elegance.

WASHINGTON - EVENT REPORT: AARP Expo Offers Games, Freebies, and Massages From 400 Exhibitors

]]>The AARP Life @50+ National Event & Expo opened at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Thursday. The three-day convention offered the usual fare—educational sessions and mixers—in addition to concerts and appearances from personalities such as Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, Gene Simmons, and Paul Simon. At the expo, some 400 exhibitors—from Microsoft to Sam's Club to Walgreens—set up shop to spread their corporate message to the 25,000-person crowd, using relaxation stations, interactive games, and loads of freebies. Here's a look at some of the stand-out exhibits.

NEW YORK - EVENT REPORT: Tumi and Abercrombie & Kent Explore Upper East Side With Playful Launch

]]>It’s a particularly niche group of consumers who find themselves needing to be outfitted for a trip to Tibet, but if you’re looking to market a line of ruggedly high-end luggage and bags, the Upper East Side’s Explorer’s Club is probably a good place to start. Home to some of New York’s wealthiest adventurers and world travelers for more than a century, the club launched Tumi’s T-Tech collection Wednesday night to members and a few fashionable outsiders.

Partnering with travel company Abercrombie & Kent, Tumi wanted to capture the spirit of exploration with the new line and, similarly, the launch party. Tumi executive creative director David Chu worked with Shin Advisors and designer Gaurin Buara to create the event, which took over the club’s second-floor library, trophy room, and patio. Instead of having guests merely look at the luggage, each piece was incorporated into two collaborative installations conceived by Chu and Buara.

CHICAGO — THE WALKTHROUGH: Trump Hotel Introduces 53 Spa Guestrooms

]]>On September 1, the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago unveiled 53 spa guestrooms that adjoin the property's Spa at Trump. The specially designed rooms, which range in size from 600 to 900 square feet, are located on the hotel's 14th floor and are connected to the spa by a private staircase so that guests don't have to use the main hotel elevator. The guest rooms offer city and riverfront views, light oak furnishings, earth tones, fresh flowers, candles, and a music library.

Several spa treatments, including massages, manicures, pedicures, and customized baths, are available in-room. The accommodations also include a gift collection (essential oils, body butter, bath salts, and facial mask), a warming caddy for heated neck and eye pillows, and a mini-bar stocked with options such as dried fruit, dark chocolate, teas, and organic wine and champagne. Special TV channels feature yoga and Pilates sessions, and in-room personal training and nutrition sessions can be arranged. Guests also have access to the Trump Health Club during their stay; it features cardio and weight rooms, steam rooms, sauna facilities, and a heated indoor pool.

NEW YORK — VENUE NEWS: This Week: Citi Field Event Spaces Revealed, Javits Expansion Still on the Books

]]>

The Mets will offer their new stadium, Citi Field, as a spot for meetings and events. [BizBash]

Officials still hope to expand the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, albeit with a scaled-back plan. [NYT]

Sean MacPherson opened his new hotel the Jane in time for Fashion Week. [Hotel Chatter]

The city is encouraging nonprofit arts groups to take a historic Harlem spot. [NYT]

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt of MTV's The Hills may replace Murray Hill's Dip with a sports lounge called the Hill. [W mag]

Coney Island's Astroland amusement park closes this Sunday. The landmarked Cyclone rollercoaster will continue to operate. [NYP]

Construction from the redevelopment of Lincoln Center is causing some problems for visitors to the performing arts campus. [NYT]

LOS ANGELES — THE WALKTHROUGH: 10,000-Square-Foot Nightclub Heat Opens in O.C.

]]>The newly opened Anaheim GardenWalk—close to the Anaheim Convention Center—has added new club Heat Ultra Lounge to its growing list of venues. The space, designed by Nikko Hendi, features deep red, slate gray, and dark wood tones. Decor includes natural elements like trees, plus three crystal chandeliers.

Heat fonts more than 10,000 square feet, with two distinct areas for entertaining that can be combined to accommodate 900 guests.

FLORIDA — THE WALKTHROUGH: Private Fort Lauderdale Mansion Opens as Event Venue

]]>Combining the beauty of art and nature, Chateau de la Mer in Fort Lauderdale is more than just a waterfront mansion. The interior of the house features a grand hall with 25-foot ceilings, a marble fireplace, and can accommodate 60 guests. The dining room adjacent to the grand hall and the overlooking balcony are available for more intimate affairs.

Aesthetic amenities such as a koi pond with waterfalls, a hot tub, and a pool are found throughout the grounds of the property, as well as an outdoor lounge with a cabana and bar area designed for cocktail parties and intimate events of 30 guests. That capacity can be increased by covering the pool, thereby hosting an additional 70 guests, or making use of the dock.

NEW YORK — LOCATION SCOUT: Where a Team Can Do a Ropes Course�Without Leaving New York

]]>If bonding over drinks or private screenings isn't enough to motivate a team, the Alley Pond Park Adventure Course offers a more physical form of teambuilding. Hidden away in the 655-acre Alley Pond Park in Queens, this is the only adventure ropes course in the city and the largest of its kind in the Northeast. Only a year old, the course is built specifically for corporate groups and consists of obstacles—including a climbing wall, balance platforms, and a zip line—all designed to challenge participants physically and intellectually. Operated by the Urban Park Rangers through the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, these programs can be tailored to each group, depending on the objectives. The adventure course programs are available for groups as small as 10 people or as large as 70, and the fee includes a catered lunch.

WASHINGTON — THE SCOUT: Richard Avedon Exhibit Focuses on Political Portraits

]]>Adding to the bustle of the current election season, the Corcoran Gallery of Art opens its “Richard Avedon: Portraits of Power” exhibition on Saturday. Showcased in the exhibit are 200 of the famed photographer’s portraits of government officials, activists, and members of the media. Spanning from the 1950s until Avedon’s death in 2004, the politically charged selection includes a close-up, blurred shot of Malcolm X in New York in 1963, Bob Dylan in Central Park in 1965, a candid of the Daughters of the American Revolution for the October 1963 D.A.R. Convention at Washington’s Mayflower Hotel, and then Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in 1976, captured in Avedon’s stark and classic frame. Private group tours for 15 or more guests may be arranged by calling 202.639.1725; a gift option is the 350-page hardcover exhibition catalogue. The show runs through January 25.

LOS ANGELES — THE SCOUT: Where to Take Groups for Comic Relief

]]>Nearly 30 years after she received a Golden Globe nomination for her role as saucy secretary Doralee Rhodes in Nine to Five, Dolly Parton is revisiting the project that helped launch her acting career. Parton composed original music and lyrics for Nine to Five: The Musical, which portrays three working women’s revenge on their less-than-politically-correct male boss. The show begins at the Ahmanson Theatre and runs through October 19.

FLORIDA — THE SCOUT: The Write Gift�

]]>For the sports fan, the venue or stadium can be just as nostalgic as the players and game itself. Created by Dr. Bill Hartel, a Chicago Cubs fan and published author, Ballpark Pens are handcrafted from recovered wooden stadium seats of historical ballparks and football stadiums from across the country. The pen's barrel and top disk are both made of authentic wood with the top even making use of the original paint from the stadium seats. Each pen-measuring about 5 1/2 inches in length-is laser engraved bearing the name of the park from which it was salvaged and the years the venue was in use. Each pen ranges from $180 to $260 depending on the stadium and collector's prices for the seats and is shipped in a keepsake box with a certificate of authenticity.

NEW YORK — THE SCOUT: A Photobooth That's Customizable Inside and Out

]]>ShootBooth is a different kind of photobooth, one with a few extra bells and whistles. The eight-foot-tall device, which resembles a giant antique camera, is equipped with a digital SLR camera and built-in lighting to produce high-quality prints. The company can build custom booths or an open-air setup with no booth at all. And instead of a plain backdrop, ShootBooth offers three playful frames, including twinkling lights and ornaments, and an LED light pen that guests can use to draw around themselves on a clear plexiglass surface placed in front of the camera. Daily rental fees start at $3,400. The price includes transportation, set up, four hours of photo taking, on-site printing within two hours, and a CD of retouched images at the end of the event.

WASHINGTON — THE SCOUT: Organic to Go Brings U.S.D.A. Certified Catering to D.C.

]]>Organic to Go first launched in January 2005 in Seattle, and now the U.S.D.A. certified organic cafe chain and catering company has hit the East Coast, with locations in McPherson Square and Metro Center (and plans for three future D.C. shops). The eatery and food service is the brain child of Jason Brown, who sought to create a Whole Foods-style, clean food alternative to the typical luncheon chain.

The catering division's seasonal menus run the gamut from wood-fired pizzas to build-your-own-taco bars ($14.95 per person), and the company can accomodate groups of 10 to 1,000 people. For neat little packages, the executive box lunches ($17.50 each) offer sandwiches such as the Santa Fe Salmon or Greektown with side dishes, apple slices, a cupcake, an Honest Tea, and a chocolate bar (for that 4 p.m. slump). The company sources local goods whenever possible and can customize the menu for any event.

CHICAGO — MY FAVORITE VENDORS: Gen Art Likes BBJ Linen

]]>Lauren K. Hurley has been the event producer for Gen Art Chicago since August, and she spent four years as marketing and events manager of Screen Magazine. Hurley is responsible for producing 40 regional events throughout the year. She is currently working on the October 1 Fresh Faces in Fashion, and an October 4 shopping event, which will both take place inside the tent at Millennium Park.

Audiovisual Production: "Sound Investment Ltd. makes our job so easy. We have complete trust in them and a loyal relationship because we know that we will be taken care of with no problems, and they are flexible with our needs."

Catering: "One of the things I really like about Food for Thought is that they use unique ingredients and creative cuisine presentations. Their creative flourishes and modern tastes are amazing and leave an impact on your guests. We’re using Blue Plate Catering for Fresh Faces. They are an industry staple. They’re a quality caterer with a wonderful reputation and when you use them, you know your event will be a success. Another caterer that is on my radar is Greg Christian Catering. He positions himself as a conscious caterer and uses clean, environment-friendly ingredients and eco-practices."

NEW YORK — MY FAVORITE VENDORS: BAM Sets the Stage With Fleurs Bella

]]>Glenn Stiskal joined the Brooklyn Academy of Music in February, and now oversees 40 to 50 events per year as its director of special events. Before BAM, Stiskal planned opening-night parties for New York City Center and Second Stage Theater.

Flowers: “Bella Meyer and her team at Fleurs Bella have a flair for drama and passion like no other in their decor and arrangements. It would be difficult to write the genius that is Bella. They are our exclusive florist and have worked on the Paul Simon spring gala, for which they crafted organic centerpieces tied into the African theme. Bella took inspiration from the dry deserts and lush jungles to make the individual tables reflect the continent. On another ocassion, she conjured up a prom for grownups, making corsages for 1,000 guests—and she only has a staff of 10. Bella is our most invaluable asset.”

Music: "DJ Idlemind creates the perfect atmospheric background music for our gala dinners. This year, he DJed the spring gala that celebrated Paul Simon's 'Under African Skies.' He played a compilation of music from 'The Rhythm of the Saints' and 'Graceland,' with some Latin and African influences. He found just the right mood and vibe—without spinning any Paul Simon. He also always manages to avoid crossing into pop territory."

TORONTO — MY FAVORITE VENDORS: National Ballet of Canada Trusts Terrain Flowers

]]>Jennifer Zimmerman, manager of special events for the National Ballet of Canada, plans 110 events per year, from private dinners for six to large galas for 2,000. Zimmerman has been with the National Ballet for almost four years, starting as the officer of special events. She was previously an event coordinator for the Carnegie Foundation in New York and Pittsburgh. Zimmerman is currently preparing for the ballet's season opening in November, at which donors are treated to a welcome-back party, private dinners, and the opportunity to watch show rehearsals.

Audiovisual Production: “Westbury National Show Systems does our staging, lighting, and sound. We had Mikhail Baryshnikov come for a private dinner at a private home, and Westbury set up the lighting, the sound, and the microphones for the M.C. Westbury is consistent, always on time, and doesn’t require a lot of instruction.”

WASHINGTON — Q & A: Smithsonian Polo Cup Planner Talks Poster Regulations, New Sponsors

]]>On September 6, the Smithsonian Young Benefactors—an arm of the Smithsonian Associates, targeting professionals ages 20 to 45—kicks off its second annual Polo Cup at the National Mall's West Potomac Park. Opening at noon, the cup is expecting some 450 attendees and 25 volunteers. With tickets starting at $150, the event will feature Argentine player (and Ralph Lauren model) Nacho Figueras and America's Most Wanted host John Walsh on the field.

Six sponsors, including Capitol File, Harper's Bazaar, and Veuve Clicquot, are hosting teams, while the Mandarin Oriental is setting up the official after-party for 200 Cup guests. We talked to Smithsonian Associates program manager Brigitte Blachere about last-minute preparations, this year’s Miami-themed decor, and navigating the National Park Service.

The second annual Smithsonian Young Benefactors Polo Cup is less than a week away. What are you working on now?
We’re finalizing the volunteers and any last-minute coordinations. We're working with the National Park Service to confirm the schedule and to make sure officers are in place to babysit everything for about four nights while we’re not on the field. We’re also finalizing last-minute details on the lunch menu with Ridgewells.

LOS ANGELES — MY FAVORITE VENDORS: Oakley Chooses Entertainment Fusion Group and WireImage

]]>Jeremy McCassy is the alternative marketing manager for Oakley. McCassy oversees entertainment marketing and events for the brand, including its recent X Games kickoff party; a new Oakley program titled Learn to Ride, which teaches celebrities sports; and a rolling art show celebrating artist collaboration products in the Oakley collection.

PR: “Entertainment Fusion Group. They understand our brand and what our necessities and goals are, going above and beyond for us in celebrity outreach, media, et cetera. “

Photography: "Chris Polk at WireImage has been our guy for the last six or seven events. He’s been incredible; he knows what we are looking for as far as imagery. He understands the brand and supports our product. It’s just easier to work with people you already have relationships with."

LOS ANGELES — NEWS: MTV Spreads Out on Paramount Lot for 25th VMAs

]]>This year marked the 25th annual incarnation of MTV's Video Music Awards—and lo these many years later, the show still managed to serve up at least a couple of firsts: After a decade away from Los Angeles it was the show's first time at Paramount Studios, not to mention Britney Spears's first VMA win after 16 past nominations. British comedian Russell Brand assumed hosting duties for the occasion.

This year's performance-packed program followed a format similar to last year's critically panned event at the Palms casino in Las Vegas, where multiple areas on the property served different purposes during the broadcast. For last night's show, producers used seven areas at Paramount Studios: a main stage for the bulk of the presentation, the Paramount B-Tank for a viewing party, the back lot (also known as New York Street) for performances, and the historic Bronson Gate—a recognizable Hollywood landmark—for arrivals. MTV had a staff of more than 200 working on show production for the past two weeks to pull it all off.

CHICAGO — WHO'S DOING WHAT: Pelissero Joins Gen Art�

]]>Carolyn Pelissero began her position as the regional marketing/business development director for Gen Art Chicago on August 20. She spent a year as marketing manager at Chicago magazine, where she worked on added-value proposals, sponsorships, and events.

In her newly created position at Gen Art, Pelissero will be responsible for marketing initiatives for events including the Fresh Faces in Fashion showcases and Shop Chicago. She will also work on building local and national relationships with sponsors, media, and members of the arts and entertainment organization.

CHICAGO — NEWS: Top Chef Winner Helps Showcase New Property�

Though the Parkhomes at Lakeshore East, a 15-year project overseen by Magellan Development Group L.L.C., will not be entirely complete for years to come, roughly 200 Chicagoans got a sneak peek at the property during a cocktail party co-hosted by CS magazine, which took place in its sales center last night.

Among the attendees was Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, who led a cooking demonstration in the onsite test kitchen. "We built the kitchen exactly for this purpose—so that we could host events featuring chefs of Stephanie's caliber," said Robin Loewenberg Berger, chief marketing offer at Magellan Development Group.

NEW YORK — NEWS: Fashion Week Pics: Elie Tahari and La Perla Show Poolside, Interview Goes Surreal

]]>Getting Fashion Week off to an early start, a handful of designers presented spring 2009 collections last night, trotting out colorful prints at different settings across the city. Underwear company La Perla showed off its black label, swimwear, and ready-to-wear collections at the Empire Hotel's rooftop. Also poolside was Elie Tahari's presentation at the Four Seasons, where approximately 300 guests filled the Pool Room for a cocktail party-style presentation with drinks and nibbles. And in Hell's Kitchen, guests for the Trovata show entered through a school bus.

LOS ANGELES — NEWS: MTV's Video Music Awards: Britney Will Do It Again

First maybe she was, then she definitely wasn't. And now she apparently is again. USA Today is reporting that MTV has confirmed that Britney Spears will open Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards at Paramount. According to the report, Spears's appearance won't be a performance, but instead will be something "fun and unexpected."