1. MORE EVENTS MAY LEAVE INDIANAPOLIS BECAUSE OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM LAW: The Final Four men’s college basketball championship comes to Indianapolis next week, one of several marquee events that the city could lose because of fallout from a new state law promoting “religious freedom” that could legalize discrimination against gay people. The city also hosts major sporting events such as the N.F.L. scouting combine and Big Ten football championship game, and the city aims to host another Super Bowl. N.C.A.A. president Mark Emmert announced his concerns with the law Thursday. ESPN: “The NCAA offices are located in Indianapolis, and Emmert said the organization was concerned about how it might impact student-athletes and employees. His terse statement also suggested the NCAA might consider moving future events out of Indianapolis. … But the new law could put the association in a difficult position. While it has a close relationship with Indiana's capital city, college sports have been at the forefront of several breakthroughs for gay rights in the last two years, and the young adults and college students the NCAA represents have generally been supportive of those changes.” http://es.pn/1ByiKXJ
2. AMBITIOUS MCDONALD’S PROMOTION CALLED A FLOP: As part of a major promotio, McDonald’s held quirky events around the world, from a pajama party in Milan to a snorkeling session where divers used straws to breathe. Critics questioned how effective the actions were. Grub Street: “The company spent an estimated $30 to 40 million on a worldwide Millennial outreach effort called ‘I’m Lovin' It 24.’ In 24 countries, over 24 hours, McDonald's hosted free events, like a Ne-Yo concert in L.A. and a McCafe-shaped ball pit in Sydney. It was undoubtedly one of the year's most massive PR campaigns, and like almost everything under the Golden Arches right now, it turned out to be a real dud.” http://grb.st/1CTJ0A6
3. NEW LIVE-STREAMING SERVICES HAVE EVENT APPLICATIONS: One of the top products to come out of South by Southwest was a live-streaming app from a company called Meerkat. Another service, Periscope, which Twitter acquired in January, also is aiming to be the market leader, and people already are using the platforms as a tool for events and marketing. USA Today: “A good part of Periscope's appeal comes through the insider-y look others are granting you. … French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied offered a glimpse of Swan Lake from the wings of the Paris Opera Ballet. Al Roker let viewers peek in on Today. Famed chef Mario Batali gave a quick tour of The Chew kitchen. And physician Sanjay Gupta brought us into an operating room.” http://usat.ly/19042B5
* LOCAL NEWS *
CHICAGO: The American Cancer Society will host its ninth annual Discovery Ball at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on April 25. The event will include a black-tie dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, and dessert and dancing.
LAS VEGAS: The Vape Summit will return for a three-day event April 30-May 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The event is expected to use more than 300,000 square feet of event space and draw more than 300 vendors and exhibitors.
LOS ANGELES: Food Fare, a benefit for Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, raised more than $850,000 at its 36th annual event March 5 at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. About 1,600 people attended the event.
The Los Angeles Convention Center will participate in World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour on Saturday by going dark: From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., the venue will turn off non-essential lights, primarily focusing on South and West towers as well as additional exterior lighting.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The Green Baby Fair, an eco-theme event for expectant and new parents, is April 18 at the Little Haiti Cultural Center.
1 Fashion-DJ Beach Volleyball Showdown Tournament, a charity event benefiting the Alfons Animal Foundation, is today and Saturday at the beach at the new 1 Hotel South Beach.
NEW YORK: Edible Schoolyard NYC will host its third annual spring benefit, "Growing the Next Generation," on April 13 at 23 Wall Street. At the event, 20 of the city's top chefs will cook four-course dinners for individual tables.
The Museum of Modern Art's 2015 Jazz Interlude, a benefit gala dinner and live music performance, will take place April 8 in the museum.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
ORLANDO: Outpost Neighborhood Kitchen is now open in College Park. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and a menu focused on modern takes on classic comfort foods.
TORONTO: The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario will host its annual gala at the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex on April 25. The theme is “Cirque,” and the evening will feature vintage circus games.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Washington Nationals are bidding to host the 2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game. The bid includes plans for a downtown FanFest and celebrity softball games.
YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected].
JOB BOARD: Post a job or find a job: http://jobs.bizbash.com
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.
Feed the Sheet: [email protected]
Subscribe: www.bizbash.com/bizbashdaily
Advertise with BizBash: [email protected]
More in Toronto
Most Popular
