1. GALA CROWD BOOS ENTERTAINMENT: Here’s a real-world lesson for event planners: Never show content to your audience before screening it first. At the annual gala for Washington’s OSS Society, which celebrates the forerunner to the C.I.A., guests viewed a trailer for a TV pilot about agency founder Bill Donovoan. But the show took liberties with his official bio, and the scene showed him murdering his secretary. It did not go over well. Washington Post: “The brass was unhappy. Boos went up in the crowd. Afterward, retired Maj. Gen. John Singlaub, a former OSS officer, trashed the show from the dais. The interlude was apparently so mortifying it prompted an apology from the event’s organizer.” http://wapo.st/1yHWQRH
2. DALLAS CREATES SPORTS COMMISSION TO LURE MAJOR EVENTS: The Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau plans to announce today the new Dallas Sports Commission, which will work to bring major sports events to the region and could eventually sponsor its own events. It’s the third attempt at a sports commission for the city. Dallas Morning News: “As a separate operation, it will be freed from the CVB’s primary emphasis on booking hotel room nights and will consider other economic and community impacts when pursuing events. The commission will also have more opportunities to seek outside sponsorships and raise money.” http://bit.ly/13jj9mG
3. SEE A FASHION SHOW MADE OF CHOCOLATE: The Salon du Chocolat fashion show, which takes place during a trade show, is underway in Paris. The show features intricate looks made out of chocolate, from haute couture-style gowns to animals sculpted out of the sweet stuff. See photos at the New York Post: http://bit.ly/1DBz4aQ
* LOCAL NEWS *
BOSTON: The Courtyard Boston Downtown is undergoing an extensive renovation that includes updates to its 13,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
CHICAGO: Mary Ann Kenmotsu is the new director of catering and conference services at the Hilton Chicago/ Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center.
LAS VEGAS: A meeting industry panel will convene today to discuss changing trends at the Wynn Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Hospitality Association’s October meeting.
Border Grill is now open at the Forum Shops at Caesars.
LOS ANGELES: AEG will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Staples Center on November 8 to celebrate the launch of L.A. Interactive powered by Toshiba, an interactive fan engagement area.
The inaugural Popup Marketplace, a nighttime craft fair at L.A. Live, opens Wednesday and will have more than 60 local artisans.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles
MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade’s eighth annual “Wild About Kids” gala and after-party is November 8 at the JW Marriott Marquis. Chad Everett and Galaxy Productions are producing the black-tie event.
NEW ORLEANS: The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience will honor Drago and Klara Cvitanovich with the Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in Hospitality Award at an event November 13 at the National WWII Museum. Featured restaurants at the event include Acme Oyster House, Arnaud's Restaurant, Commander's Palace, Emeril's, Galatoire's, and more.
NEW YORK: Live Nation Entertainment and Founders Entertainment announced the new country music festival FarmBorough, slated for June 26-28 on Randall's Island. Headliners are Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, and Dierks Bentley.
Local event listings from Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork
PHOENIX: Kool Party Rentals has acquired Los Angeles-based Girari Event Rentals.
TORONTO: As part of its International Lecture Series, the Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery will present artist Mark Bradford. Bradford will speak on November 5 in the Studio Theatre at Harbourfront Centre.
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The World Police and Fire Games will stage its opening ceremony at RFK Stadium on June 26. The games, which run through July 5, will take place in 53 venues across the region and are expected to have an economic impact of as much as $80 million.
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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, and Anna Sekula in New York.
BizBash Daily is the must-read digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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