October 6, 2014: Washington’s New Favorite Fund-Raising Venue, New York Comic Con Announces Anti-Harassment Policy, Merrill Lynch Opts for Small Meetings Instead of National Conference

1. WASHINGTON’S NEW FAVORITE FUND-RAISING VENUE: The Washington Nationals baseball team—now competing in the play-offs—is the most popular sports franchise for fund-raising events, collecting at least $245,000 from federal candidates, parties, and political action committees, a new report shows. Politico: “The Nationals are in a league of their own when it comes to collecting political dollars. According to CQ Moneyline’s database, the other seven teams in this year’s MLB playoffs barely merit a mention as venues to collect political cash or host wealthy donors. Aside from the location just minutes from Capitol Hill, and the team’s success in recent years, part of the Nats’ appeal for fundraisers comes from the natural rhythms of the sport. Unlike professional basketball and football, where noise-filled stadiums stifle conversation and fast-paced play demands constant attention, baseball allows lobbyists and donors time to actually develop a relationship with a lawmaker.” politi.co/1rRIIUz

2. NEW YORK COMIC CON ANNOUNCES ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY: New York Comic Con, which begins Thursday, has developed a new anti-harassment policy that covers everything from stalking and intimidation to physical assault. Producer ReedPop created the policy with the website the Mary Sue and assembled an advisory panel. The Daily Dot: “This is in contrast to conventions that prefer to leave their policies vague and broad, out of in fear that being specific implies they’ll allow those types of harassment not mentioned in the policy. NYCC’s new policy also clearly states what actions convention staff will take if harassment is reported and what attendees should do if they feel harassed or unsafe. Plus the policy is easy to find on NYCC’s website as part of the main menu. Another interesting addition to the policy is the ability for people to report harassment via the NYCC App.” http://bit.ly/1BIlEJc

3. MERRILL LYNCH OPTS FOR SMALL MEETINGS INSTEAD OF NATIONAL CONFERENCE: Merrill Lynch has cancelled its national leadership meeting—a large conference held in Orlando last year—in favor of smaller, regional meetings. Reuters: “A Merrill Lynch spokeswoman said the decision to scrap the conference was based on new approaches to training, not cutting costs. For many years, the gathering brought together several hundred branch and complex managers every January, according to sources familiar with it. Last year, it was held in Orlando.” http://reut.rs/1rd6llx


* INDUSTRY NEWS *

In response to concerns about the Ebola virus coming to the United States, the U.S. Travel Association informed its members that it is in communication with federal authorities about the situation and has activated its emergency preparedness firm in Washington for advice on managing communications. Meanwhile, read BizBash's coverage on what one Boston conference is doing to mitigate its Ebola risk: http://bit.ly/1nTEMmW

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  Boston's Ritz-Carlton hotel has a pop-up apple orchard in its lobby. Running through October, the activation offers apples from local farms, homemade cider, doughnuts, and pastries. Partial proceeds from the items sold will benefit the Food Project.

CHICAGO:  A Perfect Event will launch DL Loft—a Parisian-inspired studio above its store—with an event on October 23. The “Holiday Happy” event will showcase seasonal trends from A Perfect Event, Pure Kitchen Catering, and Carasco Photo.

LAS VEGAS:  The Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson Educational Campus will honor global human rights activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali at the 11th annual In Pursuit of Excellence Gala on November 22 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino.

LOS ANGELES:  Steve Martin will receive the 43rd A.F.I. Life Achievement Award at a gala tribute on June 4. A broadcast of the award presentation will air on TNT.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa has announced Nicole Weigand as the new spa director for the Spa at Laguna Cliffs.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  The tapas restaurant Taperia Raca, which opened in March, has closed. Owners say they are looking for a new location for the concept.

NEW YORK:  American Express and Made are launching Made Music, an incubator program for musicians and contemporary recording artists. Events connected to the program include American Express Business Mentorship Summit and two showcase concerts for American Express card owners.

The New York Academy of Medicine will hold its second annual Festival of Medical History and the Arts October 18 at the academy. The event's focus this year is on the 16th-century physician Andreas Vesalius and will include activities such as anatomical painting directly on skin.

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

PHOENIX:  The Global Dance Festival is making its first appearance in the region November 21 at Tempe Beach Park. Steve Aoki, Crizzly, and Emma Hewitt are among the headliners.

SAN FRANCISCO:  The W San Francisco has unveiled a new event space, Social. The 2,467--square-foot space has a patio and seats 200 guests inside.

TORONTO:  The Small Business Forum 2014 is October 23 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Organizers expect more than 2,000 guests, and speakers include Freshii founder Matthew Corrin.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Smithsonian Craft2Wear, and event from the Smithsonian Women's Committee, is October 25-26 at the National Building Museum.

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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.

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

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