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Everything is ready and the Italian travel industry is pushing back against negative and inaccurate media coverage related to COVID-19. 

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“Milan loves you! Now, show that you love Milan!”

There are no risks attending IGLTA Convention in Italy in May: 

Everything is ready and the Italian travel industry is pushing back against negative and inaccurate media coverage related to COVID-19. 

“Italy is being more transparent, and doing more testing than any other European country. We are more safe than before, not less.”
— Alessio Virgili, President of the IGLTA Host Committee

28 February 2020 – Milan, Italy: Lately, the image of Italy abroad has been distorted by a series of proactive decisions made by the Italian Government to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. These governmental actions, designed to stop the spread of the virus, have – unfortunately – led to a perception that Italy is “less safe” than other countries. In fact, the opposite is true.

In light of this, Alessio Virgili, International Gay and Lesbian Tourist Association (IGLTA) Ambassador, CEO of the Sonders & Beach Group and President of the host committee for 37th IGLTA Global Convention, confirms that the Convention will take place on May 6-9 , 2020 in Milan.

“The Italian Health Ministry did more than 9,000 tests and 95% of these were negative,” said Virgili.  “The tests found that only 5% of test patients were infected and only 20% of these showed symptoms of illness.  Out of an abundance of caution, the Italian health authorities also tested people who were not showing symptoms.  France, for example, did only 475 tests. Other countries did not state the number of tests done. For this reason, there is an inaccurate perception that Italy has a greater COVID-19 outbreak than other countries. In fact, Italy is the victim of its own transparency. Italy is not less safe. Rather, Italy has been more scrupulous and more transparent in its efforts to fight the virus. The media has mis-represented,and over-dramatized the situation. COVID-19 is under control in Italy.”

Looking forward, Virgili stresses that plans are continuing for the May IGLTA Convention in Milan, including a party on March 4th in Milan to preview the May event. The party is hosted by ENIT, the Italian Tourist Board and Sonders & Beach.  Preparation for the event in May has been ongoing for several years including a new destination management plan for inbound LGBTQ+ tourism, the first for Italy. 

“Our theme for the IGLTA conference in May is Milan Loves You’,” said Virgilli.  “Now, we are looking forward to the world returning that affection. COVID-19 is a serious issue and one which we are monitoring carefully.  Italy is as safe as any country during these stressful times, perhaps safer. But, as always, Italians invite drama: it’s one of our distinctive characteristics. However, don’t let drama get in the way of facts. Come to Italy and come to the IGLTA conference in May.” 

Letizia Strambi 

Head of PR and Media  

Sonders & Beach Group

0039 3339579055 

info@letiziastrambi.com press@sondersandbeach.com 

Panic is a click away: Don’t take the click bait

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Panic is Click Away: Don’t take the click bait

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt famously said: “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.”

Those words bear repeating this week during the continually updated and truly developing story that is the COVID-19 outbreak. 83,000 people out of a planet of 8 billion have been infected.  Around 3000 have died. Annually, over 650,000 people die from the flu. None of this is “good” but it is reason to have a bit of perspective. In 1976, Ebola (arguably the most frightening word in the lexicon of disease) broke out in 9 countries and killed 13,500 people with a mortality rate of 40%. Basically – you get Ebola, you have a 50/50 chance of surviving. In 2002, SARS broke out in 29 countries and killed 775 people with a mortality rate of 9.6 % — better odds than Ebola, for sure. In 2012, MERS broke out in 28 countries resulting in 858 deaths, with a mortality rate of 34%. All of these, we as a country – and a world –survived. We integrated the information into our lives, and we learned from the experience.

What is the difference now with COVID-19? The answer is simple: panic is a click away. The other diseases had the capability to infect. Today, the Internet and social media infect our every waking thought (“Ping! Ping! Panic!”)

We are not medical experts, although we have worked with and represented many. Our job is simple: communicate the truth – simply, effectively and hopefully in a way that leads to greater education and social responsibility. No one is happy about COVID-19, but also, what is already becoming clear is this: for the vast, vast majority of the world’s population, it will be something to deal with, not to die from.  

It has been said that the stock market thrives on fear and greed. At the moment, fear is taking its toll, but greed will come back in as investors see opportunities to buy. That’s not being cynical, that’s observing history. Even now, as new cases of COVID-19 are discovered in Europe, the rate of infection in China – where the disease evidently originated – is tapering off. 

So, what is our point? Just this: don’t rely on the stock-ticker speed of your Facebook page or your Twitter feed to inform your choices. Rely on the advice of proven experts who – internationally – have all been saying the same thing: take reasonable precautions. Don’t cancel your trips to Italy. Wash your hands. Cover your coughs and sneezes. Use towels to open doors and turn off water faucets in public restrooms. It’s the same advice medical professionals have been giving for a hundred years.

This week, our clients have (rightly) turned to us for advice and counsel, and our counsel has been this: stay informed, but don’t panic and have some perspective. 

A few days ago, using the power of social media, the Centers for Disease Control released an animated GIF that went viral, based on the now iconic phrase “Keep Calm.” Its message: “Keep Calm and Wash Your Hands.” All of us know how to wash our hands (although, a reminder might be advised for the next few weeks) but we could all use a reminder in the first adage: “Keep Calm.”

There is every indication that we will get through this. And, we will get through it better, wiser and better prepared by not clicking on every 100 point font online.

David Perry & Janis MacKenzie

David Perry & Janis MacKenzie are longtime crisis communications specialists in San Francisco with more than 70 years experience between them.

AsiaSF / Palm Springs Springs Into Full Bloom in First Month! Starting March 4: Expanded Hours and Service Options

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Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

AsiaSF / Palm Springs Springs Into Full Bloom in First Month!
Starting March 4: Expanded Hours and Service Options

 Lotus Lounge Bar: Wednesday – Sunday 3pm – Close with Happy Hour 3pm – 5pm

Dinner Shows: Wednesday – Sunday, 6pm
Cocktail Shows (non-dinner): Friday & Saturday, 8:30pm
Forbidden City Dance Club: Friday & Saturday, 10pm – close

Cal-Asian Restaurant, Cabaret, Dinner Theater and Night Club 
Features Transgender “Ladies of AsiaSF”

www.asiasf.com 

26 February 2020 – Palm Springs, CA:In less than three weeks of full-scale operation, AsiaSF/Palm Springs has transformed the entertainment and culinary landscape of Palm Springs and the Desert. With sold-out-shows, and Instagram-able memories and legions of Facebook video posts, the acclaimed dinner theatre and cabaret featuring the world-famous transgender Ladies of AsiaSF/Palm Springs at 1555 South Palm Canyon Drive, has become an overnight sensation. Now, heading into the glorious spring season that brings to the Valley bachelorettes, Coachella and Stage Coach music fans and legions of White Party fans, AsiaSF/Palm Springs has announced expanded hours and service options destined to be popular with visitors and locals alike. The new hours begin March 4.

“Thank you Palm Springs,” said Larry Hashbarger, Chairman and CEO of AsiaSF. “From the second we opened for reservations, our phones and website have been bursting with requests. We’re so proud, and excited, to be fully open and welcoming our guests to the full AsiaSF experience. We’ve had an overwhelming request from our customers to meet and interact more with our talented Ladies of AsiaSF/Palm Springs and these expanded options will allow us to do just that.”

The Lotus Lounge bar with indoor and outdoor seating remains open Wednesday through Sunday, includingHappy Hour 3pm – 5pm adding to the already diverse Palm Springs lounge scene. The acclaimed runway performance by the “Ladies of AsiaSF/Palm Springs” continues as a full dinner show. Based on overwhelming customer demand, there is a new addition: the Cocktail Show (non-dinner/cocktail-only option) is now available.   Prices: $ 68 for dinner shows which includes a 5-course tasting menu inclusive of entertainment; $ 35 for cocktail shows (non-dinner) inclusive of admission to the Forbidden City Dance Club. Cocktails priced separately. The full schedule follows below, beginning March 4:

  • Dinner Shows: Wednesday – Sunday, 6pm
  • Cocktail Shows: Friday & Saturday, 8:30pm (including complimentary admission to the Forbidden City Dance Club). NOTE: Following Friday and Saturday shows, the red-hot Forbidden City Dance Club will be open 10pm – close. 
  • Lotus Lounge Bar: Wednesday – Sunday: 3pm – close with Happy Hour 3pm -5pm
  • Forbidden City Dance Club: Friday & Saturday, 10pm – close

The adjacent Sonoran at AsiaSF/Palm Springs outdoor special event space with a full bar facility, pool, restrooms, cabanas and large open manicured lawn with exceptional mountain views is available for special event rentals seven days a week.

For individual reservations, groups and special events go to www.asiasf.com or call (760) 249-2766.  

“With our new Happy Hour and Cocktail Show options there’s more of the AsiaSF/Palm Springs experience to enjoy and more opportunities to learn about, and experience, the stories of our transgender stars,” says Hashbarger.

With Vegas commercial style choreography by Ronnie Reddick and award-winning Cal-Asian cuisine from Chef Jen Solomon, AsiaSF/Palm Springs is a unique interactive, cabaret and dinner entertainment experience. From the moment one enters, the internationally acclaimed “Ladies of AsiaSF” will entertain and enlighten you, complete with stand-out-performances featuring original creations by Julian Mendez Couture and Prime Kreations of Los Angeles who has designed for Beyoncé and Kendall Jenner.  AsiaSF’s spectacular interiors, calling to mind a “1930s Shanghai” aesthetic are by Joshua Rowland Interiors.  In addition, taking advantage of the Coachella Valley’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle, the new location will also feature a special outdoor pool club event space with cabanas, bar and luxurious lawn known as The Sonoran at AsiaSF.

Founded by Hashbarger and Skip Young, AsiaSF has been packing in sell-out crowds at its original location for over 22 years, with legions of fans traveling to San Francisco from all over the world. Millions more have had the “AsiaSF experience” via the Fuse TV show featuring the AsiaSF cast, Transcendent. Voted “One of America’s Hottest 100 Restaurants” by Opentable, AsiaSF has hosted over 1 million patrons since it opened its doors in 1998. 

Reception at Kilroy Realty Announces Winners of 17th Annual International Ocean Film Festival

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Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Reception at Kilroy Realty Announces Winners of 17th Annual International Ocean Film Festival:
San Francisco March 12 – 15, 2020

Celebration of cinema about marine life, the ocean, coastal cultures and conservation features works from 15 countries:
Four World, Six U.S., Nine West and Six Bay Area Premieres

www.intloceanfilmfest.org 

20 February 2020- San Francisco, CA: San Francisco’s International Ocean Film Festival (www.intloceanfilmfest.org) has selected 12 films for special honors at this year’s 17th annual showcase, March 12 – 15. The award-winners recognize works highlightingenvironmental awareness, animation, wildlife, coastal conservation, citizen science, sports & adventure and short subjects. The annual awards are handed out at the end of each program at which the winner’s film is screened. The winning films were announced this past Tuesday night at a reception at the Kilroy Innovation Center in downtown San Francisco. Kilroy is a Real Estate Investment Trust that is committed to sustainable developments, operations and practices of its buildings and setting the benchmark in commercial real estate, world-wide.

“These films are as diverse as the oceans they celebrate, said Ana Blanco, Executive Director for the International Ocean Film Festival. “We are all ‘winners’ for being able to share these filmmakers’ vision and insights.”

“I am proud to be part of a company that brings together organizations with shared values and fosters innovation in sustainability,” said Vaishali Sampat, Manager of Sustainability for Kilroy Realty Corporation. Kilroy Realty recently announced that it will be the first developer in North America to be carbon neutral by the end of 2020. 

Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival has attracted thousands of spectators of all ages from around the world, including film enthusiasts, sea athletes, educators, and environmental supporters. Since then, the Festival has presented on average over 50 films annually from 15 different countries and featured post-film Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, special panel discussions with content experts, and the Annual Free Student Education Program. It was the first event of its kind in North America, inspired by the well-established ocean festival in Toulon, France, Festival International du Film Maritime, which has continued to draw large audiences for more than 40 years. The International Ocean Film Festival is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit.

Current sponsors for the 17th Annual International Ocean Film Festival include National Marine Sanctuary, BigBus of San Francisco, Gray Line Tours, SSA, Alcatraz Cruises, the Port of San Francisco, the Consul General of Canada, Blue and Gold Ferry, RBC Wealth Management, Pacific Gas & Electric, Troutman Sanders and Pepper Hamilton LLP.

The 17th Annual International Ocean Film Festival takes place March 12 – 15, 2020 at San Francisco’s Cowell Theatre at Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture, as well as the Smith Rafael Film Center in Marin County and the Roxie Theater in the Mission District of SF. The International Ocean Film Festival is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit. www.intloceanfilmfest.org and social at: 

International Ocean Film Festival 2020 Official Award Winners

Cowell Theater

Thursday March 12 at 6:30 pm – Program #2 – Opening Night

  • Diving Deep: The Life and Times of Mike DeGruy, Mimi Armstrong DeGruy*, United States, 83 min – 2020 Director’sAward

Friday March 13 at 1 pm – Program #3: Canada Program

Presented by SSA

  • The Mill, David Craig, Canada, 52 min – 2020 EnvironmentAward

Friday March 13 at 4 pm – Program #4

Presented by the Consul General of Canada

  • One Breath Around the World, Guillaume Néry, France, 13 min – 2020 Adventure/Ocean Sports Award

Saturday March 14 at 4 pm – Program #8 – TRT: 88 min

Presented by Gray Line Tours

  • Dammed to Extinction, Michael Peterson, United States, 51 min – 2020 ConservationAward

Saturday March 14 at 7 pm – Program #9

Presented by BigBus San Francisco

  • Our Atoll Speaks, Ko Talatala Mai Tō Mātou Wenua, Gemma Cubero del Barrio*, United States, 12 min – 2020 Coastal CultureAward
  • Octopus: Making Contact, Anna Fitch*, United Kingdom, 59 min – 2020 Marine ScienceAward

Sunday March 15 at 1pm – Program #11

Presented by the Port of San Francisco

  • Dick Ogg: Fisherman, Cynthia Abbott*, United States, 9 min – 2020 ShortAward
  • Artifishal, Josh Murphy*, United States, 80 min – 2020 Golden GateAward

Sunday March 15 at 4 pm – Program #12: Whales

Presented by RBC Wealth Management

  • Whale Wisdom, Rick Rosenthal*, United States, 50 min – 2020 WildlifeAward

Smith Rafael Film Center

Friday March 13 at 4pm – Program #1

  • Octopus: Making Contact, Anna Fitch*, United Kingdom, 59 min – 2020 Marine ScienceAward

Saturday March 14 at 7pm – Program #2

  • Whale Wisdom, Rick Rosenthal*, United States, 50 min – 2020 Wildlife Award

Roxie Theater

Saturday March 14 at 1:00 pm – Program #1

  • Dick Ogg: Fisherman, Cynthia Abbott*, United States, 9 min – 2020 ShortAward

*Filmmaker expected for post-screening Q&A

**Film representative expected for post-screening Q&A

Le Dîner en Blanc Comes to Palm Springs First Edition of Sought-After Secret “Pop Up” Event: Saturday, May 16

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Media contact: David Perry / David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Le Dîner en Blanc Comes to Palm Springs First Edition of Sought-After Secret “Pop Up” Event: Saturday, May 16

The Waiting List for the International Sensation is Now Open!

20 February 2020 – Palm Springs, CA:  Le Dîner en Blanc, the popular Parisian-style pop-up picnic characterized by its famous all-white dress code will take place in Palm Springs for the first time ever on Saturday, May 16. A large part of the excitement surrounding Le Dîner en Blanc is the secrecy surrounding the event location which is kept hidden until the very last moment. Guests are given rendezvous to a departure point when they purchase their tickets.

To participate in this first edition: guests must be invited via the hosts’ network or participating partners or get on the waiting list via the official website. To be part of this inaugural event, people can sign up now at register.dinerenblanc.com/palmsprings/en/register.

More than 130,000 foodies and cultural enthusiasts around the world have already embraced this unique event. This très chic picnic is equal parts mystery tour, pop-up feast and je ne sais quoi. Over the years, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon. What was a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event has grown into an international sensation celebrated on six continents. Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris marked its 30th anniversary in 2018 with a record 17,000 guests from Paris and around the world. While the technology behind the event may have changed over the years, the principle fuelling this fantastic event has not: guests continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a gourmet meal with good friends in one of their city’s most beautiful locations.

Now for the first time ever, Palm Spring will welcome its very own Le Dîner en Blanc, thanks to local hosts Glenn Alexander and Geoffrey Macon.

“Le Dîner en Blanc captures the spirit of friendship, glamour, and European elegance,” said Alexander and Macon in a statement. “We love the history and anticipation of the Dîner en Blanc events around the world. We’re excited to bring the international sensation that is Le Dîner en Blanc to Palm Springs and the Greater Coachella Valley.

In essence, Le Dîner en Blanc promotes friendship, elegance and gallantry.  To maintain its uniqueness as well as staying true to tradition of Le Dîner en Blanc, guests must observe certain requirements and follow a few key rules: 

  • Once confirmed, each guest’s participation becomes mandatory, regardless of weather conditions.  This is a rain or shine event. 
  • Dress code:  elegant and white only.  Originality and creativity are encouraged as long as it is stylish and tasteful. 
  • Table setting:  all white!
  • Champagne and/or wine. Beer and hard liquor are prohibited. 
    • As per Palm Springs and Riverside County laws / regulations, guests may not bring their own alcohol. Guests wishing to enjoy some wine or sparkling wine/Champagne, must reserve online through Le Dîner en Blanc’s e-store. However, guests are welcome to bring their own non-alcoholic beverages.   
  • To ensure that the location secret is kept secret until last minute, guests meet at an assigned departure location and are escorted by Le Dîner en Blanc volunteers.
  • In order to leave the event location as clean as when they arrived, guests are required to leave with all their belongings, leftovers and litter.

Guests must bring:

  • A table, two (white) chairs, white tablecloth.
  • A picnic basket comprising fine food and proper stemware and white dinnerware. 
    • An option to pre-order food which can be picked up at the site, will be available for those who do not wish to pack their own picnic baskets. Guests wishing to do so must reserve online through Le Dîner en Blanc’s e-store.

About Dîner en Blanc International:

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over 80 cities in 30 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair. For more info, photos and videos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.

About the Hosts of Le Dîner en Blanc – Palm Springs:

Le Dîner en Blanc – Palm Springs will be hosted by Glenn Alexander and Geoffrey Macon.  A seasoned corporate event planner, Glenn Alexander has designed and executed corporate events for over 25 years. Having established his own event management company, Meeting Excellence in the Bay Area, Glenn Alexander now resides in Palm Springs, CA and brings his unique talent to the Coachella Valley. For over 20 years, Glenn has organized national and international events on behalf of The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries under the leadership of Bishop Yvette Flunder. His work with this non-profit and other charitable organizations has proven invaluable.  

Geoffrey Macon is a fourth generation native Angeleno. Following an undergraduate degree in social sciences, Geoffrey forged a 20-year career in banking culminating as a Vice President and Manager in the Beverly Hills/Hollywood community. Forming Macon Enterprises, Geoffrey entered the retail housewares market creating ethnic inspired dinnerware that sold in the marketplace. He later established a haberdashery in West Hollywood creating made-to-measure clothing for professionals and celebrities. Geoffrey spent another 20 years in education and administration instructing elementary students in the Compton Unified School District. Now residing in Palm Springs, Geoffrey is an active volunteer with the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the Coachella Valley Repertory Theatre and the BNP Baribas Tennis Tournament in Indian Wells.

To keep up to date on event announcements, visit palmsprings.dinerenblanc.com or

DinerEnBlanc.PalmSprings   dinerenblancpalmspringsca

#dinerenblanc #debpalmsprings2020