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Call Sheet #46: New York's Gay Wedding Rush, Chicago Event Security Problems, Trade Show Scandal

BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #46 — Monday, 06.27.11

Compiled today by Chad Kaydo in New York
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* INCOMING *

1. NEW YORK'S GAY WEDDING RUSH: With New York State passing a same-sex marriage bill late Friday night, the event industry is preparing for a rash of weddings when the bill takes effect July 24, and a multimillion dollar increase in business. (According to a study, after Massachusetts allowed gay marriage in 2004, in the first four years it saw an economic impact of approximately $111 million.)

When we spoke with New York City planners, designers, and caterers before the decision last week, they were already getting calls. Carla Ruben, president of Creative Edge Parties, predicted, "we will see an enormous impact—30 to 40 percent increase—in our wedding business."
http://bit.ly/kTKf2K

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to unveil the “NYC I Do” campaign to sell the city as a gay-wedding destination. Bloomberg:
http://bloom.bg/mtlaNi

Wedding planners and bakeries told The New York Post they were working overtime Saturday to handle "the flood of overjoyed couples."
http://nyp.st/lHzAMf

Boston-based planner Bernadette Smith, who specializes in gay weddings, decided to relocate to New York immediately. She expects her client base of people traveling to Massachusetts from elsewhere to wed will shift to New York. AP:
http://bit.ly/lP1PSs

2. CHICAGO PRIDE PROBLEM: More than 50 floats in the Chicago gay pride parade had their tires slashed before Sunday's festivities, but all but three were repaired in time to roll by the record-setting crowd of 450,000. The Chicago Sun-Times:
http://bit.ly/lta1ez

3. MORE ON CHICAGO EVENT SECURITY: Chicago police will have an increased presence at the Taste of Chicago, which is running until July 3. The AP: "After local and national media reports that roaming mobs were attacking shoppers and snatching their belongings in and around the Magnificent Mile section of Chicago’s Michigan Avenue in recent weeks, officials worry the Taste of Chicago could quickly turn from a showcase event for the city to one that harms its reputation and tourist industry." Another change: The event is run by the Chicago Park District, which is taking over from the mayor’s Office of Special Events for the first time.
http://wapo.st/jHjl3P

4. TRADE SHOW SCANDAL: A major poultry industry trade show has suspended an exhibitor for a year after its founder was accused of searching through a competitor's booth after hours. According to the Midwest Poultry Federation, Alltech founder T. Pearse Lyons was caught on security camera video footage photographing a competitor's booth and opening closed cabinets to view promotional materials. The Lexington (Kentucky) Herald-Leader:
http://bit.ly/mI53ie

5. ANOTHER ROYAL WEDDING: Prince Albert of Monaco will marry former Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock this weekend. According to The Daily, there's a civil service Friday followed by a cocktail reception, concert, and light and sound show. After a religious ceremony Saturday comes the official dinner for 450 guests with a buffet by Alain Ducasse, a grand ball, and fireworks.
http://bit.ly/mz6Sg7

* LOCAL NEWS *

CHICAGO: An editorial in today's Chicago Tribune: "To remain a world-class convention venue, Chicago needs to make sure exhibitors and attendees get good value at every turn."
http://trib.in/jQROj7

Tavernita, a new restaurant from the owners of Mercadito, is slated to open in September. The venue will offer Mediterranean-inspired small plates, a tapas bar, and international beverages, and Ryan Poli will be chef.
http://bit.ly/kAZwPi

Jewels in July, a fund-raiser for Archi-treasures, will take place at Adobo Grill on July 20. The venue will serve signature Treaurita cocktails, and a silent auction will offer wine, art, and restaurant gift cards.
http://bit.ly/lvgjN7

LOS ANGELES: After more than six years at Mercedes-Benz, Larkin Hill has taken a job heading up PR at Santa Monica-based battery company Coda Holdings.

Pro audio vendor Rhythm & Sound Company has a new management department offering DJ services in a range of styles for events.

ORLANDO: Karl's Event Services, PRG, Unique Option, Organized Jungle, Arthur's Catering, and the Peabody Orlando were just some of the companies that contributed to the groundbreaking celebration for the new Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Sponsor donations and in-kind services from vendors allowed organizers to produce the three-day celebration, including Thursday night's V.I.P. party, without using any public funds.

The Orange County Convention Center is starting its summer slowdown. The Orlando Sentinel:
http://thesent.nl/k9whFh

COAST TO COAST: Cooking Channel is another of the brands hitting the road with food trucks this summer. The network is marking its first birthday with a cross-country frozen treat truck tour using local vendors in each market. Upcoming cities include Pittsburgh July 2, Boston July 4, Cleveland July 6, Detroit July 9, and Chicago July 16.

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

With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, Carla Warrilow in Toronto, and Erica Petri, Anna Sekula, and Courtney Thompson in New York.

BizBash Call Sheet is the must-read daily digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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