The Los Angeles Advertising and Production Community Gets Together in Los Angeles by Claire Cottrell
The mad rush to the AICP Show in Los Angeles was imminent. Wednesday night was only a few days away and I was already dreading the drive east at 6PM [those in LA know exactly what I mean, as those elsewhere can only imagine]. I had seen the screening in all its glory in New York, so I wasn’t anxious to get there when the doors opened, but honestly this is the one and only thing of really any consequence that actually takes place in Los Angeles. Not New York. Not Chicago. Not Toronto. Not Cannes. It’s right here - albeit one large parking lot away [that's another jab at our horrendous traffic predicament] - it really is right around the corner. And, honestly, it is a pretty good time. The LACMA is a great venue. The food is really quite good. And, surprise surprise, the outdoor event is always blessed with beautiful summer weather.
So, here I am anticipating the crawl from Venice Beach when it hits me. Lets do something nice and relaxing and lovely before the show this year. Again, how often does our industry actually come together in Los Angeles? That being said, aside from some form of after party, why doesn’t anyone do anything before the show? They do in New York. [LA take note]
The LACMA is in town so to speak and conveniently located near some of the very best restaurants in the city. At this point we are T minus 2 days and counting until the big event. I run down my mental list. AOC. They have a fabulous wine selection. They have a cheese and charcuterie ‘bar.’ Their menu concept focuses on small plates. And, I think I recall a small outdoor patio space just removed from the main dining room. Perfect for a small but intimate cocktail hour.
We traveled in fine carpool style, renting a hybrid Toyota Highlander from the newsworthy ECOLIMO [of Leo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz Academy Awards Red Carpet Fame]. Our ECOLIMO came complete with a very knowledgeable driver who magically transported us from the West Side to the East Side in 25 minutes at 5:30PM. Truly amazing.
We enjoyed a really pleasant start to the evening filled with good wine, good company and great bacon-wrapped roasted dates. I think the great turn out was testament to the fact that we are ready for a more LA-centric community. We do all live here after all. [Well, most of us]
So, a call to arms : Let’s take advantage of the fabulous things LA has to offer and cut down on our travel, carbon footprint and once yearly meetings [that's in reference to Cannes].
If anyone is interested in traveling responsibly and in style from the West Side to the East Side in 30 minutes or less, please call our friends at ECOLIMO.
ECOLIMO
(310) 450-7100
-Claire