8 Values of a Successful Team-Innovative

After a fun and naughty romp through The Rocky Horror Picture Show in the last blog post, the time has come for musings on the subject of Innovation. Event Solutions Magazine recently asked what I felt was the best innovation of the past 12 months, as it related to the special event and meeting planning industry. I thought long and hard about the answer, as certainly, there are many. With so many innovative technological advances in equipment, as well as the plethora of internet-based technologies, my top choice would be quite difficult to determine. But after much deliberation, and evaluating the state of the industry from all angles, I came to a conclusion that is decidedly less high-tech.

I feel the industry is on the verge of something very special; something that, in the long run, is going to be of great benefit for the consumers of event-related products and services, as well as the providers.

What is the greatest innovation of the past 12 months? Speaking with the utmost conviction, I feel the greatest innovation is the Power of TRUE perseverance, professionalism, and passion.

Allow me to explain. There is no question the special event and meeting planning industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the past 3 decades. The exceptional level of product that so many of my colleagues and friendly competitors produce both domestically, and internationally, is nothing short of amazing! I am honestly thrilled, and humbled, to have remained in the company of so many phenomenal professionals for so many years.

But at no time in those 30 years, have there been more economic challenges, sweeping advances to keep pace with, or such a heightened awareness of “value” from clients and planners, as in the past 12 months. Customers demand, deserve, and expect the very best value, and rightly so, they seek until their value criterion has been met. And sophisticated consumers never confuse price with value.

I have seen many persevere as a result of reinventing their businesses, and themselves, into leaner & more efficient operating machines. To persevere, it has become not just important, but absolutely essential to do more- a LOT more, with less- a LOT less. All without ever showing signs of fatigue. To truly succeed in the special event industry of today takes stamina, an iron will, nerves of steel, and an attitude and willingness to constantly strive for better. One must take the hits, and stand back up and be ready for more.

In addition to perseverance, the past 12 months has taught many the necessity of reaching new levels of professionalism. Being “really creative” or “artsy” is no longer an acceptable prerequisite for industry professionals. The days are ending for “wanna-be’s”. Street smarts coupled with academia; a broad range of analytical, financial, & management skills; an understanding of all disciplines of the industry; sales & marketing acumen; and exceptional creativity are now the bare minimum needed to share the field with so many exceptional event pros.

Adapting to changes in the business environment in innovative ways is not easy. These things can only be accomplished if one is truly passionate about what they do. For passion is what makes it all worthwhile!

Real innovation and transformation is accomplished by focusing on goals, not on obstacles. Because in life as in business, it’s You against You.

Perseverance, Professionalism, Passion.

8 Values of a Successful Team-Timely

“Timely” & the Thom Pass Time Warp!!



Event Manager, Thom Pass, is caught preparing his performers (partnering with Farrington Productions) for his Gala Award-nominated event-interpretation of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at Bellagio Resort.



…with a little help from Director of Events & Corporate Sales, Lenny Talarico.







Lip-licking candy apples by Bellagio Catering.





Saints & Sinners, NBP Productions, had the crowd rockin’ all night long!



Thom’s story- When King first asked that I prepare a blog post on the “T” of the MGM Resorts Events “CREATIVE” acronym-Timely, my first thought was “Where in the Hell am I going to find time to write this”?! Week after week passed and finally the time came when he peeked his head inside my office and asked “How is the post coming along, Thommy? Think I can get it tomorrow”? Timely…I don’t think so…. as my desk was buried and my phone was ringing off the hook with clients and vendors needing information NOW. Putting this into perspective…I was asked three months ago to do this.

We can all find excuses not to do something. Is it we are over loaded with work? Stressed out? Are the creative juices just not flowing? Plain old procrastination? 6:00 PM and its time for happy hour? Or possibly all of the above???

I strongly believe in “Passion”. I try to LIVE it, CREATE with it, and to USE it everyday in my life. This “Passion” comes along with a timeframe in designing an event. I know that my vision and proposal needs to be communicated to my client, and as we all know, this alone can be a lengthy process. The contracts, payments and insurance requirements need to be received from all parties involved. Flowers, décor and entertainment need to sourced and secured from around the world. Fabrication of specialty props, signage….labor has to be coordinated. The list goes on…

Then come the Design Meetings, Sales Meetings, Production Meetings, Management Meetings, Pre-Cons, Post-Cons and our weekly staff-wide meeting-Talk Tuesday …how many more meetings does one need? People, I can you tell you this, without each of these meetings, timely execution of every aspect of the event would not happen efficiently. It is in these meetings that our team communicates concerns, exchanges ideas, and addresses opportunities that might arise during the event. One of our philosophies at MGM Resorts Events is that “Planning and Preparation leads to Timeliness”.

The MGM Resorts Events management team developed an Event Process Wheel, in which each process depends on the timely execution of the prior process. Each and every day, this execution route can be seen, and in the end, each and every department will have fulfilled its obligation to the overall production of the event. Again, Timeliness is the key word here. One department cannot effectively do their job without the correct and timely performance from the other.

Clients expect, deserve, and demand an exceptionally produced final product. We as event professionals are expected to deliver that product while working within the confines of profitability and operational efficiency, while maintaining the flexibility to address the unanticipated variables that frequently occur in the event industry.

We at MGM Resorts Events accomplish this while producing 800+ events a year by Thinking and Being Ahead of the Curve.

Plan for tomorrow today
Plan for next week this week
Plan for next month this month
Plan for next year this year.



Photography by Kelly McKeon

8 Values of a Successful Team-Accountability

As we continue to strive in “living” our company values, the “A” in the MGM Resorts Events “CREATIVE” acronym has very special meaning. When asked, we’ve found that most people on all levels simply want to be held accountable, with clear and concise direction. This makes it possible to focus of goals, not on obstacles.

The legendary UCLA coach, John Wooden, recently passed, but he left with us so many meaningful and wonderful thoughts. One of my personal favorites is “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do”.

Lenny Talarico, CSEP, heads the corporate event sales department of MGM Resorts Events. He operates in a world of accountability everyday. Below are just a few examples of his impeccably produced events.

On the subject of accountability, Lenny channels his child within and muses…

“One of my all-time favorite childhood stories is the Italian classic, Pinocchio. The story, written by Carlos Collodi, first appeared in 1883, but really enjoyed worldwide success after the 1940 animated classic was released by Walt Disney. I remember seeing the animated version on the big screen as a child. The cornerstone of Walt Disney movies is and has always been movies with messages. The take-away from Pinocchio is, of course, a fairly straight forward one, “listen to your parents, don't tell lies, and do the right thing."

The entire movie is about being accountable. The main character learns in the roughest of circumstances what happens to little boys who are not brave, truthful, and unselfish. He is tricked, cheated, lied to, and kidnapped, sometimes with his own consent as he ignores his conscience. The film clearly portrays how consequences are a result of our actions. One only need listen to the lyrics sung by Jiminy Cricket and look no further for a lesson on accountability, "always let your conscious be your guide". Accountability is that little voice each of us has in the back of our head, it is our own personal Jiminy Cricket telling us “do the right thing, be responsible for your actions".

As leaders, the lesson for us is clear; you must accept responsibility for the results (good or bad) you allow to be created. Leaders must be accountable for the consequences of their and their team’s actions, or in some cases-consequences due to inaction. When something goes wrong, or a project does not turn out as intended, leaders who practice “100% Accountability-0% Excuses” need to look inward to explore how the actions taken impacted the result.

Rather than playing the blame game, or pointing fingers at external causes, leaders who practice accountability seek to understand their contribution to a problem, in doing so they learn and grow in response to those challenges.

When all individuals within an organization adopt the concept of personal accountability, there is less blame placed on others and more focus on moving forward to achieve the goals of the organization.

Being 100% accountable is not always easy; undoubtedly each of us will face challenges, its part of life. How we choose to handle those challenges defines who we are as leaders. The simple way to stay focused on accountability is clear, listen to Jiminy Cricket; "take the straight and narrow path and when you start to slide, give a little whistle and always let your conscious be your guide."

Better words could not be spoken.

Photography Credit-

Photos 1, 3, 4-Kelly McKeon

Photo 2-The Viewfinder Group

Photo 5- Paul Cichocki

8 Values of a Successful Team-Enthusiastic

Continuing with the CREATIVE acronym, the 3rd Value, Enthusiastic, is one that carries the passion and love one has for their work and for those they collaborate with on a daily basis.

We all know few things are more contagious than enthusiasm. It’s been said, “Leaders are responsible for the Charisma of the organization”. Truer words could not be expressed! This is manifested every single day in the spirit and attitude of the entire team.

Jim Grifall, Director of Event Design, has achieved much success spearheading MGM MIRAGE Event’s involvement in media related events, PR, Sales & Casino Marketing events of all varieties. The results he garners are all excellent examples of the enthusiasm Jim infuses in all of his work.










His comments on enthusiasm are personal and heartfelt…

“We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all we really need to make us truly happy is something to be enthusiastic about. For a professional event producer, the secret to being enthusiastic is to embrace everything that comes into your life; attend every event you can, look over, under, around and through it. Scrutinize it, pick it apart and put it back together again. Feel amazed, feel disgusted, feel awe, feel disappointed, but feel.”




“Enthusiasm is not the same as just being excited.” Jim continues. “One gets excited about going to an event; one becomes enthusiastic about creating or building an event. Get enthusiastic about your own dream. This excitement is like a forest fire – you can smell it, taste it, and see it from a mile away.”




“The more generous we are, the more joyous we become. The more cooperative we are, the more valuable we become. The more enthusiastic we are, the more productive we become. When I become enthusiastic about creating an event, I feel all of that: joyous, valuable and productive - it becomes a Golden Moment for me.”



Photos by Dahl Photographers and Kelly McKeon

8 Values of a Successful Team-Respectful

As discussed in the previous post, the 8 Values of a Successful Team- the acronym “CREATIVE”- make up the cornerstone of our company philosophy…

C-Committed

R-Respectful

E-Enthusiastic

A-Accountable

T-Timely

I-Innovative

V-Value Driven

E-Effective

As we travel down the list, the quality that might possibly be most inherently critical to a high-performing team is Respect. Respect manifests itself in acknowledging others and valuing their contributions, and engaging them in decisions and operational activities.

In conceiving the opulent designs when producing the extraordinary event “Reign” at Bellagio, Diane Butner exhibited a deep respect for her colleagues in every phase of the design process. “Being open to other people's opinions, ideas and design concepts during our collaborative design process has always been a win-win situation”, Diane shares. “It not only produces innovative, top-notch designs, it fills the design team with a feeling of pride and satisfaction.”

The strength & effectiveness of an organization is increased dramatically by actively engaging, empowering, and trusting those that work for and with you. And a deep and profound respect for creative partners and vendors associated with the production yield results that exceed expectations.

Rrivreworks adds some exquisite elements to the unique gated entryway leading to the event space transformed into a magnificent Russian Palace. Along the way, the beauty is magnified by interactive performers bedecked in glorious flowing costumes designed by Entertainment Plus.

On a more intimate scale, the beautiful purple hues that Diane has infused into the above event are enhanced by Chameleon Chairs’ one-of-a-kind designs and the stunning floral creations that MGM MIRAGE Events is known for. And finally, who could not respect the phenomenal talents of one of the world’s premiere pastry chefs, Jean Philippe Maury?

A closing thought on respect:

We’ve all grown up learning the Golden Rule- “Treat others the way you would like to be treated”. But even more significant in today’s workplace is the Platinum Rule- “Treat others the way they want to be treated”.

Photos by Dahl Photographers & Kelly McKeon

8 Values of a Successful Team

MGM MIRAGE Events is extremely proud to have recently received the Spotlight Award for “Event Company of the Year” by Event Solutions Magazine. The award, presented at a ceremony held at CityCenter’s beautiful Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Las Vegas, tops off a very productive year. Despite the current economic situation, the dedicated team at MME, together, realized many exceptional accomplishments including significant increases in the number of events produced, sales revenue, and profitability.

More importantly to our cherished customers & partners, value-driven, innovative designs remain the focus of our core business: unique event productions for those specializing in experiential marketing, corporate meeting planning, incentive trips, & social milestone events.

Engaging our entire team in “living” our company Values is the cornerstone of our success. Five years ago, we began an all-encompassing quest to define a strategic plan. The plan includes a specific Mission and Vision, which appear on the right side of this blog. The list of Values is the third critical component. All employees and management live these values daily.

Not surprisingly, our Values are predicated on the acronym CREATIVE.

C – Committed

R – Respectful

E – Enthusiastic

A – Accountable

T – Timely

I – Innovative

V – Value Driven

E – Effective

Over the next 8 blog posts, a member of the team will share their thoughts on one of these values with a brief description of what it means to them individually, and to the team at MGM MIRAGE Events. And naturally, we will include some beautiful photos to view along the way. Enjoy!

C-Committed

Do what you say you’re going to do, when you say you’re going to do it-An important value to uphold for management, as well as employees.

Initiate your own training-Truly committed individuals are constantly looking for ways to improve, and learn new skills.

Be ambitious for the company first-Personal success is a direct reflection of the success of the entire team.

Photos by Kelly McKeon

Gung Hay Fat Choy

Chinese New Year, or the Lunar New Year, is one of the most significant celebrations found in the Asian culture. Annually, our team of superb culinary, technical, entertainment, and design professionals produce an exceptional gala for 2500+ International VIP Guests.

This month we celebrate The Year of the Tiger at Aria Las Vegas. Excitement is in the air in anticipation throughout the city!

As the ancient Chinese proverb states, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” Please step this way —as we make the miles disappear— to a land steeped in abundant customs.

A previous Special Event Magazine Gala Nominee-"The Year of the Rat" is the first sign of the Chinese zodiac. Symbolizing wealth, charm and order, this icon was the impetus for the design of this celebration at Bellagio Resort.

Enticing, golden-boxed invitations were crafted to emulate Jianzhi, an ancient technique of Chinese paper cutting, and delivered to guests overseas. The window flower process of Jianzhi was referenced in various style elements throughout the event.

A spellbinding performance in the porte-cochère of multiple venues, featured a traditional lion dance sourced directly from China. Guests cheered at the acrobatic endeavors of performers who balanced, danced and jumped from pole to pole, seemingly defying gravity. The dancing lion paraded guests through Bellagio to the cheers of thousands of cheering guests lining the public areas.

To enter the event space, guests traversed a boscage of manicured tangerine trees, oncidium orchids, bromeliads, and twisting pneumatophores. The floribunda flanked a centrally positioned pergola constructed of illuminated scrolling ironwork. Hand-carved, faux-stone Foo Dogs acted as guardians of the evening with their mythical powers.

Inside the ballroom, over 850 linear feet burgundy and golden crystalline drapery were installed to enshroud the 46,000-square-ft space. The drape provided a backdrop for authentic décor to coalesce with the latest in modern technology, as well as fabulous cars on display as prizes.

The parasol, which originated 2,000 years ago in China, played an integral role in the scenic design. We incorporated 180 oversized, hand-painted umbrellas and paper fans throughout to add authenticity to the event. Umbrellas adhered to mahogany Shoji-style screens were accented with 12-foot lengths of bamboo blossoming with fresh orchids and bear grass.

Twelve-foot diameter steel valances were rigged around the perimeter of the space to highlight large gold and garnet medallions signifying The Year of the Rat. Fabrics and fringe imported from the Far East wrapped illuminated sconces on each side of the medallions.

The ballroom ceiling was bedecked with 6-ft. tall floral and willow structures supporting illuminated crystal chandeliers. Hundreds of feet of crystal beads dangled within 5’ x 14’ aluminum frames, embellished with sheer fabric glowing from LED lighting. An additional 350 yards of firecracker crystalline was swagged from strategic points to create intimacy within the expansive space.

Guests savored every moment of the experience in golden Chameleon Chairs that encircled tables draped in Cloth Connection's alternating garnet, gold and mandarin linens, each embroidered with trailing vines.

Hand-blown crystal compotes, filled with micro-beads, Kerio roses, golden cymbidiums and Mokara orchids, sat centered on a glass Lazy Susan. Place settings included appropriate Chinese and American flatware and a hand-tied menu accented with a Swarovski crystal keepsake.

Bellagio master chefs worked tirelessly to create a meal worthy of the greatest ancient dynastic rulers. An attentive waitstaff served each course butler-style from large platters. Accompaniments to the meal were set on the Lazy Susan, as is traditional. Shark Fin Soup in hollowed-out coconuts were featured on the 9 course menu.

A 40-foot square entertainment platform was constructed in the round, beneath a 40-foot and 20-foot round truss ring. Fabrics billowed from the truss to serve as projection surfaces, and to assist in concealing dozens of intelligent lighting units, projectors, color blasters, audio equipment, and confetti cannons.

The central platform and attached runways were finished in a high-gloss, black laminate surface which accentuated the performers. Local dancers interfaced with well-known Chinese artists.

As the last sip of traditional orange juice was savored and the last Lucky Money envelope was picked from the floor—prosperity, charm and good luck were truly bestowed upon the fortuitous elite.


“Gung Hay Fat Choy”

Photography by Dahl Photographers

Awards Season 2010!

MGM MIRAGE Events is thrilled to have been honored with 2 more nominations for The Special Events Magazine Gala Awards to be awarded this January in New Orleans.

Additionally, we are a finalist for the Event Solutions Spotlight of the Year Award as Event Company of The Year. Rebecca Rove is a finalist for Rising Star of the Year (female), Lenny Talarico and King Dahl are also finalists for Event Planner of the Year and Event Producer of the Year, respectively. We would be honored if you would take 60 seconds to click here & view their profiles and cast your vote.

The MME team takes great pride in these accomplishments, and we operate each day dedicated to our vision of being the international leader in the event industry, inspired by the imagination, creativity, and contribution of every employee.

As we head into this exciting time of year in the special event industry, we have complied some of our greatest hits! The events featured here are all previous Gala Award winners and nominees in a variety of categories.


A Birthday Celebration- Gala Award Nominee











Guests meandered through an English garden to celebrate the life-long memories for twin sisters marking a milestone birthday. Blooming floribunda, meticulously groomed topiaries and a butterfly sanctuary were combined to nestle inside an intimate ballroom environment.

Even the family pets were painstakingly recreated from fresh floral and were playfully perched on a tuft of Kentucky Blue Grass.

Two hundred and twenty friends and family entered through towering stone garden gates into a private orangerie. Towering centerpieces, a 10-tier caked enhanced with fresh product and ceiling chandeliers of crystal and florals used a staggering 38,345 fresh floral blossoms.

Held at Bellagio Resort, Las Vegas


Nirvana- Gala Award Winner














Good Karma…

Transcendental overtones treated guests to a state of Nirvana. Highlights included an entry “tunnel of enlightenment” leading into a lush garden and reflecting pond in the ballroom foyer. An event space layered with imported saris and embroidered textiles, complete with elevated rotating lounges, was created. A five-course gourmet meal was served to guests at tables dressed in vibrant silks and covered with batik-dyed umbrellas. Each of the 150 centerpieces was different and unique from one another.

Held at Mirage Las Vegas


The Passion of L’Affaire-Gala Award Winner

Verdigris gates opened to reveal a romantic botanical paradise. Manicuredhedging, stone sculptures, and blooming vignettes accented the formal gardens.

The ballroom was festooned with stately floral chandeliers and scrolling fleur de lis.A stage platform designed as an Impressionist’s canvas descended from the ceiling unveiling a variety of dancers and acrobatic performers.

Held at MGM Grand Las Vegas

An Enchanted Evening-Gala Award Nominee

Perfumed impressions of plumeria and lavender filled the forest. Dusk approached as the evening light and haze created a magical playground for fairies and nymphs. In the distance a unicorn wandered aimlessly while colorful butterflies fluttered upon floral-laden branches.

The five human senses were titillated throughout the evening while attention to the smallest detail enabled guests to begin a journey into a childlike fantasy.

A vision. A dream. A reality.

Held at Bellagio Resort, Las Vegas