June 9, 2015: Apple Tries for Diversity at WWDC, the Secret Ingredients to the Food & Wine Classic, C.A.A. Forms New Firm for Corporate Events.

1. APPLE TRIES FOR DIVERSITY AT WWDC: As more conferences are coming under scrutiny for the lack of diversity among its speakers, Apple presented a lineup of keynote speakers at its Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday that seemed to address the criticism head-on. Wired: “You might have noticed a few moments where Apple tried to signal its commitment to greater inclusion. Cook started the event by highlighting that attendees this year came from 70 different countries, emphasizing that 80 percent were here for the first time. … Most significant, however, was the appearance of two women onstage, both high-ranking officials at the company.” http://wrd.cm/1IB5dGS

2. THE SECRET INGREDIENTS TO THE FOOD & WINE CLASSIC: The Food & Wine Classic, which begins June 19 in Aspen, Colorado, stands out among the crowded roster of food industry events for its mix of the best chefs, desirable attendees, and luxe environment. Adweek: “The Classic didn't come to enjoy its status by accident. For all involved, it represents a rare opportunity, even with the vast array of food happenings stretching coast to coast—from the Maine Lobster Festival to the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival. (Not to mention A-list food events around the globe, like England's Ludlow Food Festival and France's Fête de la Gastronomie.) For those serious about eats and drinks, it's a chance to meet and talk to stars usually seen on TV shows and cookbook covers. For chefs and restaurateurs, Aspen has become a sort of class reunion, possibly the only time all year they get to socialize with their peers. And for Food & Wine itself, the Classic has become not just its signature event but also the cornerstone of its editorial and financial architecture.” http://bit.ly/1IprGE6

3. C.A.A. FORMS NEW FIRM FOR CORPORATE EVENTS: Creative Artists Agency has acquired Beyond Sports & Entertainment and Goviva, which together with another acquisition—Inside Sports & Entertainment Group—will form C.A.A. Premium Experience, a hospitality, event management, and marketing practice. New York Post: “The companies offer clients once-in-a-lifetime entertainment and learning experiences — for example, a special trip to the Olympics or VIP service for corporate groups traveling to big events.” http://bit.ly/1S110xW

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  The Newport Marriott Hotel has reopened after a $35 million renovation. The property has 320 rooms and suites, a second-floor event space, and nautical decor.

CHICAGO:  The Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel will get new, 1920s- and 1930s-inspired decor in its lobby, lounge, bar, and restaurant. The project will wrap up later this year or in early 2016.

LAS VEGAS:  Shaquille O’Neal will return for his second turn as a guest DJ at Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop at Paris Las Vegas on June 27.

LOS ANGELES:  Angel City Designs, an event design and production company, has moved to 9748 Variel Avenue in Los Angeles.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  The Red Bull BC One Fort Lauderdale Cypher is scheduled for June 27 at Gallery of Amazing Things in Dania Beach.

NEW YORK:  The Westin New York at Times Square has finished a $33 million renovation that includes upgrades to its 34,000 square feet of meeting space. Jeffrey Beers International oversaw the redesign, which incorporated energy-conservation practices such as LED lighting, water-saving sinks, and an energy-efficient thermostat monitoring system.

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

SAN FRANCISCO:  The Bloomberg Technology Conference: Code and the Corner Office will take place June 15-16. Speakers include Marissa Mayer of Yahoo and Dick Costolo of Twitter. 

TORONTO:  Canadian wedding DJs continue to face competition from iPods. The Star: http://on.thestar.com/1HWV9SZ

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Rock the Runway, a couture runway show, is slated for July 18 at the Vida Penthouse Pool. The show will stage the runway over the pool, and the event will benefit Music Unites.

YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected]. 

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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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