Tag Archives: entertainment

Queen Baton Rouge Elevated Casino Overlooks Mississippi River

May 22, 2024 The Silo Leave a comment

The Queen Baton Rouge offers an all-new, elevated casino, dining and entertainment experience spanning 100,000 square feet overlooking the Mississippi River. The city’s first land-based casino, The Queen is just north of downtown and within walking distance to Capitol Lake. Thrilling casino games include more than 30,000 square feet of electronic and table games; plus the DraftKings Sportsbook offers a state-of-the-art sports wagering experience curated by the global gaming leader.

A look at the Casino floor. photo: Collin Richie.

Restaurants include signature dining at 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails and casual dining at Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken, 3 Woks Noodle Bar, and Capitol Coffee. Launching Thursday, June 13, the reimagined Loft at 1717 will offer an upscale cocktail and board-focused bar menu, as well as live entertainment on Saturdays. The property boasts flexible catering and event spaces that can accommodate more than 500 guests.

GAMING

The Queen Baton Rouge spans more than 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor gaming space with more than 700 gaming machines and 18 table games, including blackjack, craps and roulette; numerous electronic table options; a state-of-the-art DraftKings Sportsbook with the latest sports wagering technology via 20 kiosks and four betting windows; and a dedicated smoking patio, LIT Casino & Bar with more than 100 slot machines and six table games.

Gaming Promotions:

Dad’s Summer Essentials Gift Giveaway
- Sundays: Qualifying Queen Rewards members will receive a select gift from a curated collection of summer essentials, including a portable cornhole set, a 23-piece BBQ set, a floating cooler and more.
- Diamond and Crown members may claim their gift starting at noon; all other tier levels may claim beginning at 1 p.m. Guests must pick up their gift before 7:59 p.m. by presenting a valid photo ID at Queen Rewards Players Club. Gifts will be available while supplies last and selection may vary.
- Patrons who do not receive the free gift offer may earn 500 points to receive a gift before 7:59 p.m.
Baskets for Bucks Drawing Bonus Entries
- Mondays, June 3, 10, 17 and 24 and Saturdays, June 8, 15 and 22: From 8 a.m. to midnight, all Queen Rewards members may swipe their Queen Rewards cards to receive bonus entries for the Baskets for Bucks Drawing, with 500 additional entries awarded to Ruby members, 1,000 to Emerald members, 2,500 to Diamond members and 5,000 to Crown members.
10X Point Multiplier
- Tuesdays: From 6 a.m. to midnight, all Queen Rewards members may swipe their Queen Rewards card to receive a 10X point multiplier. A maximum of 100,000 points may be earned, and points will be added to accounts the following day.
Fab Fifty Drawings
- Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25: Queen Rewards members 50 years and older may participate in a drawing to win Royal Free Play. From noon to 6 p.m., five winners will be drawn every two hours for the chance to win up to $250 in Royal Free Play.
- Queen Rewards members may swipe their Queen Rewards card at any kiosk to print their free entry ticket. Guests may earn up to five additional entries, with every 50 points earned equaling one additional entry.
Baskets for Bucks Drawing
- Fridays, June 7, 14, 21 and 28: From 6 to 9 p.m., Queen Rewards members may participate in a drawing for the chance to win up to $3,000usd / $4,100 cad in Royal Free Play. Five winners will be selected every half hour and given three chances to shoot basketballs into baskets to win Royal Free Play. For each missed shot, participants will earn $50 in Royal Free Play.
- Queen Rewards members will receive 10 free entries for the month and can earn one additional entry for each point earned.
- Guests may activate their entries beginning one hour before drawing times and prizes must be redeemed within five minutes with a valid picture ID and Queen Rewards player card.
Reign in the Riches Table Games Drawing
- Saturdays, June 8, 15, 22 and 29: Queen Rewards members may earn entries into the 9 p.m. weekly Reign in the Riches Table Games Drawing for the chance to win up to $11,000usd in promo chips, by achieving predetermined hands of play as outlined below.

One entry awarded for all blackjack game hands as follows:
- Any suited blackjack with a table minimum or greater wager.
- Any top-three winner at a $10usd or greater wager.
- 21+3, $5usd or greater wager with a straight flush or three of a kind.
One entry awarded for roulette with any $10usd or greater straight-up winner.
One entry awarded for craps hands winning a $5usdor greater wager on “all tall,” “all small,” “make ‘em all” or a combination thereof, as well as any $5usd hard way winner.
One entry awarded to any Cajun Stud pocket bonus winner with the table minimum or a greater wager.
One entry awarded for any winning Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em bonus hand of a flush or better on the “trips” wager, with the table minimum or a greater wager.
One entry awarded for Three Card Poker hands with any pair plus the wager of the winning hand of a straight, with the table minimum or a greater wager.
Two entries awarded for Three Card Poker hands with any pair plus the wager of the winning hand of a straight flush, with the table minimum or a greater wager.

Birthday Kiosk Game
- Queen Rewards members may enjoy a free game the month of their birthday to win up to $1,000usd in Royal Free Play. Every game is guaranteed a prize.
New Member Golden Wheel Kiosk Game
- New members who join Queen Rewards will get a free kiosk game. Every game is guaranteed to win a prize of up to $2,500usd in Royal Free Play.

1717 Kitchen and Cocktails. photo: Collin Richie.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Sportsbook open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Bar open 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday to Thursday; 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday

Developed in collaboration with leading digital sports entertainment and gaming company, DraftKings Inc., the sportsbook offers a state-of-the-art gaming destination with contemporary design, a full bar with 10 beers on draft, 20 betting kiosks and four over the counter betting windows. Lounge-style seating, a 28-foot video wall and oversized high-definition TVs will provide optimal viewing for sports fans.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

1717 Kitchen + Cocktails

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday; and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday

The Queen Baton Rouge’s signature dining, drinking and entertainment destination, 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails, serves rustic American cuisine with a twist. Spanning 5,200 square feet, the outlet offers a spacious dining room and bar with a stage for live music and other entertainment. An expansive menu features classic American favorites including sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, entrees, desserts and more. 1717’s bar offers craft cocktails, beer and wine in a social atmosphere.

Father’s Day
- Sunday, June 16: 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails will celebrate dads with a featured entrée of a 12-ounce Creekstone Farms ribeye accompanied by balsamic-roasted Brussels sprouts and loaded mashed potatoes and paired with a 16-ounce draft beer of choice. The featured offering will be priced at $20usd.
- Dine-in only. Limited to one order per person.
Blue Plate Specials
- Tuesdays: Queen Rewards members may swipe their rewards card at any promotional kiosk to receive a discounted Chef’s special of the week at 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails. Dishes will be priced at $17.99usd, with special pricing of $12.99usd available for Queens Rewards members 50 years and older. June specials will include:
  - Tuesday, June 4: Chicken and dumplings
  - Tuesday, June 11: Salisbury steak and gravy
  - Tuesday, June 18: Shrimp creole
  - Tuesday, June 25: Spaghetti and meatballs
Crab Legs
- Thursdays: 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails will feature two pounds of snow crab clusters priced at $24.99usd and priced at $19.99usd for Queen Rewards members. Available on dine-in orders only.
Entertainment
- 1717 will host a variety of entertainment acts from 9 p.m. to midnight. Admission is free, unless otherwise noted. The full lineup includes:
  - Friday, June 14: Press 1 For English – Wide variety of covers
  - Friday, June 21: Beaucoup Boogie – Timeless classics to contemporary covers
  - Friday, June 28: Run for Cover – 90’s and 00’s covers

The Loft at 1717

The loft at 1717. photo: Collin Richie.

Will open to the public on Thursday, June 13

Will be open 5 to 10 p.m. on Thursday; 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday after Thursday, June 13

Overlooking 1717 Kitchen + Cocktails, The Loft at 1717 spans 1,600 square feet offering a full bar between an indoor space and an outdoor patio with views of the Mississippi River. A dedicated bar serves a variety of beer, wine and handcrafted cocktails. The space will be available to reserve for private events.

Entertainment
- The Loft at 1717 will host a variety of entertainment acts from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, unless otherwise noted. The full lineup includes:
  - Thursday, June 13: Matt Tortorich
  - Saturday, June 15: Joey Holaway
  - Saturday, June 22: Charlston Bourgeois
  - Saturday, June 29: Joey Holaway

Big Chicken

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday.; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday

Big Chicken, the star-powered fast casual chicken concept founded by legendary basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, serves signature chicken sandwiches and tenders packed with BIG flavor, including The Original Big Chicken topped with Shaq sauce and pickles; Uncle Jerome’s Nashville Hot, featuring lettuce, mayonnaise and pickles; Shaq Attack, topped with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slaw and spicy chipotle BBQ sauce. Popcorn Chicken served with Shaq sauce; a selection of savory sides, including Lucille’s Mac N’ Cheese topped with Cheez-It crust; and boozy milkshakes hand-crafted with all-natural southern vanilla ice cream produced using hormone-free milk from California can be enjoyed while overlooking the Mississippi River.

3 Woks Noodle Bar

Open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday; 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday

An exciting quick-service restaurant, 3 Woks Noodle Bar features an open kitchen to watch chefs freshly prepare a variety of authentic pan-Asian dishes or seating for up to 15 at the bar. The menu spans small plates to noodles and rice, along with shareable appetizers and soups, among others. 

Capitol Coffee Baton Rouge

Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Located just steps from the casino floor, Capitol Coffee offers a selection of hot and cold coffee, modern teas, smoothies, pastries, items for breakfast, lunch and more. Paninis and sandwiches are available from early morning until late night, while Blue Bell Ice Cream is exclusively scooped by the single and double.

LIT Casino & Bar

Open 24 hours daily

Craft cocktails, beer and wine complement the lively atmosphere within Lit, the casino’s 1,600-square-foot dedicated smoking patio with more than 100 slots and six table games. 

MEETINGS & EVENTS

The Queen Baton Rouge offers a flexible event space to accommodate more than 500 guests for corporate gatherings, weddings, private parties and more.  For the Silo, Bridget Calcagno.

Culture

Toronto Martinis Are All About The Garnish

June 15, 2022 The Silo Leave a comment

TORONTO, Ont. — In a quiet, backlit corner, cozied up to a bar or amid the flashing lights on the dance floor, the distinctive silhouette is striking.

Ahhhh martinis.

1969's 007- George Lazenby — 1969’s 007- George Lazenby

Slender where it needs to be, but flared in the right spots, the martini has an iconic image that exemplifies class and sophistication, which is perhaps why it is the drink of choice for the fictional British spy James Bond. And as the tuxedo is central to the image of 007, how you dress your martini is key to its image — a skewer of olives resting along the angle of the chilled cocktail glass, submerged in the clear mixture of vermouth and gin (or vodka, as your personal taste may dictate).

“The martini is drink for the refined, elegant individual, not unlike the fictional British spy James Bond,” says Desiree Sardo, head of communications and public relations at Sardo Foods. “Vodka or gin.

Shaken or stirred. The beauty of the drink is its versatility, and that applies to the olives as well. The question that must be asked is, what’s in your martini?”

With the future of the next Bond movie still up in the air (will we see a new actor taking on the 007 role?) , Desiree suggests shaking up a few martinis and settling in for a contemplative James Bond marathon.

[Here’s Radiohead’s superior and unused theme song for the opening of Spectre]

For a classic martini like Bond would enjoy, pour ½ oz. vermouth and 3 oz. of gin over ice in a mixing glass. Stir well, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with several green olives (martini enthusiasts insist on a minimum of three olives) and enjoy.

Up the Martini ante with Sardo Gourmet stuffed Olives.

Most people like a traditional pimento stuffed olive in their martini, but experimenting with garlic and red pepper stuffed olives, or jalapeno and red pepper, will add a little zest to your drink.

To complete the martini experience — and give you a healthy snack while watching a Bond film — pair it with an incredibly easy-to-make but classy antipasto skewer.

Start with a cured, salted meat — prosciutto is a good choice — as the base, then add on an artichoke heart, cherry tomato, a leaf of basil or mint and a bocconcini. The presentation is beautiful and the skewer makes it easy to eat while still holding your martini glass.

“Everybody has their favourite Bond actor and their favourite Bond film, but to get a true taste of the character I recommend a marathon that includes a good variety of Bond movies with a different Bond in each,” says Desiree. “Your James Bond martini and a viewing of Spectre with Daniel Craig would go well with GoldFinger starring Sean Connery, For Your Eyes Only with Roger Moore and Die Another Day with Pierce Brosnan. A martini or two with your marathon is a great way to spend a James Bond day.”

For more information, email contentproducer@thesilo.ca or visit sardofoods.ca. Join the conversation on Instagram @sardofoods and Like on Facebook.

About Sardo Foods:

Family owned and operated in Canada, Sardo Foods is world renowned for bringing all the unique flavours of the Mediterranean to your family’s table. Specializing in olives, antipasti, pesto, spreads, bruschetta and more, Sardo Foods aims to make gourmet cooking and entertaining easy.

Based in Bolton, Ont., Sardo Foods employs 150 people and boasts more than 200 product lines.

Culture

Reboot Canadian Content Policy For Digital Age Says C.D. Howe Institute

November 27, 2019 The Silo Leave a comment

Canada should ditch Canadian content tools that are ill-suited for the digital age, says a new report from the C.D. Howe Institute.

Image result for author Daniel Schwanen — Daniel Schwanen

In “Choosing Canada: Canadian Cultural Policy in the Twenty-first Century” author Daniel Schwanen sets out a plan to bring Canadian content policy into step with developments such as the emergence of digital competitors for Canadian viewers, including Netflix, Spotify and YouTube.

Unfair Competition

These digital competitors, notes Schwanen, are unconstrained by Canadian content requirements facing traditional TV or radio distributors. The consequence is a “slow bleed” in audiences for licensed TV broadcasters and radio stations while audiences for non-regulated digital channels (many based outside Canada), are rising sharply.

Trends

These trends negatively impact the revenues of traditional conduits for culture and information as advertising revenues migrate to digital channels. Compounding burden on traditional broadcasters, regulators maintain out-dated quotas of Canadian content in prime time and requirements to help fund Canadian TV and film production, whereas their emerging competitors on digital platforms are not subject to these rules. Furthermore, foreign online services such as Netflix are not required to charge their Canadian customers the Goods and Services Tax, unlike their Canadian competitors.

“As Canadians embrace new technologies and platforms to access their entertainment and information, the ability of quotas to affect Canadians’ viewing or listening habits is rapidly diminishing,” said Schwanen. Indeed, 2013 marked the first year in which the number of Canadian households subscribing to internet services exceeded the number of traditional television subscribers. Although 75 percent of Canadian households still subscribed to cable or satellite television distribution services in 2016 – down markedly from 83 percent only four years before – 87 percent of Canadian households subscribed to internet services. In the economy more generally, the culture, entertainment and information services offered online through digital technologies have boomed relative to other economic activities, and in particular relative to traditional cultural and information businesses.

What Is True Demand?

The report proposes an approach focused on more deliberately linking offerings of Canadian content with the potential demand for them. The report’s recommendations for regulators include:

Focusing the funding framework for public cultural agencies and cultural subsidies, including that of the CBC, on the production, dissemination, and exhibition of original artistic or literary works for which a commercial market is not yet established or for which there is a clear public rationale (e.g., educational, informational, or community benefits).
Establishing an arms-length “Canadian Connections Fund” that would replace some existing subsidies with support for initiatives that promote non-commercial Canadian content with Canadian audiences.
Working with Canadian broadcasters and distributors to facilitate the “discoverability” of Canadian content on digital platforms (through, e.g., search engine optimization, targeted online advertising, mobile applications, and the translation of Canadian works for both foreign and domestic audiences).
Eliminating mandated funding of Canadian content and Canadian content quotas for broadcasters while ensuring a level playing field for federal taxation applicable to digital media services purchased by Canadians
Reducing foreign investment restrictions applying to cultural industries, with the aim of attracting investment in Canada.

Read the Full Report

Gaming

Fast Track To The Future With Virtual Reality

April 3, 2019 The Silo Leave a comment

The implications of what Virtual Reality can achieve are vast, and it is predicted that VR will seep into every area of our lives in the very near future. VR is not just a concept that excites the entertainment business, but has a very real presence in some of the world’s most essential industries. However, many people remain skeptical about the impact virtual reality will actually have and suggest that it is only an attractive concept for gamers. Although it is true that VR is a fantastic way to improve online gaming, it has already been used in the medical and manufacturing industries, proving that virtual reality is not just a tool for play. Others fear VR could replace physical social interaction and they are therefore reluctant to consider the many benefits it actually presents. By taking a selection of real-life situations in which virtual reality is already used, we can assess its impact and perhaps decide whether it is to be embraced or discarded.

Surgery

It may not surprise you to know that the health sector is one of the biggest users and advocates of virtual reality. VR is of exceptional benefit in surgical training, improving student skills whilst minimizing risk to potential patients. This type of training can improve confidence and allow students to explore surgical procedures and options that would otherwise be inaccessible to them during the initial stages of their training. Virtual reality is already used by surgical staff, trainee nurses, dentists, and in numerous other health settings, world wide, allowing students to quickly gain skills without putting themselves or other individuals at risk.

Therapy

The authentic nature of VR allows therapists to assist patients with certain phobias. VR promotes controlled environments which can quickly be changed or eradicated during a course of therapy. For example, a person suffering from arachnophobia would perhaps find it more helpful and less daunting to experience holding a spider via VR rather than in a real life situation, and of course, a virtual reality headset can be turned off immediately should the situation require it. Other phobias and aversions could be tackled through the use of VR, including water aversion, acrophobia (fear of extreme heights) or aviophobia (fear of flying).

Entertainment

For some people, the online world is their only connection to society and if virtual reality gaming can help them continue to connect, then this can only be perceived as a positive thing. There is no denying that virtual reality is an amazingly entertaining concept and, when done well, is an excellent way to experience online gaming. Being fully immersed in a game is a highly attractive idea: whether it be one that takes you to a battlefield, or a game that allows you to feel as if you are actually being dealt cards at a plush casino in Vegas. Currently, gamers can connect with people from all over the world, or play slots in the comfort of their own home by visiting a site such as www.luckynuggetcasino.com yet imagine the thrill of full immersion through the power of virtual reality.

Transport and Training

Again, we touch upon the benefits virtual reality provides to many aspects of training and, in this particular situation, to the world of transport. For years the aviation industry has been using simulations to help train pilots and virtual reality is a welcome advance in such training. VR flight training presents minimal risk to both the pilot and passengers whilst allowing pilots to experience the difficulties that may arise whilst being in control of the aircraft. The most spectacular example of virtual reality based vehicle training is perhaps that used by NASA to train its astronauts. The training includes various simulations including that of an astronaut having to perform repairs during zero-gravity conditions, as well as a simulated detachment from the shuttle with the astronaut having to use a powered backpack to return. NASA has even managed to use VR in space, keeping astronauts up to date with training whilst on a mission and it has been suggested that VR will be used to entertain astronauts in space in the future. Just imagine, you could soon be sharing your virtual poker table with the astronauts of tomorrow!

Supplemental- Gamers are talking about the Oculus Rift and the Playstation VR but the HTC Vive looks pretty sweet too!

A Musical Journey for Robots and their masters~ CLICK ME

Travel

5 Disruptive Luxury Travel Trends Shattering The Status Quo

February 15, 2017 The Silo Leave a comment

With the global luxury market collectively growing at 4 percent to an estimated $1.15USD (€1.08) trillion in 2016, according to a recent “Bain & Company Luxury Study,” coupled with optimistic forecasts that the luxury goods market will pick up this year, the hospitality industry is gearing up for elevated demand among both leisure and business travelers. This amid evidence that, despite widespread geopolitical uncertainties, luxury consumers are redirecting their spending toward new and more personalized high-end experiences like luxury travel, food and wine.

“The luxury market has reached a maturation point,” said Claudia D’Arpizio, lead author of the study. “Brands can no longer rely on low-hanging fruit. Instead, they really need to implement differentiating strategies to succeed going forward. We are already starting to see clear polarization when it comes to performance with winners and losers emerging across product categories and segments.”

D’Arpizio also underscored that personal luxury market brands that “take an omni-channel, customer-centric approach will rise to the top.” Such is the prevailing wisdom for both the B2C and B2B luxury travel sector, specifically, with personalized experiences, quality of service and private booking options serving as primary distinguishing factors for luxe brand positioning throughout 2017 and beyond.

Here how these key drivers will converge with evolving luxury travel trends to greatly influence various vertical sectors—and, in doing so, the marketplace at large—in the months ahead:

1. Small group cultural immersions loom large.
Travelers are increasingly seeking exclusive and regionally-authentic itineraries that cater to small groups. Tour companies like Fort Washington, Pennsylvania-based Gate 1 Travel are capitalizing on this trend with offerings that provide the convenience of an escorted tour with the intimate view of local cultures that large groups just can’t provide. “Our small group tours option has seen, by far, the most significant increase in booking volume–up 50% in 2016,” the company reports.

A City Lodge Hotel Group report concurs that the trend of being “connoisseurs of local culture” will boom this year. It emphasizes that indigenous tourism experiences and cultural immersion will remain a big factor whether traveling within your own home country or jaunting to faraway lands. “We’ll see more people wanting to visit more than the big landmarks and monuments of their destination,” it says. “Rather people are more likely to be interested in knowing about the locals–those that call that place home. Trips to the rural communities will become popular, and travelers are likely to be more interested in private guides that teach them about the traditional ways of life.”

2. Private villa travel surpassing leading luxe resorts.
Today’s breed of private villa rentals have become the ultimate in luxury travel lodging for vacationers and business travelers, alike. This is due to the vast array of benefits and creature comforts it proffers for couples, families and small groups. While maximized privacy and security, uber-tailored guest service and 5-star accommodations and amenities are chief reasons the trend toward private villa lodging is exploding, an elite few have offerings far beyond that don’t just rival, but far exceed, those offered by high-end resorts, including their elite Penthouse suit options.

According to luxury travel agent Sandy Webb who books elite vacations all over the world “private villa residences offering first class, one-of-a-kind services are ushering in an entirely new era of bespoke hospitality around the globe. They are, in fact, single handedly setting a new and decidedly elevated standard for luxe travel worldwide.”

One private villa exemplifying this new standard is Casa Dos Cisnes–Puerto Vallarta’s foremost premier private oceanfront villa vacation experience. This 10,000 square foot Casa Dos Cisnes property, a five-bedroom colonial style home with breathtaking views of the Pacific that can accommodate up to 10 adults, goes well over-and-above to ensure each guest’s needs, desires, hopes and expectations for an extraordinary private villa vacation are fulfilled.

According to owner Cathryn Arnell, this includes proffering a bevy of premium benefits, including an authentic and stylishly-appointed residential setting, custom-prepared gourmet meals from an on-site private chef, 24/7 bilingual butler service and multiple staff, monitored security, housecleaning services, private infinity-edge ocean view pool, fully equipped state-of-the-art gym, large media-entertainment room, concierge and spa service, musicians for hire, sports and boating excursions, VIP treatment at the city’s leading beach club and most renowned restaurants, and more. “Given that guests enjoy complete privacy and security in the most exclusive area in Puerto Vallarta, commandeering the entire 10,000 square foot space with all of the relaxation, solitude and discretion that affords, the result is a one-of-a-kind holiday providing an unparalleled culinary and luxury living experience.”

3. Higher caliber private jet jaunts.
According to Sergey Petrossov, founder and CEO of JetSmarter—an industry-leading private jet company based in Dubai, people are increasingly growing accustomed to personalized experiences, so much so, that it isn’t a demand anymore; it is now an expectation that needs to be met.

In order for brands to be memorable, they need to remember their customers and offer unique customized experiences. For its part, this JetSmarter achieves by placing a heavy emphasis on member relationships, with each assigned a relationship manager who is responsible for creating personalized and customizable private travel experiences.

JetSmarter also cites that there’s a very thin line between high-end and luxury, with the difference barely noticeable. “The travel industry is inundated with both high-end and luxury brands, however the distinction is relatively minor,” Petrossov said. “People often confuse high-end brands for luxury ones. Luxury brands essentially need to heighten their levels of service to be able to distinguish themselves from their high-end counterparts.”

4. Next-gen travel tech eases and expedites.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another tech trend that will continue to evolve at a rapid pace. According to Advito’s 2017 Industry Forecast, AI has already enabled a range of apps, bots and software that makes it easier for industry purveyors to interact with travelers at every step of a trip to expedite, ease and enhance. AI automates computer processes to work in the same way as the human brain. Natural language processing (NLP) helps computers understand human speech or typing, and AI then applies machine learning to provide a useful response.

Advito reveals that the travel industry is “well-positioned to embrace AI,” and also that the wider travel industry is adopting AI as, for example, KLM passengers are now able to use Facebook Messenger to confirm bookings, get boarding passes and flight status updates. “AI is still in its infancy, but it is in our immediate future,” the report asserts. “As it develops, it will help simplify complex travel decisions, shorten the buying process and deliver a more personalized offering.”

5. Game changing smart suitcases solve perennial problems.
Travel is tough enough in the best of circumstances and is all-too-often replete with challenges. From crowded freeways, overbooked flights, Wi-Fi downtime and generally not having necessary items at hand, getting from point A to point B can be fraught with more than its fair share of frustrations. Not surprisingly, technologists have responded with problem-solving gadgets and gear that exemplify tremendous innovation and ingenuity both in concept and execution. One glowing example of this is the Bluesmart Suitcase. Billed as “the world’s first smart suitcase,” this carry-on keeps traveler’s belongings tracked, devices charged, bag secure and trips hassle-free thanks to integrated technology that syncs to an associated mobile app that’s compatible with both iPhone and Android.

The suitcase features a built-in battery/charger with 2 USB ports. The substantial 10.000 mAh battery can charge your phone up to six times, juicing up this and any other USB-connectable device from the USB port on the back or the inside. The bag also boasts a 3G+GPS tracker with global coverage to track the suitcase anywhere in the world; a scale built right into the handle that interfaces with the app to tell you the approximate weight of your suitcase; and a remote digital lock that can be set up to lock itself when you step away and to unlock when you return. The TSA- approved smart lock provides distance alerts, notifying you if you leave it behind. Of course, the bag needs to carry you belongings, so the main compartment does provide large space for clothes, shoes, and coats, while a secondary TSA-friendly compartment is able to accommodate up to a 15″ laptop.

Despite the fact that luxury sales fell flat in 2016 as consumers shunned traditional products, it’s experiences—namely travel and entertainment—that are predicted to drive sector sales growth up ahead. “There is a progressive shift from physical products to experiences, especially in the last year,” Federica Levato, partner at Bain & Company and co-author of the study, told Reuters, predicting that trend would continue. With the world economy poised to regain momentum this year and the penchant among wealthy consumers to spend on travel and gourmet food and wine rather than clothes and accessories, the future is bright for high-end hospitality. For the Silo, Merilee Kern.

About the author: Branding, business and entrepreneurship success pundit, Merilee Kern, MBA, is an influential media voice and lauded communications strategist. As the Executive Editor and Producer of “The Luxe List International News Syndicate,” she’s a revered consumer product trends expert and travel industry voice of authority who spotlights noteworthy marketplace change makers, movers and shakers. Merilee may be reached online at www.TheLuxeList.com. Follow her on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook.com/TheLuxeList.

Sources:

http://www.bain.com/about/press/press-releases/the_global_personal_luxury_goods_market_holds_steady_at_249_billion_amid_geopolitical_uncertainty.aspx

http://www.thediamondloupe.com/articles/2016-04-12/bain-forecasts-drop-luxury-market-sales-2016-rebound-next-year

www.clhg.com/blog/2016/11/2017-travel-trends/

https://www.advito.com/advito-industry-forecast-2017/

Spotlight image- centraljetcharter.com

Sci-Tech

Portable LED Bluetooth Projector Is Game Changer- Has Short Throw Lens

July 27, 2016 The Silo Leave a comment

BenQ America Corp., the No.1 DLP^® projector brand worldwide, today introduced the Colorific™ i500, a completely new way to enjoy immersive entertainment in small spaces. A compact device that combines wireless streaming, short-throw LED projection and rich integrated audio, BenQ’s i500 instantly delivers big-screen entertainment designed for today’s modern, tech-friendly lifestyles. With access to the most popular apps, the i500 opens unlimited possibilities for thousands of movies, shows, apps, games and even live broadcast — all without cables, set-top boxes or streaming dongles.

Cute as a button right? It's only about 20cm x 9cm or 8" x 3" — Cute as a button right? It’s only about 20cm x 9cm or 8″ x 3″

“The i500 smart projector is an entertainment game-changer,” said J.Y. Hu, vice president at BenQ America Corp. “At just 3.3 pounds and 3 inches tall just about the size of today’s tablets, the i500 is a powerful and versatile device for even the tightest spaces. Simply turn on the i500 and you’re ready to stream videos and music wirelessly for the ultimate big-screen experience anywhere.”

Thanks to its short-throw lens, the i500 projects images up to 80 inches from as close as 3 feet from the wall or screen, enabling supersized movies, shows, apps and games in WXGA (1280 x 800) native resolution. Supporting a variety of streaming content, the i500’s Colorific technology features a long-life LED light source rated for 20,000 hours without lamp replacement and is capable of projecting high-definition videos with supreme clarity and sharpness. Its vertical keystone correction means the projector can be placed at an indirect angle without any distortion — perfect for placement on a coffee table. With its contemporary gold finish, it blends in seamlessly with existing décor.

On the other side of the dual-sided device users will find a pair of 5W fine-mesh-covered chambered speakers specially tuned to produce clear voices and rich sound quality without external audio connections. When the i500 is not projecting, it can double as a powerful, portable Bluetooth® speaker system.

The i500 comes out-of-box-ready and maintains its flawless performance with the latest software and streaming apps via over-the-air live updates to provide years of unlimited hassle-free entertainment. It is preloaded with popular streaming services and apps such as YouTube, Spotify, Vimeo, Netflix, Hulu and many others. Also, with available game pad and controllers, the i500 unleashes a universe of heart-pounding games including action/adventure, strategy, role-playing and even first-person shooter games.

The i500 does all of this via wireless LAN with no other connections required, and it can play video or music content from a USB stick or display Excel, Word, or PowerPoint documents without a PC. For even more convenience and versatility, the projector offers a selection of the latest inputs, including HDMI x 1, USB 2.0 x1, USB 3.0 x 1, audio I/O as well as a mic in.

The BenQ i500 is now shipping in North America at a retail price of U.S. $749.

Supplemental: Did we mention this beauty is also 3-D compatible?