Last fall, Joey Bishop, the last surviving member of the Rat Pack, passed away at the age of 89. But even death can't stop the legendary group from doing dozens of shows each night in the city they put on the entertainment map.
Granted these performances are staged by the many tribute acts that pervade Las Vegas, but the fact remains that the Rat Pack is still a big draw. So big that even a seasoned DMC pro like Craig Bullock, general manager of TBA GlobalLas Vegas, who puts on about 100 shows a year, cites a tribute Rat Pack act as a key addition to one of the best events he ever produced.
"We have developed several terrific events over the years; however, one in particular comes to mind," states Bullock. "We had created a three-day, four-night program that featured incredible tours and activities. The days included lots of fun in the sun including team building, golfing, and tours with a twist. Each of the evenings included a totally different theme. The first night was a welcome reception hosted by the Rat Pack and included several of the characters and entertainment from the old Vegas. The second night included a 70's theme, with a fun and energetic band to keep the evening rolling. The final night was held at the Joint in the Hard Rock, which was transformed into a private cabaret. Decked out with lounge furniture, fresh floral, and custom linens, the evening's entertainment was none other than, Tony Bennett."
Bullock's program illustrates the depth of the entertainment scene that has grown in the desert since the original Rat Pack performed there. Vegas has continued to produce top acts and attractions, drawing millions of visitors yearly. And there's the challenge. With millions of visitors competing for those entertainment resources, a meeting planner has to have a strong game plan to put together an exciting program. Here's a guide to help you do just that.
Time Bomb
The fact that you'll never find a clock in a Las Vegas casino has been a humorous anecdote ever since the Flamingo first opened its doors over 60 years ago. But when it comes to arranging entertainment for groups, it's crucial that planners pay close attentionnot to the clockbut to the calendar.
"When booking events, it's a good idea for clients to get on the phone at least three months prior to the event," stresses Bullock. "However, TBA Global can also handle programs without the suggested lead time. We find lots of short term programs, typically within 30 days of their first phone call or RFP request."
Francine McKanna, president of PRA Destination Management Las Vegas, a full-service DMC that provides transportation, management, tours, and activities, agrees. "Typically the time frame for clients to book an event can run anywhere between six months to a couple of days, obviously six months is better."
Planners can find some relief during shoulder season in Las Vegas, but that period is very short. Blink and you'll miss it. According to Bullock, January through June and September through November seem to be the busiest months for his company. "Rates for all general services do go down slightly in the summer months, but occupancies seem to remain at a solid number," explains Bullock. "Obviously, the heat concerns some groups, but Las Vegas has amazing resorts, all of which are air-conditioned and offer wonderful spas and pool areas to keep their guest cool. The summer evenings are pleasant, and allow clients the option for outdoor events."
McKanna notes that her busiest months are also in the fall: September, October, and November, as well as the winter months: January, February, March, and April. "During the summer, it starts to heat up," says McKanna. "May is getting busier and busier every year, which then creeps into June. Still, the best months for deals (especially for hotel rates) are July and August because of the heat, even though we are still seeing high occupancy in those months."
Inside or Outside
With such short windows of availability for deals, working through a DMC can make it easier to get things done. Long-term relationships with local vendors can make things happen, because a DMC is not just another client to them that will be here today and gone tomorrow.
"If clients want the best availability on restaurants, shows, or other activities, then they should contact us at least three months out. However, we have been asked to put together an event within a couple of hours," explains McKanna. "For example, we recently received a request from a client for a full four-day program one week out, and we put it together. There are local relationships that we have; therefore, we get preferred seating at shows, preferred availability at venues, and preferred treatment in the city as a whole. We are a local expert and can steer them in the right direction in terms of what venues are group-friendly, what is new and hot and when venues are available."
Although the convenience of booking an event through a DMC can eliminate many phone calls and negotiations, the meetings market is important to Las Vegas vendors so it is possible to get a favorable outcome by calling venues directly if you start early enough. "Corporate groups represent over 60 percent of our group sales business in Las Vegas," says Gina Payton, group sales director with Blue Man Group, oversees group and corporate performance sales for the Las Vegas production. "We have a team of sales managers, who are active in the meetings and convention industry, dedicate a significant amount of their time to seeking out groups who are concerned about creating a positive impact with their meeting, increasing attendance at their events, and finding innovative ways to motivate their attendees."
The group performs in The Venetian's theater, which houses 1,760 seats, and Payton notes that weekday or exclusive performances can be added.
Blue Man Group operates a Corporate Event Division within the company, so a menu of special options is available, including on-site performances, in-theatre events, group buy-outs, keynote addresses, and creative workshops.
"Our group rates, priority seating, and group add-on opportunities are available to meeting and event planners whether they book direct or through a DMC," says Payton. "We absolutely understand the benefits of using a third party planner, but for those groups that choose to book with us directly, in addition to the personalized service they will receive, our Blue Man group sales managers can also assist with pre- and post-show events, transportation referrals, and restaurant recommendations.
//Sidebar//
Hot Acts
Bette Midler
This new attraction, The Showgirl Must Go On, features Bette Midler at Caesars Palace, doing what Bette does best ... entertaining.
Blue Man Group
The critically acclaimed Blue Man Group Las Vegas show is performed in The Venetian's 1,760-seat theater, built especially for this spectacular show. USA Today praises the performance, calling it "an absolutely ecstatic experience", while Time magazine calls it "a sensation."
Cirque Du Soleil
These popular shows combine high-energy acrobatics and drama to create unique performances. Five shows are featured in Las Vegas, including Mystere at Treasure Island, Love at The Mirage, "O" at The Bellagio, KA at the MGM Grand, and ZUMANITY at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino.
Danny Gans
As one of the hottest tickets in town, Danny Gans performs regularly at The Mirage while showcasing his talents as a singer, comedian, impressionist, and actor.
Elton John
In his show, The Red Piano, at Caesars Palace, audiences get to enjoy their favorite Elton John classics live.
Jubilee!
Showcased at Bally's, this showgirl extravaganza features 100 performers dfbrand was voted "Best Showgirls" by the Las Vegas Review-Journal's "Best of Las Vegas" reader poll.
Mamma Mia!
Performed at Mandalay Bay, this show sensation is based on songs by the hit group, ABBA.
Penn & Teller
Known for their outrageous blending of comedy and magic, this permanent show on the Strip can be seen at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
Phantom of the Opera
Performed on a custom-built theater at The Venetian, the 95-minute lavish production was voted "Best Show in Las Vegas" for 2006 by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
SPAMALOT
Voted the number one show by the Las Vegas Review-Journal for 2007, Monty Python's SPAMALOT at the Wynn tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and their quest for the Holy Grail.
Originally published April 01, 2008
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