NATIONAL: The Sundance Film Festival, which runs from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, 2021, will take place primarily virtually, with more than 70 films premiering on a custom online platform. Each film will be screened at a dedicated time followed by a live Q&A; there will also be a small amount of in-person screenings at various venues across the country. Tickets go on sale
Jan. 7. 

CHICAGO: Chef Bill Kim's Pizza and Parm Shop, a new virtual restaurant based out of the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, opened on Dec. 2. Available exclusively for takeout through DoorDash, the pop-up offers a chance to experience the award-winning chef’s cuisine in a time where dining options are limited due to restaurant dining restrictions. The menu spotlights Detroit-style pizza, chicken parmesan, and more.

LOS ANGELES: The 12th Annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl is returning with a new virtual and socially distanced experience to support local bars and restaurants and raise funds for the Westside Food Bank. The event will offer takeout specials on food and drink the entire month of December. Additionally, a "Bar Bingo" game night will take place via Zoom on Dec. 19; attendees can join host Brian Thomas Smith from The Big Bang Theory and DJ Kooleo of Free Space Virtual Events for cocktails, games, trivia, and prizes.

MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA: The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the Miami Beach Convention Center, announced its first booking for 2021: The Aesthetic Society will host its annual meeting from April 30 to May 3. Some 600 participants and 200 exhibiting companies will attend and bring an estimated $2.4 million in economic impact.

Hospitality Ventures Management Group has hired Javier Marquis as director of sales and marketing for the AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach, slated to open in early 2021. The 10-story, 171-room property will offer 1,000 square feet of meeting space and the AC’s signature Media Library work center.

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