Kerry Price
CMP; Senior Director; Strategic Networking Events; Amerinet;
Warrendale, Pa.
- Describe your event. The healthcare group purchasing organization, Amerinet, had its member conference, which drew 1,400 attendees and included education sessions, exhibits and networking, at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino Las Vegas.
- Why did you decide to host the meeting in Las Vegas? We had been there in 2009 and it was an excellent experience. When the meeting was canceled in May at Gaylord Opryland due to the flood, Las Vegas Meetings by Harrah's [now Las Vegas Meetings by Caesars Entertainment] stepped up and placed us at the Rio.
- What surprised you the most about Las Vegas? No surprises. Las Vegas continues to exceed my expectations, beginning with the Las Vegas Meetings by [Caesars] group finding a new location after the flood in Nashville in May. There was a huge cost savings in moving the meeting to Vegas, and the customer service is outstanding.
- What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most? Networking and education sessions at the event, and being in Vegas, as there is a variety of things to do, and they have the ability to do things on their own.
- What other types of groups would fit well with the hotel? The Rio's meeting space is ideal for groups between 1,000 and 2,500 people. I manage more than 250 meetings, trade shows and conferences per year, and the Harrah's group has space for all types of meetings.
- What impressed you the most about the hotel? Attention to detail and customer service.
- What were some of the unique ways the group took advantage of the property's venues? We organized events at Lucky Strike Lanes bowling alley and the Wine Cellar & Tasting Room, which are both well-kept secrets on-site at the Rio.
- Did you incorporate any interesting activities into the agenda? The Mac King Comedy Magic Show at Harrah's was excellent. We sent a group of 300 to this show, and it was the perfect afternoon event.
- What local suppliers did you utilize? Design by Diahann for decor is outstanding, Baskow and Associates for transportation is very helpful, and Kosher On the Go caterer is also so helpful.
- Do you have any advice for other planners who might bring a meeting to Las Vegas? Work with Las Vegas Meetings by [Caesars]. This team goes out of its way to find the perfect fit for any group, from the Rio to Planet Hollywood and Caesars. There are eight different properties. I find the sales team to be one of the best because they really do look to offer something for everyone.