October 2, 2015: Where Presidents and Diplomats Shop for Gifts, Denver Airport Evacuated Over Wedding Favors, Stonewall Inn Given Landmark Status


1. WHERE PRESIDENTS AND DIPLOMATS SHOP FOR GIFTS: Choosing gifts for visiting heads of state is a diplomatic minefield. Remember the faux pas when President Obama gave the British prime minister a box set of classic American films that were not compatible with European DVD players? But one spot for original gifts has become a go-to for presidents and first ladies when shopping for figures such as Queen Elizabeth or heads of state who attended the African Leadership Summit last year. Politico: “For the past eight-plus decades, dozens of presidents, first ladies and Cabinet members have often turned to Tiny Jewel Box, the venerable Connecticut Avenue jewelry store that will soon expand into an adjacent space once occupied by Burberry. In early December, Tiny Jewel Box will open its larger location and with it a micro-museum of its most prominent items.” politi.co/1he5mnJ

2. DENVER AIRPORT EVACUATED OVER WEDDING FAVORS: A couple’s wedding favors—which looked like mini barrels of TNT—prompted authorities to evacuate Denver International Airport last month. Mashable: “The incident caused a 20-minute evacuation while bomb specialists deliberated what was in the bottles. After an investigation, officials found out that they contained scented bath salts. The bride and groom’s names both start with ’T’,’ the TSA wrote on its official Instagram page.” http://on.mash.to/1PQGNt0

3. STONEWALL INN GIVEN LANDMARK STATUS: The Stonewall Inn in New York, considered the site where the modern gay rights movement began—and now the end point for the annual Gay Pride Parade—received landmark status from the New York City Council. Others are pushing for more protections. New York: “Despite being placed on the National Historic Register in 1999, some New York lawmakers think federal recognition is due. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand launched a campaign last Sunday to designate the landmark a national park. With the former horse stable as a backdrop, the Senator, along with Democratic lawmakers, announced her forthcoming legislation to obtain federal recognition for the Inn, while urging President Obama to act unilaterally toward that same goal.” http://nym.ag/1jBk2ip

* LOCAL NEWS *

ATLANTA:  Afropunk Atlanta, which was slated for Saturday and Sunday at Central Park, has been cancelled because of Hurricane Joaquin. Paste Magazine: http://bit.ly/1KXNoxv

BOSTON:  Wahlburgers opens its Fenway location today. The 4,200-square-foot restaurant has a full bar, a patio, and a specialty cocktail known as the “Fenway Fizz.”

CHICAGO:  SkyRise, billed as the world’s tallest indoor stair climb, will take place on November 8 at Willis Tower. The event raises funds for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

LAS VEGAS:  Marathon events in Las Vegas are starting to gain more popularity, as next month's Rock 'n' Roll race weekend is expected to attract more than 28,000 runners. Las Vegas Review-Journal: http://bit.ly/1P81WAI

LOS ANGELES:  Paul McCartney, joined by Beck, performed for a sold-out crowd on September 30 at PETA's 35th anniversary gala at the Hollywood Palladium.

El Velorio, a Day of the Dead event featuring art exhibits, live music, and family-friendly activities, will take place November 7 at Plaza de la Raza.

SBE announced Chris Crary has been appointed as executive chef for SBE Events & Catering.

Local event listings from the new Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/losangeles

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA:  The Real Deal magazine is hosting the third annual South Florida Real Estate Forum & Showcase on October 15 at the Moore Building. The event will include several panels as well as exhibitors.

NEW ORLEANS:  Baronne Inn and Suites downtown has closed, and new owner and operator New Castle Hotels & Resorts announced a $10 million renovation and a conversion of the property to a Fairfield Inn and Suites. The 103-room all-suite hotel is slated to reopen in the spring.

NEW YORK:  Toast of Brooklyn's seventh annual Wine, Food & Arts Festival will take place November 6-7 at Brooklyn Industrial. The event will feature more than 85 vendors offering wine tastings and light fare.

Best Buy Theater in Times Square has been renamed PlayStation Theater. Shacknews: http://bit.ly/1N5MJAN

Two neighboring hotels, Element and Aloft, will open in the seaport district in early 2016. Aloft will have nearly 10,000 square feet of event space, suited for meetings or parties.

Local event listings from the new Masterplanner: http://www.masterplanneronline.com/newyork

ORLANDO/CENTRAL FLORIDA:  The former Cityfish space in Thornton Park will reopen soon as Baoery, an Asian gastropub. Scott Joseph's Orlando Restaurant Guide: http://bit.ly/1JGGlIm

PHILADELPHIA:  The grand opening of the Fillmore Philadelphia took place Thursday with a sold-out Hall & Oates show. Philly.com: http://bit.ly/1YRVTo4

SAN FRANCISCO:  Insomniac's trance music event Dreamstate will take place January 16-17 at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Press release: http://prn.to/1RiK2un

TORONTO:  Art Toronto will present “Platform," a series of lectures and panel discussions with art-industry pros, October 23-25.

WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Taste of Georgetown festival organizers are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Joaquin, as the storm has already been reason to cancel local weekend events including the Friends of the National Zoo's Autumn Conservation Festival, the Careers Through Culinary Arts Program benefit, and the Waterford Fair. Washington Business Journal: http://bit.ly/1j49cBE

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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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