Call Sheet #477: Google's Social Goof, Learning From QR Code Failure, Marathon Registration Woes

1. BREAKING GLASS: Google's social media contest for its Google Glass technology encountered a hiccup this week. The tech giant asked the public to explain what they'd do to #IfIhadGlass on Google+ or Twitter, offering entrants the chance to buy the new gadget before its official release. Only it turns out that some of those selected as winners had used the hashtag for comments unrelated to the campaign, including one tweet that read, "#ifihadglass I’d throw it at your face." Huffington Post: http://huff.to/YH31Fr

2. MOVING ON FROM QR CODES: In a post for Ad Age, internet marketing strategist B.L. Ochman proclaims QR codes are dead, replaced with smarter, easier-to-use apps like Blippar and Touchcode. But what are the lessons marketers can learn from the once-hot technology? Ochman suggests some rules to follow, including "Employ it only when it can add something unique to the user experience. Make sure content or ads that contain it won't be put in places where cellphone service is unavailable." http://bit.ly/YIojzi

Last year Ivan Lazarev of ITN International predicted the death of QR codes and told us what the future of event badges looks like: http://bit.ly/NhSBbw

3. RUNNING REGISTRATION: This year's Marine Corps Marathon sold out in record time, but not before running into some problems with the registration system. Washington Post: "Runners trying to secure one of the 30,000 spots in the 38th running of the marathon next fall reported that they were kicked off during the registration process or received repeated 'error' messages. The marathon’s Facebook page was awash in complaints from frustrated runners. ... [Race director Rick] Nealis called the delays 'an embarrassment for the Marine Corps Marathon as an organization,' which prides itself on organizational expertise." http://wapo.st/10ahjNo

4. AUTO VINES: Curious about how to use Vine at events? The New York International Auto Show's official Twitter account (@NYAutoShow) has been using the new video app to capture scenes from the show floor this week, including the virtual driving demos and Jeep's outdoor ride-along. http://bit.ly/XafCT7

5. VIRTUAL GUEST BOOKS: BYO Booth's newest offering is Guest Booth, a photo/video guest book that guests can actually sign. Guests leave photo or video messages for their hosts and sign right on the screen. BYO Booths has also added Twitter and email integration, so now all the photos taken on a smartphone at an event can become a part of a live slide show or be available for printing. http://bit.ly/RIENpo


10 BEST IDEAS OF THE WEEK

Here's a look at 10 steal-worthy ideas we spotted this week, including a photo opportunity with Al Capone at the Capital C anniversary bash in Toronto, a vintage Mexican table design at the Chicago launch for Poladora.com, graffiti-style messages broadcast at a BlackBerry launch in Los Angeles, and USA Network's "video-paint" activation at South by Southwest in Austin. http://bit.ly/10lY3Mx


COAST TO COAST

Next year's Writers Guild Awards will take place February 1, with simultaneous ceremonies at the JW Marriott L.A. Live in Los Angeles and the Edison Ballroom in New York. Billboard: http://bit.ly/10lbT1E

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON: On April 8, Tamo at the Seaport Boston Hotel will offer ballpark-themed fare to celebrate the Boston home opener. The menu will include sausage and peppers, homemade caramel popcorn and peanuts, and a cocktail with vanilla vodka and cream soda.

CHICAGO: The First Tee of Greater Chicago Golf Fashion Show will take place at Untitled April 11. The event will showcase fashion from lines like Adidas and Puma and serve golf-tournament-inspired foods. 

LAS VEGAS: The 12th annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational, hosted by Aria Resort & Casino at Shadow Creek, will return to Las Vegas for the third consecutive year April 4-7.

Grill and wine bar Seasons 52 opened in Santa Monica Thursday.

Opportunity Village's largest fund-raiser, the Las Vegas Great Santa Run, will return to its original home on Fremont Street Experience and Downtown Las Vegas. The event, which drew nearly 10,000 participants last year, is scheduled for December 7 and will include live entertainment, food, and costume contests.

LOS ANGELES: L.A. Confidential has an interview with planner Jin Yu of Jin&Quinn: http://bit.ly/11Sffyz

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: Departures magazine and Bentley are hosting the unveiling of the new Bentley Flying Spur sedan April 4 at 5 Star Island. The evening also will include entertainment from concert pianist Lola Astanova.

Beck's Sapphire launch event was last night at the Moore Building. Entertainment included cocktails incorporating the new brew created by mixologist Mark Kinzer and prize giveaways including a trip to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York, Leica cameras, and a pair of tickets to the Miami Heat first-round playoff game.

NEW YORK: The Design Industries Fighting AIDS's Dining by Design fund-raiser saw more than 500 gala guests and 650 attendees at Cocktails by Design. The New York kickoff to the national tour raised more than $600,000. You can see our coverage of the best table installations here: http://bit.ly/YKejvf

The International Game of Thrones Exhibition opened yesterday in Midtown and will run through April 3. The exhibit features props, costumes, weapons, and other items from the show, as well as the chance to battle in the Black Water Bay Interactive Experience and take photos on the Iron Throne. http://nydn.us/104aYnx

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

ORLANDO: The Bacchus Bash, hosted by Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association Foundation, is April 5 at the Orlando Premium Outlets. Proceeds from the event will go to Central Florida Hospitality Education, and the evening will offer 70 food and beverage booths from local vendors, a silent auction, and live entertainment from Ala Byrd, Howl at the Moon, Think Big, and more. http://www.bacchusbash.org/

SAN DIEGO: Hard Rock Hotel San Diego launched its "platinum rock star" experience promotion yesterday for meeting planners. Groups that book 50 or more rooms will receive complimentary perks including 20 percent off spa services, a two-hour professional photographer who will capture guests' arrival, and a coffee break with access to fender guitars and other musical equipment for playing.

TORONTO: The first Social Eventz Show will take place at the Paramount April 15. The vendor showcase will include food, entertainment, and performances.

WASHINGTON: Sweetlife Festival is May 11 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. Performers include Phoenix, Passion Pit, and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The festival will feature healthy food and drinks from event host Sweetgreen; tickets are available on Ticketfly. http://ticketf.ly/XfDhBE

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

JOB BOARD: Post a job or find a job:http://jobs.bizbash.com

With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Jenna Berris, Beth Kormanik, Lauren Matthews, and Anna Sekula in New York.

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

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