Latest news with #St.RegisHotel
Mint
a day ago
- Business
- Mint
Everything we know about Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's wedding
Jeff Bezos, one of the richest men in the world, and Lauren Sánchez, an Emmy-winning TV host and pilot, are celebrating their nuptials this weekend in a three-day Venetian wedding extravaganza. Local vendors, from water-taxi providers to pastry shops to traditional glassblowers, are embracing the event as a once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity. Other residents have protested, unwilling to let their city become a playground for the rich. Bezos and Sánchez arrived in Venice on Wednesday, and guests have been trickling into the city; yachts and private jets abound. Here's what to expect as the weekend of celebrations unfolds, according to press accounts, local officials and the wedding planners. The wedding festivities are expected to begin on Thursday with a casual welcome event next to the Gothic church of Madonna dell'Orto. On Friday, Bezos and Sánchez plan to exchange vows at the San Giorgio Maggiore Basilica on the Venetian island of San Giorgio Maggiore. The ceremony is expected to feature a performance from Matteo Bocelli, the son of acclaimed Italian singer Andrea Bocelli. Their wedding reception will take place on Saturday at the Arsenale, a fortified medieval shipyard. The reception was originally supposed to happen in Scuola Grande Della Misericordia, a Renaissance-era building in the center of the city, but the venue changed because of security concerns. While fewer than 200 guests are anticipated to attend the festivities, the guest list remains largely unknown. But several high-profile attendees have already touched down in Venice. Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner and their children were photographed arriving at the St. Regis Hotel on Wednesday. Barry Diller and Diane von Furstenberg were photographed in the city the same day. (Von Furstenberg has a home in Venice.) Sánchez's ex-boyfriend, former NFL player Tony Gonzalez, his wife, October Gonzalez, who is Sánchez's friend, and their family are also in Italy, according to posts on social media. Kris Jenner, Corey Gamble, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Oprah Winfrey and Orlando Bloom arrived in Venice on Thursday. A yacht belonging to Amazon investor Bill Miller was docked in the city this week. Eva Longoria and Fox Sports broadcaster Charissa Thompson, who attended Sánchez's bachelorette party in May, are expected to attend the wedding. Katy Perry, who also attended the bachelorette party, won't be attending as she is on tour. Other potential guests include Bill Gates, Mick Jagger and Leonardo DiCaprio. In a note to guests adorned with drawings of feathers, shooting stars and butterflies, the couple stated clearly that they want no gifts. Luca Zaia, the governor of the Veneto region, of which Venice is part, told reporters this week that the celebrations would cost 'at least €40 million," or around $46 million. Local government officials and business owners view the week's celebration as fertile ground for economic opportunities. Most supplies, services and products for the wedding are coming from Venetian vendors. Rosa Salva, a historic family pastry and catering business, will fill goody bags with traditional sweets like little cornmeal and raisin treats called zaletti cookies. Laguna B, a design studio crafting handblown glassware, has also created pieces for the wedding. Venetian officials are hoping the event leads to longer-term investments by Bezos and his affluent guests. Activists feel differently. While Venice's economy depends entirely on tourism, some locals say it has disrupted their lives. They express disdain at being subject to the whims of the incoming rich visitors. Many Venetians also believe Amazon is responsible for driving out local businesses that serve the needs of city residents. Earlier this month, with chants of 'No Space for Bezos," some locals protested the wedding. While they had initially planned to protest outside of the wedding's venues this weekend, they are now holding a march instead near a train station. The group has broadened its focus, too, with a new slogan: 'No Space for Bezos, no Space for War," a reference to the wars in Iran and Gaza. Lanza & Baucina, the firm responsible for organizing the wedding, said that its clients and the company were committed to minimizing disruptions to the city. 'We have always acknowledged the wider debate and critical issues surrounding the city's future, and from the outset our client has been honored to support the city and its all-important lagoon through nonprofit organizations and associated projects," Lanza & Baucina said in a statement. The couple wrote in a note to guests that they were donating to three charities that support the city on behalf of their guests. 'This magical place has gifted us unforgettable memories. Our hope is that through these efforts and by you joining us, Venice will continue to inspire wonder for generations to come," the couple wrote to guests. Write to Helena Getahun-Hawkins at
Pink Villa
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Throwback video: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma's epic 2017 wedding reception dance-off
In December 2017, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma pulled off the most talked-about celebrity wedding of the decade. After their small ceremony in Tuscany, they came home and threw two blowout receptions: one in Delhi, other in Mumbai. From high-energy dancing to surprise performances and a guest list full of stars, these parties were anything but ordinary. Years later, fans still can't get enough of the photos, the outfits, and the over-the-top fun. Bhangra, Gurdas Maan, and the bride with a money note The Delhi reception had all the makings of a blockbuster Punjabi party. Held just days after their return from Italy, the event featured a live performance by none other than Gurdas Maan. But here's the twist: Maan didn't even know he was performing for Virat and Anushka. In an episode of The Bombay Journey with Mashable India, Maan revealed that the cricketer had planned it as a surprise. 'Virat had called everyone, but even though he loves me, he hasn't called me,' Maan recalled in Hindi. He stated that 'the organisers were specifically told not to tell Gurdas Maan;' he was only told he had an event in Delhi. At the reception, once he realized where he was, he jumped into the set — and Virat even whispered Punjabi lyrics into Anushka's ear as he sang. Meanwhile, the dance floor was in chaos in the best way. Anushka was also seen letting loose on the dance floor. Virat wasn't far behind. He pulled his mother, Saroj Kohli, into a spontaneous Bhangra session that had guests cheering and phones filming. That clip? Viral within hours. Who attended the Mumbai bash? From Ranbir and Rahman to Big B If Delhi was for family, Mumbai was made for the cameras. As per the Republic, the reception was hosted at the St. Regis Hotel on December 26, and had every A-lister imaginable. Photos show the newlyweds posing with the Bachchans, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, AR Rahman, and the late Sridevi. Anushka wore a golden Sabyasachi lehenga, finished with traditional red bangles. Virat looked sharp in Raghavendra Rathore. The reception's ambiance was almost like a pure red carpet event. According to the mentioned publication, Amitabh Bachchan even bowed to Anushka in a gesture of congratulations in a photo that still does the rounds online. Today, the couple has two kids, a global brand presence, and a fan base that grows by the minute. But for many, nothing tops the joy, chaos, and star power of those unforgettable December 2017 receptions.
Daily News Egypt
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Sixth Edition of Decision-Makers Conference Kicks Off in Cairo June 24
Egypt's economic and investment community is gearing up for the sixth edition of the Decision-Makers Conference, set to take place on June 24 at the St. Regis Hotel in Cairo, under the patronage of the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI), the Egyptian Stock Exchange, and the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (MSMEDA). Themed 'The Repercussions of International Business Developments Among Major Powers and Their Impact on Global Economic Conditions, with a Focus on Egypt,' the conference will bring together an elite group of investors, bankers, corporate executives, policymakers, academics, and media professionals to explore Egypt's position in a rapidly shifting global landscape. Engineer Samir Farag, CEO of the organizing company Sun & Sam, emphasized the importance of the event in light of ongoing global economic upheavals, policy realignments, and evolving trade dynamics. 'This conference arrives at a critical moment. It aims to establish a practical roadmap to seize investment opportunities for Egypt and propose strategic responses to global economic challenges,' Farag said. A Strategic Platform for Economic Dialogue The conference will feature three high-profile panel discussions, keynote insights, and strategic dialogues, addressing a broad range of economic, financial, and technological issues. Key themes to be explored include: The impact of global developments on Egypt's banking and non-banking financial sectors The future of foreign direct investment (FDI) and strategies for maximizing Egypt's competitiveness The role of artificial intelligence and big data in enhancing market forecasting and investment decision-making Digital transformation in banking and finance, and its ability to mitigate economic turbulence Approaches to localizing foreign investments, managing hot money flows, and increasing international competitiveness Regulatory and strategic responses to climate-related investment risks and export control measures Reassessing the line between investment, hoarding, and savings Featured Speakers and Panel Highlights The event will host three themed sessions moderated by leading voices in economics and business: Session 1 – Moderated by Mr. Medhat Yassin, Strategic Marketing and Business Transformation Advisor. Panelists include: Mr. Sherif Seif El-Nasr, Chairman, Gezira Sporting Club Mr. Alaa El-Kahky, Founder & Chairman, Al-Nahar TV Dr. Rami Khodair, International Marketing Expert, Founder & CEO of AIM Major General Yasser Abbas, Deputy CEO, GAFI Mr. Hamed Arafa, Chairman, Highlights A special keynote will be delivered by Dr. Sherif Dowidar, an Egyptian economist, on the intersection of global macroeconomic shifts and Egypt's investment outlook. Session 2 – Moderated by Dr. Dalia Aboul-Magd, Chairperson of Data Life AI. Panelists include: Mr. Basil Rahmy, CEO, MSMEDA Dr. Alaa El-Zohiry, Chairman, Egyptian Insurance Federation & MD of GIG Ms. Nevine Mansour, Advisor to the Minister of Finance Mr. Basil Rashdy, Secretary-General, Egyptian Direct Investment Association Mr. Sherif Monsef, Founder & CEO, Connection Ventures Session 3 – Moderated by MP Dr. Ibrahim Hegazy, Head of Marketing, American University in Cairo. Panelists include: Dr. Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO, Grand Egyptian Museum Dr. Hany Tawfik, Economist & Board Member, Misr Venture Capital Mr. Tarek Kamel, Chairman & MD, Nestlé Egypt Eng. Mahmoud Ghazal, Chairman, MGS Group Mr. Alaa Fathy, GM, Manfoods (McDonald's Egypt) A Growing National Platform Since its inaugural edition in March 2023, the Decision-Makers Conference has evolved into a prominent national platform for stakeholder dialogue. The previous edition, held in October 2023, was organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities and the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade. The upcoming edition is expected to attract wide media coverage and high-level engagement from both the public and private sectors, reinforcing the event's role in shaping Egypt's investment and policy landscape in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
Arab Times
08-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait-Benin to ink MoU on house help, visa waiver
KUWAIT CITY, April 8: Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan to Kuwait Dr. Zubaydullah Zubaydov recently organized a ceremony, honoring Ambassador of Benin to Kuwait Moudgaidou Soumanou Issoufou on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the country. The ceremony was held at the St. Regis Hotel, with several heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and a representative from the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in attendance. On this occasion, Zubaydov welcomed all those who attended the farewell ceremony for the outgoing Beninese Ambassador. In his speech, Zubaydov praised the achievements of the outgoing ambassador throughout his eight years of work in Kuwait; during which he developed relations between the two countries and raised the level of cooperation in various fields. He revealed that Ambassador Soumanou presented his credentials to His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait on Feb 7, 2017. 'Over eight years, he distinguished himself by representing his country in Kuwait in addition to being accredited as its ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE),' he said. He added Ambassador Soumano, 66, a married father of three, proudly carried the flag of Benin 'During his tenure, he contributed significantly to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between the Republic of Benin and the countries to which he is accredited,' he added. He also pointed out Ambassador Soumano's cooperation with his fellow heads of diplomatic missions in the country, wishing him success in his future assignments. Meanwhile, Soumano praised the development of relations between Kuwait and the Republic of Benin in many areas. In a press statement on the sidelines of the celebration, he revealed that 'important draft agreements have been initiated and are nearing completion. These include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on domestic workers and an agreement on the mutual exemption from visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and special passports. Remarkable progress has also been made in economic and development cooperation.' He cited the intensification of cooperation with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), which has led to major investments in infrastructure projects. He also confirmed that negotiations are underway with Gulf airlines and shipping companies to establish direct air routes, which will open new channels for trade and investment between Benin and the Gulf region. He added the number of the Beninese community in Kuwait has grown from 900 individuals in 2017 to more than 8,800; reflecting successful efforts in this area. Regarding the appointment of a new ambassador for his country to Kuwait, he affirmed that a new ambassador has been appointed and will begin his duties within a month.
Chicago Tribune
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Margie Korshak, silver-haired publicist and Chicago's connection to the stars, dies at 86
Just a matter of days before her death, Margie Korshak held a small luncheon in a private room at Miru, inside Chicago's grand St. Regis Hotel. Silver-haired and decked to the nines, she was in her preferred milieu: her two children, Susan and Steven, were there, alongside a curated collection of her closest friends, most of them decades-standing, bejeweled to the hilt and dressed in their finest attire. All were seated at a single table. Korshak told war stories of a life in promoting entertainment, of working closely with theater legends like Cameron Mackintosh and Garth Drabinsky, and of wrangling Barbra Streisand. She repeated what she saw as the eternal truth that 'Les Miserables' would be the greatest musical of all time, even as she spoke of plans to see the rest of Broadway's current season. There was no talk of the birthday honoree's health, although everyone there knew it was failing and some clearly were struggling with that knowledge. 'Isn't this wonderful?' she said during the lunch, several times, as the chef stopped by to visit. Although her diminutive frame barely reached over the table, she looked fabulous, fully inhabiting her preferred moniker as 'the princess of pizzazz.' Korshak died Sunday morning, following kidney failure and other ailments that had recently arisen, at home on Chicago's Gold Coast, her son Steven said. She was 86. Korshak, the silver-haired, glamorous founder of the Margie Korshak Inc. public relations and marketing agency, long resident in what was the John Hancock Building, was a throwback to old Chicago. Her clients included downtown theater owner Broadway in Chicago, and a who's who of others in the entertainment and restaurant businesses, and her conversation across the years was filled with grand celebrity stories, a few involving her 'Uncle Sidney' Korshak, a noted attorney with a reputation for being the Los Angeles-based fixer for the Chicago Outfit. In Chicago, Korshak, known to all by her first name, prided herself on having worked most every Chicago opening of a Broadway show since 1976. She was a fierce advocate for her clients, operating on the principle that she who does not ask does not get, and she had no compunction in pushing hard through whatever channel — reporter, critic, columnist, editor, yet more powerful editor — would get the results she wanted, ideally coverage in the Sunday Tribune's arts section, ideally on the cover. But she did so with charm. Former Tribune arts and entertainment editor Scott Powers on Sunday called her 'a tenacious sweetheart.' Born in 1939, Korshak married a total of five times, including to such successful spouses as Theodore Ruwitch, a Chicago industrialist; Michael Chernoff, a lawyer for the Indianapolis Colts with whom she had two children and, later in life, Charles 'Corky' Goodman, vice chairman of Henry Crown & Co., a Chicago-based private investment firm and a noted philanthropist, especially in Jewish circles and for educational institutions in the State of Israel. 'Corky' was the love of her life; she cared for him intently during his late-in-life health issues prior to his death in 2023. Her friends and family often marveled at the contrast between the two: Margie's ebullience and the more introverted Corky's preference for a much quieter life. But the combination clearly worked; Corky, who had a wry sense of humor, was endlessly entertained by his wife. Margie Korshak Inc. was founded in 1969, once had as many as 50 employees, and for years was a multi-million dollar operation. Her client list once included Bloomingdales and Disney although, in recent years, Korshak had wound down her business and moved its smaller operations inside Broadway in Chicago, its biggest client and the one with the product about which she was the most passionate. 'A legend in her own time, she was the sparkle in my life and in all those that knew her,' said Eileen LeCario, Broadway in Chicago's vice-president and a close friend. Lou Raizin, the president spoke of the 'countless ways' in which Korshak would be missed. Korshak spoke often of writing a book but worried about her disinclination to name names in a potentially hurtful way, and thus she preferred that they stayed inside the stories she told for her friends. 'She was knocked down a few times but she always got right back up,' said her son, Steven. 'When she started that business in 1969, very few women were doing anything like that.' True. But then very few women had a life anything like Margie's. A memorial is planned for 11 a.m. March 5 at the Henning Chapel at Rosehill Cemetery, 5800 N. Ravenswood Ave., followed by a private burial. The family will sit Shiva from 1 to 5 p.m. March 5 at the Bryn Mawr Country Club, 6600 N. Crawford Ave., Lincolnwood.
