October 8, 2014: Government Plans Greater Screening for Ebola, Florists' Options Grow With New Online Shops, A&E to Broadcast Award Shows for First Time

1. GOVERNMENT PLANS GREATER SCREENING FOR EBOLA: Authorities are planning more screening procedures for airline passengers coming to the United States to fight against a potential global outbreak of Ebola. The New York Times: “While public officials try to contain the outbreak, they also must deal with a public confidence crisis. Increasing controls at the border may not be entirely effective in preventing Ebola from spreading, but it might calm public fears about the disease. … The administration could tighten visa requirements from some countries, something that has not been addressed publicly yet.” http://nyti.ms/1se0qCk

2. FLORISTS' OPTIONS GROW WITH NEW ONLINE SHOPS: BloomNation, a startup that allows florists to compete for jobs online, has received more venture funding and is looking to shore up an industry predicted to shrink by one in five workers in the coming years. Los Angeles Times: “BloomNation's new funding means that four major flower-industry start-ups have raised about $35 million, led by the nearly $18 million behind H.Bloom, according to data from CB Insights. Fellow Los Angeles start-up The Bouqs Co. has raised $7.85 million. They’re tackling an industry worth $7 billion to $10 billion that's been rocked recently by the recession and unfortunate weather. … The new money is expected to lead to a doubling of staff, a mobile app and an effort to sell special arrangements for weddings and events.” http://lat.ms/1qgukQA

3. A&E TO BROADCAST AWARD SHOWS FOR FIRST TIME: In a move that recognizes the growing popularity of award shows, A&E announced a deal to broadcast the 2015 and 2016 Critics' Choice Movie Awards and Critics' Choice Television Awards. Hollywood Reporter: “A&E's deal to televise the TV and film awards join a rapidly growing slate of awards shows that includes staples such as the Academy Awards, Emmys, Grammys and Golden Globes. ABC alone now broadcasts the Oscars (up 10 percent last year among the key adults 18-49 demo) and the American Music Awards (up 32 percent), among others. CBS airs nine awards shows, followed by NBC (six) and Fox (two). Cable networks have also joined the party, and there are now at least 19 awards shows televised between Jan. 1 and March 2, when the Oscars air.” http://bit.ly/1t2sWso

* LOCAL NEWS *

COAST TO COAST:  Social Media Week, currently held twice a year, will host conferences four times a year in 2015: February 23-27, June 8-12, September 14-18, and November 16-20.

AUSTIN:  Circuit of the Americas' Fan Fest is October 31-November 2 downtown. A V.I.P. program will offer passes for access to a private viewing area at the main stage, a dedicated lounge, and food from partner restaurants.

BOSTON:  River Bar will open in Somerville’s Assembly Row this fall. The venue will offer an outdoor area with fire pits, trees, and river views; the menu will include chorizo-Scotch-quail eggs and smoked bluefish hash.

CHICAGO:  The Spence Farm Foundation Dinner is October 20 at 676 Restaurant & Bar. Participating chefs include Molly Johnson of Limelight Catering, and the evening features a four-course family-style dinner.

LAS VEGAS:  The fifth annual Fashion for Autism event is October 24 at the Four Seasons Las Vegas.

The Neon Museum’s Boneyard Bash will take place on Halloween night with live entertainment, a costume contest, food trucks, and more.

LOS ANGELES:  Los Angeles magazine: "It’s been six years since the stylist capital of the world had a central Fashion Week. Why can’t we get it together?” http://bit.ly/10Kf3T3

Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  Cocktail Cruise for a Cure, a fund-raiser for the ALS Association’s Florida chapter, is October 24 aboard the Anticipation VI from Anticipation Yacht Charters in Fort Lauderdale.

NEW YORK:  Warwick New York Hotel has finished renovations to its 426 guest rooms and 8,000 square feet of banquet space. The Midtown property, built in 1926 by William Randolph Hearst, also is home to Randolph’s Bar & Lounge and the restaurant Murals on 54.

Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork

TORONTO:  Colborne Lodge will host its annual “Haunted High Park” event on October 24, 30, and 31. The night will include candlelit storytelling and an oil-lantern-led walk to the tomb of John Howard, the original owner of the lodge.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Events DC has withdrawn its plans for a proposed redevelopment of the Carnegie Library at Mount Vernon Square, which would have relocated the International Spy Museum to the site. The move comes after the District of Columbia’s Historic Preservation Review Board declined to approve the design plan.

Night Nouveau, a stylish benefit for the S&R Foundation, is Saturday at Halcyon House with an after-party at Malmaison. The suggested attire is "surreal cocktail."

YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected]. 

JOB BOARD: Post a job or find a job: http://jobs.bizbash.com

With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, Jill Menze, and Anna Sekula in New York.

BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.

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