1. MAJOR EVENTS BEEF UP SECURITY: From preparations for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's funeral to major league sporting events, security efforts were increased worldwide. Associated Press: "Jittery officials announced plans for security reviews of upcoming marathons and road races in cities large and small, including this weekend's marathon in Lansing, Mich., Nashville's Country Music Marathon on April 27, next month's Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the San Francisco Marathon in June." http://bit.ly/11cZe1x
2. MARATHON ORGANIZERS EVALUATE SECURITY: Marathon planners are considering their safety precautions but haven't announced any changes to their events. CBS Chicago: "The head of the Chicago Marathon says the fatal explosions near the Boston Marathon finish line Monday underscore the importance of security at the major events. But Carey Pinkowski, who was in Boston with his staff, says it’s premature to start thinking about wholesale changes at his city’s race. Chicago’s starting and finish line is tightly controlled, he says." http://cbsloc.al/136Qzmn
3. LATE-NIGHT HOSTS REACT TO TRAGEDY: Late-night hosts addressed the tragedies during their shows last night. Here's what Boston native Conan O'Brien had to say: "I wanted to take a moment to say that—like everybody here—my thoughts and prayers are with the people of Boston and everybody who has been affected by this absolutely senseless act," he said. "That said—it is our job to do a show. We’re going to try and entertain you the very best we can—which, given our track record, gives you people a 20 percent chance of having a good time tonight." http://bit.ly/16Zqapg
4. GOOGLE PERSON FINDER HELPS IN AFTERMATH: The service, created after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, helped people locate friends and family in Boston. Mashable: "As the tool is being populated, you can either search for someone or share information about someone's whereabouts. The tool includes a disclaimer stating that Google doesn't review or verify any information, and all submitted details are public to all users. If you can't find the information you're looking for from Google Person Finder, the Boston Athletic Association shares marathon runners' recent times and locations. The Red Cross has a similar feature to Google's Person Finder called Safe and Well, which is currently being used to share whereabouts as well." http://on.mash.to/11iUDfq
* INDUSTRY NEWS *
ESpeakers.com, a 14-year-old technology and marketing company providing the speaking industry with the tools to do business online, is launching its newest product, ESpeakers Marketplace, in summer 2013. It claims it will be the largest directory of professional presenters available online.
* LOCAL NEWS *
AUSTIN: The Professional Convention Management Association announced that the cities of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Austin have been selected to host the 2016 and 2017 Convening Leaders annual meetings, respectively.
BOSTON: On May 12, Aura will host a Mother's Day brunch with menu items including eggs Benedict, ricotta blintzes, and french toast. Reps from the Kids Place 4 Fun and Jewelry by Karel will be on hand to sell gifts for the holiday.
CHICAGO: In Lincoln Square, Gather will unveil a patio for private events later this month. With garden seating for 40, the space will be decked with an oversize mural, granite-topped tables, and votives. A special outdoor menu will focus on seasonal small plates, champagnes, and summery white wines.
Bloomingdale's North Michigan Avenue will host "Cosmetics for a Cause" benefitting IMD Guest House on Thursday. The event includes entertainment, food and drinks, and grooming services for men and women.
LAS VEGAS: CBS Las Vegas has a roundup of summer concerts in the area: http://cbsloc.al/11YIIVf
LOS ANGELES: Paris Photo Los Angeles is slated for April 25-28 at Paramount Studios.
The Los Angeles Entertainment Summit, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, is slated for July 22-24 at the Hyatt Regency Century City. The Hollywood Reporter: http://bit.ly/Zv49IB
The seventh annual Asomugha Foundation gala took to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel on Saturday with a performance by Estelle.
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The Lauderdale Air Show is this weekend, taking place in the skies over Fort Lauderdale. The Geico Skytypers, six WWII-vintage aircraft, plan to "type" giant billboards of dot-matrix-style messages that are 1,000 feet tall and can be viewed from as many as 15 miles in any direction.
NEW YORK: World Yacht is introducing locally sourced seasonal menus from its in-house catering team to its dinner cruises. Sample spring menu items include a salad with locally farmed artisanal greens, a free-range chicken breast, and portobello giardino topped with seasonal vegetables.
ORLANDO: Mainsail Suites Hotel & Conference Center has promoted Neisja Jones to general manager.
TORONTO: Toronto’s only Alsatian restaurant, Elle M’a Dit, is closing. Toronto Life: http://bit.ly/11aIRTh
WASHINGTON: Chef Victor Albisu plans to open Del Campo, an upscale South American grill, April 22. The restaurant has a 129-seat dining room and 36-seat bar, as well as a nine-seat Asado Bar overlooking the open kitchen.
Last week, more than 300 travel industry employees from across the country visited Washington to lobby Congress on visa policy, transportation infrastructure, government meetings, and Brand USA marketing efforts.
YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected].
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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Jenna Berris, Beth Kormanik, Lauren Matthews, and Anna Sekula in New York.
BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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