Andrea Lafayette
Meetings Manager; American Society of Mechanical Engineers; New York
Describe your event. This was our B-30 Committee meeting about codes and standards for boilers, pressure vessels, etc. We were at the Tuscany Suites with about 50 people.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in Las Vegas? We host there a lot because we never have an attrition problem.
What surprised you the most about Las Vegas? The thing that amazes me is how Las Vegas captures people who go there. It’s the uniqueness of Vegas and what it has to offer—the shows, the meeting rooms. Also, it has changed to accepting groups, which was not so five to 10 years ago. I can make a call to get my group in no matter how small.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most? They like the variety; at night they have the nightlife, the shopping, just the walkable area.
Was anybody particularly helpful? The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s Marla Laughlin was an inspiration in coming here to build the relationship; she visited us and the doors began to open. P.J. Rose at the Tuscany Suites was excellent.
Is there anything you wish you had known beforehand? No. They’re pretty proficient.
What would you have done differently? Nothing. It flows so well.
What other types of groups would fit well with the property? Corporate meetings are great there.
What were some of the unique off-site venues that you used? We don’t do off-sites, although we use other properties for dinners. Attendees went to the Bellagio and different places for the scenery.
How does Las Vegas compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings? We feel so sure of the attendance and pickup, that the experience would be so unique, that we are now geared toward going to Vegas.
Would you return? Yes.
Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Las Vegas? Partner with the LVCVA. When you go through them you’ll have nothing but success with the hotels.