BizBash Buzz

THIS WEEK IN EVENTS

Rain or Shine: Event Pros Share Lessons Learned From Hurricane Henri

As climate change begins to affect events more and more, learn how to plan for unpredictable weather conditions.

Clean Machines: 6 Gadgets That Can Help Keep Guests Safe at
In-Person Events

From robotic bartenders and stylish sanitizing stations to touchless vending machines and UVC disinfectors, these rental items can help keep your event
germ-free.

A New Way to Work & Play—Arriving November 2021

Gila River Casinos - Wild Horse Pass, located in Chandler, Ariz., is embarking on an exciting expansion scheduled to open this fall and will soon deliver more than 45,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor function space. Learn more.

A Top Event Producer Shares His Go-To Venues Around the U.S.

Liron David, founder of production firm Eventique, discusses his favorite venues to host product launches, client dinners, intimate events and more.

Why Every Event Professional Should Be on TikTok

The short-form video app has become a legitimate tool to market your business and find new clients. And no, you're not too old for it.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Gila River Hotels & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass

Exceptional experiences await you at Gila River Hotels & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass. This thrilling expansion serves up the grand opening of Prime, a Shula’s Steak House concept; 11ven, an after-hours rooftop experience; and inspiring spaces with remarkable accommodations to serve your every need.

INDUSTRY NEWS

NATIONAL: Hopin has announced that Wei Gao is the company’s first chief operating officer. She previously served as the worldwide vice president of product, technology and supply chain for Amazon Grocery and technical advisor to Jeff Bezos. At Hopin, Gao will lead operations and oversee the rapid growth of Hopin’s virtual event and shared experiences platform.

Hard Rock International has appointed a new director of global sales for meetings and events. The role is being filled by Shelley Williams, who brings 25 years of experience in global hospitality with companies like Caesars Entertainment and the Westmont Hospitality Group. She most recently served as vice president of sales at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City.

GRAPEVINE, TEXAS: The 35th annual GrapeFest: A Texas Wine Experience will take place Sept. 16-19. Billed as the largest wine festival in the Southwest United States, the Bank of the West-sponsored event will feature guest wineries from South Australia’s Barossa Valley and California’s Napa Valley, as well as signature events like the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic and a live performance from '80s band Berlin.

LOS ANGELES: After taking place as a drive-thru event last year, Freeform’s fourth annual “Halloween Road” activation is coming back to the Heritage Square Museum for a socially distanced and outdoor experience. Open to the public from Oct. 1-5, the Hyundai-sponsored event will feature immersive attractions from the worlds of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus and The Addams Family along with games, photo moments, live entertainment and prizes. Tickets go on sale Sept. 1.

TEMPE, ARIZ: The Westin Tempe, the largest new hotel to debut in Tempe in nearly four decades, is now open in the city’s downtown district. The 290 room, full-service property has 21,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, along with three new dining concepts including the highest open-air rooftop in Tempe.

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