1. BOSTON MARATHON MARKETING WALKS SENSITIVE LINE: Much thought has gone into the marketing of the Boston Marathon, which takes place today, to honor the victims of the 2013 bombing but also celebrate the runners and host city. Among those developing a marketing strategy was financial services firm John Hancock, the race’s principal sponsor. Boston Globe: “Now in its 30th year as a Marathon partner, the company is treading carefully, wary of any appearance that it is capitalizing on a tragedy that heightened the event’s profile, said chief administrative officer Jim Gallagher. At least 20 people at Hancock hold regular discussions about how to keep its sponsorship tasteful, now that athletic achievements and painful memories are intertwined, Gallagher said. The key seems to be finding a way to gracefully return the focus to the running while honoring the past in everything from the promotional banners that adorn city light posts to the company’s social media messages.” http://bit.ly/1HnuIsU
2. HITS AND MISSES AT MAJOR EARTH DAY EVENT: The first Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day, which took place this weekend on the National Mall, drew A-list performers and an enthusiastic crowd but failed to balance the music with the message. Washington Post: “Their goal was to inspire a generation to renew its commitment to environmentalism and sustainable development. But this was a long, disjointed, momentum-shunting event. Yes, there was music from No Doubt, Common and Mary J. Blige, but the performances were vastly outnumbered by dozens upon dozens of dry, unimaginative speeches. Speakers included U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde, various foreign dignitaries, too many corporate sponsors and too few activists. One of the day’s oratory highlights was actor Don Cheadle explaining the dangers of lead paint.” http://wapo.st/1EjhUEY
3. THE RADICAL CHANGE ONE SUCCESSFUL TRADE SHOW IS CONSIDERING: The High Point Market, the successful furniture trade show in North Carolina held twice a year, remains open only to furniture buyers. But organizers are being asked to consider opening it to the public, among other changes. Winston-Salem Journal: “The authority has stepped up its marketing efforts recently, aggressively going after buyers who haven’t attended the market in awhile, checking in with regulars to remind them to register and keeping tabs on first-time attendees to make sure they are having a great experience, Conley said. In getting ready for this market, organizers have also spent some time contemplating how they can improve it, which was spurred by comments Gov. Pat McCrory made while touring the market in October. McCrory suggested offering the market year-round and opening it up to the public for a day. The latter is an idea that others in High Point have also suggested.” http://bit.ly/1H7u5oP
4. ‘PRICE IS RIGHT’ HOLDS MASS WEDDING: The audience on Friday’s episode of The Price Is Right was full of engaged couples who played the pricing games—and then were all married in a mass wedding officiated by host Drew Carey. People: “The episode, which taped earlier this year, went without a hitch. But there's one thing Carey says he forgot: He'd have to personally fill out the paperwork. ‘I had to fill out each and every wedding certificate,’ he says with a laugh. ‘That was a pain; there were so many of them.’” http://bit.ly/1OJ377R
* LOCAL NEWS *
BOSTON: Strip by Strega opened on Saturday in Back Bay. The modern steak house has a private dining space that seats 40 guests.
CHICAGO: High Jump will host its 25th anniversary spring benefit at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago on May 2. Organizers expect some 500 guests.
LOS ANGELES: Y.W.C.A. Greater Los Angeles will present its annual Phenomenal Woman of the Year Award on May 13 at the Omni Los Angeles Hotel. This year’s honoree is Hilda Solis, a Los Angeles County supervisor.
Otis College of Art and Design presents its 33rd annual scholarship benefit and fashion show at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on May 2.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: Miami magazine will celebrate its Men of Style issue with a private event Thursday at Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach. The evening will include a fashion showcase by John Varvatos, cigar rolling, live music, and more.
NEW YORK: Amfar's Inspiration Gala New York will take place June 16 at Spring Studios. Anderson Cooper will host the event, which this year will honor Miley Cyrus and Andy Cohen. The event is produced by Josh Wood Productions.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS presents its 29th annual Easter Bonnet Competition today and tomorrow at the Minskoff Theatre. The event features the companies of Broadway, Off Broadway, and touring productions singing, dancing, and donning elaborate bonnets.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
SAN FRANCISCO: Napa Valley’s Vintage Inn has finished a renovation to its 80 guest rooms, suites, and villas.
TORONTO: The Art Gallery of Ontario’s Massive Party will take place on April 23. This year’s theme is “hotbed,” and the event will feature live music, installations, and performances.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The DC Jazz Festival will take place at Yards Park June 12-13. The lineup includes Common and Esperanza Spalding Presents: Emily's D+Evolution, and the event will also include beverage tastings, chef demonstrations, cabanas, and more.
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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, Jill Menze, and Anna Sekula in New York.
BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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