5 Fabulous Fabric Ideas

We LOVE fabric! Everything about it. Few materials provide a more versatile & cost effective solution for transforming an event space than fabric. Take a look at some of our favorite ways to play with fabric…

1. Cut it!

This seamless piece of muslin was hand-cut to create an enormous, web-like chandelier...


Hanging over a bar at Aria Resort.


Providing an stunning treatment above a model at a fashion show at Bellagio Las Vegas.


The addition of contra leaves and crystal beads help fill in the cavernous ceiling for a concert in the MGM Grand Garden Arena.


A violinist performs inside of a gilded cage, underneath a fabric chandelier during a VIP luncheon in the Marquee Ballroom of the MGM Grand.

2. Create Canopies!

Lounge environments under flowing fabrics are a great way to add an intimate atmosphere to large or outdoor event spaces...

Thematic Moroccan canopies complete with daybeds, pillows, and gorgeous entertainers at Haze Nightclub.


The complete transformation of a meeting room at MGM Grand features a canopied area with patchwork ottomans.


The Patio at Haze Nightclub was transformed into an extension of the club by the addition of small, canopied environments.

3. Swag it!


Swagged fabrics from the ceiling add dimension and dramatic color to this hand-crafted chandelier of glass bubbles at The Mirage.

Simple swags of gold and red provide an elegant stage backdrop for a Bellagio hosted corporate dinner.


Dramatic tones of eggplant and silver fabrics offset the tangerine-colored linens providing a sumptuous setting for this dinner party at Bellagio.

4. Shred it!

No scraps go unused! Even shredded scrap fabrics can be used to create an edgy, contemporary, ethereal look...

This lounge area in the promenade of Bellagio is accented by dancers encased in ice, and crystal beads & fabric shreds dangling from the ceiling.


The shredded fabric and crystal bead design continues inside the event space suspended from icy chandeliers.


Utilizing a similar concept, the backdrop to the band in this cocktail reception is created with shredded fabrics and swags.

5. Print on it!

With the variety of technologies available in wide-format printing, many fabrics can be printed with graphic designs and incorporated into the event design...

Buddha heads and other designs printed fabric, then suspended over cabanas and backlit from inside, create a tranquil feeling at a poolside event at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel.


A playful graphic pattern is printed on fabric, stretched on aluminum frames, and turned into columns at this event at Mandalay Bay.

…And then again, sometimes it’s just nice to use sheer fabric to soften a room and simply illuminate the drape from behind...

A 12’ wide fan crafted from organic materials is placed behind sheer gauze and illuminated to a soft shimmer inside the ballroom at The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas.

At the Mirage Las Vegas, paper lanterns dangle overhead as guests dined within fabric-draped canopies of sheer muslin. Candlelight and a soft wash of amber provided a romantic glow.

Photography by Curtis Dahl and Kelly McKeon

8 Values of a Successful Team-Effective

The 8 Values of a Successful Team acronym CREATIVE ends with “E” for “Effective”.

Brenda Reichert states that “An effective leader is someone that does the right things and avoids doing the wrong things”. Words we live by at MGM Resorts Events. She adds, “Although the Event Manager is at the center of an event’s success, it is the communication, direction, leadership and responsibility expressed by all the leaders that matters. Being effective in all efforts drives the ultimate success of an event. All of the steps we take are put in place so that we can be effective along the way and continue smoothly to the desired end result”.

Jim McCoy quotes Alice In Wonderland “Curiouser and curiouser”!

Jim laments - “Meetings and events everywhere are experiencing an interesting evolution. One common denominator we are all experiencing is that the business cycle has changed in a manner by which we are unaccustomed, and it is coming from directions that we did not anticipate”.

"Smaller budgets were anticipated. However, the extreme edits in lead time and long-term preparation were not. This new equation requires focus on what our clients now expect from us as event professionals. Not to mention the continual awareness of what the competition is willing to do to secure a piece of work”. (Note- as this post was being prepared, a call came in for a "Dinner in Heaven" to be executed for a VVIP client in 4 days!)

“With this new approach to business, we rely more than ever on our core values that keep us strong and moving forward. What brought us to the level of success that we are at today? What motivates us to be the industry leader? What makes us stand out in the crowd? It is our 8 Values of a Successful Team that keep us focused on the path in which we are heading. And it is those Values that will keep us together as a unit and team, continually looking forward and accepting the challenges that will make us grow creatively and fiscally”.

Brenda continues – “For our events, it is not only the effectiveness within MRE, but our synergy with our counterparts at the properties owned by MGM Resorts International. Our effectiveness spills over to the property teams we work with - Convention Sales & Services, Catering & Banquet Staff, and our corporate Audio/Visual teams to ensure our client’s expectations are met or exceeded. We strive to not only be effective internally, but also an effective partner to all of the MGM Resorts International properties”.

Here’s a recap of our core values:

Committed
Respectful
Enthusiastic
Accountable
Timely
Innovative
Value-Driven
Effective

Does your organization have values that are the heart of your operation?

8 Values of a Successful Team-Value Driven

2011 may mark the beginning of what some consider the rebound of the economy. Economists debate the validity of this, but cautious optimism remains.

PCMA, The Professional Convention Management Association Annual Meeting “Convening Leaders” is in Las Vegas, right now, as I write this. Among the many relevant topics being tweeted, discussed, and mulled over is that in the special event, convention, and meeting industry, more and more attention is being paid to the ROI of event marketing, incentive programs, and meetings. In a word, Value is King. And Value can be a loaded word.

When asked about his take on the “V” in our CREATIVE acronym – Value Driven – Event Manager, Jeremy Collins, shares a historical perspective. “The word ‘value’ was originally used in the 14th century and means ‘a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged.’ ” Pretty self-explanatory.

“Driven” is a far more recent term, first used in 1925. Defined as “having a compulsive or urgent quality” or “propelled or motivated by something.” When you put the two words together, things take shape.

Jeremy continues, “The industry has evolved over the past few years. The booking window is shorter, budgets are tighter, the market is competitive” - customers expect Value. To thrive in 2011 it is essential to be Value Driven through…

1.) efficiency, in both design and operations,

and

2.) creativity, in both design and operations.

We professionals at PCMA all strive to accomplish our client’s objectives – on time and in budget – and to deliver an experience unlike any other. But what makes an event company truly stand out?

Speaking on behalf of MGM Resorts Events, Value for our Las Vegas clients starts with a vast, custom-designed inventory that can be repurposed in a variety of ways, giving clients cost effective alternatives. We showcased this process in the production of the Welcome Reception, and transitioning into the following luncheons. Through strategic planning, much of the perimeter décor and stage treatment (with MGM Grand Productions) was repurposed from the recent MGM Grand New Years Eve Gala. This strategy provided an exceptional event experience that was made possible by a well-planned, collaborative effort by all concerned.

What began as an exquisite sit-down NYE dinner for 1800 guests…





…transitioned into a energetic, lounge-style reception for 3500+…






…complete with a Twitter Lovers Lounge!

What began as an Old-World, Cuban street and garden scene for NYE…





…transitioned into a bit of Vintage Vegas, complete with Elvis, Liberace, and lots and lots of Showgirls!...







Check out the fabulous, full-scale mirrored spinning grand piano!

And finally, the amazing LED stage and entertainment by MGM Grand Productions and Entertainment, & VER…

Became the ultimate backdrop for a Vegas “Then & Now” entertainment spectacular!

NYE Photos by Dahl Photographers, PCMA Photos by Kelly McKeon