Call Sheet #297: Social Media Stakes at the Olympics, BET Awards Recap, Prometheus C.E.O. Steps Down

BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #297 — Monday, 07.02.12

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Compiled today by Anna Sekula in New York
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 * INCOMING *

1. SOCIAL GAMES: Billed as the first Social Media Olympics, the upcoming summer games in London will have a large presence on the networking platforms. While the 2008 Beijing Olympics lacked a coordinated social media effort, the organizers and sponsors of the 2012 competition are taking advantage of the proliferation of smartphones and the popularity of sites like Twitter and Facebook. "We are at a dawn of a new age of sharing and connecting, and London 2012 will ignite the first conversational Olympic Games, thanks to social media platforms and technology," Alex Huot, the I.O.C.’s head of social media, told The New York Times. http://nyti.ms/LJF2zx

Read all our Olympic-related news and ideas for viewing parties, teambuilding events, and other functions, here: bizbash.com/olympics

2. BET AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS: Although last night's ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles opened with prolonged moments of censored silence, the event hit a high note with the tribute to Whitney Houston. Associated Press: "Whitney Houston's mother Cissy provided the emotional highlight of Sunday's ceremony as she sang 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' in tribute to her late daughter, leaving audience members like Beyoncé and Soulja Boy in tears." http://bit.ly/MNc5jF

Before the broadcast aired, BET announced next year's awards will be "the largest consumer event in BET Networks' history," with a three-day festival of music, entertainment, and culture to mark the move from the Shrine to L.A. Live. Press release: http://exm.nr/LKtfmh

3. BECKMAN'S DEPARTURE: Richard Beckman has stepped down as C.E.O. of Prometheus Global Media, the publisher that owns AdWeek, The Hollywood Reporter, Billboard, and the Clio Awards. The high-profile exec, who was noted for breathing new life into the company's trade titles and award events, confirmed his exit on Friday. AdWeek: http://bit.ly/LGj5RK


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* TWEETED *

From Vanity Fair's fashion market director Michael Carl (@carlscrush) at the men's shows in Paris "I feel like the venue isn't obscure enough, and can we make it at 9 30 instead of 9 00, oh, and make sure there is no A/C - PR planning show" http://bit.ly/O9mHwn

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON: According to the Boston Globe, state and local authorities will "maintain a heavy presence" this week to help manage expected crowds and traffic for the War of 1812 bicentennial and Independence Day celebrations. http://bo.st/QQum2u

More luxury hotels are using social media promotions to attract travelers. Boston.com: http://bo.st/MbYcQ5

CHICAGO: West Loop eatery Girl & the Goat earned the number-four spot on TripAdvisor's 2012 list of worldwide Traveler's Choice restaurants. Chicago Tribune: http://trib.in/MBPOc8

LOS ANGELES: The Anime Expo, which started its fifth consecutive run in Los Angeles on Friday, is expected to generate three times last year's revenue, with an anticipated citywide economic impact of $21 million. Press release: http://on.mktw.net/N3Ty15

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

MIAMI: On July 6, chef Michelle Bernstein plans to close Sra. Martinez, which was named one of the best new restaurants by Esquire magazine when it opened in 2008. Miami New Times: http://bit.ly/LkZkwx

The Palm Beach Zoo's new event, Jazz at the Zoo, is scheduled for November 3. The evening will include the Bobby Lee Rodgers Jazz Trio and a silent auction; proceeds will benefit Wheels for Kids, which provides wheelchairs for disabled children and young adults in Palm Beach County.

NEW YORK: With a $15 million gift from the Thompson Family Foundation, the Park Avenue Armory will restore its Board of Officers room. The renovations will be completed in fall 2013 and when finished, the space will be available for small performances and art installations. http://nyti.ms/KMCFHY

Late last week Norwegian Cruise Line announced chef Geoffrey Zakarian will open a restaurant on Norwegian Breakaway, a new ship that will sail out of New York. http://usat.ly/MX74qD

As part of the promotions for the new movie, Katy Perry: Part of Me, Macy's and Paramount Pictures announced Friday that the singer will perform at the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. Press release: http://on.mktw.net/NSvak0

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

ORLANDO: Whole Foods Market at Winter Park held a summer-theme barbecue on Friday with a wine and beer lounge, to benefit Support Our Scholars.

The city of Orlando hosts Fireworks at the Fountain July 4 at Lake Eola Park. The event will include two stages for entertainment, two Yuengling Lager beer gardens, and more than 60 sponsors, food vendors, and interactive areas.

TORONTO: To celebrate Canada's 145th birthday, Mel Lastman Square hosted an evening of fireworks, musical performances, and children activities yesterday evening.

WASHINGTON: The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela will celebrate the country's 201st anniversary of independence with a concert by La Sardina de Naiguatá and reception Thursday at Bolivarian Hall.

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, and Alexandra Brandt, Rose Chevalier, Julia Elstrodt, Beth Kormanik, and Anna Sekula in New York.

BizBash Call Sheet is the must-read daily digest of event industry news from BizBash.com. 

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