Hot Off the Presses
The University of Virginia (UVA) turned to visual technology artist Jeff Dobrow to create a pop-up projection mapping experience called “Brighter Together.” From March to May 2021, Dobrow projection mapped iconic buildings across the UVA campus with artwork that celebrated resilience and community. From psychedelic floral displays that melded perfectly with music to a salute to the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 with arms raising diplomas in triumph, the mapping project evoked themes of spring, renewal and a brighter future ahead, while highlighting the architecture of UVA to bring the UVA community together outside for an artistic experience. Dobrow used three Epson Pro L1505UNL laser projectors to display interactive artwork across campus buildings – McIntire Amphitheater, Old Cabell Hall and the University Chapel. Designed to make projection art more accessible, while safely bringing students together during the pandemic, the installation was free and available to students as well as members of the community.
Hilton has introduced a new content series within its Hilton EventReady Playbook that provides readers with a first-hand look at how Hilton itself is planning its first internal conference in Vegas this December. The series, entitled, “Diary of an Event Planner,” invites readers to follow the planning efforts leading up to Hilton’s first major in-person, internal conference since 2019. It features the Hilton EventReady Playbook’s solutions for activating engaging, safe and responsible events and will take readers on a journey from planning to production with real-time learnings and candid recommendations with each pandemic planning curveball thrown.
Inc. magazine has revealed that Tripleseat, the leading web-based sales and event management platform for restaurants, hotels, and unique venues, is No. 1442 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy's most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.
With more and more live events marking calendar dates as things get back to "normal," marketers, event planners, and hospitality event organizers are meeting in the middle in how events are hosted to cater to both physical and virtual audiences. Right now, there is a fundamental shift happening in the events industry. Attendees want flexibility in how they attend events, outlined safety and compliance guidelines, and knowing that the event organizers made their wellbeing a priority. Event coordinators now have to turn their attention towards these evolving needs. Three-channel partners - Virsitour, SafeAccess, and Germinator - have aligned themselves to provide end-to-end solutions and services with these challenges and concerns in mind. They’re reshaping how events are sourced, planned and executed using virtual and AI-driven solutions fused by proven methods that help keep staff and attendees protected from germs on the surfaces they touch, the air that they breathe, and even their own bodies.
Crain’s New York Business has honored Liz Neumark, the founder and chair of New York City’s premier catering, events and hospitality company, as one of its Notable Women Business Owners. The list of 63 prominent businesswomen recognizes them for having forged remarkable career paths that have powered the city’s economy, while making a point of giving back to their communities. Women-owned companies represent more than 40 percent of the city’s registered businesses, nearly 600,000, generating more $70 billion in revenue annually. Neumark, who established her company a waitress-staffing agency to provide a flexible source of income for women in the arts, has built Great Performances (GP) into one of the country’s top catering concerns, renown for industry trend-setting innovations; it is the largest food service company in the NY Tri-State region owned by a woman. During the pandemic, she pivoted GP to adapt to virtual events, produce meal kits for at-home entertaining and develop creative micro wedding packages in addition to playing a critical role in emergency efforts to feed New Yorkers.
People on the Move
The Balfour Hotel, which recently opened on Miami Beach, is happy to announce the appointment of James E. Moore III to general manager. In this role, Moore will be responsible for driving overall operations and guest satisfaction of the luxury resort’s 82 newly-renovated rooms and suites in addition to the hotel’s food and beverage outlets. Moore assumes this position immediately and has already stepped into the role of overseeing all aspects of resort operations. With more than 20 years of hotel experience, Moore joins The Balfour Hotel after leading the team at the Havana Cabana at Key West Hotel for three years. Previously he held roles in the hospitality, retail and food and beverage industries, working with notable brands such as Hilton Hotels, including DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton Inn, and Intercontinental Hotels.
Main Light, LLC has hired Steve Nancarrow to be the Rental Executive based at the new Main Light West in Las Vegas, NV. Nancarrow’s responsibilities will include business development and client interfacing with professional production companies on the West Coast.
Venue News
Destined to be one of North America’s most sought-after travel experiences for creating lifelong memories, Ancient Lore Village has opened for reservations and will debut its luxury offerings next week as an exhibitor at the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) Global Convention. The uniquely themed village is nestled on a hidden 67-acre swath of rolling hills that of rolling hills that offers panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. Travelers can create their own adventure!
