1. PARIS ATTACKS REVEAL SECURITY STRUGGLES OF SMALL VENUES: The series of terrorist attacks in Paris Friday night that killed at least 129 people targeted places where people gather: a soccer stadium, a concert hall, and a restaurant, among other locations. The venues each had different levels of security, and the bloodshed at the Bataclan concert hall in particular shows the vulnerabilities of small venues when confronted with providing effective security. International Business Times: “That four gunmen were able to kill 80 people and wound another 180 at the 1,500-seat theater stands in sharp contrast to what happened to the north at the 80,000-seat Stade de France, where a would-be suicide bomber was turned away at the gate, potentially saving hundreds of lives. The bloodshed at the Bataclan and the relative safety of those inside Stade de France—including French President François Hollande—underscores a sobering reality that while much progress has been made to protect large targets, safety and security measures at smaller venues are inconsistent, if they exist at all.” http://bit.ly/1HOL3Kg
2. NATIONS SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH PARIS THROUGH LIGHTING DESIGN: As people throughout the world sought to offer comfort and solidarity to the French in the wake of the deadly terrorist attacks Friday night, a popular tribute came through lighting various national monuments and iconic city symbols in the colors of the French flag. The Sydney Opera House, the new One World Trade Center building in New York, and the CN Tower in Toronto all featured the blue, white, and red of the French Tricolor, making lighting designers the unsung heroes of the memorials. Mashable: http://on.mash.to/1Qq4tYs
3. BUSINESS TRAVELERS TO FRANCE TO SEE INCREASED SECURITY: While the travel industry largely has maintained operations since Friday’s terrorist attacks Paris, several airlines and hotel chains were offering fee-free changes to itineraries. Security has been increased at airports and border crossings, as well. USA Today: “Airports were open and rail service was running on Saturday, but operations were anything but normal. Travelers faced enhanced security and border checks, both in France and in other western nations as western officials reacted to the situation in France. … Travelers continuing with their plans were warned to expect disruptions, long lines and delays.” http://usat.ly/1SwbV1S
4. MARRIOTT TO BUY STARWOOD IN MAJOR HOTEL MERGER: Marriott International announced plans to buy Starwood Hotels & Resorts in a merger of two mega hotel chains. The sale would create the largest hotel company in the world. Associated Press: “The stock-and-cash deal, if completed, will add 50 percent more rooms to Marriott's portfolio and give it more unique, design-focused hotels that appeal to younger travelers. The new company would have 5,500 properties with more than 1.1 million rooms around the world, uniting Starwood's brands, which include Westin, W and St. Regis, with Marriott's two dozen brands including Marriott's Courtyard, Ritz-Carlton and Fairfield Inn.” http://abcn.ws/1MhxaTA
* INDUSTRY NEWS *
SPIN:Senior Planners Industry Network, announced it would waive membership dues until the end of 2016 as well as waive registration fees for its events and activities next year, including its annual North American conference, SPINCon.
* LOCAL NEWS *
ATLANTA: Delta Air Lines' investment in Georgia Tech will include a $2 million innovation center at Midtown's Tech Square. The space is nearly 7,000 square feet. Atlanta Business Chronicle: http://bit.ly/1PrBROw
ATLANTIC CITY: The Teams Conference & Expo has announced a three-year co-location partnership with the National Congress of State Games in Atlantic City. The 2016 conference will take place September 26-29.
AUSTIN: Austin American-Statesman: "A proposed expansion plan for the Austin Convention Center has rekindled a long-running, nationwide debate between an academic and a consultant, raising questions about the benefits a larger facility would deliver." http://atxne.ws/1MctUJa
BOSTON: The Sinclair will host “Cocktail Wars” on November 22. The Iron Chef-style mixology challenge will feature competitors from the Hawthorne, Trade, and more.
CHICAGO: Boutique Bites catering is offering a Thanksgiving menu, with items such as carrot gnocchi and sweet potatoes.
LAS VEGAS: Lovelady Brewing is slated to open in downtown Henderson in the spring. The 5,975-square-foot brewery will have a "tap house" and covered patio. Eater: http://bit.ly/1Ps8hIu
LOS ANGELES: Time Out Los Angeles' inaugural Mac & Cheese Smackdown will take place December 6 at L.A. River Studios.
Local event listings from the new Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The Chris Evert Raymond James Pro Celebrity Tennis Classic will take place November 20-22 at the Delray Beach Tennis Center. In addition to the tournament, the event includes the 26th annual gala November 21 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.
NEW YORK: The International Emmy World Television Festival will take place November 21-22 at the Sofitel Hotel.
Local event listings from the new Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA: The I.A.A.P.A. Attractions Expo runs today through Friday at the Orange County Convention Center.
TORONTO: Movember Canada’s official flagship gala, Suits & Staches, will take place Friday at Leon’s Roundhouse.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Event designer Bryan Rafanelli is creating this year’s White House holiday decorations. Rafanelli—no stranger to the residence having planned five state dinners—will install his designs in some 20 rooms. HGTV will feature the holiday decorations in a special program.
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.
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