Game of Thrones at the Annual South by Southwest 2016

Game of Thrones has been one of the most talked about cultural phenomena over the last half decade, seeming to only grow in popularity each passing year. Those who attended SXSW were able to see an up close view some of the of the GoT phenomena. GoT is produced by HBO, and appearing at SXSW was the Hall of Faces. This exhibit brought to life, or perhaps to death, a symbol of GoT, and turned a normal San Antonio street into a symbol of the violence and mayhem GoT fans have come to expect, and to love.

As part of the series, the faces of the dead seen at the Hall of Faces, presumably all suffering their demise from an executioner’s swing of a sword, can be seen as a warning to the enemies of the state. At SXSW, fans were able to join the macabre scene and have their own face digitally installed in the ghoulish hall. The Hall of Faces wasn’t just a one-off exhibit for SXSW, but it will instead travel the world, going to Europe, and then returning to San Diego in time for Comic-Con.

In addition to seeing and even joining the Hall of Faces, there was a chance to experience a hologram that was a simulation of Melisandre’s flame, which fans of the show know she uses like a crystal ball. The hologram, created by Dreamoc HD3, was 30 seconds of exclusive content visible through those flames. Viewers were able to learn more about what happened to Jon Snow, or at least gain a few more hints as to whether Jon Snow is really dead or not.

Fans 21 years old or older were then able to try some grog. Not grog, but a beer called Ommegang’s Game of Thrones: Iron Throne blonde ale. Presumably the beer has a shorter nickname to make it easier to order at the local bar.

A vice-president of consumer marketing at HBO, Joanna Scholl said that part of the reason GoT went all out for this display and interactive content was not only to please fans of the show, but to impress non fans that might be influential in areas of technology and social media. These wielders of influence might become fans of the show themselves, or influence other people to become fans. Scholl said, “We wanted to bring something that was state of the art and allow them the opportunity to engage and share content from the show.”

The sixth season of Game of Thrones will premiere on HBO April 24. By that time, thousands of people will have been able to become a part of the Hall of Faces if they have chosen, enjoyed Melisandre’s magical flame, and even enjoyed a drink of Iron Throne blonde ale. Certainly by April 24, those people will ready for the premier.

"America's Best Breakfasts" Tour Hits the Miami Scene

Breakfast is hitting a level of popularity in recent years that rivals all other meals. There are endless options to have if you love breakfast or brunch. If you are in the Miami area than you can enjoy the tour of “America’s Best Breakfasts.” This event is put on by SoBe Food Fest Creator, Lee Schrager. It’s in celebration of his new cookbook by the same name featuring local recipes from coast to coast. What’s Included With Your Ticket

With your admission ticket you also will receive a copy of this third cookbook,”America’s Best Breakfasts: Favorite Local Recipes From Coast To Coast.” This cookbook is a compilation of 75 of the best breakfast recipes that Lee discovered on a cross country road trip he took a few years ago. His philosophy on breakfast is that it’s obviously, “the best meal of the day.” The fact that no other meal allows you to wear a bathrobe while eating is another one of his takes on this very important meal. Of course, it’s preferred that you get dressed for the “America’s Best Breakfast” Tour.

Where Is The Event?

The event itself takes place at the Magic City Casino with over 40 of the best South Florida restaurants participating. There will be walk up brunch stations all over the casino to sample all kinds of unique breakfast foods. Some favorites, and some that are going to be new to your palate. So if you enjoy Egg Benedict, waffles, and savory bacon galore you aren’t going to want to miss this chance to nosh on breakfast fare that will tantalize your tummy. Some of the key restaurants involved are 27 Restaurant and Bar, DIRT, Palomilla Grill, and Novecento. Although that’s just a taste of which restaurants are going to be there. Check the entire list to find out if your favorite breakfast dining spot is going to be a featured participant.

Not Only Brunch

It’s a 21 and over event only on account of the fact that the Bloody Mary bar, featuring Tito’s Homemade Vodka and the Mimosas, will be free flowing with your pre-purchased ticket. What brunch is complete without these tasty drink options? Some people even say it’s the best part of brunch! Don’t worry though, non alcoholic options will be available as well as coffee and juice.

Buy Your Tickets Early

Get your tickets early to this “Can’t miss food event”, where the lineup of sweet and savory treats will be overflowing in this walk up brunch spectacular! Check out the “America’s Best Breakfasts” event page that will give you all the details you need to purchase your own tickets. It’s Sunday, April 24th at 11:30 am, so mark your calendars now to make sure you don’t miss this popular Miami experience.

Beyonce's Tour Sells Out and Brings Controversy

Mega pop star Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has become quite the controversial figure since Super Bowl 50. She used the big game as a platform to promote the Black Panthers and criticize police brutality. Beyoncé and her dancers donned black berets along with bandoliers during the performance. Yet her social activism certainly hasn't hit her in the pocketbook. Most of the stops on her upcoming Formation world tour have already sold out. The tour is scheduled to launch this month in Miami. It is the singer's first tour since her Mrs. Carter World Tour in 2013. Though most of the tickets to Beyoncé's tour sold out quickly, it appears as though she might run into some problems due to her willingness to take a stance against police corruption. Her alliance with the Black Panthers has resulted in the National Police Union, known as the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), deciding to boycott the singer's upcoming concert in Miami. It will be interesting to see how security is handled at a show of this magnitude. The concert is scheduled to take place on April 26 in the Marlins Stadium. Beyoncé has refused to comment on the matter as of this article's publish date.

The Miami chapter of the FOP made the decision to boycott Beyoncé's Miami show through a democratic vote. The local union's president, Lieutenant Javier Ortiz, actually called on police officers across the country to boycott all of the Formation shows. The FOP believes that Beyoncé improperly used her Super Bowl 50 platform to spread what the police union describes as an “anti-police message”. Police across the country clashed with the Black Panthers during race riots that took place decades ago. Lieutenant Ortiz has not stated whether the boycott of Beyoncé's Miami concert is applicable to police officers across Miami, those who work in Dade county or only those who are members of the union.

Beyoncé's Formation World Tour will likely take place without a hitch. Beyoncé could hire private security for the event. It is also possible that enough police officers or non-union officers will make themselves available for the Miami show and any other shows that are boycotted by the police. Fans will undoubtedly have a blast at the show regardless of the political activism surrounding the tour. All in all, the tour's producer, Parkwood Entertainment, has sold just under one million total tickets. A number of shows have sold out in addition to the Miami date. The demand for tickets is so strong that seconds shows have been scheduled for May 28 at Chicago's Soldier Field and July 3 at Wembly Stadium in London. Fans who want to put a positive twist on the somewhat negative energy surrounding the show can do so by participating in the singer's #BeyGOOD initiative designed to support Miami's United Way program. Be sure to follow @beygood on Twitter to learn more.

Mountain Dew at All Star 2016

Marketing has evolved significantly in recent years to reach an increasingly diverse client base and accommodate changing industry trends. Events such as trade shows, for instance, are taking on entirely new dimensions designed to entertain, engage, and inform. An excellent example of modern marketing strategies that speak to 21st century culture is Mountain Dew's recent event at All-Star 2016 in Toronto.  This event was part of a customized campaign that began when the parent company of Mountain Dew, PepsiCo, signed with the National Basketball Association (NBA) as their official food and beverage sponsor.  What was different about the Toronto event was its essentially interactive nature, transforming it from just another trade show booth to a virtual reality art experience. Art Meets Basketball

Highlights of the event include a social media app that allowed participants and fans to enjoy one-on-one texting with basketball great Russell Westbrook  and ask him advice on fashion and lifestyle related issues. Other NBA superstars were well-represented at the three-day event, ensuring that Mountain Dew's area was always buzzing with fresh fun and excitement. Mountain Dew also hired emerging local artists to craft 3-D artwork featuring basketball themes using Google's Tilt Brush tool, and offered fans the opportunity to test drive the new app prior to its introduction to consumers in April. Live DJs kept things moving with music, and a Twitter-based promotion offered fans All-Star cards inspired by old school trading cards. A brand new television commercial starring several basketball stars was unveiled at the event.

Attendees were also offered the opportunity to vote for warm-up songs before Sunday's game and to create Vine videos to post. Mountain Dew products were available for sampling throughout the course of the event. Focus was on the lifestyle that revolves around the game rather than on-court performance of the players, creating a scene in which anyone can participate.

Fans living in areas other than Toronto weren't left out, either -- they were provided with the opportunity to enjoy the festivities via an interactive website.

What This Means for Modern Businesses

The Mountain Dew event and others like it have thoroughly transformed the face of modern marketing strategies. Businesses can connect with and engage the public by crafting their own events in similar style. Here in Miami, Soho Studios offers a seamless combination of expression, flexibility, connection, and expertise for businesses seeking an adventure with experimental marketing Our campaigns provide impact, innovation, and inspiration. Please don't hesitate to contact us at your convenience to learn more about how we can assist you in crafting a vibrant marketing event that leaves potential customers wanting more.

Mastercard Priceless Miami with Chef Steve Santana

MasterCard cardholders have a very special opportunity to meet Chef Steve Santana for tortilla making lessons at his Miami restaurant, Taquiza, on March 18, 2016. The restaurant is located in the heart of South beach, in the HI Miami Beach Hostel (the old Eva hotel.) The charming street style taqueria has exploded in popularity since its 2014 launch. The tacos at Taquiza continually earn a spot on the "best of" food lists for Miami restaurants, drawing visitors from not only the Miami area but from all over the United States. In Mexico, a

Taquiza is a special event. Essentially, it means that people invite their friends and family over for a casual taco party. This casual gathering includes piles of fresh corn tortillas and all the tortillas ingredients on a central table where people can serve themselves. Chef Santana wanted the concept of this Mexican social gathering to carry over to his new Miami restaurant, and so Taquiza was born. Diners can order and eat at the restaurant, or they can order a to go package that includes everything needed for a traditional taco party in their own home.

By owning a MasterCard, you will earn earn entry into a truly unique experience - a tortilla making class with Chef Santana. Following the lesson, you'll enjoy a fun family style meal at Taquiza that includes pulled pork shoulder along with a menu of sodas from Mexico such as Agua Fresca and Jarritos. Tortillas are handcrafted from scratch every day, using only responsibly sourced ingredients. The blue masa corn that comes from Michoacán, Mexico is the centerpiece of the tortillas at Taquiza, and you'll learn how to create these culinary delights yourself.

The lesson will include not only a tortilla making tutorial and meal, but also an education on the different types of corn used in tortillas today and tips on how to recreate these amazing tortillas on your own at home. The most essential part of the taco is undoubtedly the tortilla, so the type of corn and the way that it's used is extremely important. Traditional Mexican tortilla making is truly an art - a lost art in many places - and that art is what Chef Santana will discuss and demonstrate during this lesson.

The tortilla making lessons will start on March 18 at 10:30 a.m. and will cost $15 per person. To learn more about the tortilla making lessons at Taquiza, visit the website today.

Miami Brain Fair

On March 12th, children of all ages attended an engaging event that showed them how the human brain works. Children in attendance had the opportunity to dissect a real brain, experience mesmerizing visual illusions and so much more. The event was an interactive and hands-on celebration of the human brain that ought to leave a lasting impression on your child. This event may be the first step in a child's scientific journey, making the event a great way to imbue your child with a love of science.

Here is a full rundown on the scheduled activities and programs at the annual Miami Brain Fair:

• Live Interaction With a Real Brain
• Engaging Brain Puzzles That Spark the Imagination
• Face Painting and Lively Puppet Shows
• An In-Depth Look at How Neurons Work
• Building a Neuron
• Brain Bee and Brain Jeopardy Trivia Activities
• And More

No matter what your child's interests might be, there is something to spark their unique sense of creativity, imagination and love of learning at the Miami Brain Fair. Best of all, your child might even walk away with a free helmet thanks to the event's bike helmet giveaway.

While children of all ages are the primary focus of the event, it is a great outing for the entire family as well. Parents enjoy the fair for reasons that are both entertaining and practical. In addition to receiving a valuable refresher course on the wondrous capabilities of the brain, parents can also expect to learn the following:

• The Best Learning Apps for Children
• Detecting the Early Signs of Autism
• The Best Brain Foods for Kids
• And More

Most importantly, parents enjoy seeing their child's eyes light up in awe-filled wonder as they marvel at the uniqueness of the human brain.

This year, the Miami Brain Fair was located at the Bank United Center Fieldhouse. Admission was free for everyone, making the decision to attend a true no-brainer. Parents who wish to make a full day of the event can also volunteer to serve at the fair as well. Visit the Miami Brain Fair website to learn more about this unique event.

Three Honored at Black Women In Hollywood Event

Debbie Allen, Tracee Ellis Ross, And Nina Shaw Win Awards Three Days Before Oscars Ceremony In  2008, Essence magazine launched an annual awards ceremony to honor African-American women who have made great contributions to the film industry. Each year, guests at the ceremony are inspired, emotionally moved, and motivated by the success stories of honorees like Oprah Winfrey, Cicely Tyson, and Lupita Nyong’o.

The 2016 Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, though, might have been important than the eight previous Black Women in Hollywood luncheons because of the furor in the African-American entertainment community about the fact that no African-Americans -- or other minorities -- were among the 20 nominees for the four best acting awards at the 2016 Academy Awards.

There was a lot of anxiety on Feb. 25 as people at the Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon discussed the Feb. 28 Oscars show hosted by comedian Chris Rock. That anxiety was erased thanks to a beautiful ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. that featured moving and inspirational speeches by Debbie Allen, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Nina Shaw.

Allen, Ross, and Shaw were honored for their contributions to Hollywood during the ceremony. The audience beamed with pride whenever a speaker at the ceremony listed one of the woman’s accomplishments and/or described the impact she has had in Hollywood.

“Debbie blows through an environment and changes the landscape forever,” Shonda Rhimes, the creator and executive producer of the television show “Grey’s Anatomy,” said about Allen, an actress and director on the show.

Allen 66, was honored by Essence magazine, a monthly magazine for 18-to-49-year-old African-American women that focuses on issues in the black community as well as celebrities and lifestyle issues, as the winner of the Legend Award. It’s a richly deserved honor. She has been in the business since 1976. She vaulted into prominence in 1980 while starring in the movie musical “Fame.” Since then, she has been a successful actress, choreographer, dancer, director, and producer, but helping others, including African-Americans has always been a part of who she is.

“I’ve always worked toward a purpose bigger than myself,” Allen said during her acceptance speech. “I saw the Oscars when I was a kid and wanted to see someone on there that was my complexion. You have to believe in things.”

Ross, 43, who is best known as the star of the TV comedy show “Girlfriends” and has received five NAACP Image Awards for “Girlfriends,” “Reed Between the Lines,” and “Black-ish,” was honored as the winner of Essence magazine’s Fierce and Fearless Award. Her winning that honor turned out to be ironic because she lost her voice due to illness several days before the ceremony but fiercely battled to recover just in time to be able to speak at the ceremony.

Ross, the daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross, told the audience on Feb. 25 that the awards ceremony was so important that she “had to be there.” Her acceptance speech focused on the importance of accepting yourself. “Perfect is not the goal,” she said. “We should remind ourselves in daily life to make space for selfhood.”

Shaw isn’t nearly as well known as Allen and Ross, but she has long been a power behind the scenes. An attorney, Shaw helps actors like Nick Cannon and Jamie Foxx earn lucrative contracts, was the 2013 Beverly Hills Bar Association Entertainment Attorney of the Year, and has been named as one of the “Power 100” in women’s entertainment by The Hollywood Reporter.

At the Feb. 25 Essence magazine Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, she appropriately received the Power Award. During her acceptance speech she stressed the importance of women working together to help other women. “If you want to be a woman in power, then empower other women,” she said.

Essence magazine also announced the winner of its short film contest at the luncheon. The winner was Thais Francis, whose film “Late Expectations” is about a young woman who is hiding a deep secret.

The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) aired the Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon on Feb. 27. Winfrey was one of numerous prominent African-American women at the Feb. 25 event.

Power of the Purse in Miami

For decades, it’s remained one of Miami’s most anticipated springtime events -- the annual “Power of the Purse” luncheon and auction. Attended by nearly a thousand of the region’s best and brightest, “Power of the Purse” is a social and networking event that raises money for The Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade. This year it all happens on April 7 at 11 a.m.., at BankUnited Center at the University of Miami in Coral Gables. Last year’s event raised more than $450,000 for The Women’s Fund.

Not only do we look forward to this annual event as the place to see and be seen, but also as a chance to be truly inspired by the personal stories traditionally shared at the luncheon. Attendees will also witness moving tributes to the civic leaders and influential philanthropists who are fiercely determined to better the lives of area women and children.

Adding extra glamor to the event is returning Honorary Event Chair Elle Macpherson, a respected businesswoman and, of course, one of the world’s most famous supermodels. She joins Event Chairwoman Mary Young, Director of Ziff Graduate Career Services Center at University of Miami School of Business Administration, and Sissy DeMaria, President of Kreps DeMaria Public Relations & Marketing.

The luncheon and auction has a serious slogan -- “Powering our Community to Change the World” -- but the event itself is anything but staid. Lucky ticket-holders will dine in style at the BankUnited Center, and also have a chance to bid on a range of hotly-contested items.

The auction is slated to be one of the most fought-over (stylishly, of course) in years. Putting the “purse” in “The Power of the Purse” will be a Fendi “3Jours” blue leather tote bag, valued at $5,000, with an expected starting bid of $2,500. More than a dozen other high-fashion clutches and bags will also be available.

Other hot-ticket items are a Parmigiani fine quartz timepiece; a luxury stay at your choice of Sandals resorts in the Bahamas, Antigua, St. Lucia or Jamaica; spa treatments, fine artwork; two deluxe golf foursome packages at International Links/Melreese Country Club; Miami Dolphins tickets; private lessons at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio; restaurant passes; and several exclusive wine-tasting packages.

All money raised will go toward supporting The Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade. Since 1993, this stellar organization -- the only one of its kind in the greater Miami area -- has donated more than $3 million to hundreds of organizations that work to better the lives of women and girls. Among the issues The Women’s Fund tackles are domestic abuse, poverty, reproductive freedom and access to health care.

Tickets are still available. Visit  http://www.womensfundmiami.org for more information.

Winter Music Conference in Miami

The annual Winter Music Conference in Miami has become an annual tradition for aficionados of the music world. Miami has been the proud host of this event for nearly 30 years. The conference showcases workshops, concerts, an abundance of events and, of course, the parties! The 2016 Winter Music Conference takes place from March 21 - March 24. More than 100,000 attendees flock to this event every year with professionals and delegates from over 70 countries represented in the activities.

The ULTRA Music Festival serves as the crown jewel in the Winter Music Conference. This outdoor concert spans the week in Downtown Miami. Concert goers are treated to an amazing array of electronic dance music talent, from artists to DJs. If you love EDM, ULTRA Music Festival is the place to be - the biggest event of the year, anywhere in the industry.

Educational Events - WMC hosts an array of educational events for industry professionals and those just trying to break in. This is a fantastic way to improve your repertoire, network with other artists, and meet industry professionals who can inspire your success and help you improve.

Technological Workshops - WMC hosts the best technological workshops you'll find in a conference, featuring speakers who make their living in the industry and have a passion for inspiring new talent.

The International Dance Music Awards - the WMC caps off with the IDMA awards. The IDMA awards highlight new and emerging artists and well known talent. The event seeks to propel careers and help support electronic dance music, moving this important creative contribution out of the darkness and helping these talented artists get the recognition and rewards they deserve.

Raves - There are literally hundreds of separate raves, parties, and events surrounding this conference. EDM is about music but it's also a celebration and you'll find no shortage of places to bask in the music and socialize with other electronic dance music lovers and industry professionals. You'll find the list of DJs and artists performing in the area number somewhere in the thousands, so you'll enjoy the finest electronic dance music and surroundings, no matter which parties and events you attend in the vicinity during the conference.

If you're attending the Winter Music Conference for the first time, make sure the make your reservations at the workshops and events you'd like to attend as far in advance as possible. Many events do sell out quickly. Different clubs have their own policies, so you should check with the individual venue if you're interested in attending parties near the conference. It's a fantastic event for anyone who loves electronic dance music and Miami is a gorgeous place to enjoy the sights and sounds. Have a wonderful time!

Red Bull Culture Clash Brings Down the House

Four stages. Four music genres. One heck of a culture clash. The Red Bull Culture Clash event is just one more in-person mega party that lines right up with the Red Bull brand. On June 17^th, Red Bull will hold a third and final evening of all-star bands battling in one venue to get the largest crowd reactions and win the coveted bullhorn trophy. One big party with somewhere around 33,000 guests and four major stages is the kind of party you will need a Red Bull or two just to get through. Tickets for the event are currently on sale and priced at £45 for the London (June 17) event.

A Brave New Culture

Red Bull has been a successful company that surprised the world when an Austrian businessman joined a Thai tycoon to start the energy drink brand. The company is now 25 years old, but it is still partying like it’s 1999. The company was the first to start an entirely new category in the food and beverage market – the energy drink.

From extreme sport stunts to incredible in-person event planning, the company holds live events that match the excitement level of their branded marketing. The founder Dietrich Mateschitz defied odds when he rejected the recommendations of a market research report and spent two years fine-tuning his marketing and communication strategy.

So Far, So Good.

On March 4^th the party was popping in Bristol and then it moves to Manchester on March 10^th before hitting up London in June. The winner at the March 4^th Culture Clash was DJ Die with his Glitterfunk family. This was a city that showed love for its “drum’n’bass” with crowds excited about the dubplates and booming energy of the Glitterfunk vibe. It was a close battle to the end, but by the final round, there was only one clear winner.

Every group is given the opportunity to really shine at this major event. The groups choose their own songs, sounds and guests. Each group is on a stage with an individual PA system and lighting rig. There is no shorting the audience when it comes to this jam-packed concert on steroids. This is event marketing done right.

Not only did Red Bull go all out for their event atmosphere; they chose to pump up the hype with intense event marketing and then encouraged all their fans to live-Tweet the event under the hashtag campaign #CultureClash. And, while there is nothing like the live performances witnessed in-person, Red Bull also chose to stream the Culture Clash live on their website.

Bristol was pure madness and insane energy – but that’s just the way this edgy brand likes it.