The latest reports are saying the earthquake in Japan on March 11th, could become the most expensive earthquake in history. Join SMCDallas along with AAJA, AIGA, AAF Dallas, DFW AMA, DFW SEM, IABC Dallas, PRSA Dallas, Texas Young Professionals this Thursday for a special Dallas4Japan fundraiser.

Everyone is familiar with the Dallas Arts District, but only true Dallas insiders know that the real art scene in Dallas is located in the Dallas Design District. While others flock to the DMA and the Nasher, try venturing to a place where you can actually take home the art! Learn five favorites from a Dallas Design District insider.

On March 26, 2011, local audiences are invited to the Dallas Museum of Art for a day of original listening, thinking, and speaking – all aimed toward an intelligent, thoughtful exploration of four subjects of vital importance to the future of the city and the nation. The Festival of Ideas, presented by The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture, will run from 10AM to 4PM.

Every year around this time, I start to get a little anxious for the consistent sunshine and warmth of spring. While nature gives us plenty of beautiful signs, here are a few other signs that spring is coming to Dallas. Learn about the seven best bar patios, and two upcoming events that Dallasites love to attend every spring.

Since Ignite’s inception in 2006, the Seattle-bred event has been scheduled in over 100 cities around the world. Dallas made that list back in March 2010, with a second round on June 2nd. Feb. 23rd will mark the third evening of high energy and professional and personal insight. Seventeen different personalities will get on stage one after the other and share with the audience a piece of their lives and in just a very short period of time. 5-minutes to be exact!

Texas Independent Film Network and Video Association of Dallas present TEXAS LEGENDS, BEFORE THEY WERE LEGENDS at the Texas Theater in Oak Cliff. The film features the collection of first short films by legendary Texas filmaker’s. From Tobe Hooper to Richard Linklater, Wes Anderson and Robert Rodriguez (to name a few) Texas has a rich legacy of filmmaking, but even the masters had to start somewhere. Tickets are cheap – $8. The program will last 90 minutes and it’s recommended for mature audiences.

The Austin College Global Outreach Forum presents Zainab Salbi, Women for Women International founder and president, and recipient of the 2011 Posey Leadership Award given annually by the College. At the event, Salbi will present a lecture on her international humanitarian work.

Valentine’s day is just around the corner! What better time to reflect on your best relationships and biggest breakups? Join us February 14th with a date, without a date, or with a date you don’t want for a 90 minute storytelling event featuring TRUE personal stories told from the stage celebrating the theme of: The Most: Makeups & Breakups.

CADD Bus Tour #3 is on Saturday, February 12th from 10am to 2pm. Visit 3 CADD Galleries, tour a collector’s home and visit an Artist’s studio. Seating is limited. Lunch and drinks are included.

The biggest sporting event is coming to our city and with big sporting events comes big parties. The good folks over at Susie Drinks and Dallas Socials have listed over 100 events and parties going on in Dallas – from Fair Park, Victory Park, Downtown and beyond. See performances by the Black Eyed Peas, Snoop Dogg, Flaming Lips, Passion Pit, and Cirque du Soleil. Some of these parties will break the bank but don’t let that stop you from having fun. There’s something for everyone. Here we go – Let’s get this party started!