Eventplanning.com recently had the pleasure of attending the L.A. Times Travel & Adventure Show. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the show featured booths and information on hot spots around the globe including Hawaii, Ireland, China, Japan and Africa. The show also included presentations by some of the hospitality industries top players, including Lisa Ling (host of Our America), Rick Steves, Alice Short and Adam Richman (host of Man v. Food), as well as a zip line, cooking demonstrations and cultural performances. We spoke with a number of experts to learn where the up-and-coming destinations to hold meetings and events will be. Our top picks are based off of their accessibility, affordability, attractions, activities and choice of venues. Boise, ID: Boise is quickly becoming a top destination for meetings,…

Dominick’s restaurant and bar in West Hollywood recently underwent an extensive renovation. The New York neighborhood-inspired restaurant enlarged their patio and added two roaring fireplaces to help create a more relaxed and inviting ambiance for events. The side patio can accommodate up to 35 to 40 guests and is ideal for more intimate gatherings. The side patio includes a large fireplace, two spacious couches and mini cocktail tables; making it easier for guests to mingle. For larger gatherings, the back garden patio is an ideal setting–it can seat a dinner for 85-115 guests and entertain up to 130-140 guests. Both patios feature luscious gardens, making them idyllic settings for spring and summer events. In the last year, Dominick’s has held a number of soirees. The biggest by far was Details…

Placed along the quirky shops on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles, CA,  Black Banditz Tattoo Shop is the ideal space for alternative events. In addition to being a tattoo shop and a hair salon, this 12,000 square foot space is able to accommodate up to 200 guests and has one in-store event every month. Events often include live tattoos, art projections and a stage where D.J’s keep the music pumping (usually Black Banditz’s in-house D.J., Rick Rude). Events take place in the interior of the shop as well as in the outdoor back gated area, which is enclosed for events. The shop has played host to a number of parties, including their own grand opening party in April. The event’s official title was the Black Banditz Grand Opening & Pre-Coachella…

WitZend Live, a hidden gem in the heart of Venice, California has brought on “Andy Dick and the Bitches of the Century” show every Monday night in January. EventPlanning.com had the pleasure of checking out the show and the venue this week. Being a long time Andy Dick fan from The Assistant days, we jumped at the opportunity to see Andy perform on the Westside. The evening started with a standup comedy performance by Lucas Dick, Andy’s son. It appears as though Lucas is just starting out in his comedy career but his presentation and jokes got laughter from the crowd. The first half of his routine was focused around being Andy’s son which triggered laughter from the crowd. Then came comedian Dwayne Perkins for a short 7 minute act…

EventPlanning.com reports the Doggfather celebrated his 40th birthday party yesterday at the new Rolling Stone Los Angeles restaurant and lounge. Snoop hosted a private gathering organized by his wife, Shante. Celebrity guests included Dr. Dre, Warren G, DJ Quik, Tyrese, Too Short, Russell Westbrook, Matt Kemp, Baron Davis, Lady of Rage and Chaka Khan who serenaded the rapper by singing Happy Birthday. The dessert was an interesting edible 40 ounce bottle of Colt 45. Looks like a great way to celebrate a 40th. Happy Birthday Snoop!

New Years Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year.  With parties happening around the world, people are able to reflect on another year gone by while looking forward to 2011.  However, for some party goers they will be looking at a lighter wallet come January 1st.  According to ClubZone.com, Miami Beach, FL will be home to some of the wildest, craziest and most expensive parties on New Years Eve. ClubZone sells tickets to some of the most extravagant parties around the United States and Canada including major cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Vancouver.  The company expects to make more than $750,000 on New Year’s Eve alone, which is about 1/6th of the company’s overall revenue for the year. If you are really…

As a way to thank its hard working brand ambassadors, field marketing managers, corporate team members, and agency representatives, alcohol distributor Bacardi hosted a holiday party at Central Park’s Trump Wollman Skating Rink.  Around 1,800 guests showed up to the extravagant event which included activities and entertainment, branded photo booth, Bacardi girls dressed in Santa suits, dancing stiltwalkers, and a chance to get your picture taken with Santa and his elves.  As an added bonus, Bacardi also handed out free drink shakers and had a professional engraver on site to etch personal messages into the gift. According to Bacardi USA’s field marketing manager, Christine Squillante, the company really wanted to raise the bar when it came to this year’s holiday party.  Bacardi has thrown holiday parties in years past, but…