While shopping is often considered a "spousal" component of a program, in Las Vegas, it's possible to create shopping events of interest to both men and women.
Custom-Made Splendor
STITCHED at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas: This snazzy men's clothing shop also makes bespoke suits and shirts for men and women. Catered group events (from 30 to 125 people) are held in their Scotch Locker Lounge that looks like a British club. While noshing on goodies from STK Steakhouse and sipping Jameson whiskey, attendees can be measured for a custom-clothing item. "Lots of professional athletes and other professional groups -- doctors, lawyers -- as well as those from creative industries love to hold events here," says Sam Glaser, vice president of purchasing and operations. "The New York Yankees just got sports coats made!"
Luxury Shop-and-Dine-Arounds
Many of the hotels' marvelously extravagant shopping promenades include top-name restaurants, shops, and galleries, making them perfect for events that appeal to both men and women. Jennifer Mahar, owner of Eventure, Meeting & Event Specialists, explains: "For Shop-and-Dine-Arounds, we use the hotel shopping arcades, selecting jewelry and clothing stores that have merchandise for men and women, then end up at one of the art galleries. At each stop, there's food and drinks from a different top-name restaurant within the hotel." These programs can be arranged at any of the hotels' shopping rows (The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian, Via Bellagio, Wynn Esplanade, and so on).
Lavish In-Room Gifts and Special Events
Select shops within the hotels, such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel, will work with meeting planners to choose in-room welcome gifts appropriate for both men and women. Additionally, several of the shops can arrange for private, in-store events such as the Louis Vuitton in Via Bellagio with a lovely, outdoor patio overlooking The Fountains of Bellagio. Or in the luxurious Wynn Collection space in the Wynn Esplanade, featuring a curated selection of famous designer fashions and accessories for men and women.
It's a Woman's World
Okay, some groups do call for spousal events and there are more and more meetings of exclusively women executives. The upscale fashion malls such as Fashion Show and The Shops at Crystals at CityCenter are perfect for these groups. The Fashion Show mall has its own runway for private fashion shows and offers all kinds of premium shopping services and specialty group programs from Privé Shopping to exclusive beauty treatments and wardrobe seminars. "At our Women In Travel & Tourism International meeting in Las Vegas, we were treated to a private fashion show at Macy's, then we got individual makeovers. This was a big hit with all attendees," says Rosemary McCormick, president of Shop America Alliance.
Hotel Shopping Rows:
The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace Some 160 shops including designers such as Louis Vuitton, Versace, Giorgio Armani, Valentino, and Gucci.
The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Over 80 shops such as Dooney & Bourke, Sephora, Barneys New York, Diane von Furstenberg, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch.
Via Bellagio Luxury shopping options include Hermes, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Dior, Prada, and Fendi.
Wynn Esplanade Designer shops include Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Rolex, and Salvatore Ferragamo.