October 27, 2015: Ricky Gervais to Return as Golden Globes Host, Threats Prompt SXSW to Cancel Gamer Panels, Inside a Wedding More Expensive Than Kim K's

1. RICKY GERVAIS TO RETURN AS GOLDEN GLOBES HOST: Actor and comedian Ricky Gervais will host next year’s Golden Globes awards. The Hollywood Reporter: “Gervais' return, which comes after three very highly rated NBC telecasts hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, marks his fourth time managing the stage. He previously hosted in 2010, 2011 and 2012 — capping off a long run where the show had no host at all. … His tenure as host ended on a rather sour note, when then-HFPA President Phillip Berk said that the comedian ‘crossed the line’ with some of his remarks. Gervais also had not been shy about his desire to not return to the show, but that appears to be water under the bridge.” http://bit.ly/1LStXaz

2. THREATS PROMPT SXSW TO CANCEL GAMER PANELS: South by Southwest Interactive has canceled two panels on gamer culture because of threats of violence at the event. The panels were to explore two hot topics in gaming, online harassment and social politics in gaming including the integrity of gaming journalists. They arose from the movement known as “GamerGate.” The New York Times: “In a blog post, Hugh Forrest, director of SXSW Interactive, said that the event organizers made the decision to cancel the two sessions after receiving “numerous threats of on-site violence related to this programming” in the week since the panels were announced. … GamerGate supporters have railed against what they view as politically correct critics of games and their allies in the press. Some people who have attacked games for sexism, including Anita Sarkeesian, a feminist culture critic, have been the targets of online harassment and have had to cancel speaking engagements because of threats at the events.” http://nyti.ms/1icqnQb

3. INSIDE A WEDDING MORE EXPENSIVE THAN KIM K'S: China’s answer to Kim Kardashian is Angela Yeung, the Hong Kong–based model and actress known as Angelababy. Like her American counterpart, Angeleababy has a huge social media following and also staged an extravagant wedding with a reported bill of $31 million. The price tag puts the couple in the budgetary ballpark of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s $34 million big day, and far beyond Kardashian and Kanye West’s $12 million nuptials. So what does that kind of budget buy? Forbes: “The elaborate ceremony—which was live-streamed online—boasted a holographic castle, not to mention a ten-foot cake shaped like a carousel (which reportedly took a month to make). Each attendee left the lavish event with a bagful of gifts, including a mobile phone.” http://onforb.es/1PwU3G2

4. HOW BROADCAST AND SOCIAL NETWORKS BENEFIT FROM PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE PARTNERSHIPS: CBS announced that it would partner with Twitter for its broadcast of the Democratic presidential debate next month by including “live reactions and questions” from the social network. This comes alongside similar partnerships among Facebook and CNN and Fox News. Both sides benefit, but they could also stand to innovate more on the formula. Poynter: “The recent spate of debates co-branded with social networks is an indicator that these companies are becoming increasingly central to electoral exchanges, said Andy Carvin, the editor in chief and founder of social news startup Reported.ly. The reason is simple: By giving social media companies a seat at the table, news organizations get a ‘marketing bonanza’ from networks that promote the debates to their massive userbase. Social media companies get to associate their brands with the debates, further establishing themselves as emissaries of the public square.” http://bit.ly/1PO2wVC

5. MINI MAKER FAIRES COMING TO BARNES & NOBLE STORES: Maker Media is planning to bring mini versions of its popular Maker Faire events to Barnes & Noble stores across the country next month. Folio: "Over three days, customers can participate in robotics and 3D printing projects, for example, and hear from prominent makers from their communities. The in-store events are like experiential event marketing for an event.” http://bit.ly/1kLAGfL

* LOCAL NEWS *

ATLANTA:  Julio Delgado has been named executive chef of Hotel Indigo's JP Atlanta, which is slated to open in December. Atlanta Business Chronicle: http://bit.ly/1iaMSVu

BOSTON:  La Motta's Italian Specialties, the Aquitaine Group's Italian-American Bronx-style concept, opens today in South End. The restaurant has a 70-seat dining room, a 30-seat patio, and a 12-seat bar.

CHICAGO:  A new juried festival called “Bling: the Jewelry & Gift Show” will take place in Highland Park November 13-15. The event is hosted by Armdur Productions.

DALLAS:  The Hilton Anatole in Dallas announced a $15 million renovation to its pool that will add multiple heated swimming pools, a lazy river, an outdoor restaurant, a swim-up bar, two slides, recreation areas, and two new event lawns that will hold groups of as many as 3,000 people. It’s stated to finish in May.

LAS VEGAS:  Chateau Nightclub & Rooftop at Paris Las Vegas has partnered with Veuve Clicquot for three days of “Yelloween” events beginning on Wednesday and continuing Friday and Saturday.

LOS ANGELES:  The GLSEN Respect Awards took place at the Regent Beverly Wilshire on October 23.

On October 24, Homeboy Industries hosted its annual Every Angeleno Counts 5K and Festival, presented by KPCC. The event raised more than $250,000.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  The anime and animation convention Animate Miami announced a three-day attendance of 12,000. The event took place at the Miami Airport Convention Center.

NEW YORK:  New York Fashion Week: Men's will change its dates and venues this winter. Fashionista: http://bit.ly/1MeXyKx

Skrillex will headline Pier of Fear, which will take place Saturday at Pier 94.

The fifth annual Edible Escape festival will take place November 5 at 26Bridge in Brooklyn. Participants at the globally inspired food, drink, and travel event include Yelp, Brooklyn Brewery, Green Mountain Energy Company, and Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.

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

ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA:  The Meat House in Winter Park will rebrand as the Local—Butcher & Market. Orlando Sentinel: http://bit.ly/1WehmJ9

PHILADELPHIA:  Ciao Philadelphia, a monthlong celebration of Italian culture, ends this week with events including “A Night of Italian Wine and Cheese: Tasting and Talk” on Thursday at the Academic Bistro at Drexel University.

TORONTO:  BuskerFest may be in jeopardy, since its leading sponsor Scotiabank has pulled out. The festival raises money for Epilepsy Toronto. Toronto Star: http://on.thestar.com/1k56Imw

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  The American Cancer Society will host its Campaign Against Cancer gala November 4 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The event raises money for health and wellness programs for local youth.

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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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