Claire Hoffman | BizBash

West Coast Editor

More from Claire Hoffman

2020 Ask Bb Web (1)

Ask BizBash: What Podcasts Can Make Me a Better Event Planner Right Now?

Jack Scafide, CORT Events’ midwest district account executive, suggests starting by breaking the room into a six-foot grid. “This makes it much easier to place chairs, aisles, decor, etcetera, making sure everyone will be at least six feet apart. Your room or space will shrink very quickly.'

The Future of Floorplans: What Will Physically Distanced Event Layouts Look Like?

On May 26, WarnerMedia's HBO Max hosted an interactive virtual party after the premiere of underground ballroom dance show Legendary. Produced by Little Cinema, the event allowed guests to switch between a variety of rooms; in one space, Legendary host Dashaun Wesley hosted a voguing competition between virtual attendees.

How Hollywood Is Hosting Immersive Virtual Premiere Parties

2020 Ask Bb Web (1)

Ask BizBash: How Can I Network During Stay-at-Home Orders?

The 2020 ESPY Awards are going virtual. The two-hour broadcast, which will celebrate heroism and humanitarian aid, will air June 21 on ESPN; athletes Russell Wilson, Megan Rapinoe, and Sue Bird will host from their homes. The star-studded sports event had long been held at L.A.'s Microsoft Theatre in July; last year's 5,000-attendee show (pictured) focused on sustainability, inclusivity, and—of course—the United States women's national soccer team, fresh off its World Cup win. See more from the 2019 show here.

This Week in Los Angeles: a Drive-By Art Exhibit, a Surprise Hollywood Bowl Performance, HBO Cancels its Buzzy Emmys Party, and More

President Barack Obama gave a virtual commencement speech during Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020, which aired May 16 on television networks nationwide.

8 Ways to Be an Effective Virtual Event Speaker

The event included a mix of live hosting and musical performances, plus prerecorded fireside chats and messages of support (pictured) from 17 different celebrities.

What It Takes to Plan a Virtual Gala—In Just 17 Days

2020 Ask Bb Web (1)

Ask BizBash: How Long Should a Virtual Event Last?

On May 16, main street at The Grove opened to cars for a “drive-through” lunch and dinner experience from Rosewood Miramar Beach executive chef Massimo Falsini. Caruso, the property management company behind the outdoor shopping center, donated 100-percent of the day’s sales to Para Los Niños, a Skid Row-based nonprofit that provides support to children and families; ultimately, the one-day event resulted in 21,000 meals being donated.

This Week in Los Angeles: Will the 2021 Oscars Be Postponed? Plus TikTok's New CEO, a Glamorous Co-working Option, and More

Q&A: How This Industry Coalition Is Fighting for the Future of Live Events

See How Brands Are Using Virtual Proms to Engage Gen Z

2020 Ask Bb Web (1)

Ask BizBash: Should I Charge for Tickets to My Virtual Event?

Adobe's annual Adobe MAX conference is going virtual. The creativity-focused event—which typically draws more than 12,000 graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, and videographers to the Los Angeles Convention Center each year—will take place October 19-21. All keynote and breakout sessions will be available for free. The 2018 edition of the event (pictured) was named as BizBash's Most Innovative Meeting of the Year due to its increased focus on accessibility and diversity.

This Week in Los Angeles: The Grove's Drive-Through Fundraiser, a New Guide to Safe Events, a Pretty Spring Cocktail Idea, and More

First up was 'Grad at the Pad,' a celebration for the class of 2020 that took over a front yard in Orange County, Calif. 'Instantly my mind went to entertainers on stilts,' said event designer Alexandra Rembac, nodding to the requirements to stay six feet apart from others.

Can Socially Distanced Pop-Ups Help Bring Back Live Events?