1. VATICAN ANNOUNCES POPE’S ITINERARY FOR U.S. VISIT: The Vatican released Pope Francis’s itinerary for his trip to the United States in September, and his stops include a school in East Harlem, New York, a prison in Philadelphia, and a center for homeless children in Washington—as well as more high-profile events such as mass at Madison Square Garden and an address before Congress. The New York Times: “The schedule underscores the way Francis has sought to use his papacy to focus attention on those on society’s margins. But it also offers hints of the ways a pope, unafraid of entering the political fray, might use his charisma and uncommon personal touch to challenge the American establishment on matters as varied as prison reform, environmental degradation and the ills of capitalism.” nyti.ms/1GWMdPO
2. WHERE TO SEE THE BEST 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS: New York, Washington, and Boston have reputations as staging the best 4th of July fireworks displays in the nation—although several cities go all out with elaborate productions for the holiday. Huffington Post: “Although many cities and towns -- and their corporate sponsors -- keep the cost of annual fireworks displays a tightly guarded secret, the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) reports that last year's revenue for display fireworks was $332 million; consumer fireworks revenue was even higher at a whopping $695 million.” http://huff.to/1f0toSW
3. HUNDREDS SICK AFTER "MUD DAY" EVENT: Organizers of a “Mud Day” obstacle course event this weekend in Nice, France, are dealing with a fallout after about 1,000 participants became sick. The Local: “It remains unclear exactly how the runners ended up so sick, but doctors have suggested that the illness is similar to salmonella. Others have suggested that the patients may have ingested mud that was laced with some kind of bacteria. Either way, the run's official Facebook page has been a sorry sight, with runners posting comments in their hundreds about how they'd been plagued by diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.” http://bit.ly/1Gl5Xu0
* INDUSTRY NEWS *
BidPal, which provides mobile bidding and fund-raising technology for nonprofits, is now working with Winspire, which offers travel packages and unique experiences to use as auction items at events.
* LOCAL NEWS *
CHICAGO: VH1 Save the Music Foundation will host the second pop-up dinner in its new event series, Musically Mastered Menu, on August 1 at Little Goat Diner during Lollapalooza. Titled "Lolla After Dark," the event will have a menu from local Top Chef alum Stephanie Izard and a musical performance by Zella Day.
Bright Pink’s sixth annual FitFest will be held September 20 at Fitness Formula Club: Union Station.
LAS VEGAS: On June 24, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria partnered with Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation for a pizza-making class for students with visual impairments or blindness.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas closed its Center Bar on June 28. The property plans to open a new bar concept this fall as part of a larger casino remodel.
Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino has announced the final phase of its resort-wide transformation: updates to more than 3,000 guest rooms and suites. When complete, each of the new rooms will feature vibrant colors and statement pieces.
LOS ANGELES: The newly redesigned Esterel Restaurant and Garden from Sofitel Los Angeles and Experiment U.S.A. Hospitality Group will debut with a party on July 16.
The Carlyle Inn has completed a $1 million renovation, with 32 updated room and suites.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The NACE National Experience 2016 Conference will host more than 650 event professionals at the Diplomat Resort & Spa Hollywood on July 17-20.
NEW YORK: Hampton Inn by Hilton Manhattan/Times Square has opened a 300-room hotel. It has a 425-square-foot meeting room for small gatherings of about 12 people.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
SAN FRANCISCO: The Loews Regency San Francisco has joined Associated Luxury Hotels International.
ST. LOUIS: Hotel development is strong in St. Louis, where the main convention hotel, the Renaissance St. Louis Grand, is undergoing a $30 million renovation. Hotel stays related to meetings and conventions are also increasing. St. Louis Post-Dispatch: http://bit.ly/1HvxwXm
TORONTO: To alleviate traffic surrounding the Pan Am Games, officials have plans that include dispatching motorcycle officers to transport athletes and V.I.P. guests. http://bit.ly/1R1I98Y
VANCOUVER: Philipp Posch was appointed general manager of Trump International Hotel & Tower Vancouver. The hotel is slated to open in 2016.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Hargrove will provide, install, and dismantle various decor and equipment for the Salute to the Military USO Concert on the 4th of July. The event includes a barbecue, lawn games, and entertainment on the White House lawn. It’s Hargrove’s seventh year working with the event.
YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected].
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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, Jill Menze, Anna Sekula, and Ian Zelaya in New York.
BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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