DEC 12-14: ECO GIFT FESTIVAL RETURNS TO SANTA MONICA CIVIC AUDITORIUM (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, BEST BET)

Featured Event Listing - Posted by Don Rose

It's Holiday Shopping For The Soul! A one-stop shopping experience, the Eco Gift Festival presented by Tommy Rosen and the LA Times is the largest green holiday shopping event in the world, taking place December 12-14 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Eco Gift showcases 150+ vendors with earth-friendly gifts, 15 live eclectic musical performances, the Visionary Speaker Series including Arianna Huffington (Founder - Huffington Post), Michael Brune (Executive Director, Rainforest Action Network), Shallom Berkman (Founder - Urth Caffe), Josh Tickell (award-winning filmmaker, "Fuel"), Millika Chopra, Eco Designer Linda Loudermilk, Susan Olsen (aka Cindy Brady-"Brady Bunch") at the Children's Stage, delicious food from top organic chefs and much more.

Shop It! Wrap It! Ship It! All on site for your convenience.

The LA Report attended this expo last year, and the vibe is simply amazing. Just being in their expo space makes you feel calm, and you will not only pick up great deals on wonderful gifts, but also learn important new ideas as well. The people attending are another reason to go -- you will meet smart, eco-conscious folks in an inspiring, inviting setting.

December 12-14, 2008. The annual Eco Gift Festival, featuring exhibits of products from 150+ environmentally oriented companies, music, speakers and organic foods. Tickets start at $10 daily, children under 12 & seniors are free. Location: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, at Pico and Main in Santa Monica. Visit www.ecogift.com for more info, or call (310) 399-3097, or see details below. TLR BEST BET

Ticket Info

Tickets are $10 per day and $20 for a weekend pass.
Children under 12 and Seniors over 65 get in for free.

Location

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
1855 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401

Dates and Show Hours

Friday, December 12th 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 13th 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday, December 14th 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Parking

Parking is $8.00 at the venue lot.
Overflow parking available at the corner of Colorado and Main.

Public Transit

There are many ways to get to Santa Monica Civic Center without driving. Eco Gift Expo encourages you to explore the public transit options.

Directions to Santa Monica Civic Center

The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium is located just south of downtown Santa Monica at 1855 Main Street, on the corner of Pico Blvd. and Main Street, in Santa Monica California 90401. Parking at the Civic is $8.00 per car. From the Westbound 10 "Santa Monica" Freeway: take the 4th Street exit. Turn left (south) on 4th Street to Pico Blvd. Turn right (west) on Pico Blvd. to Main Street. Parking is off Main Street. From the Southbound Pacific Coast Highway/ Eastbound 10 "Santa Monica" Freeway: take the Ocean Avenue exit just before the transition to the Eastbound 10 "Santa Monica" Freeway. Turn right (south) on Ocean Avenue to Pico Blvd. Turn left (east) on Pico Blvd. to Main Street. Parking is off Main Street.

Musicians

(see Eco Gift Musicians page)

Speakers

FRIDAY, DEC 12
12:00 pm Felicia Tomasko
1:00 pm Seane Corn
2:00 pm Robyn Griggs-Lawrence
3:00 pm Dr. Andrew Dattila
4:00 pm Compton Rom
5:00 pm Michael and Bianca Alexander
6:00 pm Rob Kramer
SATURDAY, DEC 13
12:00 pm David Crow
1:00 pm Josh Tickell
2:00 pm Arianna Huffington
3:00 pm Blake Mycoskie
4:00 pm Shallom Berkman
5:00 pm Scott Badenoch
6:00 pm Waylon Lewis
SUNDAY, DEC 14
11:00 am Tom Szaky
12:00 pm Dr. Edison De Mello
1:00 pm Linda Loudermilk
2:00 pm Sherry Beall
3:00 pm Michael Brune
4:00 pm John Marshall Roberts
5:00 pm Mallika Chopra

AUG 23-25: 2008 WESTERN FOODSERVICE & HOSPITALITY EXPO RETURNS TO LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER

Celebrity Chefs, Wine Expo, Barista Competitions, the Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum and More Await Thousands of Restaurant & Foodservice Professionals

Featured Event posted by Don Rose - TLR Calendar Listing

Restaurant and foodservice industry professionals from throughout the West Coast and beyond will have the opportunity to uncover ideas they use immediately to boost their business, taste hundreds of new foods from all over the world, see dozens of new products, watch cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, and gain valuable information during the annual Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo, which will once again take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center from August 23 to 25, 2008.

Highlights of the 3-day event:

· The Expo Hall will host 650 exhibiting companies showcasing everything for the front and back of a restaurant and foodservice establishment with products ranging from equipment to gourmet foods.

· The Ferdinand Metz Foodservice Forum now LIVE on the Show Floor! Three theatres offering over two dozen FAST AND FURIOUS 30-minute educational sessions featuring the leading consultants and executives from several of the most-recognized companies in the restaurant and hospitality industries.

· Attendees can lounge in the “Hot Spot” Culinary Extravaganza where they will be treated to dynamic and entertaining demonstrations throughout the three day event adding to the overall excitement of the Expo.

· The 3rd annual Ultimate Barista Challenge™ hosted by Whole Cup Coffee Consulting will be the place where professional baristi will face challengers on the exhibition floor as they prepare their signature espresso beverages for a panel of discerning judges.

· Other features on the Expo floor will include the Consultant Services Center, featuring FCSI Consultants; The Energy Efficient Theatre Kitchen; The Wine Garden, International Tasting Arena; and much more.

2008 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo. Saturday, August 23 – Monday, August 25, 2008. Los Angeles Convention Center, Downtown LA. The annual expo is produced and managed by Reed Exhibitions, and sponsored by CRA (the California Restaurant Association). For more information on exhibiting or attending the Expo, call 800-840-5612 or visit the official show website at www.westernfoodexpo.com.

APR. 11-17: ATTEND NAB EXPO FOR FREE - $150 VALUE (LAS VEGAS)

NAB - the National Association of Broadcasters Show - is the premiere show for Television Broadcast, featuring a huge expo filled with vendors showing hardware and software to create television content, as well as online content. The Conferences run from April 11-17, and the Expositions from April 14-17. You may attend the Exposition for FREE by going to www.nabshow.com, clicking on "Attendee" at the top of the page, and then "Register Now" at the right. Register by March 28 to have your credentials mailed to you.

FEB. 23-25: SPA AND RESORT EXPO RETURNS TO LA CONVENTION CENTER

Exciting show floor features include:

New Product Showcases - See the latest products in aromatherapy, clinical skin care, dental care, eye care, laser therapy, mesotherapy, microderm abrasion, robes/bathware accessories, skin care, and spa equipment.

Spa Sanctuary - Brings the spa environment right onto the Show floor, providing a brief respite and the chance to enjoy mini treatments such as facial massage, stone massage, foot exfoliation, teeth whitening freshen up, and much more in 10-15 minute “appointments".

Featured Product Area - The Featured Product Area hosts products and services for massage, skin care and medical aesthetics industries.

Green Room - Visit this oasis, located right on the show floor for daily breaks.

Spa Experience Entryway - Our thanks to spa consultants, Lexi Design, for enhancing the show entrance and appearance.

Sunday hours: 11am to 5pm. Monday: 11am to 4pm. Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, downtown LA. More information at www.spaandresortexpo.com.