1. FESTIVALS FIGHT NEW LIVE EVENT TAX IN NEVADA: Festival organizers of mega events from Burning Man to Rock in Rio U.S.A. are speaking out against a new tax law in Nevada that imposes a 9 percent tax on admissions to most live entertainment events. Some have even threatened to leave the state. Associated Press: “All events in venues with a capacity of 15,000 or more must pay the fee even if they have nonprofit status—a provision that aims to prevent organizers from avoiding the tax by claiming a 501(c)3 exemption. The measure won't take effect until October, months after this year's Electric Daisy Carnival wraps up, but general admission passes that cost about $360 now could soon include a fee of about $32.” http://apne.ws/1GDdfMa
2. DO BOUNDARY-PUSHING FASHION SHOWS MISS THE POINT?: The most creative fashion shows generate as much buzz about the staging as the clothes these days, a trend evidenced at the men’s shows in Milan that may be overshadowing the fashion itself. The New York Times: “The [Pringle of Scotland] presentation opened with a dance performance created by the punk Scottish choreographer Michael Clark, whose company members spun, hopped, leapt and furiously dived. Some wore cardigans and pearls, others knit onesies that flapped open at their inner thighs and buttoned at the bum like baby rompers. Was this a fashion show? As a night at the theater, it was captivating. Then the collection itself came out, a mild offering of technically advanced sweaters and belted, tailored jackets and trousers in soft colors. … That is the danger of putting on a show. The runway is a theater — this, by now, is well established. But it’s one that can easily eclipse its own point, which is, at least nominally, to show some new clothes.” http://nyti.ms/1J1ndHS
3. WHY DENTYNE SET UP A FOOD TRUCK: Gum isn’t a food, but Dentyne created its own "Follow Food Truck" that will travel to six food festivals in the United States this year to emphasize how gum can freshen consumers’ breath after they eat. Adweek: “The Mondelez-owned gum is launching the tour through online videos, following food trucks like that of a corporate cousin, Kraft Foods' Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, as well as a Kimchi Taco truck, a hot dog vendor and a pizza truck. … The truck has an overhang, and staffers set up tables and offer wet naps to festival goers while handing out gum samples.” http://bit.ly/1dZu223
* INDUSTRY NEWS *
Mike Rusbridge, the chairman of Reed Exhbiitons, will retire at the end of this year. Rusbridge joined the company in 1988 and became chairman and C.E.O. in 1996.
* LOCAL NEWS *
COAST TO COAST: The Vegas Season Tour kicked off in Toronto on June 19 with a gold-plated ice cream truck that served alcohol-infused treats and a performance by Canadian hip-hop artist Kardinal Offishall. The pop-up tour from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority will stop in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles this summer.
AUSTIN: Urban Outfitters has bought out several business between 24th and 25th Streets on the Drag and is slated to open in the renovated space in September. The expanded clothing store will contain two restaurants and a bar. The Austin Chronicle: http://bit.ly/1RcItMJ
BOSTON: Josephine is now open in Kenmore Square. The restaurant serves contemporary French cuisine, including clams and mussels in a coconut-lemon-seashell broth.
CHICAGO: The 45th annual Society for American Baseball Research conference takes place at the Palmer House Hilton tomorrow-Sunday.
Devon Seafood Grill has an updated interior, new menus, and a new chef. In the new "Devon Downstairs" dining room, there are intimate alcoves for private dining, as well as flexible spaces for meetings and events.
LOS ANGELES: Culina Modern Italian restaurant at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills has hired sommelier Rebekah Turpin to oversee the wine program.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The International Council of Shopping Centers Special Industry Group will hold its Next Generation National Conference on July 28 at the JW Marriott Marquis.
NEW YORK: The Southampton Hospital's 57th annual Summer Party will take place on August 1 under air-conditioned tents at Wickapogue Road in Southampton. More than 900 guests are expected to attend the event; WNBC’s Chuck Scarborough will serve as M.C. and Robbins Wolfe Eventeurs will cater the event.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
SAN FRANCISCO: Frameline, the world's largest L.G.B.T.Q. festival and one of the main Pride Weekend events, will take place Thursday-Sunday at the Castro, Roxie, and Victoria theaters. In its 39th year, the festival is expected to attract 60,000 people and will screen 180 films from 33 countries. SFGate: http://bit.ly/1H9JNkb
TORONTO: The TD Toronto Jazz Festival is taking place through Monday. The event typically attracts some 500,000 guests throughout its 10-day run.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Hamilton Hotel D.C has finished a multimillion-dollar renovation that included upgrades to its meeting space. The meeting space design by Intra-Spec includes new lighting fixtures, artwork, furniture, and carpeting.
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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Michele Laufik, Jill Menze, Anna Sekula, and Ian Zelaya in New York.
BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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