From BIZBASH: What Las Vegas Event Pros are Working on This Season

With the unofficial end of summer now behind us (that would be Labor Day), event professionals are looking to the fall—a traditionally busy time—to see how the economic recovery will help the industry rebound from what has so far been a pretty slow year. We asked a group of local planners and vendors what they have in the works for the coming months. Here are some highlights.

"Baskow is very excited about the fall season. We have written 68 proposals in the past three weeks for September, October, November, and January events. We see the economy coming back strong. I recently booked two name celebrities for October events in Miami and four well-known speakers. People are also spending money again, starting to book Vegas venues and talent. This is the most exciting news for our economy." —Jaki Baskow, owner and C.E.O., Baskow & Associates

"People are calling me for private catering and booking events from Las Vegas to California. At Southern Wine and Spirits Las Vegas, sales were higher than expected for the Labor Day weekend. [We] anticipate that with the projected December 4 opening of the Mandarin Oriental, the first CityCenter tower to open, things will be on the rise. People from all over are eager to see what this project looks like. New restaurants and attractions are what drive people here. With all the excitement and buzz around this project, our local economy should take a step forward. People want to travel and get away—now is a great opportunity to do this. Room rates, packages, and shows are discounted to draw [convention, meeting, and event business, plus tourism] here." —Nick Lorenz, founder, Lorenz Catering, and executive chef, Southern Wine and Spirits For more, click here.

Fall 2009 Certificate Programs

Final weeks to enroll!
Classes begin September 14

Fall 2009 Certificate Programs in:

- Concierge / Guest Relations
- Meeting and Event Planning
- Wedding Planning
- Leadership and Supervision
- Food and Beverage

Art of Concierge Certificate
Learn five-star guest relations and Concierge service skills that symbolize the quality of fine hotels, luxury residential condos and corporations. For Concierge, there is no city more exciting than Las Vegas. Classes start September 15.

Conference Management & Event Planning Certificate
Learn to plan, design and manage meetings, special events, conferences, conventions, tradeshows and more. In Las Vegas, conferences and events serve more than six million visitors per year.
Classes start September 14.

Wedding Coordination & Design Certificate
Learn to plan, design and manage traditional, non-traditional and cultural weddings. Las Vegas is fast becoming the most popular wedding destination in the country. Classes start September 14.

Hospitality Leadership and Supervision Certificate
Learn essential leadership and supervisory skills to maximize your effectiveness in hospitality management. Classes start September 14.

Art of Food and Beverage Certificate
Learn how to more effectively sell food and beverage by improving knowledge in world cuisine, beverage pairing, menu planning and current trends. Most suitable for F&B, meetings, events and catering professionals. Classes start September 22.

At TISOH, students learn directly from industry pros and experience extensive networking opportunities and an internship.

Our courses are also available as online programs. Click here for more info.

Edge out your competition today! Find out more at: www.tisoh.com