Miami Swim Week 2016

There are always new and trendy events taking place in Miami and during the week of July 18, there was Miami Swim Week. This event has been running annually for a few years now, and is set amongst the trade show for swimwear. After all, where better to showcase all of the latest bikinis, tankinis, and one-pieces than near the beaches of Miami? Press and buyers alike flocked to Miami and the event took place for six fun-filled days of runways, dinners, and parties.

It was all about the parties at Miami Swim Week. There were a variety of organizations that brought a lineup of events to the schedule, such as Funkshion and Dive. There were other brands that also hosted some independent events, such as Monica Hansen and Camilla. There were even some larger companies that hosted lounges and poolside bungalows.

Runway shows typically ran for about an hour and a half, which allowed various designers to showcase what they had coming up in the world of swimwear. Some of the hosted dinners overshadowed the designs, simply because of the level of glamour and glitz given to them.

There’s one thing that was obvious throughout Swim Week: one pieces are always going to be a respectable option. So many people think that there is a trend moving away from the one piece. However, it was the one piece that was the big winner. They give off a “Baywatch vibe” according to Katharine Newman, who is one of the leaders behind Bikini.com.

Elle fashion magazine was present at Miami Swim Week 2016 and showed some of the latest styles that were presented. They also helped to define what a front was, something that has been released for a few years, though has not entirely caught on. A front is what looks like a leotard bottom and is a very high cut bikini. Some definite it as a thong for the front in terms of just how high cut it really is.

The swim industry plans to return to Miami once again in 2017. The city has a significant amount of relevance, particularly within luxury fashion. There will be many more runway shows appearing throughout the city and whether it is swimwear, cocktail dresses, or something else, the city will be happy to act as the host.

There are some amazing hotels and event spaces that are available throughout the Miami scene. This is what makes it all so exciting when there are events that come into the metropolitan city. Each one is capable of helping the event become a success, especially when organizers can come together to provide a phenomenal schedule that will keep everyone engaged throughout the time that they are there.

Friskies Teams up with Grumpy Cat at the 2016 South by Southwest Festival

On March 12 and March 13, 2016, at the South by Southwest interactive (SXSWi) festival, Friskies well known mascot, Grumpy Cat, graced the crowd with an appearance to promote its most recent wet cat food product, Cat Concoctions. This new product has unusual flavor combos for the curious cat, like cod in cheesy bacon flavored sauce and chicken in creamy crabby sauce. The Inspiration Behind Cat Concoctions

“For the launch of Friskies’ Cat Concoctions, we really thought it was important for people to understand the product proposition—the fact that this line of cat food was inspired by cats,” said the brand manager at Friskies, Jessica Nichols. “And since people aren’t actually eating the product, having this tangible, physical event really helps bring that concept to life. Live experiences allow us to connect with media and consumers in a fun and unique way that really resonates.”

Friskies at South by Southwest

This year marked the fourth year that Friskies and Grumpy Cat teamed up at SXSWi to form a fun experience for consumers. Feline fans were able to enjoy food, music and fun photo opportunities. Music sensations Ryan Cabrera and Blake Lewis combined talents and stopped by to sing a soft, endearing rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" that almost turned Grumpy Cat's frown upside down. Check out the You Tube video for the sweet harmonies of a Platinum selling recording artist and a runner-up from season six of American Idol. Very calming indeed!

Some Frisky Photo Ops

A fan favorite of the event was the official Friskies' spokes cat herself being on hand for a meet and greet. Quirky, fun props were available for fans to pose with alongside Grumpy Cat. Some of the silly items included a hat in the shape of a clamshell and crab claws you can slip on. There were also signs with phrases such as, "Strike a frown." For even more photo fun, a selfie station was available. At the station, participants were able to do a mash-up so that their faces were combined with Grumpy Cat's world famous scowl.

Ultimately about 1,600 festival goers attended the Friskies event. Those who could not attend were able to follow all the fun on Friskies' Instagram and Snapchat accounts or to join the online activity with #CatConcoctions. Social channels also featured Nala and Waffles, Grumpy Cat's fellow friends.

The Dick’s Sporting Goods Hood to Coast Relay

Enhance your competitive spirit with the Dick’s Sporting Goods Hood to Coast Relay taking place on August 28-29, 2015. This 198-mile relay is in its 33^rd year, welcoming runners and walkers from all over the world. This event welcomes local and national residents, and runners/walkers who are headed to Oregon for this special occasion. This event will simulate a track among the mountains, complete with bays for pit stops to drink water and eat food. A mini relay race to mirror the actual event. Participants can either use the actual track built around the venue and keep track of their miles, or utilize the digital simulators all throughout the venue. Sponsors and vendors alike will be able to display their products.

Workshops will be held around the venue on walking, running and how to stay healthy. There will be demonstrations on different types of shoes, what they do and how they can assist. Nighttime safety will also be offered as a workshop for those individuals who like to run or walk in the early morning hours or late in the evening.

“Teams” will be allowed to compete for prizes upon completion of certain milestones. Celebrity performers will be in attendance, as well as national runners who will be available to take pictures and discuss how running has changed their lives. This will be a two-day themed event to commemorate those who are walking or running in the main race. Vendors will be on hand selling shoes, clothing and other accessories for running and walking. Participants and attendees will be able to purchase clothing to participate in the event onsite.

Tickets for this multi-day event start at $200, which includes a t-shirt, digital tracking device to measure how many miles you have walked, access to all the sections of the event, and an autographed picture with a celebrity. Pictures with the celebrities will be an additional cost,

The annual Hood To Coast Relay takes place annually in late August, usually on the Friday and Saturday prior to Labor Day and is one of the largest and longest relays in the world. The Hood to Coast Race Series partners with a number of charities, including the American Lung Association, Historical Outreach Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. There are a number of additional races under the Hood to Coast series, including the Hippie Chicks Race Perks, Helvetia Race Perks, Red, White & Blues Race Perks, Crawfish Crawl Race Perks, Pints to Pasta Race Perks and the Turkey Trot Race Perks.