BizBash Buzz

THIS WEEK IN EVENTS

8 Smart Tips and Top Brands for Event-Day Attire

After a year of sweatpants, we could all use a little fashion help. Here are some go-to rules and brands shared by fellow industry pros that'll help you execute your events in style.

Podcast: The New Culinary Experience: What's Hot in Food and Beverage Now (Episode 206)

A powerhouse panel of F&B professionals discusses the past—and the future—of event catering.

Renovations Create Enhanced Experiences in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

During a challenging year, hotels throughout Valley Forge, Pa., invested millions to enhance the experience offered for meetings and events. Renovations have been completed at numerous full- and select-service hotels. Learn more.

10 New Venues in Austin/San Antonio for Summer 2021 Meetings and Events

Take a peek at these buzz-worthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces and more recently opened in Austin and San Antonio.

Fresh Faces 2021:
Michelle Ellamae

The owner and creative director of
Ellamae Productions focuses on social good, sustainable materials and elevating BIPOC vendors.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board

Only minutes outside Philadelphia, Valley Forge is the place to hold your next revolutionary event. With over 300 venues and 80 hotels, you can plan programs of nearly any size. Attendees will enjoy unique dining options with 1,600 restaurants. Valley Forge is ready to welcome you back!

INDUSTRY NEWS

CHICAGO: The Art of Banksy, the largest touring exhibition of Banksy artwork, will debut in Chicago on Aug. 14. Featuring over 80 authentic Banksy works, the exhibit will be held on the fourth floor of 360 North State Street, a 45,000-square-foot space. Tickets start at $39.99, and the show from Starvox Exhibits runs through Oct. 31.

LAS VEGAS: Live Design International (LDI) will take place in Las Vegas from Nov. 15-21, with exhibits from Nov. 19-21. LDI will feature hands-on technology training, industry professional training, panel discussions and over 100 sessions guests can participate in. Registration will be opening to the public soon.

NEW YORK: John Sklencar has joined Etc.Venues USA as sales development manager, based in New York. The industry veteran has previously held roles at Choose Chicago, Visit Britain and Destination DC, and is director of sponsorship for MPI’s Greater New York chapter.

PHILADELPHIA: The W Philadelphia, slated to open later this summer, has announced Ed Baten as complex general manager and Andrew Cifa as director of sales. The 295-room hotel, housed in a 51-story skyscraper across from City Hall, will have 45,000 square feet of event space as well as a terrace lap pool, the Secret Garden bar and Dolce Restaurant from
LDV Hospitality.

WASHINGTON, DC: Comic convention Awesome Con will take place from Aug. 20-22 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Special guests include Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd from Back to the Future, and William Shatner and George Takei from Star Trek. For the first time, the event will have a new programming track centered around the cosplayer fan community. There will also be a new book fair, a family-friendly pavilion called Awesome Con Jr., a short film festival, the LGBTQ-focused Pride Alley, a science fair and more; the event from LeftField Media drew 72,000 attendees in 2019.

What's happening on the event scene in your city? Email us and share the news!