BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #203 — Monday, 02.20.12
Compiled today by Chad Kaydo and Jana Schiowitz in New York
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THIS WEEK'S CALENDAR:
All week: Canadian International Autoshow continues in Toronto
Thursday: South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami
Sunday: The 84th Academy Awards in Los Angeles and the N.B.A. All-Star game in Orlando
* INCOMING *
1. WHAT OSCAR PARTY VENDORS MAKE: From west coast editor Alesandra Dubin: It's hardly a stretch to say that Oscar parties in L.A. are among some of the world's most high-profile bashes. But that doesn't mean they're the most expensive. That's in part because vendors may get on board at a discount for hosts who know they're dealing with hot commodities.
The companies who work on the lavish affairs say they do take home a profit, but it's an array of other bonuses that make the projects worthwhile. Mark Held of Mark’s Garden, who will do the flowers for the Governors Ball following ceremony February 26: “When you're in Los Angeles, you want to do the big events that everybody's talking about, the important events,” he said. “There’s nothing bigger than the Oscars, so of course we want to be a part of it.”
Our full report:
http://bit.ly/xF4rBJ
2. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PLAYING OSCARS: AP: "The three-minute performance at the Oscars on Feb. 26 will be among the international troupe's biggest yet, said Cirque du Soleil special events director Yasmine Khalil, featuring more than 50 artists. Most Cirque shows employ 75 to 80 artists over two hours, she said. Cirque du Soleil has a Hollywood-themed show now at the Kodak Theatre, where the Oscars will be presented, but the performance for the awards telecast is 'unique for this one evening' and not taken from any of the troupe's 22 productions playing around the world."
http://bit.ly/x45v5b
Speaking of the broadcast: Despite endless criticism and dwindling ratings, Adweek reports, “the Oscars remain a must-buy for many brands, and this year is no exception. ABC sold out its ad time for the telecast earlier than usual.”
http://bit.ly/w4VVZR
3. TWITTER PARTNERSHIP: American Express and Twitter will roll out a self-serve ad platform for 10,000 small and mid-size businesses. Ad Age: "Self-serve is expected to be a cornerstone of Twitter's revenue growth, though its contribution is likely to be small early on while Twitter looks to scale the number of small-business advertisers using the platform."
http://bit.ly/yD4cd2
In related news: Vanity Fair looks at China's version of Twitter, Sina Weibo, which has more than 250 million users and a growing rate of about 10 million a month. "Sina Weibo looks and behaves like a Chinese love child of Facebook and Twitter (both blocked by the government in an effort to control political content and protect Chinese brands)."
http://vnty.fr/AjrrS4
4. INTEREST IN PINTEREST: Fast Company looks at why the social media platform has become so addictive. Psychology professor Christopher Long: “Pinterest boards are like its users’ personal happiness collages. [They represent] things that I appreciate, that I desire, and that express who I am, whether the things are cupcakes, shirtless David Beckham, or an inspirational quotation.”
http://bit.ly/wmVOBE
5. MOST DESIRED BRANDS: Buyology and uSamp released its report of leading category brands that men and women find most desirable. Southwest Airlines, Google, and Dove top the list.
http://bit.ly/yeNu3p
6. SOCIAL MEDIA IN PERSON: "Crain's Chicago Business explores how social media is helping users make face-to-face connections. Among the companies profiled is Shortlist, an app described as a real-time LinkedIn that helps people connect at meetings and conferences.
http://bit.ly/x99yp6
7. MARKETER AWARDS: The Promotion Marketing Association announced its Reggie Awards finalists Thursday. The group includes American Express, Coca-Cola, and Unilever.
http://prn.to/xLccXM
* LOCAL NEWS *
BOSTON: The New England chapters of ISES and NACE are hosting "Presenting Yourself as an Event Professional" at the Natick Collection Tuesday.
CHICAGO: The Music Institute of Chicago is presenting Stephen Sondheim with the Dushkin Award at its May 1 gala at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Promotional models at the Chicago Auto Show are there to provide more than eye candy. "You can come up to me and ask, 'What's the 0-to-60 horsepower torque top-speed compression ratio' and I could give you an informed answer," said Jenna Strauss, who works with Cadillac. Chicago Tribune:
http://trib.in/wNtKgn
On February 26, Richard Roeper and Billy Dec will co-host an Oscar viewing party at Rockit Bar & Grill. A portion of the evening's proceeds will benefit After School Matters.
LAS VEGAS: Silverton Casino Hotel will partner with the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the "Celebrity Bingo Bow Wow" charity event February 25.
Trade Show News Network: "Even though some fashion trade shows appear to be experiencing slight revivals in participation this year, the event devoted to bargain apparel remains ahead of that pack. Enter the Offprice Show, the only trade show in the U.S. dedicated to discount fashion, which has been a booming segment since the economic downturn took hold a few years ago."
http://bit.ly/xUpxCG
ETurboNews: "Demand for space at IMEX America 2012 continues to grow following a successful launch show in October 2011. Ray Bloom, Chairman of the IMEX Group, announced... that he expects the trade show to fill both Halls C and D of the Sands Expo in Las Vegas this year—a full two years ahead of schedule."
http://bit.ly/xuOgww
Some exhibitors at Las Vegas apparel shows Magic and Project felt attendance was lighter than in recent iterations. Apparelnews.net:
http://bit.ly/xP48AU
LOS ANGELES: The president's fund-raisers in Los Angeles and elsewhere in California will be lucrative. Politico reports that Obama is expected to raise at least $8.6 million during his three-state western trip, "with the bulk of that coming from high dollar donors at small, intimate gatherings."
http://politi.co/w6uhbd
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: Chef Michael Pirolo is opening a rustic Italian restaurant, Macchialina Taverna Rustica, in the space that formerly housed Silvano. Eater.com:
http://bit.ly/4vg9l7
Premier Convention Concierge Inc. has launched its services in the U.S. with an office in West Palm Beach. The company offers marketing solutions for meetings and events throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Juvia, the new 10,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor restaurant and lounge on the penthouse level of 1111 Lincoln Road is now open.
NEW YORK: Nightlife entrepreneur Steven Greenberg, owner of lounge 230 Fifth, passed away Saturday at age 68 after a battle with lymphoma. New York Post:
http://nyp.st/wVxPCo
Wrestlemania will come to MetLife Stadium April 7 next year, bringing various events and an expected $62 million in revenue to the New Jersey and New York areas.
http://bit.ly/z24v5p
The 173-room Tryp by Wyndam, the brand's first U.S. property, opened Thursday. The hotel has two Samsung Experience rooms with high-tech elements like a 55-inch flatscreen TV and Blu Ray player.
http://bit.ly/wSxeKl
The Westin New York at Times Square recently completed a $1.6 million renovation of its ninth floor meeting and event space, including seven meeting rooms and the New York Atrium.
ORLANDO: The Shores Resort & Spa has hired Jason Kern as director of sales.
TORONTO: Target is opening a pop-up store designed by David Stark February 23 to pique shoppers' interested as the retailer prepares to open its first stores in Canada next year. The National Post:
http://natpo.st/zi9DKC
WASHINGTON: The Ford's Theatre's Center for Education and Leadership opens today with free tours, talks, and a scavenger hunt.
http://bit.ly/11G8AW
DC Fashion Week kicks off today, marking its 16th season. Tonight, the festivities begin with a reception and showcase dedicated to eco fashion designers.
http://bit.ly/7p4Dge
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 Jana Schiowitz and Anna Sekula in New York.
BizBash Call Sheet is the must-read daily digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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