Alison Monaghan

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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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fall 2011-summer 2012 019In our recent efforts to introduce our blog readers to the faces behind Kirvin Doak, I was lucky enough to pull one of my favorites for my assignment, Mr. Jeff Merkle.

Jeff works with our marketing division, and I have teamed up with him on several clients in the past. We were even in a near-death experience on a flight back from a client in Sonoma once where our little plane with propellers skidded across the runway… (Ok that could be a dramatic interpretation but seriously – we bonded.)

In addition, Merkle and I have a common tie in that we both love Notre Dame football. This makes sense considering his parents moved from South Bend, Indiana, to Florida, where he was born, but brought their Fighting Irish pride with them. His favorite ND moment was the 1993 1-vs-2 matchup with Florida State in South Bend. Notre Dame ended up winning that game by a TD, but in bittersweet fashion, lost the very next week in the last game of the year to Boston College. Even though the Irish only had one loss, FSU went on to win the national championship.

“That title’s more tainted than a Barry Bonds urine sample,” said Merkle.

The ’93 game is something no Irish fan will forget. My own father proudly displayed a bumper sticker reading, “Notre Dame: 20; National Champions Florida State: 13” for years to come.

Beyond the Fighting Irish, Jeff has a passion for sports and playing golf. You won’t find him at a roller rink however, as one of his most embarrassing moments as a kid was the first and only time he threw on skates, he fell 10 seconds in, breaking and dislocating his ankle.

“A perfect day on a summer weekend would consist of 18 holes, a large piece of red meat on the grill, watching the Mets sweep a double-header with the Braves to take 1st place in the NL East on their way to the World Series, then capping it off by getting my butt kicked by my 2 year old daughter in a game of Candy Land,” said Merkle.

He has been married to his wife Monica for five years, and they have a two year old daughter, Hannah.

When it comes to the job, he says there is no typical work day at KDC, which is what keeps him on track.

“Every day is different with its own unique challenges, and it really forces you to always be thinking and prepared.“

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After going through the hiring process a time or two, I realized that college students and recent grads might not be getting the best tips on applying for jobs specifically in the public relations field. Here are my top 10 suggestions for getting your foot in the door towards your dream career in PR:

  1. Timing. I remember being in college and being told to start looking for jobs your senior year, most likely even as you go into your last semester. That might be a good fit for engineers or account majors, however, this is not true for most PR jobs. When I post an opening, I needed that position filled yesterday. I can’t wait five months until you wrap up your final semester, I can’t even wait two months. I need you ASAP. So look for jobs much closer to graduation, and if you want to put feelers out there beforehand, do introductory emails rather than applying for open postings.
  2. Internship. Nothing is more powerful in this field than experience. Even if your degree doesn’t require it, get an internship. Heck, do two. You will be a step ahead of the competition with the more you have on your resume.
  3. Cover letters. If you don’t have a lot of experience through internships or class work, don’t even think about applying without a cover letter. Take that opportunity to show your writing skills, give examples of how your own experiences would apply to the tasks at hand, and show your personality. An exciting cover letter can even be more convincing than a loaded resume.
  4. No phone calls. You sent in your resume and you want to follow up to ensure it was received? Don’t call. PR professionals have a lot on their plate and are almost always working around the clock. As mentioned before, when we post a job, we often need that person right away so we’re handling the workload of two, if not even more. Trust that we got it. Do not call immediately after hitting submit. If you listened to the first three points, then you’re already a leg up and we’ll take notice.
  5. Social media. By now almost all college kids or recent grads are told to lock up their social media accounts tight. After all, no one wants to hire you based on your keg stand photos from the latest frat party. When it comes to Facebook, I totally agree. But for Twitter, I would say leave it open. As a hiring manager, I want to see that you’re active on Twitter and get some insight into your personality. Keep in mind that future job hunters will be on the lookout, so keep it PC or start a second account that’s more professional if you must. But showing you have knowledge of the platform and giving a peak into your personal life isn’t always a bad thing if handled correctly.
  6. Research. It should be a no brainer to look at the company’s website before doing an interview, but go even beyond that. Follow the hiring manager on Twitter. See what they’re posting about their clients and what opportunities they are participating in to determine if this is really the right job for you. Bring up stories they’ve secured in your conversation. Send them a tweet even! One Iowa State (my alma mater) grad tweeted me for advice on a job in Las Vegas. I had her send me her resume, and I remembered her and passed it along when my colleague was hiring. She’s now a year in at her job at Kirvin Doak. Congrats to Wendy Sloan on her recent promotion to an assistant account executive!
  7. Read the news. Our jobs are all about what’s happening in the media and how can we get our clients’ message heard. One of my favorite questions to ask is where do you get your news and tell me something you read/heard/saw today. And college students, here’s a tip: no one believes you’re reading the New York Times. We were once 22 ourselves after all. Don’t be afraid to say you read blogs or follow newspapers on Twitter. This is the digital age, and we want to know you’re on the up and up!
  8. Show your personality. You got an interview. You’re in the door. Now show your personality. A big part of this field is how you interact with people. I want to know you can be professional but still have fun. If I’m spending a day with you driving across California to visit newspaper editors, I need to be able to carry on a conversation and be comfortable chatting in between work discussions. Make me laugh, and I’m much more likely to remember you.
  9. Ask a question. No matter what, when the hiring manager asks, “Do you have any questions for me?”, always have one or two in your pocket. Not asking a question makes it seem like you have no interest or you weren’t paying attention. Ask why this position is now available. Ask what the challenges will be. Ask how they lead their team. Ask anything. It will benefit you in the long run.
  10. Say thank you. Personal cards are great, but a lot of times companies are in such a hurry to make a decision, they won’t arrive beforehand. So always, always, always send a thank you via email after your interview. Remind them why you’re the person for the job. Make it impossible to say no.

 

Good luck in your search and I hope these tips help you get a leg up on the competition!

˜Alison Monaghan

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Dolly sitA career in public relations can be daunting. It’s long hours, an unpredictable schedule, and an email inbox that never seems to turn off. If you’re lucky and you have clients that you love like I do, none of this will detour you from a successful path. But what I’ve come to realize lately is that there is something to be gained from turning your brain off for a bit and finding a balance in life.

Meet my balance: Miss Dolly Parton Monaghan.

I have debated the investment of a puppy for many years. I have always had a family dog throughout my entire life, from our beloved collie Katie that we picked up on a “road trip” when I was six without my dad’s knowledge; to the best dog ever created, our sheltie Molly who joined the family when I was 16 and was just laid to rest after this past Thanksgiving; to the two puppies she delivered when I was in college, Ruben and Rza (named by my brother after his love for the Wu Tang Clan, of course) who still live with my mom today.

I had heard it all. “You don’t have time for a dog.” “Do you know what you’re getting yourself into?” “That’s the worst idea ever for someone with your schedule.” “Just wait until [insert event, any event] is over.”

But I needed to find a balance. Turning off and tuning out for a bit can make your ideas more fresh, your thoughts more focused and your time more valuable.

So, on January 14, I met this little pup, we fell in love, and she came home with me. It’s only been a little over a week, and it has already been one of the best decisions of my life. She can frustrate me (please stop biting everything EXCEPT your toys!). She can be rowdy (sprints from the living room through the kitchen on repeat). But after a tough day, coming home to this snuggle monster makes all things in life a tad bit easier. Or even a LOT easier.

So why Dolly Parton? Thank you to photographer Al Powers who passed this quote on to me from our very own KDC client, Judy Stone:

“Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” – Dolly Parton.

Well said, Dolly. Well said, indeed.

Keep up with the pup on Instagram under #theadventuresofdollyparton.

˜Alison Monaghan

Dolly couch Dolly Parton - first day home - Jan 14 2013 Dolly bunny Dolly Bunny nap Dolly - coffee table 2 Dolly sit

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Yesterday, was Mother’s Day and as I ran around town finishing my errands clerks and servers wished me a “Happy Mother’s Day” – it sort of annoyed me as I am not a mother, I am not going to be a mother and I made a choice not to be a mother.  However, as I settled in for the evening I began to  realize that I am a mother of sorts.  I am the mother to my staff: Brad, Alison, Lindsey, Matt, Devin, Kristin, Shandi, Carolyn, Ryan, Wendy and Eleni at Kirvin Doak Communications.  If being a mother means glowing with pride for their accomplishments, cheering them on with their projects, giving them wings to fly and believing in them and their abilities – well then I am a pseudo mom.  If the joy of motherhood is anything close to the love, pride and happiness I feel for my staff then you can wish me a Happy Mother’s Day ever year.  

˜Terri Maruca

 

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Dear Madonna,

As a youngster in Small Town, Iowa, I grew up listening to you, worshipping you, basically thinking there could never be anything better than your music ever in the history of time. I remember sneaking into my friend’s family room, pretending we were playing Barbies, but really turning the channel to MTV – a channel that was forbidden to six year olds like us – just hoping we would catch a moment of the “Like a Prayer” video. I would watch “Desperately Seeking Susan” repeatedly, although watching it today I realize I didn’t know half of what the movie was talking about, but it had you, and that’s all I needed.

When you rocked the halftime show at the Super Bowl, I was in your corner, tweeting up a storm. No one can hold down Madonna. Not even the fact that you’re aging gracefully but who are we kidding – you look better than ever. You killed that performance and everyone should be grateful we don’t have to sit through another boring spectacle like Paul McCartney or Bruce Springsteen for the umpteenth time just because Janet had a little snafu with her brassiere.

But now we get to Ultra… I’m a bit of an EDM fanatic. I’ve had the pleasure to work with the best of the best in this genre, from the creative minds of Electric Daisy Carnival to the genius nightlife teams at XS and Tryst and even some of the most celebrated artists like Tiesto, deadmau5, Calvin Harris, and more.

So you can imagine my disappointment when you got up on stage, in front of a sea of dance music fans, most probably between 18 and 25, and asked “How many people in this crowd have seen Molly?” Really, Madonna? What.Were.You.THINKING.

I was even more disappointed when you came under fire and responded by pleading that you never encourage drug use, and you were really only talking about a song by Cedric Gervais. Really? So your dance album title MDNA has nothing to do with MDMA – the drug used for ecstasy. And you had no idea when asking at an electronic music festival – a scene that is commonly scrutinized for drug use by people that don’t understand it – that asking impressionable young adults if they had seen Molly, the slang name for ecstasy, would be a questionable move.

I’ve been a fan of yours for 20 years. But honey, I’m not buying it.

The relevance of ecstasy in the dance music world is a misconception that each of us devoted to the genre fight every day. As the music is exploding in popularity and reaching the main stream audience through major media outlets such as USA Today, Rolling Stone and more, we are taking two giant leaps forward. We fight on like I’m sure the pioneers of rock ‘n roll and hip hop did as they made their step into pop culture.

And yet – when you made these unintelligent remarks – had it not been for the criticism of deadmau5 - most media outlets would only have cared about if you should have been wearing those short shorts at your age, or how great your legs looked. Not the impact you had on those young lives who were listening to you and taking in what you had to say.

I love dance music. I bounce my head and tap my foot every day as I plug away at Kirvin Doak Communications. I might throw a hand up in the air when I’m working at XS from time to time. Sometimes you just can’t help it – the beat takes over. And I love what the scene stands for – PLUR – Peace, Love, Unity and Respect. Something we could all use more of in our day to day lives. So for this cause, I will fight for it every day. And right now, Madonna, that means I have to leave you. I won’t buy the album. I won’t download a song. I have unfollowed you on Twitter.

We all make mistakes. But unfortunately this is one that will take time for me to get over, if I ever will. You’ll probably never read this, and you probably could give a damn, but I feel better for at least getting it out there. And doing my small part to fight on for the music I love and believe in.

Until we meet again –
Alison

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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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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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Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of getting to work with electronic artist, deadmau5, as we prepared to announce his new partnership with Wynn Las Vegas. This week, we launched into the New Year with a trifecta of celebrations: his birthday, the launch of his exclusive 2012 residency at XS nightclub, and perhaps most notable, Mayor Carolyn Goodman proclaiming it officially “deadmau5 Day” in the city of Las Vegas.

 

deadmau5, also known as Joel Zimmerman, arrived at the prestigious nightclub just before midnight on Monday, where the XS staff took over the mic to lead thousands of clubgoers in serenading him with “Happy Birthday.” Twenty beautiful cocktail servers marched on stage with a five-tier cake, created by Las Vegas bakery Gimme Some Sugar. Each tier had an iconic theme from the residency announcement where deadmau5 attempted several jobs around Wynn Resorts, including lifeguard and golf caddie, before finding he was best suited performing at XS. The campaign was wildly popular, even gathering attention from Rolling Stone and more than 100,000 views on YouTube <http://youtu.be/qh_XtHebsOQ> .

 

Just before his set, XS Co-Owner and Managing Partner Jesse Waits presented deadmau5 with the official proclamation on behalf of Mayor Goodman as confetti cannons exploded into the crowd. Zimmerman took the mic and expressed his disbelief in having a day in his honor as his devoted fans erupted in excitement. He immediately jumped behind the booth to kick off his partnership which will include several dates throughout the year at XS and Encore Beach Club. He played until the early hours of the morning, jumping on top of the booth to excite the crowd and even popping a 15L bottle of bubbly for the occasion.

 

Considering he has a long list of accolades including recently being nominated for three Grammy Awards, I was really moved by how excited he was about this honor. In my mind, he is incredibly deserving, as I’ve seen the crowds that he can pack into the nightclub – even on what would be considered an “off night” – which is ultimately just pushing business and traffic to our great city and helping Las Vegas get back on its feet after a rough economic patch.

 

I can say – without a doubt – he is someone I’m happy to know. And deadmau5 Day is my new favorite holiday. That’s saying a lot from a girl born on the 4th of July!

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Last week, I had the opportunity to enjoy my first experience at a Brazilian Steakhouse and new client, Texas de Brazil. I was excited and anxious as the fateful day came on Friday, October 14 when Alison Monaghan and I set off to the Las Vegas restaurant at Town Square Shopping Center.

Upon arrival, my eyes immediately gravitated to the massive salad and appetizer area and I knew I was in for a treat. As our waitress explained the concept of the authentic churrascaria, my mouth watered over the descriptions of the seasoned cuts of beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and Brazilian sausage. For those who may not know what a Brazilian Steakhouse is, I’ll provide the short version: It’s every meat lover’s dream. For a single flat-rate, diners receive a two-sided place card, which they can turn from green to red at their discretion; green signifying, “Bring on the gauchos,” and red meaning, “I can’t eat another bite.”

The overall experience at Texas de Brazil is rather unique and can be overwhelming to first timers, especially for those who enjoy food as much as I do and want to try everything. For those who may find themselves in this predicament in the future, here are some DO’s and DON’Ts for the “most incredible dining experience.”

DO:
• Try the sweet fried bananas, especially in between varieties of meats to cleanse the palate.
• Pace yourself. The constant presentation of meat can be irresistible, but if you have to pass on a round, I promise the restaurant won’t be in short supply of your favorite cut.
• Save room for dessert. With mouth-watering options such as Brazilian cheesecake or Chocolate Mousse Cake, you can’t go wrong.
DON’T:
• Overload at the salad and appetizer area. While it’s tempting with the magnitude of tasty selections, you’ll want to be hungry for your main course.
• Forget about the great promotions that the restaurant offers including happy hour prices and the half price on a second bottle of South American wines offer on Thursdays.

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