CityCenter is Open!

The media coverage of the various Grand Opening festivities of CityCenter has been remarkably extensive and comprehensive. And it goes without saying that MGM MIRAGE has given the community of Las Vegas, and indeed the world, something very special in architecture, design, art offerings, room product, and certainly-exceptional convention, meeting planning, and event opportunities.

Over the past few weeks, MGM MIRAGE Events has had the pleasure, as well as the challenge, to design, execute, and produce some of the most significant events of our 12 year history-all on the stunning CityCenter campus. And not a day goes by without our friends, clients, and associates asking “When can we see pictures”?

So, for the first time, unencumbered by excessive written descriptions, allow us to unveil to you in vivid detail, a photo journal (in no particular order) of the momentous “first events” MGM MIRAGE Events produced at CityCenter. Enjoy!

 

A stunning lounge environment was produced in the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Ballroom. Every piece of furniture in the next few photos was designed, built, and inventoried by MGM MIRAGE Events. The only exception is the dining chairs. 

These laminated and brushed metal tables were designed to suspend freely from the ceiling. Note the grid work with dangling vases of flowers overhead.

Clear Lucite buffet structures ensured an open feeling in which delicacies and florals seemed suspended in time. Renowned chef Pierre Gagnaire delighted guests’ palettes.

A bevy of stunningly costumed models provided moments of delight throughout the hotel-emerging ethereally as an elevator door opened, whisking by in rickshaws as guests pulled into the valet area. Each was a living testament to the unparalleled intimacy and sophistication of the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas.

Every woman in attendance wanted a pair of the beautiful “fan” shoes.

One of the many highlights of the evening was our Snow Geisha performing on the terrace through a floor-to-ceiling glass window-with an amazing view of the Las Vegas strip! Every design element was seamlessly fused with the talents of entertainment guru, Doug Johnson.

Violin Virtuoso and Mandarin Oriental “Fan”, Vanessa Mae, provided the climax to the evening with a performance that dazzled the senses.

 

For an exclusive VIP Preview event prior to Aria opening its doors to the public, it was essential the stunning architecture of the property be the main focus. Every design element, food station, and interactive performer was strategically integrated into the surroundings to augment and energize guests as they experienced Aria for the first time-ever!

Outside the Viva Elvis Theater, the new show by Cirque du Soleil, oversized recreations of Elvis’ actual guitars were perched within the setting. Models in clinging, white vinyl were among the bountiful eye candy touches masterfully orchestrated by Barry Morgan.

Atmospheric performers on unique instruments such as this 12’ tall harp were strategically positioned throughout the event space.

Kicking off the Grand Opening festivities were a series of media events. Designs for each were tailored specifically to the property being unveiled to the public…

A custom-crafted, Steel and Lucite presentation backdrop was designed for the opening of Aria.

To highlight the importance of the developments LEED certification, a ribbon was crafted from recycled plastic bottles and imprinted with the Vdara and LEED logos.

We also crafted beautiful monument signs for each property, signifying the LEED certification.

Mandarin Oriental’s ribbon was created with fresh ginger blossoms. Taiko drummers, and lion dance, and a Feng Shui master were included in the ceremony.

The opening of CityCenter has changed Las Vegas for all time. For those with an appreciation of design, fine art, world-class architecture, and the best entertainment and food offerings ever assembled, CityCenter is unparalleled.

As a meeting, convention, and event destination, CityCenter offers clients a diverse array of sites for every need. The campus is also conveniently connected to Bellagio and Monte Carlo via a state-of-the-art tram.

Photography of Aria, Mandarin Oriental by Kelly McKeon. Photography of Vdara by Jim Briare, Craig McCool, and Gordon Absher.

CityCenter: Destined to be one of the great urban places of the world-King Dahl

Project CityCenter first commenced in 2004. In the autumn of 2005, eight events in four days were produced at Bellagio to expose world-class architects, designers, engineers, and city planners to the forward-thinking approach of this development project. The multi-day summit included meetings and events to convey the scope of CityCenter to those playing important roles in the ambitious, multi-billion dollar development.

In celebration of the 2009 Grand Opening, it seems fitting, four years later, to unveil the stunning events that composed The CityCenter Summit.

Perfection in every detail was critical as concepts were developed to portray the individual message of each event.

Event #1: Board of Director’s Dinner

A dinner for the Board of Directors was planned at Sensi Restaurant. Understated sophistication was key in providing a dining and meeting experience for these top executives.



Three tables crafted from faux-granite and solid oak were built. Ultra-suede and Lucite inlays provided a reprise from standard linens.



CityCenter logos were embroidered on linen napkins rolled into hand-carved rings placed on leather placemats.



Floral centerpieces and room accents reflected the earthen design of the restaurant.

Event #2: Welcome Reception-From the Ground Up

The summit kick-off was an outdoor patio reception at Bellagio. The theme “From the Ground Up” was chosen officially launching the groundbreaking for CityCenter.



Construction girls in overalls and hardhats welcomed guests amid piles of rock and dirt containing oversized blueprints and signage.




On stage, a giant puzzle was assembled by our frolicking “construction team” prior to presentations by executives.








Blueprints emblazoned on clear Lucite dangled from the overhang. Construction tools were included in florals for blueprint-wrapped highboys and glass and steel buffets, as well as encased in acrylic tables surrounded by white furniture. Eight-foot long communal highboys encased screws, bolts, and pencils inside.


Appetizers were offered from LED illuminated trays with a glowing CityCenter logo.

Event #3: VIP Breakfast and General Session

The opening VIP breakfast set the progressive tone of the entire multi-day event.









Steel and Lucite buffet tables were filled with fresh fruit and topped with florals in platinum vases. Huge aluminum sconces were positioned against platinum drapery and held an 8-foot tall floral vase.


Guests sat at square, frosted-glass and mahogany tables topped with contemporary florals.






As breakfast ended, drapes parted revealing a stunning, 90-foot wide set of letters spelling out “CITYCENTER”. Guests walked through the letters into the general session. Bowed panels of polycarbonate were suspended along the walls featuring refractive lighting.


Within the stage were 10’X10’ checked panels simulating the invitation, and drapes of steel beads illuminated with gobos cascaded from flyrails.

Event #4: The CFO’s Luncheon

A luncheon to discuss the economics of the project immediately followed breakout sessions. The room needed to be changed over in a matter of minutes so chairs and schoolroom tables were hustled out one side of the ballroom while Chameleon Chairs were brought in on the other.









Tables were draped with blue and platinum linens topped with hand-blown glass incorporating arrangements of dwarf callas and river rocks.

Event#5: Breakfast and General Session

The following day, the purpose of the session was to discuss the sustainability of the project. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle was the mantra. Remember, this was very forward thinking 4 years ago, before “green” became the household word it is today.






We reduced the amount of décor in this area to epitomize simplicity. In an effort to reuse, we used the square frosted-glass and mahogany tables from the previous day. Recycled materials like packing popcorn, rubber bands and cork were used to fill glass vases topped with florals. Linen runners were sewn from recycled fabrics.




The following general session featured keynote speaker, Former Secretary of Labor, Alexis Herman. Her message centered on the importance of diversity. This general session room featured a seamless digital image of clouds, and butterflies with built in video screens. Large panels of clouds and butterflies graced the walls.

Event #6: The Futurist-Watts Wacker

Following the Diversity Presentation, guests were escorted to an appearance by world-renown Futurist, Watts Wacker, who intrigued guests with up-to-the minute forecasts of opportunities that lay on the horizon. His multi-media presentation ranged from new consumer and economic trends to technological advances, and shifts in society and business. With a trend-setting development like CityCenter, Mr. Wacker’s presentation was timely.







The presentation was delivered from a stage of curved steel panels in sheer copper fabric. Earth-toned centerpieces topped tables covered in gold patchwork overlays.

Event #7: CITY SCENE

A final night extravaganza inspired by CityCenter sparked the theme “CITY SCENE”. This opportunity gave attendees their final chance to experience the high-energy and contemporary style of the project.

Inside the cocktail reception, guests were greeted by a performance artist/DJ that pulled music from an iPod and added percussive electronic beats. An aerialist soared with spatial grace overhead.



As a techno beat blasted through speakers, a ballet of Segway riders swirled throughout the crowd to reveal “CITY SCENE”.



Huge 3-dimensional letters now spelled out “CITY SCENE” for guests to walk through into a simulated city of the future with dazzling adaptations of city life.







Performance artists climbed and danced along frosted walls illuminated with video interplay of rainfall inspiring open umbrellas or images of wafting clouds rolling by.












The bustle of this new city “lifestyle” continued to an electronic symphony’s contemporary scores. During performance, musicians would float up and down on motorized platforms. Guests also observed dancers on suspended walkways 10 feet above the floor.






The “daily life” continued as attendees dined on exquisite fare. Custom buffets included a contemporary fondue station with morsels dangling from crystal spears above the fondue. Wheat grass was encased inside clear buffet tops evoking freshness.








A sushi chef worked from a display incorporating a 1,500 gallon acrylic fish tank and motorized conveyor belts. A huge circular ice bar displayed caviar, and artistic desserts were found spinning from a tower of acrylic and steel.


Circular bars surrounded the CityCenter logo as artists continued to climb, and fly. Another bar was backed by a 22’X40’ replica of a condominium complete with residents playfully performing tasks on laptops and cell phones in view of the voyeurs below.



As the energy raged on, a kabuki drop exposed Earth, Wind, and Fire who kept guests dancing until the early hours of the City Scene morning.




Photography- dahl Photographers