THE NEWS from EventWorks, Inc.

Janet Elkins: "I had a great time seeing many friends and colleagues during BizBash Live in Los Angeles. I was really impressed with Anthony Bollotta's new LGBT entertainment programs. Check it out." Photo: Dangilo Bonilla with Ross Mathews, Straight Talk with Ross cast and Bollotta crew.  EW: "Dangilo, the LGBT niche market is booming. Please tell us more."   Dangilo Bonilla, Bollotta Entertainment’s Operations Manager: "Right you are! The market feels like it’s really starting to take off and we are at the epicenter of it here in San Diego. I started my entertainment career in the gay nightclub scene, hosting “Bear” and “Leather” genre parties, circuit events and all sorts of other themed events. I have had the opportunity of playing every role: an entertainer, promoter, booker, host, and emcee. Getting involved early, and in a big way, allowed me to build incredible relationships with both local and national talent. And now we are really ...

Astronomers are very excited about today's event. A total solar eclipse over the United States has not happened since 1979. What makes today's eclipse even more special is that its path crosses the whole country and everyone has a chance to get at least a partial glimpse. So grab your eye protection gear and "Chill". DJ Lee Dyson sent us his 1-hour-17min, MixCloud charting list of Poolside remixes for this end-of-summer event. Have a great late summer week!

Event Producer Brynne Peña was our obvious choice to produce this event: The Ribbon Cutting and Opening Reception of UCLA's brand new Wasserman Football Center. Brynne is happy to report. Event Date: August 1, 2017 Location: Wasserman Football Center, UCLA, Westwood, CA. The Task: Creating a branded, elegant event space for this very public, high profile occasion. The stakes were high. The Opening Ceremony capped a two-year long construction project while it also served as an incentive and motivational moment for the generous supporters of the UCLA Athletics program. The exclusive guest list included the who's who of donors and special guests and UCLA's top officials. "We were honored to help with such an important event for UCLA.  As a sports fan I was so excited to get a behind the scenes tour of the facility and see all the advanced technology and architecture featured in the design.  Our goal was to enhance such elements and let them shine through o...

Event Pros Take Action returned to New Orleans for their annual work of restoring a family home in the Lower 9th Ward. Even 12 years after Katrina there is still a lot to do in the neighborhoods that were flooded in August 2005. Alisa Walsh was happy to join the "Wolfpack" again. Besides working in home remodeling, she also volunteered for EPTA's Carnival for Covenant House. Event Pros Take Action invited volunteers back to make a difference in 2017. EPTA headed to New Orleans from July 15th to July 19th, 2017, working for the seventh year with local non-profit St. Bernard Project in rebuilding the community after Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf 12 years ago. In addition, EPTA's Youth Project Initiative partnered with Liberty's Kitchen on a hospitality seminar program. At the end of the work week, EPTA hosted the third annual Cov Carnival for the homeless youth at Covenant House New Orleans.* Alisa: "EPTA invites us to give back and build lastin...

Is summer getting to you? Still working while it seems everyone else is on the beach? We got the anti-dote for the summer blues. Get up and DANCE! DJ Lee Dyson: "Normally I don't like pop music. That being said....so far in 2017...I'm loving pop music! Some really catchy and listenable stuff being released that is perfect for a long Sunday drive or relaxing by the pool. Enjoy!

'Play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well. Playing with your romantic partner, friends, co-workers, pets, and children is a sure (and fun) way to fuel your imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being.' Source: HelpGuide.org in collaboration with Harvard Health Publications. No wonder 'Play' is such a trend in corporate events this year! Giant jenga, LED foosball tables, life-size Battleship.... it's games, games, games everywhere we look these days. We checked in with our experts, Justin Hapeman, Gary Bordman and Jeff Anderson to explore whether it is just our inner child's dream or an event trend reality. Happy to share our findings. The Premise: Play is a serious science. The preeminent expert is American physician, psychiatrist and TED speaker, Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play. Following the horrific Texas Tower mass ...

Alisa Walsh, pictured here with Liz Smith from Destination Concepts, Inc.  her "partner in crime" in planning logistics for the tournament, was very honored when our friends at JNR invited her to expand her role with the tournament and come on board as a co-organizer. The Event: ALL IN Charity Poker Tournament,                   hosted by SITE SoCal Young Leaders and SITE Southern California Event Date: June 25, 2017, 11AM to 6PM Event Location: Hotel Irvine, Irvine, CA. The concept of the Annual SITE SoCal Poker Tournament: turn a meetings & events industry mingler into a very worthwhile fundraising opportunity for the San Diego Brain Tumor Foundation, founded in 2002 by our colleague Connie Reeves Campbell in memory of her late husband Dennis who lost his battle against a brain tumor in 2000. Hotels and suppliers come together enthusiastically to support the event by sponsoring tables and much more. SITE SoCal C...