Call Sheet #261: Clooney's Record-Breaking Obama Fund-Raiser, New Marketing for the Preakness, 'Daily Show' Relocates for G.O.P. Convention

BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #261 — Thursday, 05.10.12

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Compiled today by Beth Kormanik and Anna Sekula in New York
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TODAY'S CALENDAR: Indy 500 events begin in Indianapolis; Bon Appetit's Vegas Uncork'd begins in Las Vegas

* INCOMING *

1. CLOONEY'S PRESIDENTIAL FUND-RAISER: George Clooney's fund-raising event for Barack Obama tonight could fetch $12 million. Reuters: “If President Obama has ever acted cool in courting celebrities, on Thursday he'll be dropping that act and heading for the mother lode. In what's shaping up to be one of the biggest one-off fundraisers in the history of the presidency, Obama will pitch to a houseful of boosters from Hollywood's inner circles at a sold-out event in Studio City. And it's not just any house—it's George Clooney's 7,354-square-foot crib.” http://reut.rs/K3mMNv

2. PREAKNESS PARTYING: Organizers have revamped the marketing and events lineup for the second jewel in horse racing's Triple Crown, trying to strike a balance between a crowd-pleasing party and a family-friendly atmosphere. After a bring-your-own-beer policy in 2008 resulted in injuries and arrests, the track banned outside alcohol but saw a massive attendance drop. Last year, organizers brought the party back, and marketing efforts included a new mascot, the Kegasus. He returns this year, the Washington Post reports, along with concerts by Maroon 5 and Wiz Khalifa, Olympic beach volleyball matches, and a bikini contest. http://wapo.st/LcivsA

3. HOTEL MEETING CONCEPT: Westin is replacing some of its business centers with high-tech meeting rooms. The idea is to generate new revenue from hotel guests who don't want to meet in the lobby or their rooms, as well as draw in professionals from the community who want to use the space. USA Today describes the scene at the Westin Arlington in Virginia: “Inside the Hive is a bar-high, square table with four white stools in front of two large computer screens. Several people can connect their mobile devices and talk via Skype, collaborate on a PowerPoint presentation or watch a video together. For the hourly fee, users can also take advantage of white boards, soft drinks in a small refrigerator, snacks, a couch and a separate TV to play Xbox 360.” http://usat.ly/Jes9hx

4. IHG'S OLYMPICS BOOST: After announcing a 5 percent rise in first-quarter profits, InterContinental Hotel Group is looking for a bigger boost from the London Olympics this summer. Reuters: “The British-based group said with 79 days to the start of the Olympics it hoped to gain from assisting in running the 15,000-strong athletes village and lodging the games' visitors [in] its London hotels.” http://reut.rs/IYVYmv

5. HOT DATE: May 18 is shaping up to be a crowded day for fund-raising events in Los Angeles. The 19th annual “Race to Erase MS” gala, a major money-maker for the Nancy Davis Foundation for Multiple Sclerosis, will take to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, with hosts Nancy Davis and Tommy Hilfiger. Across town, the 14th annual “Discovery Ball” will take to the California Science Center, with a theme based on the life of Cleopatra and a sneak peek at “Cleopatra: the Exhibition,” opening May 23. Earlier in the day, the Colleagues Helpers in Philanthropic Service will host its spring luncheon with a fashion presentation of Michael Kors' fall 2012 collection at the Montage Beverly Hills.

6. 'DAILY SHOW' RELOCATES FOR G.O.P. CONVENTION: Jon Stewart and crew will produce four shows from Tampa during the Republican National Convention. Fans snapped up tickets in one hour for the shows that will be taped at the David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts August 28-31. The show previously announced it will air from Charlotte during the Democratic National Convention in September.

7. CHINA'S MUSEUM BOOM: Wealthy Chinese art enthusiasts are opening private art museums around the country. The growing number of millionaires and their interest in philanthropy is fueling the trend, recalling “earlier periods in the U.S. and Europe when wealthy art patrons helped build museums that are now world renowned,” according to the Associated Press. Some 40 private museum owners and collectors from around the world are expected to attend this year's private museum forum at Art HK, Hong Kong's annual art fair, held May 17-20. http://huff.to/JecEmg

8. TECHNO TRIUMPH: Live Nation Entertainment has bought Cream Holdings, the British promoter behind Creamfields electronic dance music festival. Officials announced they plan to launch new festivals in key markets in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The timing may be right: After an attempt to expand Creamfields to the U.S. in 2001 failed, techno music has taken hold and the Electric Daisy Carnival has become a popular event in Los Angeles and Las Vegas; it comes to MetLife Stadium next weekend. The New York Times: http://nyti.ms/LPGEYJ

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* FROM THE C.E.O.: LEARNING THE RIGHT LESSON FROM THE G.S.A. *

Today we posted an opinion column from BizBash C.E.O. and founder David Adler:

“The uproar sparked by the General Services Administration’s conference in Las Vegas in 2010 provides us with one of those teachable moments that educators talk about. We can salvage some value from the situation by learning from this training and teambuilding opportunity that was hijacked by an outmoded and inappropriate 'budgets gone wild,' crony-driven, party-centric mentality.

“To an event professional, the G.S.A. gaffe is like an episode of Mad Men, a study in thinking and behaviors that are no longer viable in the present environment. The time when conventions and conferences were about hook-ups and mischief is long past. 

“The scandal here is not the what—that they brought their people together for some face-to-face time—but the how—that they seem to have viewed their event as a fling, and not as an opportunity to increase the knowledge and capabilities of the attendees.”

The full text: http://bizba.sh/KpgaLw

What do you think about the G.S.A. scandal? Tell us at  [email protected].

* COAST TO COAST *

Gavin DeGraw and Colbie Caillat will tour this summer to benefit the Grammy Foundation, Humane Society of the United States, and the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the launch of “Food. Thoughtfully Sourced. Carefully Served,” a global philosophy that focuses on sourcing and providing healthier options for guests, while implementing sustainability.

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON: Antiques at Elm Bank is June 9-10 at the Elm Bank Horticultural Center, introducing the new “Antiques are Green” children's festival.

The Chefs in Shorts event takes place at the Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center June 22. Proceeds benefit Future Chefs.

CHICAGO: Real Housewives of New York star Kelly Killoren Bensimon will sign copies of her book I Can Make You Hot at the Whiskey tonight. The event will offer Hypnotiq cocktails and a candy bar.

Revel Decor Inc. has appointed Erin Dahl-Sellers as director of sales.

LAS VEGAS: Vegas Inc: “The multimillion-dollar overhaul of the Las Vegas Convention Center that was torpedoed when the economy tanked is on again.” http://bit.ly/KQCQAZ

Hewlett Packard announced the keynote speakers for its customer event, HP Discover, slated for June 4-7 in Vegas. On June 5, president and C.E.O. Meg Whitman will deliver an address called “Making Technology Work for You.” Press release: http://on.mktw.net/J8ugR0

New two-story bar Commonwealth is slated to open this summer downtown.

LOS ANGELES: Gifts and Decorative Accessories: “In a move that demonstrates MMPI's long-term commitment to the Los Angeles gift and home market, MMPI and L.A. Mart have set the schedule for the California Gift Show through July 2019. The C.G.S. schedule, which includes show dates for both the L.A. Mart and Los Angeles Convention Center venues, reinforces the continuing position of the L.A. Mart as a permanent showroom and exhibit space.” http://bit.ly/KM9IeO

Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://masterplanneronline.com/losangeles

MIAMI: The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce will honor corporate and individual supporters of the Miami-Dade L.G.B.T. community at its 11th Annual Gala Awards Celebration June 23 at the Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel.

NEW YORK: Canard Inc. will cater the annual Kips Bay Showhouse gala May 15, benefiting the Kips Bay Boys & Girls House in the Bronx.

Several events are planned to celebrate gay pride in New York City this summer: http://bit.ly/KbrHQe

Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork

ORLANDO: The Society of General Internal Medicine’s annual meeting began yesterday and will continue through Saturday at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotel.

The 2012 Central Florida Home & Garden Show is May 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center, with guest appearance by Kimberly Lacy of HGTV's Curb Appeal.

TAMPA: The Plantation on Crystal River has named Eric Smith executive chef. Smith will oversee the new West 82 Grill and the Lobby Bar and provide catering for the resort's 12,000-square-feet of meeting space.

TORONTO: Much Music announced yesterday that LMFAO will co-host this year's Much Music Video Awards June 17. Katy Perry and other yet-unnamed stars will perform outside Much Music headquarters at Queen and John.

WASHINGTON: Virginia Republicans are being asked to consider holding a convention for the 2013 governor's race instead of primary—potentially giving event vendors some business. Proponents are supporters of Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli. The decision could be made next month, the Washington Post reports. http://wapo.st/ICTYLR

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, Carla Warrilow in Toronto, and Anna Sekula, Beth Kormanik, and Rose Chevalier in New York.

BizBash Call Sheet is the must-read daily digest of event industry news from BizBash.com. 

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