1. FORD ASSEMBLES CAR ATOP EMPIRE STATE BUILDING: In honor of Mustang’s 50th anniversary, Ford brought a 2015 Mustang GT convertible onto the observation deck of the Empire State Building—mirroring a stunt it did in 1965. But getting a car 1,000 feet off the ground isn’t easy. Wired: “Ford had the automotive wizards at DST Industries chop a Mustang into six pieces for the ride to the 86th floor, where the car was reassembled in the wee hours. This is much harder than it sounds. The job started six weeks ago with a trip to The Big Apple, where engineers measured every elevator and door they’d have to pass through. The Empire State Building is a historical landmark known for its Art Deco details and fine brasswork, and the last thing anyone wanted to do was muck up the decor. Measurements in hand, the engineering team used a scale model of the car to determine how best to section it.” http://wrd.cm/1h6x26P
2. TOP MARKETING TRENDS AT SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS: With more than $1.34 billion projected to be spent sponsoring music venues, festivals, and tours this year—a 4.4% increase from 2013—the events have become a magnet for brands. From fan pampering stations to hosting nearby events, here’s a look at the marketing trends shaping this season. Ad Age: “If you're a brand you want to be associated with someone having a transformational moment in their life," said Chad Isaaq, who oversees business development and partnerships at Superfly Productions, co-creator of festivals including Bonnaroo. http://bit.ly/1jMRz4x
3. JAY Z’S MUSIC FEST EXPANDS TO L.A.: Budweiser Made In America, a music fest founded by Jay Z, will take place in Philadelphia and Los Angeles over Labor Day weekend; it's the first concert to occur simultaneously on both coasts. Billboard: “As lineup details are finalized over the new couple weeks, Budweiser's [Brian] Perkins says that each festival will be distinct and unique to its respective city. Los Angeles, for example, is a city whose population is 40-45% Hispanic. ‘That’s not the case in Philadelphia,’ he told Billboard. ‘You're going to see that manifest itself in food options, certain artists, the way that we talk about the festival, the way that we advertise the festival. It has to be meaningful to the city otherwise we wouldn’t do it.’” http://bit.ly/1hNF5du
* LOCAL NEWS *
COAST TO COAST: The Vans Warped Tour announced a partnership with Idobi Network to produce Warped Idobi Radio, a programming block that will promote the tour. Now in its 20th year, the 42-date tour begins June 13 in Houston and ends August 3 in Denver.
BOSTON: Taste of the Nation will be held at Cruiseport Boston on April 29. The event host is Jenny Jonson, producer and co-host of NESN’s Dining Playbook.
CHICAGO: Need ideas for a post-work cocktail gathering? Tesori now offers free pizza to groups of 10 or more who make reservations in the bar area. Flavors include the funghi misti, made with wild mushroom and white truffle oil.
LAS VEGAS: Vegas magazine will celebrate its spring issue with cover model Véronic DiCaire April 25 at Indigo Lounge at Bally’s Hotel & Casino.
After regional Culinary Battles in Atlantic City and Los Angeles, the four finalists for the title of "supreme Asian chef" will compete in a final at Caesars Palace on April 26.
LOS ANGELES: AEG and BET Networks' education initiative, Next Level, in partnership with The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live, will provide a free educational and empowerment program June 27-29 for local high school students who are interested in careers in the entertainment industry.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: Miami magazine will fete its Men of Style honorees Wednesday at Fifty Ultra Lounge at Viceroy Miami.
NEW YORK: The Ludlow Hotel, a 184-room hotel from Sean MacPherson and partners on the Lower East Side, is slated to open in June. Dirty French, the ground-floor restaurant helmed by Mario Carbone, Rich Torrisi, and Jeff Zalaznick, will feature the chefs' take on French cuisine.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco city leaders are working on a plan to deal with the city's marijuana-fueled "4/20" event after last year's happening incurred $10,000 worth of damage to the city. ABC 7: http://bit.ly/1gHJ0Yy
Le Meridien Hotel is about to undergo a renovation that's estimated at $9 million. The renovation is expected to wrap up in 2015.
SANTA FE: Corey Fidler has been promoted to general manager at Hotel Santa Fe the Hacienda and Spa.
TORONTO: The Toronto Summer Furniture Show is August 9-12 at the Caledon Woods Golf Club in Ontario.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington will announce its Duke Zeibert Award honoree April 28 at the Carnegie Library.
The National Conference Center, located in Leesburg, Virginia, was acquired by NCC PS Enterprises.
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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, 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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