Vancouver's Top 100 Events, the State of Learning and Training in the Event Industry

1. BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING MEMORIAL COMPLETED: A memorial to the victims of the Boston Marathon bombing has been completed. The memorial on Boylston Street consists of bronze and granite pillars designed by Bolivian-born sculptor Pablo Eduardo. The $2 million project was slated to complete last year for the fifth anniversary of the attack, but faced major redesigns and delays. Associated Press: “The memorial—two distinct pieces separated by about a city block—marks the spots where two pressure cooker bombs detonated near the finish line, killing the three victims and wounding more than 260 others. The two pieces each feature granite pillars ringed by towering bronze and glass spires meant to bathe the sites in warm white light. Cherry trees to bloom each April have also been planted at the sites, and two modest bronze bricks have been set in the sidewalk to honor the police officers killed in the bombing’s aftermath, Massachusetts Institute of Technology officer Sean Collier and Boston police officer Dennis Simmonds.”

2. EATALY PARTS WAYS WITH MARIO BATALI OVER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS: Italian market and restaurant chain Eataly has cut ties with Mario Batali, nearly two years after multiple sexual misconduct allegations were made against the celebrity chef. An Eataly spokesperson said Batali hasn’t been involved with the brand since 2017. Eater: “Batali’s relationship with Eataly began back in 2010, when the chef and his partners Lidia and Joe Bastianich helped open the giant 50,000-square-foot location of the Italian market and food hall in Manhattan’s Flatiron District. Eataly NYC was such a massive hit that it spawned similarly gargantuan spinoffs in Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Downtown Manhattan.”

3. CHANEL RECONSIDERS HONG KONG FASHION SHOW: Chanel is reconsidering hosting a fashion show in Hong Kong due to massive ongoing protests in the city. The brand was slated to have its Cruise 2020 show on November 6 at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. Women’s Wear Daily: “‘Like all brands present in Hong Kong, we are of course keeping a close watch on events, and have not yet made a decision,’ the French house said.”

INDUSTRY NEWS: The American Rental Association’s new five-year forecast reports equipment and event rental revenues in North America will surpass $71 billion in 2023, which includes $64.7 billion in the United States and $6.4 billion in Canada.

LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO: The Las Cruces Convention Center has added 17,000 square feet of additional meeting and event space to the existing 55,000-square-foot venue. The 16-month project added meeting, breakout, and support spaces, as well as entrance areas.

LOS ANGELES: Event catering and design company Schaffer has appointed Melissa Darpino sales and marketing director.

NEW YORK: To celebrate National Dog Day, Hotel Indigo Lower East Side will host an adoption event and “Yappy Hour” on August 26. Held in partnership with the Humane Society of New York, the event will offer complimentary dog treats from Lord Jameson and toys from BarkBox.

TORONTO: The 30th annual Word on the Street Festival will take place September 21-22 at Harbourfront Centre. The event will feature more than 200 on stage and more than 270 book and magazine exhibitors at an outdoor marketplace.