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

Poolside in Las Vegas, conclusion-King Dahl

As displayed in the previous posts, Las Vegas has some of the most beautiful and unique outdoor venues in the nation. As MGM MIRAGE Events celebrates the conclusion of summer and the arrival of the gorgeous autumn weather, there is no better setting to showcase than the stunning Mandalay Bay Beach!

With a capacity to hold 3500+ guests, the expansive pool complex at Mandalay Bay features a wave pool washing ashore to a large, pristine beach in which guests can party the night away feeling the sand between their toes.

For a recent party that totally ROCKED at the beach, Encore Productions assisted with a dramatic a laser show and a 10 minute fireworks extravaganza blowing guests’ minds as the elaborate lighting effects reflected into the glistening water below.

In addition to the beach and wave pool, the rambling complex also offers a lazy river, additional pools in the south, east, and west lagoons, dozens of cabanas, and ample room for interactive entertainment.

Ice Occasions carved a large throne for use as a chilly photo op.

The jewel of the Mandalay Bay Beach is a large stage jutting into the water in which guests can get up close and personal with bands and entertainers while standing knee-deep in crystal-clear water right at the stage’s edge. Here, the rockin’ Bare Naked Ladies, and the legendary Styx, perform for adoring fans.

Intimate patios with gorgeous fireside and fountain settings; large, sparkling pools and sandy beaches; even swimming with the dolphins! Las Vegas offers an outdoor venue for every style of event. And when enhanced by the visionary event producers at MGM MIRAGE Events, the guest experience is second to none!

Photography by Kelly McKeon

Poolside in Las Vegas, continued-King Dahl

Continuing with last week’s blog post and with a glimpse into outdoor events, what could be more fabulous than swimming with the dolphins? At a summertime breakfast event at The Mirage, guests got a special treat as they dined in The Dolphin Habitat. An exclusive dolphin show was prepared just for a select few…

During breakfast, these magnificent creatures swam and frolicked as guests looked on from cheery orange suede lounge furniture groupings and patio tables adorned with Orange Jaguar linens topped with  fresh, tropical flowers.

Guests dined on menu items prepared by the chefs at Mirage Catering that included fresh fruits served from halved pineapples and yogurt parfaits.

The Signature at MGM Grand offers an intimate patio setting ideal for daytime weddings and evening gatherings. A palette of bold crimson proved to be the perfect color to add drama to this cozy cocktail party. Red ultra-suede furniture was arranged throughout so guests could enjoy a glowing firepit.

Guests were welcomed to the event space by flirting Crazy Horse girls perched inside of custom-built LED frames encircling the environment.

Petite, mahogany tables were used to display delicacies created by chefs at The Signature.

Lucite luminaries encased floating candles and suspended red roses in water. These beautiful, glowing accent pieces  were positioned around the outer patio wall providing gentle illumination.

Photography by Kelly McKeon

Next week, some totally unique beach parties that will really float your boat!

 

Poolside in Las Vegas-by King Dahl

Las Vegas is famous for many things. Not last on the list is the summer heat. But the truth is, while temperatures are often over 100 degrees during a 2-3 month period in the summer, our springtime, late summer, and fall are absolutely gorgeous. And with wonderfully warm evenings in which to enjoy the outdoors, the city of Las Vegas has some of the most picturesque poolside event venues in the country.

The Summer of ’09 is coming to a close, and now we’re on the way to what promises to be a lovely autumn.  I feel it’s the perfect time to share some favorite patio and poolside events. Over the next couple of weeks, we will feature some scrumptious settings, scattered throughout an exquisite collection of outdoor venues in Las Vegas.

Outside at the stunning Four Seasons Las Vegas, a quaint, meandering pathway connects the Fountain Terrace wedding site with a glistening pool. Hand-carved, faux-wooden arches, airroot clusters, Buddha heads, and lots of glass-encased pillar candles were used to create a feeling of nirvana for guests to enjoy as they proceeded from one area to the next. Swank washed hues of amber over the treatment.

Gold satin along with bountiful clusters of blood red roses & hanging amaranthus added drama to this chuppah on the Four Seasons Fountain Terrace. Chameleon chairs were covered in lily-belle gold chiffon covers custom-made by Wildflower Linens. Stagehouse built our custom, high-gloss, golden aisle runner. Note the illuminated wax spheres behind the chuppah. These were placed on existing pedestals within the fountain, adding a warm, ambient candlelit glow.

A comfortable lounge environment was created with suede ottomans, a newly-designed 8’ long coffee table, and Envel acrylic & steel panels. This setting was specifically designed for guests to feel calm and serene as the evening breeze softly brushes away the hustled pace of the foregone day.

Large, illuminated orbs created a sense of drama as they reflected into one of several popular pools at the MGM Grand Resort. Taylor Creative’s roto-molded spheres are a favorite design element due to the fact that they are operate with battery operated LED’s that are controlled by remote.

A multi-tiered truss stage platform built by MGM Grand Productions helped create a poolside ultra-lounge complete with dancers and performers…

…including an aerialist suspended by a crane, hoisted over the hotel!

More pool parties to come next week!

Photography by Kelly McKeon

An Extraordinary Breakfast Event in the Exhibit Hall-by Lenny Talarico, CSEP

With the current media attention painting a bleak picture of the convention/exhibit business throughout the nation, there’s no need to look further than Las Vegas to witness how industry leaders have beaten the odds to do what they do best, confidently sell their unique meeting and exhibit space.

The Convention Sales Team at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas rank among the best in the industry when it comes to getting the message out to their customers, and rightfully so.  The Mandalay Bay Convention Center is the fifth largest in the US and the largest meeting facility on the strip. It encompasses 1.7 million sq. ft. of meeting space.  The Mandalay Bay Events Center has the capability to seat 12,000 attendees in a full arena setting.  Additionally, there are four pillarless, high-ceiling ballrooms ranging from 31,000 to 100,000 square feet, the latter designated as the largest 'mega-ballroom' in the nation. Breakout space can accommodate more than 75 simultaneous meetings. 

With specifications like these, the sales team has an advantageous position of being able to offer amazing value propositions to customers.  However, as the saying goes, you cannot sell what you do not show.

Recently, MGM MIRAGE Events partnered with the convention sales, services and catering teams in hosting a group of top industry expo clients on a tour to experience the extraordinary Mandalay Bay offerings.

The finale of this exclusive, 2-day presentation was a breakfast in the Shoreline Exhibit Hall. There were a few ground rules set down at the beginning of the planning process.  

• The 7:00AM breakfast was to be set for 100 invited guests as an island in the middle of the 358,000 sq. ft. exhibition space.
• The room was to remain open and empty so attendees could experience the vastness of the space.
• It was to be a spectacular setting designed to highlight not only the space, but also the superior food, hotel service, and the capabilities of MGM MIRAGE Events.           

When I think of breakfast, the first thing that comes to my mind is orange juice direct from the grove.  Not sure why, as I was born in South Philly and I can assure you we did not have orange groves anywhere near my neighborhood. I do recall childhood memories of family trips to Florida and stops at roadside stands where we would pull off to sample fresh-squeezed juice, which was always exciting for “city folk”. I would be remiss if I did not admit that Bing Crosby pitching juice on TV is among my early memories..."Minute Maid, there's no doubt about it".    For these reasons, the inspiration for the breakfast revolved around the color orange. I thought it the perfect bright and cheery 7:00 AM wake-up call.

The space was designed to work as a buffet flow, and we designated approximately 12K sq. ft. (of the total 358K sq. ft.) on which to float an island of pure white carpeting, provided thru Freeman Exhibit Services.    

Our custom-designed LED credenza buffets juxtaposed among curving, 8-foot tall vertical serving units featured omelet stations as well as imported fish stations’ offering varied selections of cream cheese spreads.  As a special treat to provide a sense of home for many of the invited guests, bagels were shipped directly from NYC courtesy of HH Bagels  

 

A distinctive focal point which anchored the space was a 32’ wide by 16’ tall wall unit complete with recessed display shelves, accent lighting, and a custom graphic design depicting orange groves and blossoms.  To create an open perimeter for the environment, we positioned 20-foot tall aluminum towers adorned with white Manzanita branches accented with fresh oranges. Avocado drape flanked the structures. Oversized lanterns illuminated the environment with distinctive lighting designed by Encore Productions.  

Breakfast tables topped with Fire Orange Olympus Linens punctuated the space and were surrounded by White Leather Chairs courtesy of Lounge 22. 

Utilizing the resources of Mayesh floral wholesalers, the MGM MIRAGE Events floral team created stunning centerpieces. The design incorporated fresh oranges, with green hydrangeas, chocolate roses, peonies and gerbera daisy, accented with green amaranthus. Stainless steel spheres added interest into the design with a hi-tech flair. 

 

 

A dramatic and utilitarian focal point was created in the center of the space by way of a freestanding floating buffet and ice curtain.  Shelves suspended among strands of ice blocks provided the ideal setting for Mandalay Bay Executive Chef Sean Dicicco and his amazing team to display selections of yogurt shooters, and fresh berry parfaits. Ice Occasions facilitated the installation of this eye catching element.  

The Mandalay Bay Catering team arranged an executive coffee station by Espresso Amore, which served imported blends and provided guests the opportunity to sample gourmet cappuccinos and lattes.

 

As guests dined, they were treated to the divine talents of Alizma, a sister act of triplet violinists as seen on NBC's hit television show Americas' Got Talent.    

The primary goal of this exclusive breakfast event was to experience the vastness of the space and capabilities of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.  To ensure guests received that message in a unique way, special arrangements were made to transport them by deluxe motor coaches provided by AWG Inc.   

As a surprise to the guests, the busses drove directly into the building circling the vast exhibition space allowing attendees’ to experience this amazing facility. Once the circle thru the facility was completed, guests exited the motor coaches into the stunning breakfast environment, and were cheerfully greeted with a fresh glass of Orange Juice…naturally.   

Photography by Kelly McKeon