1. WHY WEDDING EXPOS ARE STILL THRIVING: With wedding registry, planning, and retail websites like Zola and Etsy, one might think that wedding expos are no longer necessary. But the industry events are still popular, as they offer guests exclusive prizes and discounts, gift bags, and personal contacts. The New York Times: “‘You’re meeting experts face to face but also are seeing their work, which can be overwhelming on the internet or misleading on someone’s website,’ said Tatiana Byron Marx, who founded Wedding Salon 15 years ago. ‘Brides want to work with people they like. You’re hiring 15 to 40 vendors, each with their own contract. Meeting everyone at their studio is time-consuming.’ Like most expos, Wedding Salon offers photographers, videographers, cake makers, florists, DJs, wedding gown designers, and specialists for hair and makeup, among others. Tony Drago, who has run the Long Island Bridal Expo for 28 years, says he tries to showcase local professionals. ‘Brides can walk around and have true conversations without being harassed,’ he said, ‘and there’s not 200 or 300 vendors so they don’t become numb and forget who they spoke to.’” https://nyti.ms/2UYOsyh
2. HISTORY TO LAUNCH CONVENTION AND SPEAKER SERIES: In an effort to connect with more viewers, History is introducing three new programs for the network’s 25th anniversary—a convention, a traveling speaker series, and a podcast. Advertising Age: “In April 2020, history buffs will get their own immersive experience with the launch of HistoryCon. The new convention, to be held in Pasadena, California, will feature network talent, as well as historians and authors. It will also include interactive exhibits and virtual-reality experiences. History Talks will debut this fall. The traveling speaker series includes panels of experts, authors, historians, and political figures who will discuss and engage with their audience and fan base on noteworthy, historical events.” https://bit.ly/2HWFoqb
3. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN FILES PLANS FOR SPHERE VENUE IN LONDON: Madison Square Garden has submitted plans for what's slated to be the largest arena in the United Kingdom. Called MSG Sphere London, the venue is the company's first outside of the United States and will hold 21,500 people standing. It's located on five acres next to Olympic Park. Billboard: "Included in MSG's planning application are more details about the venue, which mirrors the crystal-ball-style design of the MSG Sphere Las Vegas and would have a diameter of 120 meters. At its highest point, the venue would be 90 meters tall. It would also feature a fully-programmable LED exterior and ultra-high definition 15,000-square-meter interior displays, used to create immersive sensory experiences for audiences, as well as advertising and partnership branding. ... As well as music concerts, esports, award shows, and ring sports like boxing and UFC are mentioned in the planning documents as being ideally suited to the Sphere's cutting-edge design. The building will also contain a separate 1,500-capacity venue, 450-capacity restaurant and nightclub, cafés and retail spaces." https://bit.ly/2Ukq256
