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Call Sheet #142: Crystal to Host Oscars, NBA Lockout Helps N.C.A.A., Occupying “Twilight”

Yesterday was the first BizBash Boston Expo—highlights are below—so thanks to everyone who came out to mingle and hear our speakers. (And special thanks to those who introduced themselves as loyal Call Sheet readers—hi, guys.) I encouraged people to tell us about their upcoming events, so let me do that again: Send your news to [email protected].

—Chad Kaydo, BizBash editor in chief

BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #142 — Friday, 11.11.11

Compiled today by Chad Kaydo in Boston and Anna Sekula in New York
Feed the Sheet: [email protected]
Subscribe: http://info.bizbash.com/callsheet.html 

* INCOMING *

1. CRYSTAL TO HOST OSCARS: It's been a whirlwind week for the Academy Awards. The show's producer and host fell like dominoes, then a new producer came on board, and now a new host: Billy Crystal will take over the duties for the Brian Grazer-produced show, now that Eddie Murphy is out as the host of what would have been a Brett Ratner-produced show.

Crystal broke the news himself Thursday afternoon, tweeting: "Am doing the Oscars so the young woman in the pharmacy will stop asking my name when I pick up my prescriptions. Looking forward to the show." Shortly thereafter, the academy confirmed the news.

Before Crystal's participation was announced, British comedian Ricky Gervais made a play for attention by offering to host the Golden Globes and the Oscars. "Exactly, two for one offer...I can knock off 20 percent. Two for one deal. I’ll just stay up there."
Access Hollywood:
http://bit.ly/uMeysF

What do you think of the new lineup? Better or worse than the original? Is this the return of a master of the job or a too-safe, retro choice? Tell us: [email protected]

2. N.C.A.A. CAPITALIZES ON NBA LOCKOUT: Ad Age: Today's N.C.A.A. season opener will be "America's first significant basketball game since June" and the event in San Diego, to be held on a court constructed atop the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson with President Barack Obama in attendance, will act as a cross promotion for college basketball and the U.S. Navy. "An event organizer said that the sponsors collectively covered more than $3 million in operations costs."
http://bit.ly/usbaQ8

3. OCCUPY "TWILIGHT": Despite a forecast of rain and cold in Los Angeles this weekend, fans were permitted to set up camp beginning at 6 a.m. Thursday, five full days ahead Monday evening's "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn—Part 1" premiere at the Nokia Theatre. Working with Summit Entertainment, Chad Hudson Events is producing the pre-premiere programming, which includes activities and surprises for the fans in the camp at L.A. Live and on a closed Chick Hearn Court. As many as 1,200 fans may join the camp this weekend (800 were already set up by Thursday around lunchtime), and 5,000 are expected for Monday's premiere, along with 3,000 for the premiere party at the Event Deck.

4. KANYE AND JAY-Z STEAL VICTORIA'S SPOTLIGHT: Lingerie may be the underlying purpose of the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, but the spectacle, which will air November 29 on CBS, got more attention for the performers than its parade of panties. The Huffington Post: "It was Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Maroon 5 who got the audience clapping and cheering at the annual lingerie extravaganza at the Lexington Avenue Armory, quite a feat considering they were sharing the stage with the some of the world's top models—in barely-there get-ups, no less...The worlds of fashion and music always come together on this runway, which is more for entertainment, excitement, and brand-building than a serious preview of styles."
http://huff.to/tRxrjR

The New York Times has a slide show with shots of backstage preparation, dress rehearsal, and sets that "rivaled those of Broadway musicals and changed as often as the models."
http://nyti.ms/rGAXRN

5. GOOGLE PLUS MARKETING: At his Ad:Tech presentation on Wednesday, Google group product manager Christian Oestlien discussed how Google+ can be used for business. WebProNews: "[Oestlien] thinks we’re in a similar revolution to the ‘video killed the radio star’ era, with musicians doing things like Hangouts...'Brands have latched onto this really quickly.' He mentioned Macy’s talking to fashion bloggers, and Disney doing one with the Muppets."
http://bit.ly/vqHFnQ

*INTERNAL NEWS: BIZBASH BOSTON EXPO HIGHLIGHTS *

The first BizBash Boston Expo & Awards took place yesterday at Fenway Park—here are some highlights:

In the morning keynote Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events stressed the importance of strong relationships—with clients and with vendors—and gave some insights into his background and process: "I come from a family of lawyers." So he runs his business like lawyer: "We bill by the hour."

Speaking of clients, here’s one insight he gleened from working on three state dinners: "Mrs. Obama loves lighting."

Another lesson learned: "Some of my biggest challenges have been going with my gut, not being afraid to say what I think."

In the afternoon industry town hall meeting, the leaders of four local industry associations spoke about the challenges facing the industry, ranging from shortened lead-times (Lyndsay Picciano, NACE: "Last-minute events are now two days instead of two weeks.") to keeping up with the latest social media outlets.

More comments from other panelists are on our Twitter feed (you already follow @BizBash_News, right?):
http://bit.ly/oStCHf

The day wrapped with the presentation of the first BizBash Boston Readers' Choice Awards. The winners:
Association/Nonprofit Planner of the Year: Erin McEvoy, Boston Bruins Foundation
Caterer of the Year: Lyndsay Picciano, Fairmont Copley Plaza
Corporate Event Planner of the Year: Kristen Smith, The Boston Beer Company
DJ of the Year: Mike Amado, Entertainment Specialists
Event Designer of the Year: Linda Matzkin, Hopple Popple
Event Producer of the Year: Bryan Rafanelli, Rafanelli Events
Publicist/PR Executive of the Year: Kristan Fletcher, Four Seasons Hotel Boston
Social Event Planner of the Year: Edna Dratch-Parker, EFD Creative—Event Planning and Design
Venue Manager of the Year: Lizbeth Tate Brown, Fairmont Battery Wharf

We’ll have more from the show on BizBash.com soon.

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON: "Shakin' It Up!," an intimate gala on Sunday at the House of Blues, included cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and the lively Left Bank vs. Right Bank Bartender Competition.
http://bit.ly/tUJov0

CHICAGO: Starting today with a preview party, the Vintage Bazaar presents a holiday pop-up shop to run through Sunday. The shop will feature 14 vendors of vintage decor, furniture, clothing, housewares, and accessories in a storefront in Logan Square.
http://bit.ly/dwoGHo

LAS VEGAS: The first estate-authorized Michael Jackson Fan Fest will offer visitors a chance to meet three of Michael Jackson's brothers: Marlon, Jackie, and Tito Jackson will appear December 4 for a Q&A session at the exhibition, which runs December 3-14 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
http://prn.to/v0aWqb

Vegas Inc.: "Southern Nevada tourism continued its steady climb as the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority today announced a 5.5 percent increase in visitation in September over last year."
http://bit.ly/tCvjgJ

Thousands of fans gathered Tuesday at Rio Secco Golf Club for the 20th annual Wendy’s 3Tour Challenge, a professional golf tournament that raised $4,024,000 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Times restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila says L.A. is catching up to the New York and San Francisco restaurant scenes: "Instead of treading the tried and true, L.A.'s restaurateurs and chefs are experimenting with the wild and crazy, with pop-ups, crossovers, and new genres."
http://lat.ms/sRt93c

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The fifth Legal Legends event will be held at the J.W. Marriott on Saturday by HistoryMiami's 11th Judicial Circuit Historical Society and recognize South Florida lawyers, judges, and legal professionals.
http://bit.ly/t0cvIA

ORLANDO: The Orlando Museum of Art's Festival of Trees opens tonight with the Mod Gala, an event that also marks the opening of the museum's new exhibit, "Pop Art and Pop Culture in Contemporary Prints." The party will have a '60s, retro feel with vintage cocktails and entertainment from the Buzzcatz.

Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Black Shelton, and the Killers are among more than 60 acts that will perform at the Citrus Bowl this weekend for Orlando Calling, the first U.S. event from British music producer Festival Republic. The smallest of the event's five stages will be housed in what organizers are calling the "Art House"—where local bands will perform in an intimate setting surrounded by works from local artists.
http://bit.ly/kZGOPK

Amy Pfeiffer has been promoted to director of resort sales for the Walt Disney World Resort. She will lead the sales team responsible for driving meetings, conventions, and incentive business to the Walt Disney World convention resorts, theme parks, and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

NEW YORK: Comedy Central will return to New York for its second Comedy Awards, which will tape at the Hammerstein Ballroom on April 28 and air May 6.

The Times Square Alliance announced the hire of John DeMartini, who will handle partnership marketing for the entity that's responsible for producing events like the New Year's Eve ball drop and the Taste of Times Square.

SAN FRANCISCO: After joining Twitter as marketing vice president in July this year, Pam Kramer is rumored to be leaving the popular social media platform.
Bloomberg BusinessWeek: http://buswk.co/swcnjl

TORONTO: The Trade Show News Network released its rankings of the Top 50 Canadian Trade Shows. Toronto shows took some of the top spots, including the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association Gift Show, the Canadian Restaurant and Food Services Association Show, and the Ontario Beauty Show. The full list here: http://bit.ly/tCutkB

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon Row Plaza will host the ninth annual Holiday Festival Saturday. Horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, meet & greet Santa, and more will be featured plus a guest appearance by "Happy Feet Two" cast members.
http://bit.ly/vKncOn

Yesterday chef José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup announced they will extend the run of temporary restaurant America Eats Tavern through July 4, 2012. Proceeds from the eatery, which was inspired by the National Archives exhibit “What’s Cooking, Uncle Sam? The Government’s Effect on the American Diet,” will be donated to the Foundation for the National Archives.

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 Matthew Mogavero, Anna Sekula, Courtney Thompson, and Katherine Zoeller in New York.

BizBash Call Sheet is the must-read daily digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
Feed the Sheet: [email protected]
Subscribe: http://info.bizbash.com/callsheet.html

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