The umbrella of event services covers a diverse range of meeting amenities, one that requires event planners to be able to see their project from a number of perspectives. Being a competent juggler of event service providers means being knowledgeable in a wide range of industries, even those that may not be a planner’s forte.

Based on our request for reader participation, we’re excited to include articles from three contributes covering different aspects of meeting services, including technology, event furnishings and vendor relationships. Meetings & Events Las Vegas is proud to be a forum for event service providers to discuss the trends they are noticing in their respective fields of expertise. In the following pages, you’ll read about some important developments that are shaping meetings and events along with some sound advice for making event services a less heady aspect of your to-do list.

Contributor Zach Simpson delves into the industry’s technology trends and takes a close look at some of the popular services that are being requested in this area. In an age where basic audiovisual media is considered passé, Zach discusses some of the sophisticated technology options that can take corporate event media to another level. What’s even more exciting is that many of these technological advances, thought to be only expensive novelties just a few years ago, have now become accessible to the point of being available to virtually any event planners with an interest in the field.

Similarly, Susan Medica of AFR Event Furnishings shows how adding posh and comfortable furniture to an event space can add a touch of personal accents to a standard facility. It’s an important concept to consider, especially when you think about the utilitarian aspects of rentable furniture. When planners book a facility, it’s assumed that there will be adequate seating to accommodate everyone. If that turns out not to be the case, what better way to create an edgy meeting space than with colorful, intricately designed furniture?

Are you of the opinion that high-tech gadgets and trendy furnishings are a passing fad? Both contributors show that their event service niches are not only here to stay, but can greatly contribute to an event’s success.

For some meeting planners, the idea of orchestrating a host of event service vendors single-handedly is more intimidating then the event itself. Andrea Lockhart, president of ACL Event Planning in New Jersey, offers her advice culled from firsthand experience on how to act as a successful liaison between multiple vendors that aren’t seeing eye-to-eye.

The best thing about the Las Vegas Market is that event planners have the freedom to create exciting events without having to do worry about being on their own when exploring new territory. The following event service providers and production designers offer clients years of expertise in their respective fields and feature teams that are willing to assist BMPs in every stage of planning.

Las Vegas Event Services
The meeting and event industry in Las Vegas is known for its unique services that provide elements to corporate affairs that are not common in other national markets. Meeting planners will want to take advantage of these opportunities in order to create memorable events with a distinctly Las Vegas appeal.

Want to provide convention goers and trade show attendees with something to get their minds off business and relax for a few minutes between sessions? Then incorporate an event service that was first popularized in the Las Vegas circuit: massage chairs. This moveable, spa-esque service has been making a comeback over the past two years, as free massages allow business professionals to relieve unwanted stress that might interfere with their event experience.

Infinite Massage is one of the city’s top providers of corporate wellness amenities, including massage chairs and spa treatments. Massage chairs are the perfect component for directing traffic into a company’s trade show booth and generating interest among an audience that is inundated with information from every direction. With Infinite Massage, certified therapists can wear a company uniform or clothing featuring an organization logo while administering soothing, body relaxing treatments and maximizing branding potential in the process. Of course, the qualified staff understands that the company’s message takes chief priority. As a result, Infinite Massage has developed their unique Audio Relaxation Environment system, which combines tranquil sounds and easy listening music with the company’s marketing messages, a great way to take advantage of audio learning strategies.

Infinite Massage works hand-in-hand with meeting planners to create customized programs that meet the demands of each individual event. The possibilities are endless, as Infinite Massage also offers aromatherapy sessions, mini-manicures and yoga instruction. If planners have other spa treatments in mind, the team at Infinite Massage is more than happy to work on a special-case basis so even the most complex event plan can be fully realized.

A company’s image is one of its primary assets in being able to market itself to a potentially broad client base. One of the ways that a company can shape its image is by having trade show representatives that project the desired messaging through their appearance and professionalism. Again, planners should never underestimate the power of tried-and-true methods for accomplishing their business objectives. Spokes models are a Las Vegas convention and trade show staple because they consistently ensure that a company’s information is delivered to attendees who are drawn to an attractive, well-versed representative.

Cool Blue Entertainment features a variety of male and female models and is constantly having open casting calls to ensure clients a continually diverse and fresh group of faces to choose from for each corporate event. Every model is trained to demonstrate excellent oral presentation skills, making them perfect spokespeople for booths that require product demonstrations or service explanations.

The professionals at Cool Blue Entertainment can also host parties, act as presenters at gala dinners and serve as greeters at cocktail receptions. Las Vegas has recently seen an increase in popularity in corporate fashion shows, which require models who can walk the catwalk with attitude and who can show off the latest fashions with style and polish. Whatever the occasion, planners looking for professionals who can represent their client well while contributing to the positive image of an organization can find the ideal solution in the models of Cool Blue Entertainment.

Event Production Companies
Event production companies are excellent resources for planners who must meet the demands of orchestrating a large scale project that must utilize a variety of different services. Event production companies are usually turnkey service providers that have the capacity to expertly stage a corporate function from beginning to end.

The team at DAV Productions understands that meeting planners are in the difficult situation of having to make sure that attendees leave the event inspired and motivated to do business with the host company. That’s why DAV Production is committed to putting together memorable events that defy convention and will be remembered long after the last guest has left the facility.

The expert staff is prepared to work with planners to create their events in virtually any of the city’s major event venues. They can even transform nontraditional meeting facilities into spaces that are conducive to host corporate events. DAV Productions takes a unique approach to event planning by viewing the intended gathering as an opportunity for storytelling. By the time the event is over, the DAV Production will make sure that attendees leave knowing the client’s marketing messages, company history and success initiatives for the future.

DAV Productions specializes in several key areas of meetings and events. Recently, the team has put together a slew of special event type functions, like product launches, music performances and organization fundraisers. The company is also a go-to resource for planners organizing awards events and is fully trained to create functions from formal, small-scale ceremonies all the way to large, open-to-the-public awards galas. General sessions are organized with the utmost care and utilize the latest media technology for professional-level events. Likewise, breakout sessions are given special attention as well, ensuring that attendees will always stay involved and active even during the event’s “downtime.”

Every corporate meeting is a unique challenge for BMPs and every event production company has its own specializations. Planners should definitely look at each event production company, both regional and national, and weigh the pros and cons of going that route. While event production companies are great turnkey resources, planners might decide that it’s more conducive to their budget to deal with separate vendors on an individual basis. Either way, Las Vegas has a wealth of event service options to make every event a special one.