1. WHY MUD RACES ARE BIG WITH BRANDS: Big brands like Reebok, Miller Lite, and Advill are clamoring to attach their names to so-called "mudventure" events—obstacle course races that involve plenty of mud. Adweek: "On-site brand activations, signage, and co-branded merchandise are fast becoming a part of the mix, too. The benefit for marketers is clear, as mudventure events attract demos brands crave. Participants generally fall into the 18-40 sweet spot, with an average household income in the $70,000 range. Some event series, including Tough Mudder, are male-oriented (the split is about 70/30), but the events are attracting more women. (There's a female-only series called Dirty Girl.)" http://bit.ly/18vlvw3
2. A NEW PLATFORM FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS: The partners behind the Social Good Summit, a three-day conference looking to leverage technology and new media to enact change on social issues, launched +SocialGood, an online hub that will allow members to host community events. The user-driven platform was created by the United Nations Foundation, Mashable, the 92Y, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the United Nations Development Programme, and the Case Foundation. http://on.mash.to/13ZC0Mi
3. HIGH-FLYING CHAMPAGNE SERVICE: At one Hamptons spot, champagne is being delivered by a skydiver. New York Post: for $25,000, a server will chill a magnum of Dom Pérignon Rosé Luminous by free-falling 13,500 feet. http://bit.ly/10Z27Fp
* LOCAL NEWS *
BOSTON: The Million Balloon March, an event that raises funds for VH1 Save the Music Foundation, is June 2 at Boston City Hall Plaza. The event will feature a butterfly release, live music, and other family-friendly entertainment. http://bo.st/13VIZco
An editorial in the Boston Globe claims the city needs events like the Allston DIY Fest, which was denied a permit from the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. http://b.globe.com/12HOKb6
CHICAGO: The Americas Incentive, Business Travel, and Meetings Exhibition takes place at McCormick Place June 11-13 and will include an opening party at Navy Pier, a social event at Rockit Bar and Grill where all proceeds will benefit P.C.M.A. Education Foundation, 30 hours of educational sessions, and networking.
Chef's Table Presented by Jenn-Air, a benefit for Diffa/Chicago, is July 11 at the Ried Murdoch Building. The event will offer cocktails from mixologist Adam Seger and snacks from local chefs.
The Stefani Children's Foundation Golf Outing is June 10 at Harborside International Golf Course.
GAITHERSBURG, MD: The Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center opened its Lakeside Ballroom, a site with 3,372 square feet of flexible indoor space and a 2,000-square-foot outdoor terrace.
LAS VEGAS: Later this year, chef Daniel Boulud will open the Las Vegas outpost of DBGB Kitchen & Bar—the burgers, bangers, and beer concept he debuted in New York in 2009—at the Venetian.
Linwood Campbell is the new director of catering sales at the recently opened Horseshoe Cincinnati. The new casino features 33,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
LOS ANGELES: The annual Design-n-Dim Sum Bike Ride is June 2 at Flying Pigeon L.A. The ride, organized by Design East of La Brea, provides a tour of the city's historical areas and will feature small plates and visits to several local designers' studios. http://bit.ly/114uPS6
Cindy Sample has joined the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) as director of trade show operations. Sample, who worked on more than 100 trade events in her previous position as operations director for Nielsen Expositions, will oversee the production and implementation of the annual NAMM shows.
Joining other Hollywood Boulevard institutions that have recently been given a makeover, the Hollywood location of Ripley's Believe It or Not has replaced its more gruesome exhibits with family-friendly displays like a painting of Marilyn Monroe made entirely of candy and the world's smallest drivable car. http://lat.ms/114wl6I
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The Miami Beach Chambers 91st annual dinner gala and silent auction is June 1 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Entertainment will include dinner, cocktails, a desert and after-party, and more than 250 auction prizes including restaurant packages and trips around the world. http://bit.ly/1asutsW
With a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales donated to Feeding South Florida, the inaugural Latin Taste Fest will take place at the Hilton Miami Airport on Saturday.
NEW YORK: The presenters for this year's C.F.D.A. Awards will include Kerry Washington, Ralph Lauren, and Jessica Chastain. Hillary Rodham Clinton is being considered to present Oscar de la Renta with the Founder’s Award in honor of Eleanor Lambert. The event will be hosted by Andy Cohen at Alice Tully Hall on June 3. WWD: http://wwd.us/115b8JW
The Big Apple BBQ Block Party is June 8-9 in Madison Square Park. The event will include barbecue dishes from restaurants like Blue Smoke, Dinosaur, and Salt Lick, as well as live music from Marcia Ball and the Dirty Guv'nahs, and more. http://bit.ly/15dkAOF
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
ORLANDO: The 23rd annual Harvest Festival is June 21-23 at Lakeridge Winery and will feature wine tasting, grape stomping, live music, and artwork from more than 80 local artists. http://bit.ly/14ZTGui
SAN FRANCISCO: The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art will mark the ground breaking of its 225,000-square-foot Snøhetta-designed expansion and the launch of its off-site exhibitions and programs starting Thursday. The four-day Countdown Celebration will include a kickoff party (with a performance by Semi Precious Weapons), a 24-hour live art variety show, and a farewell processional.
TORONTO: Terrace at Stock Restaurant Bar and Lounge at Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto is now open for the season. The 31st-floor patio space has a new glass bar; the venue holds 50 for receptions or seats 24.
WASHINGTON: The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden may scrap its plans for a proposed inflatable structure, known as the Bubble, that would house events, programs, and symposia in warmer months. Following a recent board meeting, where a decision on the future of the $15.5 million project couldn't be reached, the museum’s director, Richard Koshalek, announced his resignation. Washington Post: "Thursday’s vote made it clear that the Smithsonian is at a cultural crossroads, and [Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne] Clough’s decision will do more than decide the fate of what is officially called the Seasonal Inflatable Structure. It will also pass judgment on Koshalek’s legacy and vision, which was to make the Hirshhorn a more open, engaged, and internationally important institution." http://wapo.st/16XvdKc
Del Campo's Asado Bar will open tomorrow. The nine-seat counter will overlook the restaurant's kitchen window and offer two fixed-price menus and optional wine pairings. http://bit.ly/12Kcr2p
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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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May 28, 2013: Brands Big on Mud Races, Conference Launches Platform for Community Events, Champagne Served by Skydiving
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