1. CELL PHONE USE BANNED AT MORE LIVE SHOWS: Cell phone use at concerts and live shows can be an annoyance, which is why many artists are banning the practice by requiring concertgoers to place their phones in a locked pouch before entering the venue. Alicia Keys is the latest in a growing group of artists that are implementing the policy. Washington Post: “The pouch might not look like the latest techno-bling out of Silicon Valley, but it’s become the go-to tool for a slew of artists—including Dave Chappelle, the Lumineers and Louis C.K.—trying to reclaim their live performances without going all Adele on their fans. Created by the San Francisco-based Yondr, it has been brought in for special moments: Chris Rock’s warm-up shows before he hosted the Oscars; April’s ‘surprise’ Guns N’ Roses reunion gig at the Troubadour in West Hollywood. The pouch has also been used for regular shows by those tired of seeing every note and punch-line churned into a series of blurry, streamable insta-clips. Yondr founder Graham Dugoni says the pouch serves two purposes. The artist can try out new material without worrying about it being leaked. Fans will also realize that they actually enjoy a show more without constantly filming, texting and Tweeting. ‘If you haven’t been to a phone-free show, you just don’t know what you’re missing,’ he says. ‘There’s something about living in real life that can’t be replicated.’” http://wapo.st/1UbSLOY
2. ADVERTISING AGENCY PREDICTS OLYMPICS WILL RULE SOCIAL MEDIA: VML—the advertising agency in charge of the “Together We Can Change the World”-theme public service announcements for the International Olympic Committee—launches the hashtag #OlympicPeace on social media today. The agency’s chief innovation officer, Brian Yamada, predicted that the upcoming Games will be the “largest social media event ever” during a discussion at Cannes Lions on Sunday. Yamada spoke more about the campaign and this Olympics’ imminent social media impact. Adweek: “The Olympic Games will have tremendous reach via broadcast and digital streaming and driving huge social conversation on its own. This campaign will help to fuel that, but that's not really the chief objective. The campaign is meant to inspire, evoke emotion and engage people around the globe. … With its global reach, Facebook plays an obvious role for distribution of the Olympic message, and specific to the PSA will be a key role for the #OlympicPeace activation. But the distribution of the video will be carried primarily by the broadcast partners, who will air on linear and their own digital platforms. Historically, the Olympic Games were experienced through more traditional channels. Social media has become a part of the way audiences consume and engage with live sports as well as brands and organizations. We wanted to make sure that the PSA was not just a one-way communication but created ways for people globally to participate—to engage and understand more of the movement and purpose and lend their voice in support of #OlympicPeace.” http://bit.ly/1UhAQ9O
3. TRAFFIC LIGHTS REVAMPED FOR LONDON PRIDE: Traffic lights near London’s Trafalgar Square will look a bit different for the city’s Pride festival on Saturday. Nearly 50 “green man” pedestrian signs have been given an L.G.B.T. theme of people holding hands to create gender and heart symbols. Mashable: “The signals, inspired by a similar set that were produced in Vienna last year, were designed in-house at Transport of London (TfL) and installed by Siemens on June 19. ‘One of the greatest things about this city is our differences and every Londoner should be proud of who they are,’ Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said. ‘It's fantastic that London is a city so keen to celebrate Pride that even traffic lights can be used,’ Alison Camps, Director at Pride in London, said. ‘For many people acceptance and tolerance is a luxury they don't have, and these lights are another display of how welcoming and accepting London is.’ ‘Our campaign this year is called #NoFilter, letting people live their lives as they want to. These lights are a perfect display of that, saying that our city recognises each and every one of us for who we are.’” http://on.mash.to/28IFRJq
INDUSTRY NEWS
The American Marketing Association has launched the Speakers Burea, an innovative digital market network that connects event organizers with thought leaders to help marketers find and book experts for meetings and events. The network is powered by Orate.
* LOCAL NEWS *
ATLANTA: The Mall of Georgia's digital art experience at the TeamLab Future Park runs through July 31. The hi-tech playground is social media-focused, featuring immersive environments that welcome guests to participate in art through light, video, sound, and virtual reality.
CHICAGO: Hot dog festival Dog Dayz of Summer, which was slated for Friday and Saturday, has been cancelled due to poor ticket sales.
LAS VEGAS: Night Swims will return to the Tank at Golden Nugget Las Vegas for a series of events this summer, running from June 24-September 30. Events include a Fourth of July-inspired wine party and an Olympic opening ceremony pool party.
LOS ANGELES: The eighth annual L.A. Beer Week runs through Sunday.
For information on upcoming events in Los Angeles, visit Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: SLS Brickell Hotel and Residences, which opens in Miami's business district in October, will have restaurants from two James Beard Award-winning chefs: Michael Schwartz will launch the Italian eatery Fi'lia, while José Andrés will present seafood at Bazaar Mar. Both restaurants will be managed and operated under the Disruptive Restaurant Group umbrella. In addition, Andrés will oversee food and beverages for SLS Brickell's in-room dining, mezzanine, and pool bar. Andrés is also opening a second restaurant in Miami (location to be announced) in a partnership with Sbe, the same hospitality company that manages SLS Brickell.
South Florida's Taste of the Nation for No Kid Hungry benefit took place June 17 at Wynwood’s Soho Studios. The 28th annual event featured 80 destinations for food and drinks under one roof. Founding event chairman/chef Allen Susser and restaurant co-chair Timon Balloo lead the soirée.
NEW YORK: Time Out New York's Wing Fest—Queens will take place Sunday at Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden. The event will have wings from Blackbird's, Krave It Sandwich Shop & Eatery, and Austin's Steak and Ale House, and ice cream sandwiches from Melt Bakery.
For information on upcoming events in New York, visit Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA: The American Library Conference & Exhibition will take place Thursday through Sunday at the Orange County Convention Center.
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen will bring their "AC2" show to the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts as a benefit for the OneOrlando Fund, created in response to the Pulse nightclub shooting. The show will take place June 30.
TORONTO: The 157th Queen's Plate will take place July 3 at Woodbine Racetrack. The horse-racing and gambling event will feature seven bands, including Matthew Good and the Strumbellas, on three stages.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Quicken Loans National returns to Congressional Country Club from Tuesday to Sunday. Golf enthusiasts will be able watch players such as Rickie Fowler and defending champion Troy Merritt at the event, which will include V.I.P. amenities, fan promotions, and family activities.
YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected].
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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin and Claire Hoffman in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Carla Hay, Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, Jill Menze, and Ian Zelaya in New York.
BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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