BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #160 — Friday, 12.09.11
Compiled today by Chad Kaydo and Jana Schiowitz in New York
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* INCOMING *
1. TWITTER'S BRAND PAGES: Looking to strengthen its relationship with advertisers, Twitter unveiled new pages for marketers Thursday. They offer customized header images and tweeting options. American Express, Coca-Cola, Nike, and Disney have signed on, along with 17 other brands. Ad Age:
http://bit.ly/rqC1WO
2. PRWEEK FINALISTS ANNOUNCED: The trade magazine has released finalists of its 2012 awards with categories ranging from corporate branding campaign of the year to consumer launch campaign of the year. Among the finalists are Edelman, Ketchum, and Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide. PRWeek:
http://bit.ly/uEJXpI
3. AD AGENCY MERGER: Travel-focused ad agencies MMG Worldwide and Y Partnership are expected to announce a merger today under the name MMGY Global. The newly formed company plans to offer advertising, PR, social media, web development, and customer relationship management. MMGY will continue to work with clients like MasterCard Worldwide, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, Choice Hotels International, Colonial Williamsburg, and Silversea Cruises. The New York Times:
http://nyti.ms/vYXxQ8
* THE WEEK IN EVENTS *
Here’s a look at 10 highlights from our event coverage this week, including satellite Art Basel Miami Beach events (such as Veuve Cliquot's mobile lounge), color-blocked tables at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, and snow globe-inspired lighting at the Art Institute of Chicago's family holiday party.
http://bit.ly/uQjg4B
* HOLIDAY PARTY GUIDE *
Holiday party season is underway, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have everything set for your office party or department outing. So whether you're planning a company-wide holiday bash or a simple seasonal gathering for a small group, we have plenty of ideas to help. Here's a look at all of our holiday party coverage from this season, including venues, catering ideas, decor concepts, rental offerings, and more.
http://bit.ly/uNE9iF
Speaking of holiday parties: What kind of holiday parties are you working on? What are you seeing? Tell us: [email protected].
* LOCAL NEWS *
COAST TO COAST: BR Guest Hospitality purchased the Strip House steakhouse brand from the Glazier Group, including the New York and Las Vegas locations. PR Newswire:
http://bit.ly/tkP6bP
BOSTON: On Christmas Eve, Prezza's executive chef Anthony Caturano will prepare a traditional Italian feast of seven fishes. Menu items include crispy shrimp, wood-grilled squid and octopus, and tagliatelle with scallops and shrimp.
http://bit.ly/91DZeF
Legal Harborside will host its New Year's Eve celebration in its glass-enclosed rooftop space. Guests will have views of the midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor, and access to champagne, a raw bar, hors d'oeuvres, and a dessert bar.
http://bit.ly/F4Rv0
On Thursday, the Red Sox announced celebration plans for Fenway Park's 100th anniversary in April. Events will include an open house, charity functions, and "throwback days" that will see the Red Sox and competing teams dressed in vintage uniforms. Boston.com:
http://bo.st/rNFrYC
CHICAGO: Kiehl's will host a grand opening celebration for its Michigan Avenue flagship store today. With a "Karnival" theme, the event will have jugglers, a balloon twister, a photo booth, raffle prizes, and carnival-inspired snacks from Moto chefs.
The first true branding effort aimed at drawing international visitors to Chicago was unveiled Thursday by the Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau. The new brand‚ which aims to portray the city as bold, confident, and fearless‚ will be marketed through T.V. spots, a revamped Web site, and new print ads. On a national level, print ads and a tip-in brochure in meetings-convention trade publications incorporate benefits of the recent labor agreements at McCormick Place. ChooseChicago.com:
http://bit.ly/3IO8aQ
The primary funding for the brand's new campaign comes from a new airport taxi fee that was enacted as part of the legislation that overhauled operations at the convention center. The Chicago Tribune:
http://trib.in/vNZGza
With the theme "Diamond: Sixty Years of Brilliance," the Medical Research Institute Council of Children's Memorial Hospital's ball is Saturday at the Chicago Hilton.
The Lobby Lounge in the Showplace Icon Theatre will host a Golden Globes viewing party January 15. The awards ceremony will be broadcast on five, 50-inch TVs located throughout the lounge, and specialty cocktails are dubbed "Evening Gown" and "Black Tie."
http://bit.ly/3ODQ6u
Wicker Park's Taxim restaurant will host a New Year's Eve celebration with a prix-fixe menu, a champagne toast, live Greek music, and even pomegranate smashing, Greek tradition that symbolizes good luck for the new year.
http://bit.ly/3yRpYM
Local brides-to-be are scrambling for wedding venues after a Lemont venue abruptly closed. The Chicago Sun-Times: "Lifescapes Productions LLC abruptly announced that it is closing its wedding/special events facilities effective Dec. 1, telling stunned clients in certified letters, ‘all events scheduled for calendar year 2012 are hereby canceled.’ The company cites financial problems in the ‘current economic downturn.’”
http://bit.ly/sVQ68b
A web site and logos for the NATO/G8 meeting were released Thursday, along with the exact days of the back-to-back-sessions: May 18-21. "The Chicago G8/NATO Host Committee is making plans for a variety of programs to engage and include residents in the historic events," said Lori Healey, executive director of the Chicago G8 NATO Host Committee. The Chicago Sun-Times:
http://bit.ly/t9yBhN
Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently appointed Adolfo Hernandez as director of the new Office of New Americans. The measure appears to be designed to show international leaders that Chicago is an immigrant-friendly city when they gather here for the NATO and G-8 summits in May. Crain's Chicago Business:
http://bit.ly/u5fp64
LAS VEGAS: A lawsuit filed against the stalled Fontainebleau casino resort project was not dismissed Wednesday as expected. The developer of the hotel is believed to have hid cost overruns and other problems from lenders. Vegas Inc.:
http://bit.ly/sb8a3P
LOS ANGELES: Alex Day and David Kaplan of Proprietors LLC announced the opening of their official west coast headquarters in the downtown arts district as well as the launch of Chapter & Verse, a test bar located in their new office.
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: Atlas Party Rental has launched its new Web site, with help of Rosstamicah Design.
Homestead-Miami Speedway is hosting the inaugural Big Kahuna Miami September 21-23. Whowon.com:
http://bit.ly/uSGPqC
NEW YORK: Apple is opening its fifth store in Manhattan today at Grand Central Terminal. The 23,000-square-foot space overlooks the main concourse.
The New York Fame is hosting a fund-raising event to benefit Music Unites during February Fashion Week.
http://bit.ly/rRFk5w
Fastlane Communications announced that Chief Executive Group has selected the firm as its agency of record. Fastlane will be providing integrated branding, public relations, event marketing, and complete editorial design services for Chief Executive magazine.
Christie's in Rockefeller Plaza is showing Elizabeth Taylor's collection of jewelry and clothing, which is up for auction through December 12. More than 250 of Taylor's favorite diamonds, gemstones, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes are on display.
The sixth annual Charity Ball is Monday at the 69th Regiment Armory. Jessica Biel hosts with special guest auctioneer Tyler Perry.
Momix dance company introduces its newest production, "Botanica," December 13-31 at the Joyce Theater.
Annie Leibovitz will join fans for a discussion and signing of her new book, "Pilgrimage," tonight at the International Center of Photography store. Leibovitz will make a second appearance at the 92 Street Y December 15.
http://bit.ly/j8p23h
World Yacht is offering four-hour New Year's Eve cruises. The New York Harbor excursions will include open bar, DJ, champagne toast, favors, five-course sit-down dinner, and a fireworks display at the Statue of Liberty. For a shorter trip, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises has a three-hour option.
http://bit.ly/XxC8N
http://bit.ly/131nh4
ORLANDO: The Plantation on Crystal River, north of Tampa, has hired Andrew Bartlett as general manager and Michael Mancke as director of sales and marketing.
SAN FRANCISCO: The Hilton San Francisco Union Square will begin a $51 million redevelopment project this month, renovating 550 guest rooms and the property's function spaces. The makeover of the hotel's 20,000-square-foot ballroom and 31 of the meeting rooms are set to be completed in April.
TORONTO: Karen Bruce, director of Canadian initiatives for the Toronto International Film Festival will be leaving her post after 11 years, the Hollywood Reporter reports. Cameron Bailey, co-director, will oversee the Canadian film curators and Noah Cowan, artistic director at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, will head up the rest of the Canadian programming this year. Bruce's programs like Talent Lab and Rising Stars will continue.
http://bit.ly/tLoDaC
Toronto is hosting its second Ultimate Fighting Championship Saturday. In marked contrast to the record-breaking U.F.C. 129 last April, which sold out the 55,000 seats at the Rogers Centre in minutes, U.F.C. 140 still has not sold out of the 20,000 seats at the Air Canada Centre. The Sun:
http://bit.ly/sMhW8p
WASHINGTON: Rock pianist ELEW (also known as Eric Lewis) is performing at next week's fund-raiser for Sasha Bruce Youthwork at Halcyon House. On Point Strategies is handling PR, DC Brau is providing the bar.
YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected].
With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, Carla Warrilow in Toronto, and Matthew Mogavero, Jana Schiowitz, Anna Sekula, Courtney Thompson, and Katherine Zoeller in New York.
BizBash Call Sheet is the must-read daily digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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Subscribe: http://info.bizbash.com/callsheet.html
