April 22, 2015: Cecily Strong Brings New Perspective to White House Correspondents’ Gig, SHE Summit Founder Shares Her Inspiration, Beacon Technology Expands to Sports Clubs

1. CECILY STRONG BRINGS NEW PERSPECTIVE TO WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS’ GIG: Saturday Night Live star Cecily Strong will deliver the closing monologue at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner on Saturday in Washington—and she's only the second female comedian in the role in more than 20 years. She said she is looking to the example of successful Golden Globe hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler for inspiration and plans to be “silly” and opinionated, but not mean. The New York Times: “Christi Parsons, the president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, said she selected Ms. Strong this year for her ‘heartland brand of humor. … If every year, for too many years, you have the same late-night middle-aged white guys up there talking, then maybe it’s possible you’re not getting a wide range of perspectives.’” http://nyti.ms/1HUjMn3

2. SHE SUMMIT FOUNDER SHARES HER INSPIRATION: Claudia Chan, founder of the women’s leadership conference SHE Summit, said the event fills a niche other events were ignoring. Huffington Post: “‘Just a few years ago I looked at Fortune's Most Powerful Women Conference, TED and SXSW, all these massive conferences and thought, 'Where's the event for women—who make up 50% of our world, control 85% of purchase power, and drive so much? Where's the conference that is accessible and relatable?' Chan said. ‘When I had the vision, I thought it has to be really, really big. SXSW meets TED. It's TED in that it brings together extraordinary women thought leaders, and like SXSW in that events would take place everywhere, and mix entertainment with empowerment. I really drew from different inspirations, but I just felt this was missing.’” http://huff.to/1HUng9i

3. BEACON TECHNOLOGY EXPANDS TO SPORTS CLUBS: Bridgestone Arena, home to the N.H.L.’s Nashville Predators, will debut beacon technology on Thursday, offering fans deals and technology. Press release: “At each event, certain beacons will be set to deliver exclusive content and special offers to fans that pass by their location. … While one week may contain a coupon to try the newest concession stand food item, the next week might provide an exclusive Gnash ‘Thunderstruck’ video – you never know.” http://bit.ly/1cZlyYo


* INDUSTRY NEWS *

BusyEvent Mobile and healthcare compliance author Pat Schaumann have created MyComplianceWizard, a mobile tool for global healthcare meeting professionals, compliance officers and financial teams at pharmaceutical, medical device, and healthcare companies. The system provides access to laws and codes for 196 countries so planners can remain in compliance. It will be available May 5.
 

* LOCAL NEWS *

CHICAGO:  Sheraton Chicago is undergoing a $25 million renovation that will be completed in May. Updates include an outdoor waterfront lounge and renovated meeting rooms.

University Center Conference Chicago has changed its name to “Conference Chicago at University Center.” The venue offers 15,000 square feet of meeting space and 10 meeting rooms, as well as on-site catering and guest suites for overnight stays.

LAS VEGAS:  Priscilla Presley and Lisa Marie Presley will join Graceland and Westgate officials for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for “Graceland Presents Elvis: The Exhibition, the Show, the Experience” at Westgate on Thursday.

Off the Strip at the Linq is now available for group bookings. The venue holds 335 people for a full buyout. Downstairs, it seats 140 guests for dinner and accommodates another 35 at bar seating and 24 on the patio.

LOS ANGELES:  Anaheim Convention Center broke ground Tuesday on its seventh expansion, which will add 200,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

Shake Shack is set to open its first Los Angeles location in West Hollywood in 2016.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa has named Christophe Mihy as its new executive chef.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  The Adrienne Arsht Center Gala is at the Ziff Ballet Opera House on Friday. Singer Barry Manilow will perform a tribute to Frank Sinatra at the event.

NEW YORK:  The Village Voice’s fifth annual 4Knots Music Festival will take place July 11 at Pier 84 in Hudson River Park.

Salomon Foundation Residency Award will be announced at a cocktail reception Friday at Le Skyroom at the French Institute Alliance Française.

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

SAN FRANCISCO:  The RSA Conference is taking place at the Moscone Center through April 24. The conference brings together information security professionals and draws some 30,000 attendees each year.

TORONTO:  Baeumler Family Foundation will host its annual gala on May 21 at the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. The evening will offer karaoke, cocktails, dinner, and a silent auction.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  The NECA National Legislative Conference, an event for electrical contractors, is scheduled for May 13-14 at the Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C. Journalist Chris Cillizza is the keynote speaker.

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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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