1. LAS VEGAS WANTS FEDERAL CONFERENCES BACK: After the embarrassment of a General Services Administration conference that seemed over the top, some federal agencies formally banned business travel to resorts or casinos. Now Nevada lawmakers are trying to reverse the bans. Government Executive: "[State lawmakers believe] such prohibitions are counterproductive and unfairly target areas with high numbers of resort and vacation locations. The lawmakers say agencies are moving to more expensive venues because they want to 'avoid any stigma associated with the resort or casino name,' even when these sites may actually provide federal agencies and taxpayers a better deal. " http://bit.ly/10OlK4l
2. GOOGLE DEVELOPS COMPETITOR FOR SPOTIFY: Attention DJs: Google has developed its own version of Spotify and is expected to announce it as early as today at its Google I/O conference. New York Times: "Google has been developing entertainment features for Android mobile devices, which puts the company in direct competition with digital music leaders like Apple, whose iTunes store is the largest retailer of music—digital or physical—in the United States. … By expanding to streaming music, Google will be tapping into the most rapid growth area in digital music." http://nyti.ms/19pEeaU
3. WHY FOOD FESTIVALS ARE SO POPULAR: This weekend's Great GoogaMooga expects to draw a sellout crowd of 90,000 to Brooklyn's Prospect Park, even after last year's inaugural event saw overcrowding and complaints about food costs. New York Post: "GoogaMooga, which is set to take place again this weekend, is just one of an ever-growing number of food fests targeting city chowhounds with the promise of tasting an array of top restaurant offerings. But they frequently disappoint with long lines, food supplies that run short and dining conditions that are far from optimal—all for a price that’s often greater than or equal to what you’d pay to actually enjoy a meal in a real restaurant." http://bit.ly/10NjmuQ
4. USING SMARTPHONES TO ADD SCENT TO YOUR EVENT: Japanese company ChatPerf will release a smartphone add-on that generates a smell when the "puff" button on the device is pressed. The idea behind the USB-sized stick is that users will be able to send scents to one another. Mashable: "The question is, of course, whether this will catch on. Smell-O-Vision-type systems did not prove a hit in movie theaters, even with the technological advances that made them cheaper to install. It might add another dimension to sending recipes, though, so there may be a market among foodies. And an online perfume outlet might find it useful." http://on.mash.to/12pHp1l
* INDUSTRY NEWS *
The Event Manager Blog has released the Event App Bible, a free e-book that offers reviews of mobile apps designed for the event industry. http://eventmb.com/evmobapp
* LOCAL NEWS *
BOSTON: The grand opening party for Chandler Studios Boston is May 21. With 11 suites, the new hotel will offer apartment-style living with a small gym and a concierge available by email, text, or phone.
Earl of Sandwich on Boston Common has new breakfast items and can cater morning meetings in the area. Menu items include egg-and-bacon sandwiches, oatmeal, bagels, and freshly baked muffins.
CHICAGO: Jerk Modern Jamaican Grill, Chicago's newest food truck, is available for catering. The mobile eatery serves dishes such as Jerk Fish and Island Pasta, as well as Jamaican sodas.
DALLAS: The Dallas International Art, Antique & Jewelry Show, with more than 80 international exhibitors, returns to the Dallas Market Hall November 7-11. The show benefits Diffa Dallas.
LAS VEGAS: The Las Vegas NV Blog has a roundup of Memorial Day weekend events in town: http://bit.ly/19lf3pU
Chef Guy Savoy and Krug Champagne are now offering the "Krug Chef’s Table" at the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Guy Savoy, located inside Caesars Palace.
LOS ANGELES: Transworld Business: "The Launch L.A. trade show has been postponed this summer and will undergo a temporary hiatus, according to the show’s parent company GLM. The show founders said the show, which was slated for July 16-17, will be put on hold this summer, but will be brought back in the future." http://bit.ly/167oA7w
AIDS Project Los Angeles announced interactive artist David Anson Russo is the featured artist of Art Project Los Angeles. The benefit returns to Bonhams auction house on June 29.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The first South Florida Technology Summit is May 22 at the Miami Airport Convention Center, presented by TigerDirect.com in collaboration with the LAB and Refresh Miami. Divided into business and consumer portions, the summit will be open to the public. Intel, Microsoft, Sony, Dell, Samsung, LG, Toshiba, and Canon are among the companies participating.
Women on the Rise will host the second annual Girls Summit at Museum of Contemporary Art May 29-31. The three-day conference will teach people who work with young women techniques for education and empowerment via workshops, performances, film screenings, and more.
Emerald Events is offering free consultations at Women's Networking & Wellness Group's Ultimate You 2013 at Briza on the Bay June 23. To make an appointment, email [email protected].
NEW YORK: Phoenix House will hold its annual summer party in the Hamptons, Triumph For Teens, June 22 at the Southampton home of Margie and Michael Loeb. The event will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the organization, and Rosanna Scotto will serve as M.C.
To prepare event planners for the Super Bowl, the Big Game Experience May 22 at the Meadowlands Expo Center will have virtual venue tours, demonstrations of event types such as a casino night, a dance party, and seminars for M.P.I. credit including a panel that includes Al Kelly, C.E.O. of the NYNJ Super Bowl Host Committee. www.thebiggameexperience.com
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
ORLANDO: The fourth annual Black and White Party is Friday at the Rosen Plaza Hotel's pool and Backstage Nightclub. The event will feature a pool party, a set from DJ Ryan Moore, drink specials, and dancers provided by Allure Gogo. A portion of the proceeds will go to BASE Camp Children's Cancer Foundation.
TORONTO: OperaAtelier's Versailles gala is May 29 at the Ritz-Carlton.
WASHINGTON: Washington Business Journal: "Actor and motivational speaker J.R. Martinez, who was severely injured while serving as an Army infantryman in Iraq in 2003, will be this year's National Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshall, the American Veterans Center, organizer of the parade, announced." http://bit.ly/16bRDXC
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 Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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