1. DOES ATLANTIC CITY HAVE TOO MANY CASINOS?: The C.E.O. of Caesars Entertainment says Atlantic City needs to close some of its casinos because an oversupply is driving down business. Caesars could consider closing or selling some of its own properties. Associated Press: “The Showboat Casino Hotel took in the lowest amount of money last year among the company's four New Jersey casinos at $225 million, a decline of more than 14 percent, and would appear the most likely of the four to be sold or shut down. But other companies' casinos did even worse and could become targets for purchase and closure. Revel Casino Hotel is seeking a buyer as it tries to avoid a second bankruptcy filing. Resorts Casino Hotel, Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino and the Golden Nugget Atlantic City all took in less money last year than any of the Caesars casinos.” http://huff.to/1mNVJ0G
2. UPFRONT SEASON GROWS MORE CROWDED: More television networks, as well as related media companies, are joining the already crowded upfront schedule for presentations to advertising buyers. The New York Times: “'Everybody wants to get in on the action,' said Joe Mandese, editor in chief of MediaPost, an online and print trade publication, who estimated there would be 'almost 100 events' by the time the upfronts conclude—more than in previous years. … As crowded as upfront week agendas are, newcomers are still piling in.” http://nyti.ms/1ja8LDx
3. WASHINGTON MONUMENT REOPENS: The national monument reopens today after nearly three years of repairs following damage from an earthquake. The National Park Service will hold an opening ceremony to mark the occasion. CBS DC: “Al Roker, the Today show’s weather anchor, will serve as the master of ceremonies and will be joined by American Idol Season 12 winner Candice Glover. Also in attendance will be the Old Guard Fife & Drum Corps, the United States Navy Band, and the Boy and Girl Choristers of Washington National Cathedral Choir.” http://cbsloc.al/1hGjKz5
* INDUSTRY NEWS *
Mysteryland USA, a music and arts festival at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in upstate New York, will use R.F.I.D.-enabled wristbands in what planners believe will be North America’s first cashless multiday music festival. The estimated 20,000 attendees can set up their accounts before the event, set up automatic reloads, or use stations at the festival site to add money to their account. Intellitix is setting up the system.
* LOCAL NEWS *
BOSTON: The Huntington Theatre’s Spotlight Spectacular gala took place on April 28, and planners announced that the event raised $1 million.
CHICAGO: Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen will open in June at North Bridge. With 120 seats, the venue will host private events. It serves American fare with locally sourced ingredients, including grilled California artichokes and house-made guacamole.
LAS VEGAS: The PGA of America and PGA Worldwide Golf Exhibitions will launch the PGA Fashion & Demo Experience (formerly the PGA Expo), August 18-20 at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and at Cascata Golf Club in Boulder City, Nevada.
Nicole Richie will deliver the Big Interview keynote address at the Licensing Expo, which takes place June 17-19 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. Kelly Pickler will be the performer at the opening-night party sponsored by the N.F.L.
LONDON: ME London, the ME by Melia brand’s flagship location, has named Juan Asin as general manager.
LOS ANGELES: Project Los Angeles, a nightclub, opens June 10 in the former Roxbury space. Designed by Gensler, the venue will include projection screens, a laser light show from the DJ booth, and other effects from V Squared Labs.
The producers of the Los Angeles Auto Show and Connected Car Expo announced the appointments of Denise Ronayne as director of sales and operations, Brendan Gillespie as exhibit sales manager, and Andy Gryc as the expo's conference director.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: “Voices in the Vineyard,” an event to mark the conclusion of the Florida Grand Opera season, is May 24 at the Coral Gables Museum.
NEW YORK: The restaurant and event space ReBar in Dumbo abruptly closed, claiming it was bankrupt. Eater: "To make matters worse, ReBar has a full event calendar in the coming weeks." http://bit.ly/1j4wgO7
Former and current all-star players from the New York Yankees and New York Mets will meet with fans at the fourth annual “Delta Dugout” Thursday at the MLB Fan Cave on Broadway.
Creative Edge Parties is presenting 15-year-old chef Flynn McGarry and his Eureka eight-course tasting menu as a two-night pop-up event May 19-20 at the Creative Edge Dining Room in the West Village.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
PHOENIX: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia has appointed Paul Eckert as managing director.
TORONTO: Harbourfront Centre has appointed Marah Braye as the incoming C.E.O.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Salons in suburban Montgomery County can now offer champagne, beer, and wine thanks to a new law known as "the Drybar bill." Washington Post: http://wapo.st/Ro0gsk
The Wine Industry Network announced the launch of the U.S. Beverage Industry Expo, a new trade show and conference focused on the wine, craft beer, cider, and spirits industries, set to take place February 17-18 at the Marriott Wardman Park. Organizers estimate 300 exhibitors and 3,000 attendees will come to the conference.
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With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, and Beth Kormanik, Jill Menze, and Anna Sekula in New York.
BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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