Call Sheet #463: Weird Hotel at SXSW, Obama Gets Social, Future of Daily Deals

BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #463 — Monday, 03.11.13 

++ Sponsored by Social Tables ++

Compiled today by Beth Kormanik in New York 
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1. POP-UP HOTEL: The Syfy channel opened a temporary hotel at South by Southwest, converting shipping containers into pod-like accommodations—plus a common blogging lounge, naturally. Mashable: "A rep for the channel says Syfy has never had a presence at SXSW before, and has instead focused on events like Comicon. However, the series presented an opportunity to reach out to the type of social media influencers and tech enthusiasts who attend SXSWi. Syfy has lots of competition at the show, though. Other media companies are blitzing Austin with ads, including Showtime, which has bus wraps for the upcoming show Ray Donovan and Warner Brothers, which is hosting an 'interactive playground' at the show." http://on.mash.to/12FmxGk

2. OBAMA AND EVENTS: President Obama attended the white-tie Gridiron Dinner Saturday at the Renaissance Washington, an indication he is becoming more social in his second term. Washington Post: "It’s unclear what prompted Obama to accept his second invitation from the elite journalism fraternity since taking office, just a year after he also R.S.V.P.’d for a second go-round at the similarly hoity-toity Alfalfa Club dinner. Last week saw him embark on a fence-mending charm offensive that included an intimate dinner with top G.O.P. senators. He may also have wanted to make nice with journalists after the recent unpleasantness when he told the press corps he wasn’t doing anything interesting while he was actually golfing with Tiger Freakin’ Woods." http://wapo.st/ZtByXI

3. FUTURE OF DAILY DEALS: With Groupon and LivingSocial struggling, the sites are looking at ways to strengthen business. LivingSocial still sees promise in the events market. Adweek: "The team is also optimistic about the growth of its newer products, chiefly the Escapes and Fun & Events offers that are designed to build out audiences beyond seekers of discount massages and half-price leg waxes." http://bit.ly/ZdXJiI

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Kris with Kim? Elton next to Madonna? Mr. Hatfield across from Mr. McCoy? Share your idea of a nightmare seating pair to win! Presented by BizBash and Social Tables.


* AWARDED *

Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland, honored BizBash Media president Richard Aaron with its Legendary Luminary of Planned Events. Aaron recently served as a distinguished visiting professor. Previous recipients of the award include Bill Morton, former chairman of Jack Morton Worldwide, and David Slower, producer of the opening and closing ceremonies at the Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece.

* LOCAL NEWS *

AUSTIN: Fast Company and BMF Media Group are hosting the Fast Company Grill through Tuesday at SXSW. The pop-up includes a restaurant, lounge, and arcade, along with daily interactive activities from sponsors Lincoln, Target, Starbucks Doubleshot, and Evite.

BOSTON: The Foundation Fighting Blindness will host its annual Dining in the Dark event April 9.

On March 14, Towne Stove and Spirits will host "Fill With Bills," an event to benefit the Boston Children's Hospital. At the event, guests will drop bills into the venue's Boston Children's Hospital glass donation vessel and sip signature cocktails including the "Uptowne Punch."

CHICAGO: Deanna Dugo, formerly of Margie Korshak Inc. and Rockit Ranch Productions, has launched Type A Public Relations. The company specializes in brand development as well as event planning and execution. 

LAS VEGAS: The Springtime in Paris Champagne Luncheon and Fashion Show is April 5 at the Eiffel Tower Paris Las Vegas Hotel. The afternoon event will feature a fashion show showcasing Louisa Voisine's hat collection, a three-course meal, a silent auction, and a champagne toast. All proceeds will go to Dress for Success Southern Nevada.

LOS ANGELES: Go Red For Women Celebrity Red Dress Fashion Show, presented by Style Fashion Week LA, is Thusday. The event will raise money for the American Heart Association and promote awareness for heart disease in women.

La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California, appointed Ryan Buzzard as northeast sales manager.


Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://masterplanneronline.com/losangeles

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: Macy's, Miami magazine, and fashion blogger Kelly Saks are hosting a preview of Made's new collection March 16 at Macy's Dadeland, with mini cosmetic and brow makeovers by Smash Box and Benefit, complimentary beverages by Onli, and more.

NEW YORK: Clos New York, a 26-seat wine bar in SoHo, opened this weekend.

On April 30, the Girl Scouts of Greater New York hosts its 100th anniversary gala at the Waldorf Astoria, honoring Renée Haugerud, Michelle Y. Lee, Sandra Lee, and Trish McEvoy. Proceeds will be used to expand programs that serve more than 26,500 girls in New York City.

"An Evening of New York Style" with Martha Stewart Weddings' editorial director, Darcy Miller, and fashion designer Amsale Aberra is Thursday. The event will take place at the Amsale Salon from 6 to 8 p.m., and guests will enjoy champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and cake as they experience consultations on beauty, makeup, and nutrition all evening. Canard Inc. is catering the event.

Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://masterplanneronline.com/newyork  

ORLANDO: Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is offering discounts for meetings held in April, including 15 percent off banquet menus, 10 percent off audiovisual fees, and five round-trip transfers to Orlando International Airport. 

PHOENIX/SCOTTSDALE: HelmsBriscoe, the meeting procurement firm, announced personnel moves. It hired Mark Phillips, formerly of Landy & Kling, as vice president of operations, and Rob Friedrich, formerly of Procurian, as director of strategic program management. The firm promoted Michael Bergman to vice president and Geri Horan to vice president.  

TORONTO: Royal Ontario Museum will celebrate its 99th anniversary with an event on March 19. The event will offer birthday-themed bites and details on the institution's centennial.


WASHINGTON: Fluffy Thoughts Cakes is expanding this spring, doubling the size of the existing bakery. The new space aims to enhance the kitchen facilities, increase the bakery display, and add a private room for tastings, small parties, and baking classes with a capacity for 15 guests.

Tudor Place is celebrating cherry blossom season with an event March 21 on its grounds. The evening will feature an Asian-themed menu of savories and cherry treats along with a special cocktail, "Cherry Japanese Cobbler."


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

JOB BOARD: Post a job or find a job:http://jobs.bizbash.com

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

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