1. N.F.L. REVAMPS PRO BOWL GAME: Trying to revive a tired event, the N.F.L. is overhauling the Pro Bowl, the annual all-star game in Hawaii. Instead of teams representing its two divisions, the league will name two captains based on votes by the public who will "draft" other players onto their rosters. USA Today: "Though the Pro Bowl continues to draw decent television ratings, the quality of play in recent years has drawn complaints from commissioner Roger Goodell and even players themselves. … Goodell, who's publicly mulled canceling the Pro Bowl outright, hopes for better outcomes moving forward." http://usat.ly/1crDGpd
2. LESS GAMBLING, MORE CLUBBING IN LAS VEGAS: Las Vegas saw a record number of tourists in 2012, but they are spending less money overall and not gambling as much since other entertainment options are available. New York Times: "A shift in the structure of the economy that began about a decade ago appears to have accelerated. Gambling is no longer king. A new influx of tourists, younger and less devoted to gambling, are likelier to open their wallets for extravagantly priced nightclubs and day clubs, which have joined concerts and musical shows, high-end restaurants, luxury shopping, and some of the more exotic types of entertainment this city is renowned for offering." http://nyti.ms/11wEdBO
3. HECKLER TAKES ON N.S.A. HEAD AT SECURITY CONFERENCE: A heckler interrupted a presentation by Army General Keith Alexander, the head of the National Security Agency, at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas Wednesday. The crowd alternately supported the heckler and the general during the impromptu debate, which focused on government surveillance and recent classified leaks by former contractor Edward Snowden. Forbes has a transcript of the exchange: http://onforb.es/1aYzYli
* LOCAL NEWS *
BOSTON: Randy Fenoli of TLC's Say Yes to the Dress will appear at the Fenway Park Bridal Festival on September 8.
CHICAGO: The 25th annual Oyster Fest at Shaw's Crab House will take place October 14-18 and will culminate with the "Royster With the Oyster" block party. The bash will offer cocktails, oysters, and live music.
Need some quirky snack ideas? Highwood's Garlic Fest on August 14 will offer garlic ice cream, cookies, cupcakes, cones, chocolates, and martinis.
LOS ANGELES: Zagat: "The humongous ESPN Zone restaurant closed up shop this weekend, but three new concepts are planned for the space, all opening before the end of the year. Becoming like a mini food court, Smashburger, Live Basil Pizza, and Tom's Urban 24 will share a kitchen but take up three different dining areas that will seat 600 to 700 people inside and out." http://bit.ly/15eZp2i
Night Vision Entertainment plans to announce a rebranding on Monday, including a name change to NVE: The Experience Agency.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: Taste of the Nation South Florida, held last week in the main ballroom of Loews Miami Beach Hotel, attracted nearly 1,100 attendees and raised more than $160,000 for Share Our Strength.
NEW YORK: Fashion Week Daily: "For the first time in five years, Calvin Klein Collection will be moving NYFW show spaces from their usual garment district location to the brand-new Spring Studios in Tribeca. … Located at 50 Varick Street, Spring Studios is a London-based creative agency that has spent four years turning a former Verizon Building into a cluster of photo studios, green rooms, art galleries and offices." http://bit.ly/15eYXB8
Brandon Kida has been named chef de cuisine at Clement, which is slated to open in the Peninsula in September. The restaurant will serve a seasonal contemporary American menu with locally sourced ingredients.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
SAN DIEGO: Tickets for the 10th annual San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival go on sale today. The event, November 20-24, has a partnership with Citi that allows cardholders to purchase preferred tickets that come with perks such as access to a Citi "fast pass" lane, a Citi hospitality lounge, and reserved seating at the Grand Tasting.
TORONTO: Perrier will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a party at SoHo House on September 4.
WASHINGTON: Kalorama Cookie Company is a new bakery that designs desserts for special events.
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 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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