October 22, 2015: Why Chris Rock Is Returning as Oscars Host, Maroon 5 in Talks for Super Bowl Halftime Show, TomorrowWorld Offers Refunds and Public Apology

1. WHY CHRIS ROCK IS RETURNING AS OSCARS HOST: Looking to curb a dip in ratings, producers of the next Academy Awards turned to former host Chris Rock to bring an edgy and insightful brand of humor to the award show. The move also addresses a complaint that the telecast lacked diversity. The New York Times: “Mr. Rock’s return follows a year in which the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which hands out the Oscars, was widely criticized for overlooking black acting nominees. Mr. Rock’s presence may bolster the show among African-American viewers, who historically have watched the broadcast in large numbers, significantly raising overall ratings, when the black presence is strong among nominees and performers on the stage.” http://bit.ly/1ZZ2eyH

2. MAROON 5 IN TALKS FOR SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW: Maroon 5 is in talks to be the halftime entertainment at Super Bowl 50 in February. E! News: “A source tells E! News the other acts the NFL have discussed at one point have included Coldplay and Bruno Mars, who just performed in 2014 at Super Bowl XLVIII. However, the source says Levine's band is the current front-runner for the gig. … The Super Bowl is perennially the most-watched television event of the year, as Perry's Super Bowl performance drew 121 million viewers, the highest viewership for the halftime special according to Nielsen. Mars' performance brought in 115 million, the second highest.” http://eonli.ne/1PB2GPP

3. TOMORROWWORLD OFFERS REFUNDS AND PUBLIC APOLOGY: Organizers of the SFX-owned music festival TomorrowWorld offered a public apology as well as refunds to ticket holders who were unable to attend the event or stranded at the site after bad weather and logistical issues that harmed operations. Billboard: http://bit.ly/1LMhN6t

4. 'ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY' PLANS POP CULTURE FEST FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY: Joining the trend of magazines creating events as a revenue stream, Entertainment Weekly will host EW Fest this weekend to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The lineup includes a performance from the Band Perry, an appearance from comedian Aziz Ansari, and a panel with TV megaproducer Ryan Murphy, who will chat with stars of his shows. The daylong ticketed event will be held Saturday in New York. Entertainment Weekly: “We’re thrilled to bring EW’s insider access to New York City where fans will have the opportunity to connect with actors and directors from their favorite TV shows and movies,” said Henry Goldblatt, editor of Entertainment Weekly, in a statement. “This new event is the perfect way to cap off the brand’s 25th anniversary celebration.” http://bit.ly/1NVK1OA

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  The first Hub Week ideas festival exceeded organizers’ expectations for attendance, drawing 46,000 guests. Plans are already in the works for the 2016 iteration. Boston Globe: http://bit.ly/1ZTwiLS

CHICAGO:  The city’s official Christmas tree will be placed in Millennium Park this year, instead of on Daley Plaza (where it has been since 1966). The tree-lighting ceremony will be held on November 24. Time Out Chicago: http://bit.ly/1KoeM72

Crain’s Chicago Business has voted AgencyEA one of the “coolest offices” in Chicago.

LAS VEGAS:  The eighth annual Intel Security Conference will take place October 26-28 at the Congress Center at the Venetian and Palazzo.

LOS ANGELES:  Casey Wasserman, chairman of the bid committee for the 2024 Olympics, said the event "has the ability to elevate the city almost unlike anything else," at the Future of Cities: Leading in LA Summit on Monday. Variety: http://bit.ly/1GUhCRe

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  The third annual ZooRun5K and ZooKidsDash will take place November 14 at Zoo Miami. Last year’s events drew more than 4,000 participants.

NEW YORK:  Maneesh K. Goyal, founder of experiential marketing agency MKG, announced the formation of  a new parent company, Pineapple Company. Goyal will be C.E.O. of Pineapple Company, and the current managing director of MKG's New York office, Tracy Bussan, will become its president.

Cut by Wolfgang Puck, the first Wolfgang Puck restaurant in New York, is slated to open next summer at 30 Park Place Four Seasons Private Residences.

Mark Pardue has been named area vice president for luxury and lifestyle brands and general manager of Park Hyatt New York, which opened in August 2014.

Orange Is the New Black actress Lea Delaria will host the Ali Forney Center's "A Place at the Table" benefit dinner on Friday at the Capitale. The event will celebrate the 13th anniversary of the advocacy organization, which works with L.G.B.T. homeless and runaway youth.

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

ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA:  Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards hosts its 25th annual Holiday Open House on November 13-15, with live music, an arts and crafts show, and wine tastings.

SAVANNAH:  The Savannah College of Art and Design's Savannah Film Festival runs Saturday-October 31. Festival honorees include Game of Thrones actor Alfie Allen, who will receive the Rising Star Award, as well as actresses Meg Ryan and Olivia Wilde, who will receive Lifetime Achievement and Spotlight awards, respectively.

TORONTO:  The CBC has been granted Canadian broadcast rights to the Olympics through 2024. Toronto Star: http://on.thestar.com/1W53qeX

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Becky’s Fund is hosting a “Bubbles & Caviar Reception” October 29 at One80 Salon as a prelude to its Walk This Way benefit.

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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, Anna Sekula, and Ian Zelaya in New York.

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

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