Informa Partners With Vegas Events Veterans to Launch Concierge Service
June 9, 2021
After 30 years in the Las Vegas events business, Melanie Bash isn’t exactly a deer in the headlights maneuvering down the Strip. But she knows that for event organizers and corporate meeting planners, the city’s vast options can be daunting. Trying to find the right venue is hard enough in regular circumstances, but even worse when factoring all of the health and wellness research that goes into bringing events back to life.
Recognizing a need to personalize experiences as Las Vegas reopens, Bash has teamed with DMC veteran Molly Hoisington to found a concierge service in partnership with Informa Markets. Known as “Get Informed,” the company aims to be a one-stop shop for many of a planners’ local needs, including booking transportation and venues, and cutting good deals in the process.
“Planners don't have to spend so much time researching venues and also it's not going to be done in a marked up way,” Bash explained.
The timing for knowledgable Vegas professionals to work their connections and understanding of clients’ needs is ideal. The city fully reopened on June 1 and trade shows will begin to arrive en masse with World of Concrete on June 8. Informa, one of the largest players in the trade shows and exhibition world, operates WOC, MAGIC and Las Vegas Cosmetic Surgery, among many other events.
“We recognize the value of ease, efficiency and excellence as our customers look for opportunities to network, connect and rebuild this year,” said Ken McAvoy, executive vice president of corporate development for Informa Markets. “As live events return to the show floor, we hope to add a little extra magic and a little less hassle to communities who join us here in Las Vegas.”
Get Informed has 150 venues in its database, most of which Bash and Hoisington have worked with previously. Bash was already in the same space with her own private company, Last Minute Events, which, as its name suggests, finds venues for planners in a time crunch.
Las Vegas is “about to come back with a vengeance,” predicted Bash, though numbers will not be quite as high as pre-pandemic years. As attendance rises, venues will charge more. But she is confident that Get Informed has the credibility and partnerships to keep costs under control going forward.
While the company partners with Informa, its services are not exclusively offered to Informa events. Similarly, the service is able to assist intimate corporate gatherings as well as large events. A virtual option has also been honed in the past year, in which the pair assists with F&B and other teambuilding activities done via computer.
Bash noted that organizers are not charged for their service. “It’s an amazing perk,” she said.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
Add new comment