BIZBASH CALL SHEET — #48 — Wednesday, 06.29.11
Compiled today by Chad Kaydo in New York
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* INCOMING *
1. PEOPLE AS Q.R. CODES: This press release from an augmented reality service sounds a little too good to be true (imagine!) but it's certainly an interesting concept: "Silicon Valley technology company CrowdOptic lets fans in-venue get more connected to the live action at events by pointing their smartphones at an athlete or performer and viewing real-time information about the target, such as exclusive invitations, coaching insight, stats, ticket discounts, marketing promotions and much more."
On the tracking capabilities: "CrowdOptic's technology senses which activities are being most watched, photographed and videoed by the crowd at any given moment and gives the enterprise a powerful platform to monetize these insights in real time during the live event."
http://bit.ly/mQRnTC
2. CHINA'S BIG BASH: As China prepares to mark the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party with over-the-top celebrations on Friday, Gawker has a slide show of Getty images of the preparations (with jokey captions).
http://gaw.kr/lcjeCh
3. OUTGOING OSCAR LEADER: The Hollywood Reporter talked to Bruce Davis, executive director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who is retiring Thursday after 22 years. Highlights:
* On this year's much-maligned ceremony: "I thought [it] had played very well in the house...Everyone could see Mr. Franco wasn't on the same page as everybody else, but I thought it was working. To see the reviews the next morning, I was really stunned. But then I saw it on disc, and it did not play as well as a television show as it did in the house. Sometimes, the energy just doesn't get there, the bad things are magnified, and the good things aren't quite as wonderful."
* On the Academy's proposed museum project: "I think the idea of the $400 million museum we designed is dead. The economy has not come back that much. But we can start with a more modest version. We're having meetings about it right now. There are just too many people in this industry who are frankly embarrassed that [Los Angeles] doesn't have a museum honoring its most significant art form."
http://bit.ly/lnFd92
4. IPAD INTEGRATION: We've seen the gadget used at events in many ways—guest registration, product information—and here are some more ideas from retailers. Mashable:
http://on.mash.to/jCTRkr
* ASK TED *
If you read BizBash editor at large Ted Kruckel's columns, you know he has an opinion on just about everything. Here's your chance to hear more of them. We're launching an occasional feature where Ted answers questions from readers. Got a question? Send an email to [email protected] with "Ask Ted" in the subject line.
* LOCAL NEWS *
BOSTON: The Lagham Boston now offers thematic meeting breaks that include snacks, games, and spa treatments. Themes include "Enchanted New England" and "Chocolate Wonderland."
http://bit.ly/kyE12F
Sweet, a cupcake shop, recently opened a forth location in Downtown Crossing. The bakery can create custom treats for events, and seasonal flavors include pink lemonade and peach cobbler.
CHICAGO: Social Media Week organizers selected Zocalo Group, an Omnicom company, and The Chicago Tribune as local market hosts for the event, which runs September 19-23 at locations across the city.
http://bit.ly/li9YB0
Twitter: http://bit.ly/lNcgb0
Locally based medical information systems provider Allscripts will hold its annual users conference at McCormick Place in 2012, 2013 and 2014, drawing at least 5,000 Allscripts customers to town. The Sun-Times:
http://bit.ly/k6k9uP
LOS ANGELES: Audi is sponsoring the BAFTA Brits to Watch event July 9 at the Belasco Theater, part of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's visit. A fleet of 2011 Audi A8 vehicles will chauffeur select guests to the event.
Honeysweet Productions again produced the Film and Television awards as well as the Rhythm and Soul awards for ASCAP at the Beverly Hilton June 23 and 24, respectively. The Film and Television Awards honored Angelo Badalamenti and Alf Clausen. At the Rhythm & Soul Awards, Dr. Dre presented an award to Sean “Diddy” Combs and performers included Andrea Martin, Miguel with Pusha T, Mary Mary and DJ Clark Kent.
http://bit.ly/lVDxYN
http://bit.ly/lDlSI2
Rent What? Inc.'s drapes got some airtime on the Glee season finale, with performances set before a 30- by 60-foot gold Austrian drape from the company, which also rents for events.
MIAMI: Restaurateur Steve Haas opens his latest venture, restaurant City Hall, tonight in the Biscayne corridor. The two-story, 6,000-square-foot eatery will have a private dining room with seating for 40. Lead by executive chef Tom Azar (an Emeril Lagasse protégé), the kitchen will also be open for late-night service after performances at the nearby Arsht Center or games at American Airlines Arena.
NEW YORK: To promote tonight's premiere of "Necessary Roughness," USA Network is hosting an outdoor consumer experience today in Times Square called Theraplay, with five "stress-relief zones" within a mini football field, each with different physical activities. New York Jet LaDainian "L.T." Tomlinson will make an appearance.
The Lingerie Journal's first Designer Showcase, part of lingerie market week, is July 30 to August 2 at the AKA Times Square.
http://bit.ly/meLAN7
TORONTO: The Bowery restaurant and bar opened Monday. Inspired by the New York City neighbourhood, the new restaurant has a locally inspired menu created by executive chef Tawfik Shehata, of the Ballroom and formerly of Vertical. The 4,500-square-foot space is divided into two rooms. Later this year, the Bowery plans to open its basement as a live music venue.
The rainbow flag was raised at City Hall on Monday evening, marking the official opening of Toronto's Pride festival. Events, marches, and parties are scheduled all week, leading up to the Pride Parade on Sunday, July 3.
WASHINGTON: The Biotech Industry Organization's convention runs Monday to Thursday this week at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
ON THE MOVE: Ford Motor Company has partnered with Xperience Communications for its "Focus Drive With Purpose" contest to promote the 2012 Ford Focus. The test-drive promotion began June 9 in Orlando, Miami, Charlotte, and Atlanta. On July 4, company representatives will attend each city's Independence Day celebration to announce which community conducted the most test drives. A designated charity in each city will receive a donation from Ford: with $25,000 going to the top city.
ABROAD: The entertainment troupe the Three Waiters performed in their 75th country as part of Operation H.O.T. (Honoring Our Troops), an event for U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Posing as a chef, a tech crew member, and an Army captain, they joked and sang before the audience realized they were seeing a show.
YOUR NEWS: What are you doing? Tell us: [email protected].
With contributions from Jenny Berg in Chicago, Alesandra Dubin in Los Angeles, Mitra Sorrells in Orlando, Carla Warrilow in Toronto, and Erica Petri, Anna Sekula, and Courtney Thompson in New York.
BizBash Call Sheet is the must-read daily digest of event industry news from BizBash.com.
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