BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #159 — Thursday, 12.08.11
Compiled today by Chad Kaydo and Jana Schiowitz in New York
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* INCOMING *
1. FASHION WEEK'S NEW DATES: The Council of Fashion Designers of America has agreed to move New York Fashion Week back a week in September; it is now set to run September 6-13. The event will also start on the second Thursday in September 2013 and 2014, as Milan designers requested. However, the fashion event will not be shortened, as also requested, which would eliminate the last day, when Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren traditionally show their collections. New York magazine:
http://bit.ly/vwzX0c
2. OLYMPICS OPENING CEREMONY: British electronic music duo Underworld has been selected as the music directors for the London Olympic Games' three-hour opening ceremony, set for July 27. The duo, selected by the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, will work alongside Oscar-winning British filmmaker Danny Boyle, artistic director of the event. Spin:
http://bit.ly/sMrjKE
3. MYSTERY MEAL: Restaurant Dans Le Noir, which launched in Paris eight years ago and has branches in London, Barcelona, and St. Petersburg, opens an outpost in New York next week. The concept involves dining in a pitch-dark room, where customers are unaware of menu details. Waiters are all blind or visually impaired. Owners suggest guests not wear their best outfit; guests must sign waivers about clothing stains. The New York Times:
http://nyti.ms/tJ0B4j
4. BIRTHDAY TWEETS: Founder of Craigslist and Craigconnects Craig Newmark doesn't want gifts for his birthday this week. Instead, the entrepreneur is asking people to use Twitter to raise funds for the American Red Cross. Each time someone responds and tweets using hashtag #perfectgift, Newmark will contribute $1 to the foundation, up to a maximum of $10,000 for the purchase of military comfort kits. Promotion for the campaign is on Facebook and Newmark's blog.
http://bit.ly/hkL0XW
5. HOLIDAY PARTY FINDS: CareerBuilder surveyed 4,000 workers and more than 2,600 employers regarding the most unusual gifts received from co-workers. A zombie figurine, a keychain that shouts expletives, and a membership to the bacon of the month club made the top three. Results also showed that 58 percent of employers are planning a holiday party this year, up from 52 percent in 2010.
http://prn.to/uqibh6
More on holiday parties: A recent Harris poll of 2,574 workers said employees would rather receive money than attend a company Christmas party. Other desired items: a grocery gift card, the chance to work from home for a year, and company stock. Which doesn’t necessarily mean those choices are better options for building camaraderie or staff morale. Reuters:
http://reut.rs/w0Fgco
* NEW APP *
MicroStrategy launched Usher, a free event management app linked to Facebook Events. Users can check R.S.V.P.'s, manage V.I.P. lists, create events from an iPhone, and send last-minute invitations.
http://bit.ly/v6NApt
* LOCAL NEWS *
BOSTON: Top of the Hub's New Year's Eve celebration includes a cocktail reception, a six-course prix fixe dinner, live jazz, and a midnight champagne toast.
The Palm Restaurant at Westin Copley Place is closing at the end of the year. The venue will reportedly reopen in the Financial District next fall with a main dining room, an outdoor patio, and a private dining room. Boston Business Journal:
http://bit.ly/rE0nVm
The Voices of Renaissance Choir at the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School have been invited to perform at the White House as part of President Obama and Michelle Obama’s holiday open house series. Boston.com:
http://bo.st/vtrcFN
CHICAGO: The New Year's Eve celebration at the Hard Rock Hotel, dubbed “A Starry New Year's Eve,” will include a live performance by Chicago's Gold Coast All Stars, D.J. sets from Christ Masterson and Timbuck2, and open bars and buffets in multiple rooms.
http://bit.ly/slMS6a
Broadway in Chicago will present "American Idiot" at the Oriental Theatre February 7-19. Group tickets will be available starting Friday.
http://bit.ly/sJXM3T
Whole Foods Market's new Graze for Good event series kicks off today with a wine and food tasting at the Lincoln Park store. Tickets are $10, and all proceeds benefit Share Our Strength's No Kid Hungry campaign. The event series will continue for the next four months, with events in several local stores.
http://bit.ly/O62o2
As part of a massive effort to boost attendance and profits at the Taste of Chicago, city officials will open the festival up to bidding for the first time in nearly three decades. The Chicago Tribune: "Opening [the fest] up for competition requires that the contractor become a lot more creative and competitive," said Michelle Boone, commissioner of cultural affairs and special events.
http://trib.in/rqzh1F
Gabrielle Martinez, managing partner at AgencyEA, was recently in Washington to help decorate the White House for Christmas. The job required sprucing up 37 Christmas trees. Crain's Chicago Business:
http://bit.ly/rLxV2l
CLEVELAND: Guns N' Roses, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Beastie Boys, Laura Nyro, and Donovan will be inducted into the Rock Hall class of 2012 April 12. The Rock Hall will also host a week of events including the grand opening of its library and archives and concerts. HBO will air the show in early May. Billboard:
http://bit.ly/s0gOOS
LAS VEGAS: The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino saw revenue decrease January through September. However, the property lost less money this year than last year at during the same nine months. VegasInc:
http://bit.ly/ulm6jr
Apparel and accessories fairs continue to grow, and trade show officials expect growth in buyers and vendors despite the shaky economic conditions. WWD (subscribers only):
http://bit.ly/sDbsBu
LOS ANGELES: Disney on Ice presents Pixar's "Toy Story 3" at the Staples Center, December 14-18.
The Discovery Science Center has a holiday exhibit, "The Science of Gingerbread" until January 1. The exhibit features hands-on kitchen science activities, decorating demonstrations, and award-winning gingerbread houses.
http://bit.ly/txRckk
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: A second location of Crave opens in Coral Gables' Village at Merrick Park next week. The venue features a sushi bar and private and semi-private dining rooms, plus an outdoor patio available for buyouts.
The Miami Art Museum will be recast as the Jorge M. Perez Art Museum of Miami-Dade County to recognize Mr. Perez's $35 million cash gift and art. But many not happy with the renaming have resigned in protest or are threatening to rescind contributions. The New York Times:
http://nyti.ms/t7dxwf
NEW YORK: Apt 32, Weatherproof's flagship store in Soho, is hosting a gingerbread house and tree decorating contest tonight lead by Irina Brandler, pastry chef and owner of Sugar & Spice Bake Shop. The night begins with happy hour, followed by the contest and a viewing of "Home Alone."
The Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum has raised $54 million to renovate its Upper East Side mansion, enhancing the facilities for exhibitions and educational programs. New York Post:
http://nyp.st/sDG7fJ
Ad media company GroupM is planning to offer more events in 2012, similar to the charity event it hosted with Superfly last month, which raised more than $8,000 for the Life Is Good Playmakers Foundation. Ad Age:
http://bit.ly/rGybSo
Top real estate executives attended the International Council of Shopping Centers' two-day annual retail trade show, which began Monday. Keynote speaker Mayor Bloomberg spoke about the influence of his administration on the city's retail development. The Real Deal:
http://bit.ly/sU3wJg
New York trade shows are bringing in more exhibitors from overseas and attracting more foreign buyers. International attendance was up 24 percent this year with attendees from Canada, Japan, Mexico, the Middle East, and Western Europe. WWD (subscribers only):
http://bit.ly/rNtzPa
Vanity Fair editor and co-owner of Waverly Inn Graydon Carter will oversee the revamp of the West Village spot once home to popular hangout the Beatrice Inn.
http://bit.ly/vAi73g
OKT Meetings announced its worldwide launch of its expanded corporate event program, Monday. The company will also offer complimentary group booking services for clients needing 30 or more room and organizing gala dinners and award ceremonies.
http://bit.ly/upegt0
ORLANDO: Creation Entertainment's "Official Twilight Convention" will be at the Hilton Walt Disney World Resort Friday through Sunday. The schedule includes meet-and-greets with some of the supporting cast, trivia games, a costume competition, and a gala Saturday night where guests are encouraged to bring a centerpiece inspired by the Twilight movies.
http://bit.ly/vQyiTN
TORONTO: The Ronald McDonald House Toronto hosts its Holiday Chic gala tonight at the Carlu. Funds raised will support the charity, which opened its new Toronto location November 18.
WASHINGTON: The WMZQ Winter Fest is Saturday at the Patriot Center with performances by Rodney Atkins and Kellie Pickler.
Bonmi, a Vietnamese sandwich and salad shop, is now offering catering for events. Items like banh mi sandwiches, summer rolls, and salads can be found on the menu.
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 Matthew Mogavero, Jana Schiowitz, Anna Sekula, Courtney Thompson, and Katherine Zoeller in New York.
BizBash Call Sheet is the must-read daily digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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