BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #150 — Wednesday, 11.23.11
Compiled today by Chad Kaydo and Jana Schiowitz in New York
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* INCOMING *
1. MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE: Amy Kule is the iconic event’s new executive producer and grand marshal. She will introduce some new elements: a tricaloon, a three-wheeled bicycle with a 10-foot inflatable character on the back, and “an Aflac the Duck ‘balloonicle,’ a 40-foot balloon inflated with a vehicle inside that will roll down the parade route.”
The Wall Street Journal: “Ms. Kule says she wants to ‘refresh’ and put her own spin on the parade—up to a point. ‘There are pieces of it that will always remain the parade that you don't want to fool with,’ she says. For example, don't mess with Santa. ‘He is our Holy Grail,’ she says.”
http://on.wsj.com/udWofD
Senior editor Anna Sekula spoke to Kule about her plans to engage consumers in new ways earlier this year. Here’s our Q&A:
http://bit.ly/pcNuOm
2. LONDON OLYMPICS FESTIVAL: To coincide with the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games, Night of Festivals, produced by ArtReach, will open June 21 in Old Market Square, just before the Torch Relay visits Nottingham. Elements planned include a processional piece by carnival and outdoor arts company Mandinga Arts, a theme linking the London games to the 2016 Rio games with samba dancers, a live music stage, and street performances.
http://bit.ly/9pXubU
In other Olympics news: Stella McCartney is designing a collection that will be presented during London Fashion Week at an event that is a nod to the games. McCartney, creative director for Adidas Team GB, has designed the uniforms for both British athletes and pieces for local Olympics fans. WWD (subscribers only):
http://bit.ly/vVBGkv
3. FIAT MARKETER OUT: After a marketing plan that included a Fashion Week stunt and putting a car on stage with Jennifer Lopez at the American Music Awards, Fiat C.E.O. Sergio Marchionne ousted Laura Soave as head of Fiat North America Tuesday and named Timothy Kuniskis, formerly director of marketing for the Chrysler and Fiat brands, as the new chief. Brand Channel:
http://bit.ly/v9J67t
4. IMG OUTLOOK: After the death of chairman and C.E.O. Ted Forstmann Sunday, fashion industry types have speculated on its impact on its industry properties. IMG runs Fashion Week events in New York, Miami, Berlin, Tokyo, Russia, Australia, and Mumbai. IMG spokesperson: "Ted Forstmann was an iconic businessman who bought and sold 39 companies...For anyone to think that he left this company rudderless, confused or dazed is the silliest concept I can think of." WWD:
http://bit.ly/spVVO2
* UPCOMING *
The International Special Events Society announced its 25th anniversary celebration at the ISES Eventworld 2012, August 2-4 in Dallas. ISES is also planning other activities, including a museum and history slideshow.
http://bit.ly/hxk5AR
* LOCAL NEWS *
COAST TO COAST: Co-creators and stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein from the Independent Film Channel's comedy "Portlandia" are going on a six-city tour, performing live music and showing clips from the show's upcoming second season. Beginning in Portland December 27, the duo will also stop in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.
http://bit.ly/vtmhMr
BOSTON: The MIT Museum's 14th annual Friday After Thanksgiving Chain Reaction event takes place at the Rockwell Cage Gymnasium Friday. The event features 35 mini chain reactions linked together with the help of artist Arthur Ganson.
http://bit.ly/c6HhCq
Boston.com: The Boston Music Awards Sunday night "could have just as easily been experienced as a costume party, an extravagant promenade, a posh music festival, or any variation of the aforementioned."
http://bo.st/uufwNX
CHICAGO: The Berghoff has a series of holiday events and specials including "hot cider Sundays" and black-cherry soda for $1 on black Friday.
http://bit.ly/ufOwyy
LAS VEGAS: UBM Studios announced yesterday that its senior vice president of sales and development, Kristin Beaulieu, will speak at "Expo! Expo!" The annual meeting and exhibition of the International Association of Events and Exhibitions runs December 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
http://prn.to/rPqNdi
Flamingo Las Vegas has announced plans to refurbish 2,307 hotel rooms. The new "Fab" rooms are on sale now for guest arrivals beginning January 2.
LOS ANGELES: Valerie Simpson (of Ashford and Simpson) and Mike Stoller (of songwriting team Leiber & Stoller) will join Usher in a tribute to songwriters at the Grammy Nominations Concert Live at the Nokia Theatre November 30.
The city is on course to host a record number of visitors this year. L.A. Times: "The N.B.A. All-Star weekend and the Electronic Entertainment Expo were among the events that helped boost convention room bookings by 51 percent this year."
http://lat.ms/seJsad
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The Museum of Contemporary Art and Vanity Fair are hosting an event November 29, marking the opening of local artists Mark Handforth and Teresita Fernandez's art and photography exhibitions. A Donna Karan pop-up shop will also open that evening at the museum.
NEW YORK: Observers of the High Line are planning another green space. The proposed park would be underground in the former trolley terminal under Delancy Street, nicknamed the Low Line. The New York Times:
http://nyti.ms/sb6nwj
The UNICEF Snowflake Ball is November 29 at Cipriani 42nd Street. Bravo's Andy Cohen is hosting the event with a performance by Natasha Bedingfield, food by Marcus Samuelsson and Geoffrey Zakarian, and decor by Vern Yip.
ORLANDO: Neil Patrick Harris, Mira Sorvino, Geena Davis, and Susan Lucci are scheduled to narrate the Candlelight Processional at Epcot's American Gardens Theatre. The holiday celebration runs three times each night November 25 through December 30.
TORONTO: The fifth annual Winter Magic festival continues through December 31. Run by the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area, Yonge Street will be home to busker acts, holiday window displays, and a 40-foot light tree.
http://bit.ly/ems5J
WASHINGTON: Tomorrow the Thanksgiving Day Swing Dance Party begins at the Millennium Stage in the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. As part of the ongoing Swing, Swing, Swing festival, the Daryl Davis Band will perform two sets of boogie blues with dance lessons. The Washington Post:
http://wapo.st/sdZXo6
Emily Moothart has been named director of group sales of the Washington Marriott Wardman Park. Previously, Moothart held the position of senior account executive.
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 Matthew Mogavero, Jana Schiowitz, Anna Sekula, Courtney Thompson, and Katherine Zoeller in New York.
BizBash Call Sheet is the must-read daily digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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Subscribe: http://info.bizbash.com/callsheet.html
