1. AMAZON TO LAUNCH PUBLIC CONFERENCE FOCUSED ON A.I.: Amazon is launching a new conference focused on A.I. and robotics. The conference, re:Mars, is a public version of its invite-only Mars conference that hosts billionaires. The event will take place June 4-7 at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. CNBC: “Mars is Amazon and Jeff Bezos's conference where billionaires and some of the brightest minds in science gather to discuss similar topics. Last year, Bezos famously took a robotic dog for a walk during the show. The year before, he walked around in a massive robot suit. The June conference builds on the concept but doesn't require an invitation to attend. … Amazon said the event is for ‘business leaders and technical builders,’ such as engineers, roboticists, and machine learning experts. Astronauts get to attend for free, according to the site.” https://cnb.cx/2RBhRB6
2. GLADYS KNIGHT TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM AT SUPER BOWL: Motown superstar Gladys Knight will sing the national anthem at Super Bowl LIII, taking place February 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Entertainment Weekly: “’I am proud to use my voice to unite and represent our country in my hometown of Atlanta,’ Knight said in a statement. ‘The N.F.L. recently announced their new social justice platform Inspire Change, and I am honored to be a part of its inaugural year.’ The ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine’ singer, and Georgia native, has won seven Grammys over the course of her soulful career and became a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee in 1996.” https://bit.ly/2QST3PD
3. SUNDANCE TO HAVE INCREASED SECURITY FOR PROTESTS OVER MICHAEL JACKSON DOCUMENTARY: The Sundance premiere of Leaving Neverland, a controversial documentary exploring allegations of sexual abuse against Michael Jackson, is slated to bring pro-Jackson protesters to the festival. Park City, Utah, police are expected to have a bigger presence during the premiere. The film has been denounced by Jackson's estate, but the festival will still screen the film despite pressure to drop it. TMZ: "We're told law enforcement is most concerned about disruptions taking place during the Q&A portion of the screening—historically, that's when protesters have caused the biggest disturbances. However, we're told cops won't stop people from exercising their First Amendment rights, so long as protesters don't block sidewalks or entrances. ... All Sundance events have increased security—including bag checks and bomb dogs—but extra resources will be allocated to the MJ screening when it premieres Friday, January 25." https://bit.ly/2FFP33b
* LOCAL NEWS *
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO: The Broadmoor resort has appointed Krista Heinicke manager of public relations and communications.
LAS VEGAS: KilPop’s Vegas Music Summit will take place January 31-February 1 at Downtown Grand Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Backstage Bar & Billiards, and Fremont Country Club.
Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Groups philanthropic food and wine event, Sip & Savor, will take place February 12 at Lupo by Wolfgang Puck inside Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The event raises funds for Keep Memory Alive, supporting Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.
LOS ANGELES: People and Entertainment Weekly, in partnership with TNT, will host the official live, red carpet pre-show for the SAG Awards on January 27. The show will stream on the TNT, SAG, People, and Entertainment Weekly websites.
The first group of performers at the 61st Grammys includes Cardi B, Post Malone, Janelle Monáe, Shawn Mendes, and Kacey Musgraves. The ceremony will be broadcast live from the Staples Center on CBS February 10.
For information on upcoming events in Los Angeles, visit Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The Mom Squad of Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (Jafco) will have its annual gala on February 2 at the Venue in Wilton Manors. The event will have a superhero theme.
III Points has partnered with online music broadcasting platform Boiler Room for the festival, taking place February 15-17. Boiler Room will broadcast throughout the weekend from a dedicated stage.
NEW YORK: Art Beyond the Glass, a multi-city fund-raising event series highlighting cocktails and projects from local bartenders, will have its inaugural New York event on January 20 at Town Stages.
The second location of chef and restaurateur Alex Stupak’s Empellón Al Pastor opens at the Pod 39 hotel today. The 6,000-square-foot restaurant, which specializes in Mexican and elevated bar food, has a private dining room, lounge, and game room. The restaurant will also launch a rooftop bar on the hotel’s 17th floor.
Brand experience agency MC² has named Gary Benson chairman and Richard McAdam his successor to chief executive officer, effective February 1.
The 21st annual Amfar Gala New York will take place February 6 at Cipriani Wall Street during New York Fashion Week. The benefit for AIDS research will honor Milla Jovovich, Simon de Pury, Mert Alas, and Marcus Piggott.
For information on upcoming events in New York, visit Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
SAN FRANCISCO: Streamlineevents has appointed Tracy DeMario vice president of sales and marketing.
TORONTO: Steam Whistle Brewing will open Steam Whistle Biergarten, its version of a German bier hall, in early spring 2019 at Toronto Roundhouse.
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With contributions from Claire Hoffman in Los Angeles and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, and Ian Zelaya in New York.
BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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