| NATIONAL: The American Film Market (AFM) will host its 2021 edition virtually from Nov. 1-5, shifting one day earlier than its original dates. The virtual convention, which typically draws 7,000 film industry professionals from more than 70 countries and is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance, will feature industry offices, screenings, conferences, panels, networking and more. Registration is now open. Celebrity event designer Colin Cowie’s new book, The Gold Standard: Giving Your Customers What They Didn’t Know They Wanted, comes out on Sept. 7. Filled with “how-to” anecdotal-style stories, the book offers advice for creating an effective customer service culture that will help your business grow. The book is now available for preorder, and customers also get access to Cowie’s eight-part masterclass on customer service. The 25th American Black Film Festival has shifted from a hybrid event to a fully virtual one. Taking place Nov. 3-14, the celebration of Black cinema and television will be available digitally on a custom online platform, where fans will have complimentary access to independent films, network and studio previews, panels, masterclasses and more. LOS ANGELES: Actor and activist Billy Porter will be honored at the Elizabeth Taylor Ball to End AIDS on Sept. 17. He joins previously announced honorees Dr. Anthony Fouci, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research and Sandra Thurman. The in-person event will include a seated dinner, a live auction and a live performance from Jake Wesley Rogers. SAN DIEGO: San Diego Comic Convention, the nonprofit organization that produces Comic-Con International, has started construction on the new Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park. Slated for a soft opening on Nov. 26—the same day as Comic-Con Special Edition, a scaled-down version of the annual convention—the museum will feature exhibits related to comics and pop culture. By July 2022, the museum expects to unveil expanded interior display spaces and education areas and be officially open to the public. What's happening on the event scene in your city? Email us and share the news!
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