August 13, 2013: Smartphone Promotion Turns Ugly, Hotels Offer New Perks for Meeting Planners, Fashion-Forward Cakes

1. SMARTPHONE PROMOTION TURNS UGLY: A promotion in South Korea to give away LG's new smartphone, the G2, went wrong, with 20 people injured as they raced balloons containing winning certificates. TechCrunch: "Some attendees were reportedly armed with BB guns, along with one woman who carried in a long, pointed staff." The company has canceled similar events. http://tcrn.ch/1cwSjde

2. HOTELS OFFER NEW PERKS FOR MEETING PLANNERS: Hotels are getting more creative to attract the meeting business to their properties. USA Today: "Hotels are finally starting to lure leisure travelers back as the economy improves, but they are still struggling to convince businesses that they should send groups of employees off-campus for face-to-face meetings. To do so, they're coming up with creative ways to make meetings easier, more comfortable, and even more fun. Think lounge-like conference rooms, make-your-own trail mix stations, and apps that let you ask for a temperature change." http://usat.ly/1a1mRlG

3. FASHION-FORWARD CAKES: Some of the sweetest parties this fall will be celebrating the new book from Hong Kong's most stylish baker of cakes. Bonnae Gokson, whose previous jobs included helping major fashion brands and luxury hotels expand in Asia, is still a favorite of the fashion world, and Ralph Lauren will host her New York event October 22. New York Times: "The first collection included what has become the restaurant’s best seller: Crunch Cake, a chiffon cake with a caramel center covered in fresh cream and topped with honeycomb crisp. There also are a pair of cotton candy-topped cakes that regularly make appearances when guests are marking special occasions: Marie Antoinette’s Crave, pistachio chiffon cake with rose petal jam and decorated with brightly colored macarons and pink cotton candy, and Le Louis, chocolate chiffon cake with blackberries and blueberries, topped with blue cotton candy." http://nyti.ms/1d2KOJ5

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  From January to March 16, the Woodstock Inn & Resort in Vermont will rent the 100-acre Suicide Six Ski Mountain to corporate groups of 200. An activity director can organize ski races and teambuilding activities, and the base lodge offers meeting space.

CHICAGO:  Jimmy at the James Chicago will open this week with a private screening of Lovelace.

Chef Rick Bayless, Kendall College Charitable Trust, and the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation will host "Mod Mex" September 14-15. Held at Kendall College and Frontera Grill, the event will offer cooking demos, walk-around tastings, and a sit-down dinner.

The launch party for Go Girl, an online resource and community for female travelers, will take place at Gallery Bar on Thursday. William Grant and Sons will provide signature cocktails, and there will be appetizers from around the world.

LAS VEGAS:  Aliante Casino & Hotel is slated to open a new spa, Relax, in mid-October.

Las Vegas Review-Journal: "Fifty-four hours to launch a business. That’s the goal behind Startup Weekend, which wrapped up its sixth edition Sunday at the InNEVation Center." http://bit.ly/14DoXEe

LOS ANGELES:  Today the Hollywood Foreign Press Association will host its annual luncheon announcing its new officers and directors; it will also present $1.6 million in grants to nonprofit entertainment-related organizations and scholarship programs. Eva Longoria will serve as emcee.

Best Friends Animal Society, Natural Balance Pet Food, and Camarillo Petco will host a marriage celebration for two rescue dogs Saturday.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  Miami Vintage Prop Cars, which supplies classic cars for special events, recently provided three vintage red cars for a promotional event on Star Island produced by Event Bliss, as well as four cars for a 1950s/1960s-theme opening reception for the National Association of Trial Lawyer Executives annual meeting at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The company also has started offering vintage prop rentals.

The Flat piano lounge is launching a weekly live music experience every Wednesday featuring local guest musicians. Performers include Leesa Richards tomorrow, Brendan O’Hara on August 21, and Big Brooklyn Red August 2.

NEW YORK:  Starlite Productions is hosting its Technology Showcase September 19 in Moorestown, New Jersey. The free regional trade show and networking event will feature professional audio, video, lighting, and control manufacturers.

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

ORLANDO:  Lotus opened August 9 in downtown Orlando's Eola Square area. The menu offers international cuisine prepared with local ingredients. It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

TORONTO:  Draw Me a Sheep, a baby nursery and design concept boutique, will host a launch party with cocktails and canapés on Wednesday.

WASHINGTON:  Park Hyatt Washington has redesigned its event and meeting space, the Gallery, a 10,000-square-foot space that comprises the hotel's entire lower level.

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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Lauren Matthews, and Anna Sekula in New York.

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