With the Primetime Emmys coming up this Sunday, September 20, the calendar is bustling with related events following on the big show's heels, with only one significant dropout. Here's a roundup:
In what has been a tough year for the publication, TV Guide will not host its traditional big party this year. Event Eleven, helmed by Tony Schubert, who has produced the event in past years, will work on the Entertainment Weekly party at the Sunset Marquis on Thursday night. For the magazine's seventh annual event, Entertainment Weekly has partnered with Women in Film's new TV and media committee. Maybelline New York's new Colorsensational Lip Color will sponsor, and organizers will infuse the brand’s color palette throughout all the details of the decor. PMK/HBH is handling PR.
Among the other big pre-parties is Family Guy's event, which will take to Avalon Hollywood on Friday night to celebrate its nomination for best comedy. Night Vision Entertainment is producing the event, which is set to include a 45-foot inflatable Peter Griffin character out front. Inside, conductor Ron Jones will lead an orchestra. And instead of a standard photo booth, guests' photos will go into flipbooks (simulating a cartoon—get it?). DJ Rick Rude will spin ambient tunes upstairs in Bardot. Entertainment Fusion Group is handling PR.
On the big night itself, Entertainment Tonight will take its 13th annual Emmy party, sponsored by People magazine for the sixth consecutive year, to Vibiana. Bounce Entertainment, helmed by president Carleen Cappelletti, produces the event. Chef Susan Feniger’s restaurant Street will cater the event, and Milk will provide a frozen dessert bar. Samantha Ronson will serve as DJ, and Mary J. Blige will be the headline act.
For HBO’s Emmy party outside the Pacific Design Center, vice president for HBO special events Eileen Rivard and designer Billy Butchkavitz are teaming up again, finding their inspiration in the lavish soirees of the late French fashion designer Paul Poiret. Look for a red chandelier measuring 20 feet across over the V.I.P. dining pavilion, four performance stages, and a new addition: a dining terrace with views of the red carpet parade. Wolfgang Puck Catering will provide a fresh, seasonal take on tapas.
Comedy Central's after-party will take to the Falcon on Emmy night, with production management by Cynthia Ukas-Bradley/Cynfull Productions. ELS is doing lighting, including color LEDs and gobo projections.
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences—which puts on the Emmys themselves—will work on 22 related events by the time the season finally wraps. The biggest among them is the flashy Governors Ball at the Los Angeles Convention Center, which will have a look that's bold and colorful, with jewel tones and plush seating inspired by the work of late designer Tony Duquette. Dwight Jackson, Russ Patrick, and Joe Stewart chair the ball along with a larger committee, and Sequoia Productions will produce it for the 12th consecutive year. LA Premier will create tabletop arrangements at five heights, with the tallest standing at about seven feet, LED lamps will dominate much of the lighting by Images by Lighting, and Patina Catering will prepare the three-course plated dinner for about 3,500 guests.
Among the other pre-parties, Niche Media magazine Los Angeles Confidential will honor its cover star, Heidi Klum, at its annual pre-Emmy party sponsored by Pure Magagement Group, New Wave Fragrances, Stolichnaya vodka, and Sapporo beer. The event will take place on Thursday at a private residence in Bel Air, where guests will be able to sample Ed Hardy fragrances. ELS is handling the arrivals and lighting.
Of course, gift and hospitality suites are also blanketing the region. On Wednesday, at Valerie Beverly Hills salon, owner and makeup artist Valerie Sarnelle unveiled her fall collection and red carpet looks with an intimate private gathering with cocktails. On Friday at Gavert Atelier Salon, hair stylists Stuart Gavert and Mika Fowler will invite guests for complimentary hair treatments and Japanese neck massages, plus sake and sushi. Live Loyal PR is handling the salons' events.
The Silver Spoon will present suites and events at the Maloof Estate in Beverly Park in honor of the Noreen Fraser Foundation. The two-day event series, running Wednesday and today, includes an opening luncheon and a men's poker lounge. This year the gifts will come from sponsors such as the Palms Hotel and Casino—naturally—plus Fake Bake and Beverly Hills Caviar.
Kari Feinstein's Style Lounge, in association with Mike McGuiness, will take place Thursday and Friday at the long-term pop-up space Zune L.A., with products from T-Mobile Sidekick, GNC, Breyers, GHD Hairtools, plus spa services. The event will benefit Save the Children.
Producer Debbie Durkin is hosting her annual "Eco-Emmys Celebrity Green Gifting & Wellness Chateau," produced by Main Event Red Carpet Lounge & Green Suite in partnership with Platform Media Group. The two-day event kicks off Thursday at a private celebrity estate in Hancock Park and benefits charities including Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the S.P.C.A. L.A.
Skybar at Mondrian will take advantage of the awards with a hospitality and gifting lounge called "The Suite Life: Skybar Emmy Suites" on Thursday and Friday. Guests will sip drinks from Moët, Lotus Vodka, and Peroni. Warren Tricomi will offer hair services, and Beverly Hills Oral Spa Dentistry will be performing teeth whitening on site. Other sponsors include Virgin Airlines, Alexander McQueen, Joe’s Jeans, Smashbox Cosmetics, Hobo Handbags, Moods of Norway, Shay Todd, Kid Dangerous, Fenix Skincare, and Fake Bake.
Finally, on Friday HBO will host its seventh annual "Luxury Lounge" at the Four Seasons. There, gusts can sample Bulgari Gem Essence skin care and receive private treatments by appointment. Tina Fey and Adrian Grenier are among the expected guests.
