1. U.S. TRAVEL ASSOCIATION TARGETING NEW COUNTRIES IN AMBITIOUS AGENDA: Putting a new twist on its tireless advocacy, the U.S. Travel Association has revealed plans to secure agreements with more countries to open markets in the United States. In his “State of the Travel Industry" address Wednesday, U.S. Travel president and C.E.O. Roger Dow announced his plan in an effort to boost economic growth, increase exports, and close the trade deficit. The Hill: “‘Key policies that prioritize travel should be baked into every trade agreement. That list includes eliminating barriers to business travel, agreeing not to politicize travel warnings and advisories, requiring our trade partners to meet the highest standards of travel security, and eliminating tariffs that raise costs for travel businesses,’ he said."
2. PRE-OSCARS ‘NIGHT BEFORE’ PARTY RETURNS FOR A SEQUEL: As Hollywood gets ready for Oscars weekend, the exclusive Night Before party is set to return Saturday for the 18th year. The event, which benefits the Motion Picture & Television Fund, will be held at Fox Studios and catered by Carmelized Productions by Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo. The Hollywood Reporter: “Funds raised during the Night Before party will be used to support industry colleagues and friends who benefit from MPTF's charitable programs and services such as financial assistance, crisis counseling, care giving support and the retirement facility in Woodland Hills that is ‘home’ to television and film veterans alike. Last year's event raised $5 million. Jeffrey Katzenberg serves as chairman of the MPTF Foundation.”
3. COLIN COWIE PLANS HIS BIGGEST EVENT YET—HIS WEDDING: What happens when the ultimate wedding and event planner creates his own nuptials? He outdoes all his previous work of course. At least, that’s what celebrity event organizer Colin Cowie is doing as he plans his own wedding to Danny Peuscovich, which will be held February 22 in South Africa. Page Six: “Cowie tells us that 200 guests will fly in from all over the world for a 10-day extravaganza that includes a two-day safari at the Welgevonden Game Reserve and a party dubbed Glamouflage, where guests are asked to come as their favorite animal. The next day, they’ll fly to Cape Town for three days of events, including a cocktail reception; a day for tours of art spots, private museums and schools they support, and a Mykonos-style beach party at club Grand Africa Café & Beach.”