September 2, 2014: Why E-Sports Matter for Events, the Challenges of Event Marketing to Federal Workers, Princess Diana’s Wedding Cake Auctioned Off

1. WHY E-SPORTS MATTER FOR EVENTS: As the popularity of video games grows—they have overtaken the music industry in global revenue—promoters have translated games into the world of live events, hosting competitions that draw tens of thousands of spectators, online viewers, and corporate sponsors. New York Times: “Game tournaments sell out giant arenas, and some attract at-home audiences larger than those of top traditional sporting events. Madison Avenue’s highest fliers, like Coca-Cola and American Express, have lined up as sponsors. Prize money has soared to the millions of dollars, and top players earn six- or seven-figure incomes and attract big and passionate followings, luring a generation of younger players to seek fame and fortune as gamers.” http://nyti.ms/Y8amS6

2. THE CHALLENGES OF EVENT MARKETING TO FEDERAL WORKERS: Virtual conferences, custom apps, e-books, and other strategies have risen in importance compared to trade shows for government contractors to reach federal agencies. Washington Post: “The share of federal workers who didn’t go to a single trade show, conference or industry event has risen every year for the past four years, according to a study by Chantilly-based research firm Market Connections. … as budget constraints have drastically cut down the number of events that federal workers attend, companies have had to come up with alternate ways to reach them, marketing professionals said.” http://wapo.st/1pYt7BV

3. PRINCESS DIANA’S WEDDING CAKE AUCTIONED OFF: A slice of cake from the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana sold for $1,375 to a private collector at an online auction. New York Post: “The cake came in its original white and silver presentation box with a card reading, ‘With best wishes from Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince & Princess of Wales.’ The slice was wrapped in wax paper—but experts warned not to eat it.” http://bit.ly/1rctdpE

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  The Hotel Commonwealth has a new suite inspired by Kendall Square’s former punk rock club, the Rathskeller. From $500 to $900 a night, the 600-square-foot suite has a graffitied entryway, bathrobes with the punk club’s logo, and relics such as a keyboard and drumsticks. Boston Globe: http://bit.ly/VSBKSm

CHICAGO:  Auditorium Theatre will host its 125th anniversary gala on December 14. The evening will begin with a concert at the theater; a dinner celebration at the Palmer House Hilton will follow.

LAS VEGAS:  Grills & Guitars, Life Is Beautiful’s kickoff party, is October 23 at Gold Spike.

LOS ANGELES:  The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens will host its Huntington Ball September 6. More than 300 guests are expected to attend the black-tie event.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  Miami Herald: "In a mega-hotel deal, Thayer Lodging Group has purchased the historic Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood. Thayer, based in Annapolis, Maryland, has paid $460 million to buy the 1,000 room, beachfront hotel from United Association." http://hrld.us/1tKtD7w

NEW YORK:  New west side event venue Metropolitan West opens September 7 and will host Versus Versace's New York Fashion Week show, among other events.

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

TORONTO:  Diner en Blanc will take place on September 17 in an undisclosed public space. Some 1,400 guests are expected this year.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Becky's Fund is hosing a "friendraiser" for its Walk the Way benefit September 16 at David Yurman in Tysons Galleria.

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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, and Anna Sekula in New York.

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

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