Hey, guys, Valentine’s Day is around the corner…uh oh

February 3, 2012 in Just For Fun | No comments

Dear Guys,

Good luck planning for Valentine’s Day this year. Seriously, good luck. It’s in less than two weeks by the way. This is basically the Super Bowl (fittingly just one week after the real Super Bowl) for your significant other, should you have one (bless you, single men), and subtly dropped hints for advice are usually answered with “I just want something romantic.” Helpful.

So, just what the hell does that mean? Let’s go with the clichéd “Webster’s defines romantic as” line here. Romantic as an adjective is 1) consisting of or resembling a romance, 2) having no basis in fact, 3) impractical in conception or plan. While temped to expound on definitions two and three, I won’t (but, seriously, read number three).

The great thing about living in Las Vegas, though, is that it’s pretty hard to go wrong when it comes to generating romance on Valentine’s Day. How about trying a nice dinner date? Whether you make reservations at one of the Strip’s more romantic spots, say Sage at Aria, or decide to take things off-the-Strip, say the intimate Vintner Grill in Summerlin, the city’s myriad world-class dining options are a can’t miss. Just don’t get cheap on the dessert.

Brave stupid men, like me, will try to cook for their significant other. A good recipe helps, and I hear culinary skills do, too. I suggest lots of wine (everything tastes better when you’re buzzed!) and not burning anything. You can undo undercooked, but overcooked…not so much (mmm jerky!).  Have this movie on deck to complement dinner, and you just hit yourself a homerun, sir.

Maybe a night of music is your thing. Celebrate the weekend before the big day by taking your date to one of the Wynn nightclubs, XS or Tryst, and fist pump in unison to world-class DJs whilst celebrating your love. Or hit up Book & Stage at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas should the indie music scene be your shared tone of choice. Once again, the options are practically endless.

When it comes to gifts, I’m going to shamelessly plug a client and say just buy something from Tiffany & Co. (four locations on the Vegas Strip!).  Go ahead and try to make your significant other frown after giving them a Blue Box. You can’t. Stop trying…you really can’t. Flowers and candy of some sort, while clichéd, always seem to make girls happy, too.

In all sincerity, guys, enjoy it if you’ve found someone with whom you can share this day. Most of us are loud, obnoxious and make our significant others miserable with our infatuation with sports and video games. If you found someone who actually, truly enjoys your presence, then celebrate that fact, and whether this is your first, 20th, or 50th Feb. 14 with that person, enjoy all that Vegas has to offer when it comes to celebrating.

Cheers,
Matt Guidish

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What time does the Super Bowl start in Las Vegas?

February 2, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

 

3:30 p.m.

 

Happy to help.

 —Dave Kirvin

My 5 top memories and 4 things that are irreplaceable from Studio 54

January 31, 2012 in Client news | No comments

As Studio 54 comes to its last week of business at MGM Grand, I have become extremely nostalgic for the venue that gave me my start in nightlife PR. As I look back on the nearly three years I spent with the 54 team, I reflect on my five favorite memories and four things that will be irreplaceable by this iconic venue. 

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Thanks for the memories….
5. An obvious favorite has to be my first night working at the club. I was somewhat of a newbie still when I got pulled in to help with the Kirvin Doak nightlife accounts before Studio 54 was officially bestowed upon me as my new “baby”. My big debut took place at 54 Below – the 10 year anniversary – which was also my first red carpet. My inexperience showed as I ended up pinned in a corner, hiding behind Kid Rock’s giant fur vest so to not get in any photos.

4. Holly Madison’s first Holly-ween event was one of my favorite Halloween parties to date. Crazy costumes, a packed crowd, and Holly making a grand entrance from the ceiling on a swinging chair will always be etched in my mind.

3. When you’re on the job, stay alert and always keep your head up was a valuable lesson to learn when Vanilla Ice performed for his birthday. The rapper loves to spray the crowd with water, and as I tried to duck behind a group of tall clubgoers while escorting a photog, I looked up at the exact wrong moment and was decked in the face with a water bottle that must have gotten loose during the shower. Painful yet valuable lesson!

2. Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev’s 21st birthday stands out as not only do I love the series and the full cast attended the party, but this was my last night working on the account before I accepted a new position. I love, love, love this show, and the young cast hadn’t realized just yet how big they were about to make it.

1. Steve Tyler… my dear sweet boyfriend. One of the best memories of my career to date and probably always will be, I will never forget standing in the VIP sky box, watching him take the mic and break into “Walk This Way” before turning, smiling for the camera, kissing me on the cheek and walking out. That’s a story I will tell for the rest of my life.

Why 54 is irreplaceable in my heart…
4. The personal touches throughout the club were immeasurable. From the original photos of celebrities at the New York venue, everyone from Michael Jackson to Farrah Fawcett, up to the original 54 sign, and of course, the Man in the Moon with the cocaine spoon. The spoon, of course, was hidden way up in the rafters where you could only see it if you knew where to look. All of these pieces equaled a piece of pop culture history, a moment in time that made you feel like you were part of something bigger than just your average night out on the town.

3. The first venue to introduce aerialists, I could have watched these performers for hours. My first time to Studio 54 was actually when I was visiting over a college break and I remember being totally mesmerized by the talent in these girls. To this day, it is still one of my favorite parts of any Vegas nightclub.

2. Studio 54 was like my Las Vegas Cheers… It’s where I knew everyone’s name, and they knew me. And I know I wasn’t the only one that felt this way. It had such a different feel if you were a regular, like it was your own personal playground any given night of the weekend.

1. The memories I have at the club are irreplaceable. It has been the spot where I’ve developed some of my best friendships, some great career achievements, and even some memories that were so great I can’t remember them after all. When the doors close for the last time, a part of my life in Las Vegas will close with it. A part that can never be substituted by another.

 

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Waking up for change

January 27, 2012 in Client news | No comments

I’m not a morning person. I never have been, and I doubt I ever will be. The night before an early morning, I’m usually so concerned I’ll oversleep that I lie awake restless. As you can imagine, this doesn’t help.

When I found out I had to wake up early for work on last Thursday my immediate reaction was the same as usual – anxiety and dread. Once I took a second to get out of my head, I thought about the event I’d be attending that morning, a charitable breakfast hosted by Miracle Mile Shops.

This breakfast was for the center’s 2012 fountain fundraising partners and other local nonprofits. During the event, representatives from these organizations came together to celebrate making a change in 2012, one coin at a time.

Guests started the morning mingling with one another and enjoying a breakfast catered by PBR Rock Bar. After the meal, Angel Williams, director of community relations and business development at Miracle Mile Shops, shared the center’s 2011 community outreach results, recognized Miracle Mile Shops’ charitable partners and merchants and celebrated the Caring Giving Changing nonprofit partners for 2012.

In 2011, Miracle Mile Shops raised $100,000 for local and national nonprofit organizations. This year, the center aims to surpass that number with its Caring, Giving, Changing campaign through monthly fountain fundraisers, community sponsorships, partnerships and a number of cash and in-kind donations. Not only has the center set a sizable goal for itself, but it’s spreading the funds to several local organizations. The point is to help a variety of nonprofits and a wide range of people.

The morning was about honoring local nonprofits and working to care, give and change in 2012. I’ll never complain about waking up for that.

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Rest In Peace – Joseph Vincent Paterno: 1926 – 2012

January 24, 2012 in Uncategorized | No comments

Some of you may simply not understand why the passing of Joe Paterno, our beloved head coach, has been so hard on the Penn State community and that is okay.  However, don’t pass judgment on us…let us grieve and say good-bye to JoePa.  There is no other place like Happy Valley and unless you were a student at Penn State or had a family member attend, you will probably never understand how magically a place it is.  I will never forget Joe Paterno – he’s been a household name in my home since I can remember. He was one of the driving forces in my decision to attend Penn State, not solely because he was the head football coach, but because of the person he was and what he stood for.  He made Penn State a better place from what he did on and most importantly off the football field.  I will be a Nittany Lion forever and I promise to live my life “The Paterno Way!”  He wasn’t perfect, but he recognized his mistakes.  At this time of reflection, let us not overlook the good he did do for others and the impact he made with many.  My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Paterno Family and the Penn State Community during this difficult time. 

Below are some of my favorite Joe Paterno quotes, may his love and passion for life, family, football and Penn State live on forever:

“Believe deep down in your heart that you’re destined to do great things.” -Joe Paterno
“The name on the front of the jersey is what really matters, not the name on the back.” -Joe Paterno
“Success without honor is an unseasoned dish; it will satisfy your hunger, but it won’t taste good.” -Joe Paterno
“Besides pride, loyalty, discipline, heart and mind – confidence is the key to all the locks.” -Joe Paterno

“They ask me what I’d like written about me when I’m gone. I hope they write I made Penn State a better place, not just that I was a good football coach.” –Joe Paterno
We Are…

 

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United Way of Southern Nevada Honors Martin Luther King Jr. with ‘A Day ON, not a Day OFF’

January 19, 2012 in Client news | No comments

United Way of Southern Nevada’s Volunteer Center hosts thousands of service projects throughout the year. From soup kitchens to clothing drives and everything in between, Las Vegans have so many opportunities to give back. Of all the current projects available, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day beautification project at City Impact Center caught my attention.

For some, Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is a free day from school or work. Most forget the actual purpose of the day. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday observed as a national day of service. It is reserved as a time for Americans from all walks of life to work side by side to strengthen and improve their communities.

More than 200 volunteers pitched in to continue Dr. King’s legacy of equality, justice and peace for all.  Children as young as five years old, UNLV students, Starbucks street teams and adults joined in the effort to celebrate the holiday by painting murals, cleaning apartments for senior citizens, landscaping the grounds and picking up trash around the campus at City Impact Center (950 E. Sahara Ave). I spoke to several volunteers to find out why it was important to serve on their day off and a single message resonated: to follow Dr. King’s footsteps by helping and serving others.

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Sniffing Your Way to Success

January 18, 2012 in Just For Fun | 2 comments

First-time visitors to my apartment think I hold séances there.  Donning practically every table, countertop, mantle, pedestal or other flat surface is at least one candle.  Sure, I get criticized by guests and even my roommate at times, but deep down I know everyone who enters my apartment falls in love with the scented sanctuary I’ve worked hard to nurture.  Unsurprisingly, I burn candles at work as well.  When I got my job here at Kirvin Doak, I was concerned about utilizing any aromatic products because I didn’t want to interfere with the comfort of my colleagues.  After awhile, I realized others burned candles as well and nobody seemed to complain, so I gladly began to do the same.

Months and I don’t even know how many candles later, I came to the conclusion that I actually work better when surrounded by a soothing scent.  I literally feel like something is wrong when I’m working at my desk without catching wafts of fragrant wax.  Everyone says certain colors are scientifically proven to affect mood and productivity in the workplace, so I thought maybe the same is true with scents?  After a rather swift Google search, I yielded the results I was hoping for and even learned a few things along the way.  Here is a quick breakdown of a few specific scents and what they’ve been confirmed to induce in the average employee:

- Pine and cinnamon: increase alertness and focus; good for concentration when working on a lengthy assignment.
- Lavender: provokes relaxation of the body and mind; especially helpful to calm you down during or after stressful work situations.
- Peppermint and citrus: quick ways to perk you up; great for any rough-start morning or afternoon lulls.
I also, sadly, found out that many offices prohibit their employees from using scented candles, incense or oils as to not disrupt others.  But fear not – there are still ways you can enjoy some of your favorite aromas without overpowering a shared workspace:

- Aromatic plants – Assuming you’re able to have small plants at your desk, this is a phenomenal way to have a scent-filled day.  For example, a small pot of lavender would be easily detected by you, but not the person one desk over.  Plus, it would be kind of fun getting to take care of a plant. 
- Scented oil on a cotton ball – Place a few drops of scented oil on a cotton ball, which you can either place on your desk or tuck inside a drawer.  Cotton is perfect host for the oil because it helps infuse the surrounding air while still soaking up some of the scent to reduce annoying sensitive noses around you.
- Terra cotta with oil – Like the cotton ball, a terra cotta plate or ornament will absorb the oil and disperse it slowly as it eventually dries. 
For anyone interested, here are a few particular aromas I highly recommend:

- Red Velvet Cupcake: My current obsession.  It can be found at Target.  I literally just received this candle, which inspired the blog you are now reading.  It is infinitely calming and I think it’s making me feel a tad more creative than usual. 
- Blueberry Pancakes: My previous obsession, made by Patriot Candles.  Like the Red Velvet, it’s very soothing, but the whiffs of blueberry perk me up quite a bit.  A small note about the food-scented candles, though: they will make you hungry.  Be warned.  So I recommend trying them after you’ve had your lunch break.
- Volcano by Capri Blue: This is my favorite candle of all time.  You can purchase it at Anthropologie.  I don’t even know what scents are in it, because it’s just called Volcano and the label doesn’t go any more in-depth than that.  I’m sure you can look it up, but I don’t want to because I love being completely intrigued and mystified by this heavenly smell.  It burns slowly, so you can enjoy this for weeks.
So there you have it.  Now, go about your workdays with your favorite odors, because you have no excuse not to!  Unless, of course, you like smelling stale air.  In that case, disregard my blog.

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End of an era; Studio 54 closes its doors Feb. 5

January 17, 2012 in Client news | No comments

It truly is the end of an era; the world’s most iconic nightlife brand, Studio 54, is closing its doors at MGM Grand on Sunday, Feb. 5 after 14 years on the Strip. This venue has seen it all. It opened in 1997 with Sir Elton John; yes, THE Elton John. And now after being home to some of Vegas’ most notable events and welcoming many of the world’s top celebrities, the nightclub that launched the nightlife trend that still reigns king in Las Vegas will host its last soiree Saturday, Feb. 4. 
 
After we announced the news of Studio 54’s closing, our inboxes flooded with people expressing their sadness to see the doors close. It seems everyone in Vegas has a memory involving Studio 54 and these memories serve as the greatest testament to this legendary megaclub. Norm Clarke published this story with LVRJ about how former manager Mike Milner received a surprise call from The Artist Formerly Known as Prince’s manager, which resulted in Prince partying at Studio 54 “like it was 1999” on New Year’s Eve 1999. These are the exact type of stories that bring a smile to my face every time I think about my past year-and-a-half doing press with Studio 54.
 
I arrived in Las Vegas a southern transplant; my idea of a night out included belting out Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin” with a cover band at the local dive bar. I came to Vegas eager to work, but skeptical that I would fit in with the “nightlife” scene. How quickly that changed; all of my preconceived notions about nightclubs went out the door. I adored every person I worked with at Studio 54 and MGM Grand; I enjoyed getting off my couch on a Friday night and heading back to work to hang out with photographers on the red carpet while we waited for the latest celebrity. I became personally invested in this nightclub and wanted everyone to know just how wonderful I thought it was. I’ve now been to my fair share of nightclubs in Vegas, and that allows me to say, without bias, Studio 54 truly is unlike any other Vegas has ever seen. This venue had the staying power to last FOURTEEN years on the Strip (I can’t stress that enough); it has had 14 Nightmare on 54th Streets, 14 New Year’s Eves and it has given countless people memories that will stay with them a lifetime.
 
So this February, I’ll look above at the familiar disco ball and “Man in the Moon” and raise my glass to Studio 54 and say thanks for an amazing run!
 
For more information on Studio 54’s closing party, visit www.mgmgrand.com/nightlife/studio-54.aspx.

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Capturing the moment…

January 16, 2012 in Client news | No comments

If I wasn’t in PR, I’d definitely want to be a photo editor, and possibly one of the highlights of this job is that some days I get to pretend I am. There is something I love about searching through hundreds of images to find the one that captures the story you want to tell to the general public. In a conversation with one of my favorite photographers, I recommended he pick out his 10 favorite images from 2011, and then thought I wanted to do it as well. So 13 days into 2012, here’s a recap of my favorite images and moments of 2011.

10. 2011 was the year of electronic dance music in my career, and since I love a good performance shot, you’ll see several headlining DJs and events throughout my top 10. My first selection goes to Brenton Ho for capturing this image of Afrojack at XS. The clarity in this photo completely draws me in.
 


9. Next on my list is this adorable shot from Communities in Schools of Nevada’s annual Santa Tea event. This little kiddo seriously melts my heart and displays the magical side of Christmas that anyone can fall in love with.

 
8. The next image, I will say was chosen mostly because of the subjects. AFAN’s Black & White emcee Chris Saldana is always one of my favorites, and how can you not love Absinthe’s own Miss Melody Sweets’ ensemble in this shot? I’ll take two please!


7. The first on my list from the 15th Annual Electric Daisy Carnival. Photographer Danny Mahoney captured this magical moment during Skrillex’s set where the artist asked everyone to join in silence, raise their cell phones and remember actor Ryan Dunn who had just recently passed away. There aren’t many quiet moments at music festivals, and yet this shot speaks volumes.

 

6. AFAN’s Annual AIDS Walk always has special entertainment for the attendees, and photographer Erik Kabik captured this shot of the Jabbawockeez performing on stage. The dancers, the blank expression through the mask, the perfect blue sky contrasted against the bright neon balloons…. I love it all.

 

5. Ever wonder what a sea of humanity looks like? EDC Las Vegas, as captured by photographer Erik Kabik from a helicopter above. An addendum, picture 5a is a special edit he made for me!

 

5a. 

4. David Guetta, will.i.am, Usher following the iHeart Radio Festival at XS. One look at Usher’s face and you can’t tell me this is a party you don’t want to be at. Photo by Danny Mahoney.

 
3. While the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open is a great annual PGA event, the real story is behind the kids that benefit. This shot of our patient ambassadors, Alyssa and Kate, really captures the essence of the fun these kids get to have, the normal lives they get to lead, all because of the generous work of Shriners Hospitals who treat children, regardless of their families’ ability to pay.

2. A perfect example of being in the right place at the right time. Danny Mahoney captured one of Steve Aoki’s notorious stage dives at XS.

 

 

1. Photo credit here goes to Rukes – one of the most talented DJ photographers in the world. I loved this image so much, I had it blown up and placed as the main focus in my office. It captures the energy of the audience, the enthusiasm of the artist, and the beauty of the venue all in one amazing moment.

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Bellagio Sets a New Luxury Standard

January 12, 2012 in Client news | No comments

Bellagio Room Remodel

Bellagio is known for its timeless charm and elegance and has always represented the standard for luxury resort to me. It is undoubtedly one of the finest resorts on the strip and now, after the recent remodel that cost $70 million, it has set a new luxury standard for its peers. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to preview one of the redesigned rooms.

Upon entering the newly renovated room at Bellagio, I felt a sense of calm as I was surrounded by a silver leather headboard, indigo accent lamps, a modern feature wall and a marble-top counter set against a backdrop of the famous Bellagio Fountains and the Las Vegas mountains. I was particularly surprised by the touch of fresh flowers, a wide selection of tea and soft, plush bathrobes hanging in the wardrobe. These warm gestures reveal the care and foresight Bellagio’s staff takes into consideration to prepare an inviting hotel room for weary travelers.

 

Here are a few of the new amenities that I find most exceptional:

- Miss your own bed? A very unlikely scenario here since you can sleep like royalty on a cashmere-covered Bellagio at Home® mattress that’s newly developed by Serta.
- For business travelers, you can connect your laptop, smartphone and iPad to a centralized media hub designed to accommodate a variety of digital devices.
- Plugging in is now easier than ever! Bellagio’s design team included electrical outlets on the bedside lamps for easy access.
- Feel safe and secure with any valuables stored in a laptop safe right next to you in one of the nightstands.
Also, if blue and silver are not for you, choose a green tea and plum or an amber and butterscotch room instead, all of which face the majestic Fountains.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas in the near future, book a stay at Bellagio and check out the new rooms! I highly recommend it!

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