October 24, 2014: Room Rate Dispute Moves Major Convention, Marketing Stunt Puts Bow Tie on Statue of Liberty, White House to Host Concert for Troops

1. ROOM RATE DISPUTE MOVES MAJOR CONVENTION: The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society show, committed to taking place in Chicago in 2015 and 2019, announced plans to move to Orlando in 2019 over a dispute over hotel room rates. Crain’s Chicago Business: “This week, HIMSS executives cited ‘production cost challenges’ as the reason for moving the 2019 show in a letter to the Choose Chicago, the city's tourism and convention agency. At issue appears to be a room rate clause that an even larger conference, the annual Radiological Society of North America show, includes in its hotel contracts. The clause, Choose Chicago was told, stipulates that hotel operators hosting RSNA attendees must guarantee a lower room rate than any other conference in Chicago between April and November that books 10,000 room nights or more. The provision, similar to a ‘most favored nation’ clause used in other industries, would prevent hotel operators from charging lower rates to other conventions.” http://bit.ly/ZP2oO1

2. MARKETING STUNT PUTS BOW TIE ON STATUE OF LIBERTY: To launch the menswear brand Nick Graham, helicopters will hold 35-foot bow ties in front of the Statue of Liberty. The stunt is scheduled for Halloween day, giving Lady Liberty a costume, before the helicopters fly the ties up and down the East and Hudson rivers. Gothamist: “She'll be sporting an array of massive bow ties courtesy of the menswear and lifestyle brand, which will be lifted in front of her, one by one, via helicopters. … Is this a joke? A hoax? No, just an evidently effective publicity stunt. Kate Jacobsen, a publicist for Nick Graham, assures us, ‘Yes, it’s actually happening. And yes this is the first time she will be dressed up.’” http://bit.ly/1rgepmT

3. WHITE HOUSE TO HOST CONCERT FOR TROOPS: Mary J. Blige, Willie Nelson, and Common are among the performers who will come to the South Lawn of the White House for a concert for the military on November 6. PBS will air the show the next day. The New York Times: “It will be the 13th such concert at the White House since President Obama took office but the first expressly for the troops. It is also the first to be held outside, on the South Lawn, to accommodate the hundreds of service people, veterans and family members who are expected to attend, the White House said.” http://nyti.ms/1uP3wcT

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  Revere Hotel will host two Halloween parties. On October 31, Fear at Revere II will take place at Space 57, and will feature an LED light show and spooky visuals and performances. Emerald Lounge will host the Haunted Mansion, which will offer themed cocktails, live DJs, and costume contests.

CHICAGO:  Charlie Trotter’s Culinary Education Foundation will host "A Tribute to Charlie Trotter" at Venue One on November 5. The fund-raising dinner, hosted by Emeril Lagasse, will offer Trotter-inspired tasting stations, cocktails, and wines selected by master sommeliers.

LAS VEGAS:  In celebration of the her residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Britney Spears will receive a key to the Strip from Clark County Commission Chairman Steve Sisolak at the Linq Promenade on November 5, which he’ll proclaim “Britney Day."

LOS ANGELES:  Longtime L.G.B.T. activists George and Brad Takei, Marvel, and Los Angeles County supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky will be honored at the Los Angeles L.G.B.T. Center’s 45th anniversary Gala Vanguard Awards, presented by Wells Fargo, on November 8 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  The second annual Tommy Hilfiger ZooRun5K and Kidz Medical Services ZooKidsDash will take place November 16 at Zoo Miami.

NEW YORK:  Animal Zone International will host its Argos Fall Benefit at Thalassa Restaurant on November 12. The cocktail reception and silent auction will raise money to help protect animals and the environment.

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

ORLANDO:  Live music venue Tin Roof will open its first Florida location in December at I-Drive 360. The 5,000-square-foot facility will seat 155 inside and 55 on a patio.

TORONTO:  English actress, singer, and model Cat Deeley will host the P&G Beauty Awards on November 17. The awards recognize the best editorial and creative talent in Canada’s beauty, grooming, and fashion industries.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Drink the District presents the cider festival Rock the Core November 8 at Dock 5 Union Market. The ticketed event will offer more than 30 ciders, 20 beers, food trucks, live music, and lawn games.

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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.

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