April 3, 2014: Samsung's Selfie Stunt With Obama, 3 Tips for Introducing Speakers, SXSW Announces Event for Crash Victims

1. SXSW ANNOUNCES EVENT FOR CRASH VICTIMS: Following a car crash that killed four people and injured 17 before a South by Southwest concert last month, the festival founded the SXSWCares Fund to support victims and announced the SXSWCares Big Benefit, a series of events April 12-20. CultureMap: “With a multi-day event at controlled locations, organizers hope to maximize fundraising efforts by offering businesses and individuals multiple chances to participate. It's also the hope that by participating in the recovery efforts, the community will gain closure.” http://bit.ly/1lDEwps

2. SAMSUNG'S SELFIE STUNT WITH OBAMA: Samsung is proving to be the master of the selfie stunt, first with Ellen DeGeneres’s star-packed photo at the Oscars, and now with Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz posing with President Obama. Reports differ on whether Ortiz has an endorsement deal with the company, but Samsung has certainly capitalized on the moment. Boston Globe: “Samsung Mobile promoted the Obama-Ortiz selfie on Twitter after the Red Sox appeared at the White House, and it had been retweeted 34,000 times as of Tuesday evening. As Twitter users weighed in, Samsung Mobile smartly responded to individual users asking about the picture. ‘This photo was taken with a #GalaxyNote3,’ Samsung Mobile US tweeted.” http://b.globe.com/1ln9jUK

3. 3 TIPS FOR INTRODUCING SPEAKERS: Introducing a speaker may sound easy, but pitfalls can sink a speech before it even starts. Huffington Post blogger Adam Grant, a frequent speaker at events, shares three mistakes people make when making an introduction. http://huff.to/1hDXusP


* INDUSTRY NEWS *

The World Tourism Organization published its Global Report on the Meeting Industry, which covers marketing, the added value of events, and case studies from the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Download it here: http://platma.org/publications.

* LOCAL NEWS *

COAST TO COAST:  The Republican National Committee’s Site Selection Committee narrowed down potential sites for the 2016 Republican National Convention to Cincinnati, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, and Las Vegas. Staff will now take a more in-depth and technical look at financing, convention venues, media workspace, and hotels before deciding which will receive official site visits from the full RNC delegation.

BOSTON:  United for Boston’s Own, a chef-driven dining event, will take place on April 14 at Mike’s City Diner. Benefitting the Walsh-Kennedy Memorial Fund, the evening will offer a nine-course dinner prepared by chefs including Ken Oringer and Ming Tsai.

CHICAGO:  The Book of Mormon will return to Chicago’s Bank of America Theatre in February, 2015. Group tickets are available now through Broadway in Chicago.

The Lookingglass Theatre Junior Board will host its Madhatter’s Ball at Block 37 on June 14. The event has a “Fun House” theme.

LAS VEGAS:  MGM Resorts International and PepsiCo will present Las Vegas Foodie Fest, a Red Dragon-produced event, April 24-27 at the Lot across from Luxor Hotel and Casino.

LOS ANGELES:  John Varvatos 11th annual Stuart House Benefit is April 13 at the company's store at 8800 Melrose Avenue. The event includes a performance by Willie Nelson & sons as well as kids activities, a silent auction, and shopping.

Movie Awards Eco Lounge will open at the Beverly Hilton's Bar 210 April 9-10 from producer Debbie Durkin.

On May 17, the Manhattan Beach Chamber and Stella Artois are hosting Bite at the Beach, the South Bay's first food and craft beer festival.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s Take Steps Fort Lauderdale event is May 28 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Comedian Paul Mecurio will entertain guests.

NEW YORK:  Surtex, a conference for the art and design industry, is May 18-20 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

The Kristen Ann Carr Fund's 21st anniversary gala, A Night to Remember, is Saturday at Tribeca Grill.

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

ORLANDO:  The Florida Film Festival begins Friday and goes through April 13 at venues around Orlando, Winter Park, and Maitland with 170 films on the schedule. The opening-night party will include food from Cask & Larder, Ethos Vegan Kitchen, K Restaurant, and more.

SAN FRANCISCO:  HackCancer, a group that hosts events to benefit cancer charities, will host a Game of Thrones theme party at the San Francisco Armory on April 5.

TORONTO:  Windup Bird Cafe will host its inaugural Cook/Book event on April 13. Author Katherine Govier will launch her newest book, Half For You and Half For Me, and will prepare hot-cross buns inspired by the book. Eater: http://bit.ly/1hipflT

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  An Evening for Hope, benefiting the Children’s Inn at NIH, is Saturday at the Ritz-Carlton, Tyson’s Corner. The singer Jennifer Holliday will perform.

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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, 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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