As businesses feel the economic squeeze, Las Vegas DMCs are seeing a shift in what companies are willing to spend on off-site events.
“Splashy is kind of out,” says Lora Fudale, general manager of Las Vegas-based Panache Destination Management. “People are more concerned about getting more bang for their buck when it comes to dollars versus a very over-the-top display.”
Renee Hale, president and CEO of Always Creative, another Vegas-based DMC, concurs.
“Groups are still doing things, but they are being so cost conscious it’s taking a lot of the pizzazz out, everyone’s budget is so looked at,” Hale says. “They still always do the venue, band, dance floor, and look-alikes, but they might cut back on the menu somewhat to be able to do a good band. Planet Hollywood works well when we’ve got to start cutting back costs.”
Panache organizes team-building-driven scavenger hunts using GPS, which can be held on or off the Strip. Other activities include clay shooting, ropes and gun courses. The Hoover Dam is always a popular group excursion, according to Fudale.
While American groups are slowing down their spending, European groups are taking advantage of a weak dollar.
“The European clients are getting splashier. They used to be more conservative, but now they want the real wow factor,” Hale says.
Hale is organizing a group that wants to learn to fly L-39 jet fighter planes, a two-day adventure that requires some training, though in the end flyers are able to do tricks like barrel rolls.
Always Creative is also fielding special requests for flashy entries into the Grand Canyon by helicopter. Other outdoor outings include Lake Mead for paddleboat rides or Lake Las Vegas for excursions on the LaContessa yacht, including a luncheon.
“We’ve got some outrageous off-site venues,” Hale says. Trendy Jay Z’s 40/40 Club at the Palazzo is one, named after one of baseball's very small elite who hit 40 home runs and stole 40 bases during a single season. Moon, a venue with a retractable roof on the top floor of the Palms Fantasy Tower, is another.
Carling Dinkler, president of Las Vegas-based Custom Conventions, has helped organize meetings in the Red Rock desert.
“We had to erect tents in the desert,” Dinkler says. “We platformed everything, brought in air conditioning, had a buffet dinner, music and lighting. What I liked is that it was not in a hotel.”
Other Custom Conventions options include helicopter rides over the Strip, hotel theme parties with Cirque du Soleil-style entertainment, mystery dine-around dinners, and club rentals, such as the Tangerine at Treasure Island.
“We’re trying to give people value for their money,” Dinkler says. “The idea that money is no object—that day is gone. You’ve to try to exceed expectations and stay within reasonable budgets.”
