September 27, 2013: See a $5,000 Porta-Potty, Barilla Chief Makes Antigay Remarks, Which Advertising Week Speaker Was Most Popular?

1. WOULD YOU SPEND $5,000 TO RENT A PORTA-POTTY?: The rental market for high-end restroom trailers is booming as companies supply spaces with granite countertops, skylights, stereo systems, and live TV feeds from the event. Macleans: "The trend is spreading because people are generally terrified by the classic porta-potties. 'They used to be for a very exclusive group but now there is a bigger market and even the average party host wants them,'" says Keri Ross, co-owner of Room to Go. http://bit.ly/18soMxn

2. WHICH ADVERTISING WEEK SPEAKER WAS MOST POPULAR?: A discussion between Cosmopolitan editor in chief Joanna Coles and former Facebook C.O.O. Sheryl Sandberg drew a crowd so large that a woman who came 30 minutes early couldn't even make it inside. Event organizers were prepared, though, and aired the conversation on TV screens. In other Advertising Week news, organizers announced it would participate in the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with a series of seminars for advertising and marketing executives. New York Times: http://nyti.ms/177mh37

3. BARILLA DOES DAMAGE CONTROL AFTER ANTIGAY REMARKS: The Italian pasta brand Barilla, a frequent sponsor at events like the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, now finds itself in hot water after its chairman said the company would never use a gay family in its advertising. Reuters: "Aurelio Mancuso, head of gay rights group Equality Italia, said Barilla's comments were an 'offensive provocation' and called for a boycott of the company's pasta, sauces, and snacks." http://reut.rs/1bIsTZp


* INDUSTRY NEWS *

Folio: "Allured Business Media, which targets the cosmetic and spa markets, has launched a standalone event management company called Allured Global Events. The group will provide custom event management services for associations and suppliers within the industries Allured serves. The new company will initially zero in on associations and offer a full range of event management services, says Sandy Chapin, Allured's vice president of events." http://bit.ly/1863PY8

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  Boston Fashion Week kicks off today, and the Boston Globe has a list of events. Included: Proenza Schouler at the Museum of Contemporary Art and a Simon Doonan book signing. http://bo.st/1bahw9M

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Boston-Cambridge is in the last stages of a multimillion-dollar renovation.

CHICAGO:  Chef Kevin Hickey, formerly of the Four Seasons, has joined Rockit Ranch as chef and partner of a soon-to-open restaurant-and-bar concept at 441 North Clark. Though still being conceived, the venue will likely offer New American cooking and craft liquors and beers.

Roka Akor sushi has a new business lunch option. For $24, guests get a four-course meal that includes red miso soup with lobster, spicy crispy butterfish roll, beef-and-kimchi dumplings, and an entrée.

LAS VEGAS:  Vegas-based TLC modeling and talent agency has expanded its booking capabilities to include Los Angeles and San Diego. Press release: http://bit.ly/15wqgCJ

Ghostbar, the nightclub located on the 55th floor of the Ivory Tower at Palms Casino Resort, has a new look just in time for the return of the Ghostbar Dayclub.

LOS ANGELES:  Ketchum-Downtown Y.M.C.A.’s 20th annual Stair Climb for Los Angeles presented by Wells Fargo is today. The community event brings folks together to race or walk up 75 stories of the U.S. Bank Tower, the tallest building west of the Mississippi.

Huffington Post: "Ciclavia, the popular Los Angeles bike and pedestrian event group, has received a $500,000 contribution … The nonprofit received the donation from the Wasserman Foundation, said Ciclavia organizer Aaron Paley." http://huff.to/18pIF8d

Disney actress Zendaya and singer Tori Kelly will perform at the 20th annual Dream Halloween October 26 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.

The Breeders’ Cup has selected Wolfgang Puck Catering to serve nearly 5,000 V.I.P. attendees on November 1-2 at the World Championships at Santa Anita Park.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  Miami-based Culinary Related Entertainment and Marketing will produce three events at this year's Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine: Blue Moon Burger Bash, and two new events, Jets + Chefs: the Ultimate Tailgate and La Sagra Sunday Slices.

Zoo Miami's Monster Masquerade, a costume party for adults benefiting the Zoological Society of Florida, is October 19. Other Halloween events at the zoo include the family-friendly Spooky Zoo Nights October 25-26, Zoo Boo October 26-27, Dr. Wilde's Creepy House October 17-31, and Halloween Fright Night for young adults on October 31.

NEW YORK:  The 2013 American Music Awards nominations announcement is October 10, marking the first time the city has hosted the event. Kelly Clarkson and Will.i.am will reveal the first five categories on Good Morning America followed by a press conference announcing the full list of nominations with the two artists at BB King Blues Club & Grill.

ICrave, the experiential design and branding studio, has hired Gary Krivin as the company’s first C.O.O. He started this month and will focus on building the firm’s digital portfolio.

Contemporary kosher restaurant Reserve Cut will open in October at the Setai Wall Street in the former SHO Shaun Hergatt space. The dining room seats 200.

Kids in Distressed Situations and Fashion Delivers will hold its joint gala on November 6 at Pier Sixty of Chelsea Piers. Vivica A. Fox will emcee the event.

Suite 36 Restaurant & Lounge will host its grand opening on October 2 at 16 West 36th Street. Featuring a gastro menu created by chef Kirk McKinney, Suite 36 will offers private V.I.P. suites, signature fresh juice cocktails, and a large beer selection.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center is available for holiday parties and group skates, including access to a rink-side igloo with pastries and hot chocolate.

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

SAN FRANCISCO:  Wharf Fest, a free Fisherman's Wharf street festival, will debut October 26-27. Events will include a cho­wder competition, live music, craft beer tasting, a chef’s demonstration kitchen, children’s activities and rides, a screening of the award-winning films from last year’s San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival at the Bay Theater, and a fireworks show at Pier 39.

TORONTO:  The third annual "Diwali—A Night to Shine" fund-raising gala will take place at the Carlu on October 19.

WASHINGTON:  Washington Post: "One of D.C.’s biggest—and cutest—fundraisers is about to be downsized. Fashion for Paws, which combines designer clothing and dogs on the runway, has been the Washington Humane Society’s biggest moneymaker. This week, though, event founder Tara de Nicolas surprised many socialites with the news she’s leaving the job next Monday. WHS, she said in her announcement, 'will be taking over F4P and taking it in a different direction. I was not involved in the decision-making process for this new direction.'" http://wapo.st/1bFiIVp

Destination DC has named Sarah Maciejewski as director of communications and Marquis Perkins as creative director.

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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Lauren Matthews, and Anna Sekula in New York.

BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.

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