March 23, 2016: Security Already a Top Concern for Political Conventions, ‘Batman v Superman’ Scales Back Premiere After Brussels Attack, Record Crowds Expected After New York Approves U.F.C. Fights

1. SECURITY ALREADY A TOP CONCERN FOR POLITICAL CONVENTIONS: Detailed security plans are already taking shape for the major political conventions set to take place this summer. The terrorist attacks in Brussels as well as the episodes of violence at Republican front-runner Donald Trump’s rallies have added to the security calculus for providing security not only at the convention itself but also at hotels and outside events. Politico: “Several event planners who are organizing private panels, industry gatherings and concerts around the convention said they are increasing security to stave off any issues with attendees looking to disrupt activities. … Hotels also plan to increase security during the convention. Metro Cleveland Security Operations Manager Terry Zacharyj said the company, which provides security guards, armed guards and off-duty police, has seen an increase in business from several hotels to ‘provide a safe environment.’” http://politi.co/1WHxQpc

2. ‘BATMAN V SUPERMAN’ SCALES BACK PREMIERE AFTER BRUSSELS ATTACK: Warner Brothers scaled back but did not cancel the London premiere of the film Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice following the terrorist attacks in Brussels. It canceled red carpet interviews, and director Zack Snyder asked fans for a moment of silence. Deadline: “Aside from heavy traffic on the streets of London to reach the venue, the red carpet portion of the premiere felt typical of these types of events at Odeon Leicester Square, though police did appear slightly more on edge outside the theater. It was a full house ahead of the screening. … Earlier in the day, after the attacks in Brussels, the studio released a statement about its plans for the premiere: ‘Our hearts go out to the victims of recent terrorist attacks, their families and the communities impacted around the world. Rather than yield to terror, we’ve decided to join the film’s fans and move forward with the London premiere of Batman v uperman this evening.’” http://bit.ly/1T65NRs

3. RECORD CROWDS EXPECTED AFTER NEW YORK APPROVES U.F.C. FIGHTS: After waging an eight-year fight to bring the Ultimate Fighting Championship to New York, its owners celebrated legislation passed by the the New York State Assembly to legalize and regulate professional mixed martial arts. The bill is expected to get Governor Andrew Cuomo’s signature and bring fights to Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, and other venues. Los Angeles Times: “[UFC Chairman Lorenzo] Fertitta said he’s planning two cards in New York state this year and ultimately wants to stage four UFC cards per year in the state, acknowledging that live-gate records are expected. ‘For us, the New York market is the biggest ... obviously, the biggest media market,’ Fertitta said.” http://lat.ms/1VDaz9A

* LOCAL NEWS *

BOSTON:  The team behind Island Creek Oyster Bar will open a new restaurant in Harvard Square next winter. The yet-unnamed venue will be designed by New York firm Bentel & Bentel, which also designed Gramercy Tavern.

CHICAGO:  Aire, a rooftop lounge at Hyatt Centric the Loop Chicago, will open on May 10. With panoramic city views, the venue will host private events as well as classes and art exhibitions.

LAS VEGAS:  Grant a Gift Autism Foundation’s seventh annual Race for Hope and Fun Walk will return to Town Square on April 30.

LOS ANGELES:  BET Networks and AEG have announced the lineup for the BET Experience. Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, and Usher are among the headliners for the June 23-26 event, which will take place at L.A. Live.

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

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  The Women’s Fund will host the Power of the Purse luncheon and auction April 7 at the BankUnited Center at the University of Miami. A V.I.P. ticket provides early access to the event and a chance to meet honorary event chairwoman Elle Macpherson. More than 900 people are expected to attend the event.

NEW YORK:  The Endometriosis Foundation of America's eighth annual Blossom Ball will take place April 19 at Pier 60. The event will be hosted by foundation founders Padma Lakshmi and Tamer Seckin and honor Susan Sarandon and Farr Nezhat.

The Brooklyn Museum will host its sixth annual Brooklyn Artists Ball on April 20.

The Children's Museum of Manhattan will host its 2016 Spring Gala on May 24 at Pier 61.

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

SAN FRANCISCO:  Chef Jonathan Waxman and restaurateur Howard Greenstone have opened Waxman's in Ghirardelli Square. Featuring a menu inspired by Italian and Californian food, the restaurant is housed in a renovated 6,500-square-foot warehouse, and it features a 75-seat café, a 110-seat dining room, a 10-seat communal table, and a 60-seat patio.

Aatxe, the Spanish restaurant in the Swedish American Hall, has opened a private dining room called the Aatxe Cider House. Its menu offers tapas, roasted meats, cheeses, and—of course—cider. The room seats 24 guests.

TORONTO:  The Star peeks inside ComiCon 2016, which took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre this past weekend. on.thestar.com/21Fg8Uw

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Washingtonian: “In its latest attempt to morph from a transportation provider to a full-service logistics company, Uber is launching its food-delivery platform, UberEATS, as a standalone app for DC customers beginning Tuesday. That means that in addition to ferrying people around town, some Uber drivers will also be carting hot meals.” http://bit.ly/1Zo6Nku

YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected]. 

JOB BOARD: Post a job or find a job: http://jobs.bizbash.com

With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, Jill Menze, Anna Sekula, and Ian Zelaya in New York.

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

Feed the Sheet: [email protected]

Subscribe: www.bizbash.com/bizbashdaily

Advertise with BizBash: [email protected]