The show must not go on

Treefort? Uprooted.

Cannes? Canned.*

Boise Music Festival? Silenced.

The list goes on and on…

To my friends at the Idaho and Boise Advertising Federations, it’s time to make the call.

It’s time to either postpone or cancel The Rockies as an in-person event this year.

As much as everyone loves a party and an excuse to dress up, get together and celebrate, it seems foolish to hold an event like this a handful of weeks from now, even if social distancing and shelter-in-place restrictions are relaxed before then.

I want to be as optimistic about this as anyone else, but it’s also time to face reality. Now is not the time to put a large group of people in close contact to one another, mix in alcohol and questionable decisions, and then hope for the best.

Besides, I suspect there will be a lot of belt-tightening at agencies around the state in the weeks and months to come, and the expense of tickets and tables may be among the first to go.

As hard as it is to say it — because I, for one, look forward to seeing the work and the people every year — right now, the show must not go on.

* All credit for that line goes to Dan Goldgeier, who posted it on Twitter a few days ago.

Cannes Lions Viewing Party presented by NCM and BAF

This Thursday, January 24th, the Boise Advertising Federation and National CineMedia are presenting a Cannes Lions viewing party at the Northgate Reel Theatre, followed by a BAFter Hours even at The Barley Pub:

BAF Cannes Lions event

On Jan. 24th, you’re invited to a movie premier and a mixer. Scope out the best-of-the-best ads in the world on the big screen at Northgate Reel Theater. Then join us for a BAFter Hours drink and chat sesh at Barley Pub next door.

You’ll be inspired by jaw-dropping, internationally-celebrated advertising—and get a chance to meet the crew from National CineMedia, our presenting partner that’s bringing Cannes to Boise.

Win a big prize, too. Enter in to win a FREE full-sized director’s chair with YOUR NAME on it (literally embroidered in).

There’s also a $3 popcorn + soda deal during the film, and more rated-R drinks after.

When: Thu. Jan. 24th
What time: 4:30 pm for Cannes viewing | ~6 pm for BAFter Hours
Where: Northgate Reel Theater for Cannes viewing | Barley Pub for BAFter Hours
How much: $5 for BAF members, $8 for non-members

Cannes Lions Viewing Party

Presented by National CineMedia and the Boise Advertising Federation.

On Jan. 24th, you’re invited to a movie premier and a mixer. Scope out the best-of-the-best ads in the world on the big screen at Northgate Reel Theater. Then join us for a BAFter Hours drink and chat sesh at Barley Pub next door.

You’ll be inspired by jaw-dropping, internationally-celebrated advertising—and get a chance to meet the crew from National CineMedia, our presenting partner that’s bringing Cannes to Boise.

Win a big prize, too. Enter in to win a FREE full-sized director’s chair with YOUR NAME on it (literally embroidered in).

There’s also a $3 popcorn + soda deal during the film, and more rated-R drinks after.

When: Thu. Jan. 24th
What time: 4:30 pm for Cannes viewing | ~6 pm for BAFter Hours
Where: Northgate Reel Theater for Cannes viewing | Barley Pub for BAFter Hours
How much: $5 for BAF members, $8 for non-members