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Taking This Show On The Road.. New York or Bust!

May 23, 2013 in Client news | No comments

By Alison Monaghan

Last weekend, I headed to McCarran and hopped on a plane to make my first return to New York since just after I graduated college. The reason for the occasion? Electric Daisy Carnival, New York edition! As soon as we touched down at JFK, it was off to Manhattan to get settled in my hotel home for the next few days and then hit the pavement to explore. I was surprised at how much came back to me and how easy it was to get from Point A to Point B.

My first night was a great walk through the city, passing by Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library, Radio City Music Hall, and the last stop: the Empire State Building. We had tried to visit once on my first family trip in junior high but the lines had a three-hour wait, and my father was antsy to get to Yankees Stadium early for batting practice (a ritual that rang through in most summer trips).

Early Friday morning, my tourist hat was off and it was time to turn onto PR mode. We headed out to Citi Field on one of the most beautiful early summer days. The skies were a perfect hue of blue, making for amazing photo opportunities for our staff photographers. It was ideal weather for a festival, and the fans knew it. Around 11 am, they started to file out of the subway and into the Mets homeland. The landscape had been fully transformed by Insomniac into an EDM-fans Mecca with fantastic art installations, lighting and sound production, massive stages and a diverse assembly of DJs on the lineup for the day.

When Day 2 rolled in, I was pumped and ready to go. The sky was a bit overcast on Saturday, but the Insomniac fans never fail to deliver. They were totally unfazed by the cool breeze and packed the area ready to add the energy and vibes that they’re so famous for in order to make it the best possible event. As Pasquale Rotella always says, they are the true headliners.

While any trip to New York is well worth it, to be there as part of such an awe-inspiring event was a treat. As 90,000 fans gathered for EDC over the two days, I knew I was truly part of something special.

Want a taste? Check out these photos and go here to listen to some of the live sets from this year’s event: http://www.dancingastronaut.com/2013/05/electric-daisy-carnival-new-york-2013-livesets/

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Bid on Scholarship: Check Out UNLVino’s Amazing Auction Prizes!

April 17, 2013 in Client news | No comments

For the second post in our UNLVino blog series, Charra Montenegro, a UNLV student and one of our fabulous interns, gives a special preview of the awesome auction prizes you can bid on at the 39th UNLVino. The big event arrives this week, April 18 – 21, and it’s looking to be the most impressive to date! Get your tickets at www.unlvtickets.com.

Can you believe UNLVino is this weekend? The main purpose of this time-honored tradition is to continue Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada’s mission to raise millions of scholarship dollars for students in UNLV’s William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration. But how do the students raise this money at UNLVino, you might ask?  One way is through event ticket sales, and the other is by soliciting donations to be auctioned off at the four incredible UNLVino tasting events.

UNLVino has always offered impressive items to be auctioned off; however, I think the items we are offering this year are by far the best!  As guests sample tantalizing cuisine and sip exquisite beverages, they will have a chance to participate in a silent auction. For instance, attendees can bid on a romantic “Vegas Nights” helicopter flight for two, donated by Maverick Aviation Group. If they are a foodie, they may want to place a bid for dinner at Gordon Ramsey’s BurGR, Fleming’s Steakhouse, Carrabba’s, Kona Grill, Rounders Bar and Grill, and Due Forni, amongst others.

If guests are looking for a weekend getaway or a staycation, then they will love this year’s live auction!  The UNLVino donations team has put together an incredible MGM Grand package that consists of a two-night stay in a Grand Suite at the MGM Grand, two tickets to KA by Cirque du Soleil, and a $200.00 gift certificate for dinner at an MGM Grand restaurant of their choice. (Fun fact: BAR-b-q’s Dom Perignon Award of Excellence honoree, Scott Sibella, is the COO and President of MGM Grand!) Bubble-Licious’ host property, Venetian/Palazzo, is donating a hotel stay and dinner for two at Wolfgang Puck’s celebrated restaurant, Cut.

These are just a few of the many auction items available at the 39th annual UNLVino. Whether you are prepared to spend a little or a lot, UNLVino will offer something that piques your interest. We invite you to “Fall in Love Again” and join us by raising a glass of an old favorite or a newly found love, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life! Get ready to take a sip for scholarship, Las Vegas!

-Charra Montenegro (UNLV Student Intern)

 

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PR Patience

April 10, 2013 in Client news | No comments

In PR, along with the perks comes the patience.  On Friday I finally got to experience what Team Untz is presented with when one of the world’s most famous superstar DJs comes to town.  The night began outside of XS nightclub as Terri, Alison, and I waited until it was time to enter.  It was clear that each of us had something completely different running through our minds as we stood there anxiously.  Alison was on a mission, trying to round up the several journalists and photographers expected to attend.  Terri was nervous because she knew it was going to be full of thousands of out of control party animals, which wasn’t exactly her milieu, and I was just excited to see what the night had to offer since it was my first PR experience at XS.

We enter the club and station ourselves in the media cabana where the various journalists gathered to enjoy a few complimentary cocktails.  Soon after we had to fight the rambunctious partygoers to get to our post, it was time to head back outside of XS to gather more media personnel.  Once we united with them, it was time to head back inside.  This time we settled outside, away from the madness, and waited patiently for the arrival of the 4th Anniversary cake, as well as the one and only David Guetta.  First, the cake appeared and the cameras started flashing.  Then, Mr. Guetta and his manager showed up for pictures with the cake before it was time he took the stage.  After a couple hours of waiting for journalists and photographers, taking pictures, and trekking through the powerful party haven, it was time to head to the stage.  We had to plow our way through flocks of fans as security lead the way.  We finally made it to the stage until Alison had to go back to the front to meet with another photographer.  I stayed put as she had no choice but to battle through the thousands of screaming people when Guetta had just began his set.  30 minutes later, she reappeared with the photographer.  We remained on stage and watched the DJ control the crowd as the shutterbugs snapped their shots.  However, the stage isn’t the only place photographers want to capture the moment.  Alison then had to leave the stage with the photographer at the peak of the DJ’s set and take her through the club so she could complete her purpose of action.  As I awkwardly remained on stage (because I knew nobody around me, and security kept asking who I was) admiring David Guetta, I received a text from Alison reassuring me that she was still alive.  Feet hurting and ears ringing, she made it back to the stage after what felt like an eternity.

We watched David perform for a few more moments until we decided it was time to call it an evening.  In the PR world, so many people are depending on you to do your job, so they can do theirs.  XS was depending on Alison to make sure their 4th Anniversary party gets covered by the media.  The workers of the media were depending on her to guide them during the night to make sure that their job could be completed.  Alison needed to retrieve and regulate the media to secure success.  With the perks of seeing some of the best artists at the number one club in the nation, comes the patience of having to wait, whether it be for the media, the DJ, or the cake.  It’s difficult to maneuver through jumping, dancing, fist-pumping partiers who don’t care who you are and keep a cool head when you have a job to accomplish.  When working in PR in the nightlife scene, patience is pressing.

˜Spencer Flower

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Imagine (Flying) Dragons Hit Their Hometown

February 19, 2013 in Client news | No comments

Imagine Dragons Plays to a Sold Out Crowd, credit Laura BucklinThere aren’t many bands that come from or claim my home state, Iowa. The only one I know is Slipknot, because that’s the only association my friends abroad had with the corn state – it’s random, I know. So even being present at Imagine Dragons during their Las Vegas homecoming at The Joint in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was a treat! Throughout my lifetime, I’ve seen hundreds of concerts between the Van’s Warped Tour for four consecutive years; free country concerts since the day I put on my first pair of cowboy boots (complete with fringe, my favorite); the occasional splurge on my guilty pleasure, Britney Spears; and more. But I don’t think I’ve ever seen or experienced anything quite as unique and special as the concert last weekend. You could feel the love the superstar band had for its hometown and the crowd was sending the love back. Finally, when Dan Reynolds took that leap of faith to swing over the crowd the night was complete, pure bliss.

˜Laura Bucklin

2.9.13 Credit Erik Kabik, Erik Kabik Photography - Dan Reynolds, lead singer of Imagine Dragons, flies over the crowd at The Joint

 

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From Top Ramen to Top Chef: My Adventures at FOOD & WINE All-Star Weekend

December 6, 2012 in Client news | No comments

Recently, the majestic glow of a purple mountain sunset was replaced with the glittering Las Vegas Strip. Ever since seeing Colorado picnic tables transform into Vegas poker tables, nothing has seemed quite the same. Las Vegas is a spectacle city. If New York is the “city that never sleeps,” than Vegas is the “city that never clocks out.” A never-ending strive for excellence is what makes this place is so incredible.

I was introduced to this concept working on FOOD & WINE All-Star Weekend – featuring a collection of the best celebrity chefs from four of MGM Resorts’ properties – hosting extravagant events over a weekend in October. And I played a major role in garnering coverage (over 200 million media impressions!) for it.

The excitement of securing top-tier press coverage was only topped by naturally… working the events

Friday – ARIA Resort & Casino

To understand my perspective of living out this foodie fantasy, it must be noted that it seemed like yesterday that half of my week’s meals consisted of a pack of ramen, a bottle of Sriracha and tall can of Arizona Ice Tea – Yes, those were simpler times. Then, in the blink of an eye, I am standing with a group of influential journalists in ARIA Resort & Casino as the great Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten walks us through the preparation of his world-renowned steaks.

My mouth watered as Jean-Georges sliced and diced up seven different types of beef, including Kobe and Australian Wagyu. I gloated to one journalist that I had once gotten to eat Kobe beef – when I was in the city of Kobe, Japan. I took one bite of Jean-Georges’ steak – the journalist asked me how it compares – I cannot tell you if it was because I was simply speechless or because my mouth was savoring every last particle of the tasty goodness, but I closed my eyes, bobbed my head, and gave out a muffled “mmmmmmm.” 

My love of food runs deep and Jean-Georges’ steaks found a way to dig even deeper to make me a bonafide groupie for that man’s cooking. Wait did I mention that this was supposed to be an appetizer before our actual lunch? Yeah, nothing says Vegas like steak as a snack. 

So we headed downstairs to Tetsu for “lunch.” How can this next hour even come close to living up to the past hour? Oh, how about have one of the greatest Japanese chefs in the world, Masa Takayama, personally cooking my lunch. For those who aren’t familiar, Chef Masa is just as much of an artist as he is a chef. The way he craftily maneuvers and swiftly slices the meat on the teppan grill is truly something to behold. Much different than watching me in the kitchen as the water in my pot of spaghetti boils over and makes a mess. The Forbes/Michelin Guide and AAA aren’t exactly waiting at my doorstep.  

Saturday – Mandalay Bay 

I stirred awake the next day with the most pleasant feeling. It is hard to describe this inner warmth, but it was probably due to the price of the food sitting inside me could pay my next month’s rent. 

My assignment was at Aureole in Mandalay Bay, where Executive Chef Vincent Pouessel led a demonstration on hand-making seasonal pasta. Gnocchi. Braised-beef Ravioli. So much pasta, it would make an Italian mobster blush. I watched in amazement as the kitchen seamlessly operated like a well-oiled machine. Cutting, stirring, boiling, filling. A photographer noticed my intrigue and asked if I cook myself – flashback to my wildly boiling pot of spaghetti– I slyly said, “I dabble in the kitchen.” 

Next came the marquee event of the weekend – The Surfside Soiree at Mandalay Bay Beach. Mandalay Bay Beach is a place I am familiar with. However, my experiences there used to involve board shorts and a Fat Tuesday in my hand. Now in dress shoes (not ideal for sand), I readied myself for poolside cookout with the food provided by none other than the impressive lineup of Mandalay Bay’s celebrity chefs: Hubert Keller, Michael Mina, Rick Moonen, Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Miliken to name a few.  

Moonen provided personalized bouillabaisses of his legendary seafood. Feniger roasted an 80-pound pig that was bigger than her. Mina’s seared shrimp still has me daydreaming. Let’s face it. I was in foodie heaven. Food Network would be envious of my experiences that weekend. How could I go back and face my microwave Lean Cuisine for dinner? It would be a slap it in the face, for my stomach.   

…. Sunday…. 

I opened my fridge. Out poured the aroma of vacancy– I guess I ate all my Lean Cuisine on Thursday. The stale hot pockets were joined by a jar of dated marinara sauce and two bottles of Budweiser. Back to reality I guess. I plopped down on the couch. How can I go on? I turned on the television and in a blink of an eye my worries were gone. Thank goodness for football.

 ˜Robert J.S. Flicker

 

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Art History 101: Vegas Style

November 21, 2012 in Client news | No comments

When I studied abroad in Florence, Italy, my father insisted I take an art history class. Seeing that I was living in the Renaissance capital, I decided this wouldn’t be a bad idea – this way, when I toured museums like the Vatican and the Uffizi, I didn’t look like a complete tourist and could share some fun facts with my parents when they visited me (and to show them I was indeed attending class while abroad!).

This course truly allowed me to develop an appreciation for famous works of art and the most influential artists of all time, including, Raphael, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. However, as a public relations and advertising major, I grouped art history together with subjects such as calculus, geometry and chemistry as “Classes That Will Never Display Relevancy in My Life Once I Receive a Final Grade.”

Oh, how wrong I was.

Fast forward to May 2012, and I am assigned to a new client: an exhibition about the life and works of Leonardo da Vinci called Da Vinci – The Genius at the new Imagine Exhibitions Gallery at The Venetian. Needless to say, I was ecstatic. Not only would I be able to add a little piece of Florence to my daily life, but I could finally apply that semester of art history to my career! Ah, don’t you love when everything comes full circle?

Working with Da Vinci – The Genius has not only revived my knowledge of da Vinci, it has simply been a crash course in one of the most brilliant minds of all time. Did you know that he came up with the original concepts for the airplane, the parachute, army tank, the helicopter, the first humanoid, SCUBA, the automobile, ball bearing, and odometer? Oh yeah, he also had some time to paint – “Mona Lisa” – anyone? Don’t forget to add to his resume that he was also an anatomist, sculptor, musician and architect. (It made me wonder if da Vinci invented the 48 hour day as well…) 

Another aspect I love about Da Vinci – The Genius is that it’s so much more than your typical gallery – this exhibition is a completely immersive experience that leaves you feeling enlightened. Even people who are skeptical to visit a museum of any sort are fascinated by the 13 themed rooms and full-scale interpretations of his inventions (my 16 year old sister can attest to this). Da Vinci – The Genius is also making great ties with the local community – Hyde Park Middle School visited as part of their extensive studies on da Vinci and we brought pieces from the exhibition to Downtown Las Vegas’ First Friday.

I never thought one of my must-see Vegas recommendations would be a gallery, but Da Vinci – The Genius is a testament to this city’s growing appetite for art and intellect. Now to figure out how to make geometry relevant in my daily life…

-Kara Rutkin

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Have A Very Merry Christmas in Las Vegas

November 12, 2012 in Client news | No comments

Santa, reindeers, carol singers, snow – everyone considers these essential elements for a perfect Christmas holiday. When my first Christmas in Las Vegas was drawing near, I thought I wouldn’t have my perfect Christmas. But I did. This desert city defied the odds and magically transformed the Strip into a winter wonderland. 

My quintessential favorite place in Las Vegas is the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. It has five different floral displays each year and Christmas is the last, and grandest, exhibit of the year! Walking through the snowy paradise, You’ll find yourself surrounded by the scent of fresh fir and winter flowers as you meander pass a family of polar bears and penguins made out of flora. All the paths lead you to the center of the garden where a lavishly decorated 45-foot-tall Christmas tree awaits. It’s a buzz of activity around the impressive tree – families excitedly taking photos with their loved ones, children gazing in speechless wonder and lovers taking in the delightful moment in each other’s arms. 

 

If visiting with little ones, they will love finding Santa at Shark Reef with his helper Santa Jaw. My friend’s little tots were completely captivated by the jolly Mr. Claus. They took a photo with Santa after telling him their wishes and proceeded to goo-goo-ga-ga over gigantic jellyfish and baby sharks with a free candy cane in hand.

 

And if you find yourself missing holiday music, you can head over to the Bellagio Fountains for a grand symphony of music, lights and merriment. Starting in December, the fountains dance to holiday songs such as “Carol of the Bells,” “Santa Baby” and “Hallelujah Chorus,” and everyone will be filled with a good dose of holiday cheer. Don’t forget to check out the costumed street performers on the Las Vegas Boulevard. You may find angels, elves and even Woody from Toy Story dressed in Christmas clothes! 

So, if you’re looking for a place to spend Christmas and have a jolly good time, put Las Vegas on your list of destinations to consider. Oh, and did I mention the room rates during winter are also some of the lowest of the year?! 

Cheers,

Clara Tsang

**Photo Credit: MGM International Resorts International

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HELP-ing out this holiday season

November 5, 2012 in Client news | No comments

Looking to give back this holiday season?  Look no further than HELP of Southern Nevada.  This local nonprofit offers a number of opportunities to give back, even for those of us with little to no free time.  Here are a few ways you can help make a difference in our community though HELP of Southern Nevada: 

97.1 The Point Turkey-Thon

Because everyone deserves a great holiday, the 97.1 The Point Turkey-Thon collects donations of frozen turkeys and fixings and provides 1,200 Las Vegas Valley families with a Thanksgiving meal.  To donate a turkey, simply visit one of three designated Albertsons locations: 575 College Drive (Thursday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.), 9725 S. Maryland Parkway (Friday, Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and 1650 N. Buffalo Drive (Saturday, Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Can’t make it out to the store?  No problem.  You can donate money for the 97.1 The Point Turkey-Thon online can do so at www.helpsonv.org, making sure to put “Thanksgiving” in the subject line on the donation page. A family of four can be fed with $35. 

Home For The Holidays

Do you know of a family that has suffered recent hardships and could use a houseful of new furniture?  Then nominate them for Walker Furniture’s 19th annual Home For The Holidays program.

 As in past years, Walker Furniture will be supplying families with a houseful of new furniture in time for the holiday season.  With the help of HELP of Southern Nevada’s expertly trained staff, 28 families with the most genuine need for new furnishings will be identified. 

Since 1994, Home For The Holidays has brought joy and hope to hundreds of Valley families that have endured a variety of hardships.  Past recipients have included single-parent households facing financial difficulty; families with children suffering from physical or mental disorders; families that have lost their homes and belongings to fires; families that have been affected by illness, domestic violence or sexual abuse, and a variety of additional situations where families and individuals have come onto hard times. 

To submit a letter online, visit www.walkerfurniturehomefortheholidays.com.  Letters must be received by Dec. 7 to be reviewed.

 Food Drive at Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, located at The Venetian, is offering a way to help out those in need while having fun at the same time.  Now through Nov. 12, the wax attraction is hosting a food drive benefitting HELP of Southern Nevada and offering all those who donate two tickets for the price of one. 

Suggested donation items include the following: boxed stuffing mix, boxed instant potatoes, canned gravy, gravy mix packages, canned cranberry sauce, canned soup/ broth, canned vegetables, canned sweet potatoes or yams, pumpkin / fruit pie filling and crust, canned fruit and canned meat. Simply bring your items to the box office and receive your two-for-one tickets! 

˜Brad Seidel

 

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Confessions of a GNR Fan

October 31, 2012 in Client news | 1 comment

I’ve always heard their music in the background of movies, on the “oldies” station, blasting from a car passing by on the highway, booming from Guitar Hero in my friend’s basement etc. “Welcome to the Jungle” was even my high school’s song for football my brother’s senior year. But I never took the time to sit back and think about who was behind those songs until recently. Yes, I’ve always known Guns N’ Roses were rock ‘n’ roll “legends,” but what that meant really didn’t kick in until I saw them all come together and ceremoniously rename one of Las Vegas’ roads on Monday. I know all the diehards that read this will just shake their heads in disbelief, but according to my colleague Devin, you can’t make fun of me because I was born in the 90s (hah!). That day, I saw the passion each band member and the fans had for one another and saw the real guys behind “Sweet Child ‘O Mine” and “November Rain.” It was a moment I will never forget, and I am truly a fan now. They’re great – Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal is hilarious, Dizzy Reed seems really down to earth and as a Vegas resident, DJ Ashba is technically my neighbor so of course I like him! I’m also ecstatic to see Axl’s crazy genius – let’s just hope he shows up on time to his 12 shows at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (fingers crossed). Therefore, you can bet I will be there at The Joint rocking out with the Roses throughout their residency. Might even do my hair 80s style – it’s going to get weird. ;)  

˜Laura Bucklin

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Rí Rá Las Vegas Celebrated Halloween by Going Pink

October 30, 2012 in Client news | No comments

On Saturday, Rí Rá Las Vegas turned the pub pink for Halloween. The authentic Irish pub encouraged guests to dress in pink and help raise funds for the Southern Nevada Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. By the end of the night, Rí Rá had collected $1,000 for the local nonprofit; not to mention, the pub looked awesome. Pink balloons cascaded from the ceiling and staff members were decked out in the most creative pink costumes. What a unique concept! 

To make the event even better, cast members from PEEPSHOW, including Angel Porrino and Cheaza, started the party with a celebratory pour of the evening’s signature drink, the Pink Jameson Rose, over a pyramid of glasses. Afterwards, the group toasted to the evening with the signature cocktail. 

There’s nothing like celebrating a holiday and raising money for a great cause at the same time. Happy Halloween!

 

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˜Wendy Sloan

 

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Photo Captions:

Photo 1: The sexy cast of PEEPSHOW included (L to R) Terra Jo Donahue, Kaci Wilson, Angel Porrino, Stephanie Kirby (executive director of Southern Nevada Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®), Zoeth Cardenales and Staci Wilson.

Photo 2: PEEPSHOW’s “Peep Diva” Cheaza kicked off the night with the first celebratory pour of the signature cocktail, the Pink Jameson Rose.

Photo 3: (Pictured L to R) PEEPSHOW’s “Peep Diva” Cheaza, Terra Jo Donahue, Zoeth Cardenales, Staci Wilson and Kaci Wilson.

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