BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #186 — Thursday, 01.26.12
Compiled today by Jana Schiowitz and Anna Sekula in New York
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* INCOMING *
1. SUPER BOWL'S PARTY SCENE: Here's our rundown of what to expect from parties surrounding Super Bowl XLVI next weekend in Indianapolis. With splashy gatherings hosted by the likes of Rolling Stone and Playboy, one source told us: "the party scene finally feels like it's back to 2006, prior to our economy falling off a cliff." Read the full preview from Chicago bureau chief Jenny Berg here:
http://bit.ly/wS3hVq
In other Super Bowl news: Fans have to shell out big bucks to attend the February 5 game. Indystar.com: "Four days in Indianapolis, with round-trip airfare from the New York or Boston areas, plus four nights in a hotel, tickets to the game and the NFL fan experience, ground transportation and other perks, are packaged at about $6,300."
http://indy.st/xHSmAH
Another football tidbit: The NFL has decided to allow players to tweet inside the Pro Bowl this Sunday at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu. However, players won't be able to tweet from personal devices—communication will be limited to a computer station set up on each sideline. Mashable:
http://on.mash.to/xRoCx9
2. INSIDE SUNDANCE: The Sundance Film Festival, which runs through January 29 in Park City, Utah, has already seen its share of sponsored lounges, gifting suites, music venues, pop-up salons, and more from brands like Nintendo, Bertolli, and AT&T. Here's the full report from contributor Amy Leibrock.
http://bit.ly/xpyy2o
3. R.I.M.'S MARKETING CHALLENGE: BlackBerry addicts are abandoning their smartphones, prompting parent company Research in Motion to rethink its marketing efforts. The Globe and Mail: "Recently, BlackBerry’s advertising efforts have positioned it as more than just a business device, with campaigns showing its use in social situations. But in appealing to the masses it may have lost its focus on the customers who are most likely to stick with RIM for the long term."
http://bit.ly/zYxqyS
4. FUNERAL TICKET BIDS: Demand was so high for the free tickets to today's public memorial service for late Penn State coach Joe Paterno, that some have turned up on eBay. The Boston Herald:
http://bit.ly/xjc69F
5. GAY MARRIAGE IN WASHINGTON STATE: A bill legalizing gay marriage is close to being passed, which would make the state the seventh to recognize same-sex unions. Reuters:
http://reut.rs/wOgOVn
* LOCAL NEWS *
BOSTON: The Boston Winter ball, a fund-raiser for Children's Hospital Boston, takes place February 4 at the Park Plaza. Sponsors include New Balance and Elkman Advertising.
http://bit.ly/a5vO5M
Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse will host an indoor tailgate with a Super Bowl screening February 5. The buffet will offer items such as buffalo chicken spring rolls and oyster sliders.
http://bit.ly/YAcSs
CHICAGO: Designer Cynthia Rowley will receive the Legend of Fashion Award at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's "The Walk" benefit April 19.
Quay Restaurant & Bar and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will host an Oscar party February 26 with a silent auction, multiple TVs, and specialty Absolut cocktails.
http://bit.ly/XLoOO
Sommelier Alpana Singh will open the Boarding House this summer. The multi-level restaurant and wine bar will take over a vintage building at 720 North Wells Street.
http://bit.ly/ApoYl7
The Venue at Horseshoe Casino will host a Super Bowl viewing party. The game will play on a 60-inch screen, two guests will win tickets to Las Vegas for March Madness, and food packages include typical tailgate fare such as hot dogs.
LAS VEGAS: Oscar Night Las Vegas, sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will host a weekend celebration February 25-26 leading up to the Academy Awards. Fox 5 Vegas:
http://bit.ly/xEMDan
LOS ANGELES: The National Association of Music Merchants, popularly known as NAMM, brought in record-breaking numbers to this year’s show at the Anaheim Convention Center January 19-22. At show close, NAMM reported 95,709 registered attendees, a six percent increase from last year, representing a new record for the 110-year-old event.
USA Network will host an event called "A More Perfect Union: Stories of Prejudice and Power" February 15 at the Pacific Design Center. Hosted by Nathan Lane, the show will include five storytellers, including Dustin Lance Black and Octavia Spencer, who will each share a personal experience about bigotry or discrimination. John Legend will perform at the after-party.
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail is February 16-20 at the Miami Beach Convention Center and Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center. Strictly Sail Miami will be held at Miamarina at Bayside.
Italian eatery Bianca is set to open at the Delano Saturday. The restaurant will have a main dining room, lounge, veranda, and lobby.
NEW YORK: Restaurateurs have complained about the Department of Health's letter grading system and the responses will be revealed in Council hearings in late February or early March. The New York Times:
http://nyti.ms/wnWILL
A recent ruling may spell foreclosures for the Flatotel and Alex Hotel because of unpaid debt and fees. The Wall Street Journal:
http://on.wsj.com/xDTpSU
ISES New York Metro has announced Wednesday that the 2012 Big Apple Awards Gala will be held June 27 at Arthur Ross Terrace and Powerhouse at the American Museum of Natural History. Catering will be provided by Restaurant Associates. Also on the chapter's calendar is an event scheduled for January 31 at Andaz 5th Avenue. The association’s gathering will be presented by Jennifer Trethewey, ISES Australasia chair and managing director of JT Group, with opening remarks by BizBash C.E.O. David Adler.
ORLANDO: On Wednesday, Universal Orlando announced several big plans, perhaps the most significant since its expansion in 2010 with the Harry Potter attraction. A new 3-D attraction based on the animated movie "Despicable Me" called "Minion Mayhem" will debut this summer, and the interactive and daily Universal's Superstar Parade with Nickelodeon characters riding on floats comes to the park in the spring. Other additions include a new Blue Man Group show opening at CityWalk in February, the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride coming to Islands of Adventure in March, and the Morgan Freeman-narrated Universal's Cinematic Spectacular, a celebration of moments from 100 years of movie memories, scheduled for the spring.
http://bit.ly/yiKB5m
TORONTO: In anticipation of its opening at the end of the month, the Trump International Hotel and Tower is giving away one-night stays at the hotel to people who "like" the Trump Toronto Facebook page. The grand prize is a "Live the Trump Lifestyle" weekend, which includes luxury car service, spa treatments, and a helicopter tour of the city.
As part of the Visa Infinite Dining Series, Bestellen hosted guests for a champagne reception and multi-course dinner last night. The new restaurant, headed by Top Chef Canada finalist Rob Rossi, will reportedly open to the public soon after.
http://bit.ly/y0ipEQ
WASHINGTON: 901 Restaurant & Bar is launching a new menu of nearly 30 dishes today. Items include a Chinese spiced duck breast, craft beer satay, and yakisoba mushroom ragout.
YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected].
With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, Carla Warrilow in Toronto, and Jana Schiowitz and Anna Sekula in New York.
BizBash Call Sheet is the must-read daily digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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