January 23, 2015: the Secrets to Award Show Seating Lists, Huge Demand for Windows Conference, Experiential Marketing Lessons From Big Events

1. THE SECRETS TO AWARD SHOW SEATING LISTS: The producers of Sunday’s 21st annual Screen Actors Guild awards share their secrets for creating seating charts for the event, which places 1,234 people at dinner tables. And like many event planners, they still use Post-it notes with names written on them to test out various combinations. USA Today: "It's seating a wedding on speed for cameras," says Kathy Connell, the show's executive producer. "You're looking for chemistry. It's like throwing a big party." http://usat.ly/1yRhccd

2. HUGE DEMAND FOR WINDOWS CONFERENCE: Timing the registration for its Build 2015 developer conference to a day after a major product announcement, Microsoft created demand that helped the event sell out in less than an hour. The event, set for April 28-May 1 in San Francisco, took advantage of interest in the company’s new HoloLens virtual reality headset. Mashable: “Last year, the Build conference did sell out, but it took about a day for all the tickets to be claimed. Other conferences, like Google I/O, for example, typically sell out in under an hour.” http://on.mash.to/1AY5RVL

3. EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING LESSONS FROM BIG EVENTS: The Sundance Film Festival, now underway, as well as South by Southwest, Live Aid, and even the World’s Fair in 1893 offer some of the best experiential marketing, according to Eddie Newquist, chief creative officer at Global Experience Specialists. Forbes: “Above all, you must remember that experiential marketing is about brand engagement and enhancement. Consider what makes your event a special experience for your audience, and do what you can to emphasize that unique connection—whether that’s through compelling characters, universal themes, or an authentic celebratory event.” http://onforb.es/1L4TqQc

* LOCAL NEWS *

ATLANTA:  Atlanta magazine's Best of Atlanta Party returns to Cobb Galleria on March 4. More than 60 restaurants and food trucks and 30 bars are expected to participate.

BOSTON:  Kevin Mabry, the Bina Family Hospitality Group’s bar manager, has developed a “Barmobile.” The 30-foot 1946 airliner will house a full-service bar and cater events in the area.

CHICAGO:  The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau has hired Tobie Fitzpatrick as a sales manager.

CINCINNATI:  The Westin Cincinnati announced that it has begun work on a multimillion-dollar renovation to its 456 guest rooms and will add the Tangent at Westin workspace for small meetings.

LAS VEGAS:  The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens has unveiled its Chinese New Year display, which will be showcased through March 15. It includes 22,000 flowers in red and gold, with silk lantern chandeliers and Asian vignettes.

LOS ANGELES:  Paul Lee is the new executive chef at Patina. Additionally, the restaurant has transitioned to a tasting-only format with multicourse prix-fixe options.

L.A. Live will host Downtown Dark Nights, a community event for people who live and work downtown, on February 6.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  Miami Herald: "Miami-Dade commissioners approved a $10 million subsidy for a developer to build what was described as one of the largest movie studios outside of California, the second government-backed production facility in the Miami area." http://hrld.us/1BKQeqb

As part of its Life at 50 Plus National Event & Expo in May, AARP announced the second AARP Superstar contest for singers ages 50 and older. A public vote will help winnow down the field, with finalists performing live before a panel of celebrity judges at the expo, which is May 14-16 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

NEW YORK:  Bailey House's annual gala and auction is March 26 at Pier 60. The organization, which provides services to people living with H.I.V./AIDS and other chronic illnesses, will honor broadcaster Jane Pauley among others.

The Museum of Modern Art will present its David Rockefeller Award to Macy's C.E.O. and Chairman Terry J. Lundgren at a luncheon at the museum on February 5.

Lincoln Center Festival announced the lineup its 20th edition, which runs July 6-August 2 at six venues on the center's campus. The festival will feature 58 performances from ensembles including the National Ballet of China and the Cleveland Orchestra.

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

SAN FRANCISCO:  Trestle will open in Jackson Square in March. The 49-seat restaurant will serve three-course prix-fixe menus for $35 each.

TORONTO:  The Canadian Film Centre hosts its annual gala and auction on February 4 at the Carlu. Organizers expect more than 500 guests, including industry professionals from film, television, and digital media.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  California-based Summer House Santa Monica has opened an outpost in North Bethesda, and a branch of the pizzeria Stella Barra will open in early February. Chefs Jeff Mahin and Francis Brennan are working with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises on the ventures.

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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.

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