BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #339 — Thursday, 08.30.12
++ Sponsored by Event Leadership Institute ++
Compiled today by Melissa Ward Schorsch in New York
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* INCOMING *
1. DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION CATERING: From associate editor Mitra Sorrells: From the September 1 media welcome party at the North Carolina Music Factory, to the dozen delegate-welcoming events at venues around town the following night, to the multiple receptions and parties on each of the ensuing four days, caterers around town are preparing to serve the 35,000 media, delegates, and party officials in attendance. Our full report: http://bizba.sh/QodAKH
Here’s a look at what else is on the docket for next week’s Democratic National Convention: http://bizba.sh/PZsWmZ
2. TRAVEL MEMBERSHIP: Valet, a new travel start-up that offers members access to city guides and hotel discounts, is already getting mixed reviews because of lack of information. It's hard to tell what the $200 one-year membership gets consumers. New York Times: "[T]he price of Valet seems awfully extravagant, considering that users still have to book their own travel—the service only provides the recommendations and discounts. It’s a lot of money to fork over for a service that can largely be cobbled together from different corners of the Web." http://nyti.ms/NXh8DG
3. DONATION STATION: A new way to fund-raise comes from Reddit, which launched Reddit Donate this week. Mashable: "Reddit Donate is a free fundraising platform created to promote social good. The system guarantees more safety and lower costs in regards to online donations. Similarly with most Internet payment systems, getting money from point A to point B costs a fee. With Reddit Donate, donations under $10 will be free and go straight to the cause. Donations more than $10 will cost 25 cents per transaction to complete.” http://on.mash.to/PyVQ9O
4. RESTAURANT NEWS: After 25 years Charlie Trotter's namesake restaurant will close tomorrow. Epicurious: "Trotter focused on creating a dining experience greater than the sum of its parts: by elevating cuisine, beverage, service, and ambience." http://epi.us/NlOk7V
Here's our report from Trotter's 25th anniversary gala earlier this month, which cost a staggering $2,500 a head: http://bit.ly/OyfVOa
5. WE’RE ON A BOAT: Where do you hold a party for top political donors during the Republican National Convention? The Romney campaign chose a 150-foot yacht. ABC News: http://abcn.ws/Q2i1Jf
++ A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR: Event Leadership Institute
Check out our editor's collection of top-rated video chapters from our class library, and sharpen your event insight. Our Suggested Summer Learning compilation includes content from David Merrell, Jes Gordon, Mindy Weiss, Preston Bailey, Mary Wittenberg, Colja Dams and others. 41 minutes | 10 clips | lots of ideas
* BIZ BABY *
Senior editor Beth Kormanik—your regular Call Sheet editor, now on maternity leave—has some personal news: Son Tyler Edward Hubbuch was born at 12:15 a.m. Monday, measuring 6 pounds, 10 ounces, and 20.5 inches. Congrats to Beth and husband Bart Hubbuch.
* INTERNAL NEWS: NEW YORK READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS *
Nominations for the BizBash N.Y. Readers’ Choice Awards end this Sunday, September 2, at 11:59 PM EST. This is your last chance to nominate your favorite greater New York-area event pros and highlight their contributions to the industry. There are 13 categories, including Association Event Planner of the Year, Venue Manager of the Year, and Corporate Event Planner of the Year.
More information on the categories and nominations criteria as well as the submission form can be found here: www.bizbash.com/nyvotes
* LOCAL NEWS *
COAST TO COAST: Chicago's Alinea and New York's Eleven Madison Park will swap chefs, kitchens, and dining rooms for a week. http://trib.in/POIW9n
Instagram-lovers everywhere will be able to get their snap-happy fingers on a real camera called the Instagram Socialmatic. The touch screen and Wi-Fi-enabled camera will be available by ADT Studio in 2013. http://bit.ly/Rj0U2P
BOSTON: The Purple Shamrock will close September 15. To mark the occasion, the venue will host an event modeled on a traditional Irish wake replete with bag pipers and an empty casket. There will be a St. Patty's day menu with green beer.
CHICAGO: The National Hellenic Museum will host Kouzina September 20. The evening includes wine tastings, shopping at a Greek-style marketplace, and Mediterranean and Greek bites from local chefs including Jimmy Bannos Jr.
The Junior Board of the Auditorium Theatre will host the Devil's Ball September 28. The event includes backstage tours, a wine raffle, and a photo booth with props, and a build-your-own nacho bar from Food for Thought.
Sumi Robata Bar, a Japanese restaurant helmed by chef Gene Kato, will open on Wells Street in October. Kato just announced that he will open Charcoal Bar—a space inspired by a Japanese speakeasy—below Sumi. The 20-seat space will serve classic cocktails.
The Woman's Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society will host its "All Aboard!" holiday party at the Chicago Botanic Garden on November 29. This year's event will have a Russian theme with catering from Jewell and decor by Designs by Jody Inc.
LAS VEGAS: The culinary mastermind behind Tacos & Tequila chats about his favorite Sin City eateries: http://bit.ly/PlqclX
LOS ANGELES: The September 15 House of Rock opening party will donate proceeds to charity Music Unites. http://bit.ly/N1gX8Z
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade announced that the sixth annual Flamenco Festival Miami will include performances from Spain's Ballet Flamenco de Andalucia at the March 2013 event. http://bit.ly/11Ly5J
NEW YORK: To kick off the start of football season September 4 the shops on 34th Street with participate in Retail Row, a day of NFL-themed window displays. activities, player meet and greets, and sweepstakes.
CUNY may build a hotel in Long Island City to expand its hospitality program: http://bit.ly/PYCzT4
The Broadway League and Times Square Alliance announced that Kathie Lee Gifford will host the 20th Broadway on Broadway concert September 9. http://bit.ly/4FckcK
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
ORLANDO: BART is a new bar, arcade, and art gallery on Mills Avenue north of downtown. The venue has classic arcade games like Space Invaders, Asteroids, and Pac-Man.
TORONTO: On Wednesday night, Yellow House Events produced Seimens' 100th anniversary gala at the Royal Ontario Museum for 300 guests. The black-tie event had catering from Daniel et Daniel and a performance from the Canadian Tenors.
INTERsection, a showcase of new music and multimedia, will kick off with the free New Music Marathon at Yonge-Dundas Square on September 1. Commencing with air-raid sirens, the 10-hour festival will include music from 10 different acts.
WASHINGTON: The District's must-attend events and happenings now through
September 5: http://wapo.st/Rnl1No
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 Beth Kormanik, Melissa Schorsch, 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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