May 26, 2015: C.E.S. Expands to Asia, Joel McHale to Host ESPYs, How Chase Is Winning at the Stanley Cup Playoffs

1. C.E.S. EXPANDS TO ASIA: The first C.E.S. Asia is taking place in Shanghai, China, with a mix of conference programming, keynotes from tech leaders, and exhibits of eye-catching technology that have made C.E.S. International in Las Vegas a vital event in the consumer electronics industry. Financial Express: “CES Asia is sure to be the most important Asian and industry event launch this year. We expect announcements, innovative exhibits and big ideas for the future of technology, reinforcing the show as a major gateway to the influential Asian marketplace,” said Gary Shapiro, president and C.E.O., CEA. “We created CES Asia as a platform for companies to display products and discuss ideas from across the consumer technology ecosystem, from the Internet of Things and connectivity to 3D printing, robotics, wearables and more.” http://bit.ly/1RjXKxd

2. JOEL MCHALE TO HOST ESPYS: Actor and comedian Joel McHale will host the ESPYs sports awards in July, which move for the first time from ESPN to ABC. The Wrap: “The ‘Community’ star is a seasoned host of ‘The Soup’ on E!, and also emceed last year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Plus, McHale is an athlete: The comedian was on the University of Washington’s football team for more than a year-and-a-half after originally being recruited for the school’s rowing program.” http://bit.ly/1LERFs9

3. HOW CHASE IS WINNING AT THE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS: With the Stanley Cup Playoffs under way, brands are trying to win over hockey fans with event marketing. The bank JPMorgan Chase sponsors both teams in the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning, meaning that it will be represented in the finals no matter which teams win. Sporting News: “In both cities, Chase is also using smart event marketing tactics to reward existing customers and show other fans that Chase membership has its rewards. During Rangers home games, for example, fans who show their Chase cards at MSG's main Chase entrance on Seventh Avenue get a $10 voucher for food and beverage. … Meanwhile, Chase is the presenting partner of free outdoor viewing parties for thousands of fans in New York and Florida.” http://bit.ly/1LloidF

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  A Virgin Hotel may open soon in Boston. Boston Herald: http://bit.ly/1HFKJwm

The Colonnade Hotel’s rooftop lounge, RTP, reopens for the season today. The venue has new private cabanas, a 12-seat bar, and a new menu with items such as crab-and-avocado “eclairs."

CHICAGO:  Jimmy Chicago, the craft cocktail lounge at the James Chicago, has a new patio space that holds private events for 40 guests. Called “the Patio at Jimmy,” the venue serves drinks made with house syrups, bitters, and juices; there are also snacks such as cold smoked walleye sashimi.

LAS VEGAS:  Reggae in the Desert, the city’s largest reggae festival, will hold its 14th annual event on June 13 at the Clark County Amphitheatre.

LOS ANGELES:  Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills will participate in Global Wellness day on June 13, with experts and events including a sunrise yoga class with teacher Rainbeau Mars—the first event the hotel has done on its helipad.

Fall II/Holiday 2015 Los Angeles Fashion Market at the California Market Center will host Select Better Women's and Contemporary Tradeshow June 8-10 in the Fashion Theater located in the lobby.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale has signed the hospitality management company Menin Hospitality to oversee its food and beverage operations.

Paragon Events announced the promotion of Katherine Stokoe from events assistant to event coordinator. She will work on both small- and large-scale events.

NEW YORK:  The Malt House, a 7,000-square-foot bar and restaurant in the financial district, opened last week. The venue includes a tribute to American history through its Cocktail Parlor, which displays a collection of authentic American flags recovered from various eras as well as 21 drinks that accompany them.

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

TORONTO:  The OK Friday Barn Fair will open June 12. Featuring live music and local farmers and vendors, the market will be held at Burl’s Creek; it will run every Friday through October 9.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Ridgewells Catering catered the Washington Business Journal’s “Best Real Estate Deals” event on April 30 at Dock 5 Union Market.

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, and Anna Sekula in New York.

BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.

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