7.22.2011

5 Fabulous Fabric Ideas

We LOVE fabric! Everything about it. Few materials provide a more versatile & cost effective solution for transforming an event space than fabric. Take a look at some of our favorite ways to play with fabric…

1. Cut it!

This seamless piece of muslin was hand-cut to create an enormous, web-like chandelier...


Hanging over a bar at Aria Resort.


Providing an stunning treatment above a model at a fashion show at Bellagio Las Vegas.


The addition of contra leaves and crystal beads help fill in the cavernous ceiling for a concert in the MGM Grand Garden Arena.


A violinist performs inside of a gilded cage, underneath a fabric chandelier during a VIP luncheon in the Marquee Ballroom of the MGM Grand.

2. Create Canopies!

Lounge environments under flowing fabrics are a great way to add an intimate atmosphere to large or outdoor event spaces...



























Thematic Moroccan canopies complete with daybeds, pillows, and gorgeous entertainers at Haze Nightclub.


The complete transformation of a meeting room at MGM Grand features a canopied area with patchwork ottomans.


The Patio at Haze Nightclub was transformed into an extension of the club by the addition of small, canopied environments.

3. Swag it!


Swagged fabrics from the ceiling add dimension and dramatic color to this hand-crafted chandelier of glass bubbles at The Mirage.



Simple swags of gold and red provide an elegant stage backdrop for a Bellagio hosted corporate dinner.


Dramatic tones of eggplant and silver fabrics offset the tangerine-colored linens providing a sumptuous setting for this dinner party at Bellagio.

4. Shred it!

No scraps go unused! Even shredded scrap fabrics can be used to create an edgy, contemporary, ethereal look...



This lounge area in the promenade of Bellagio is accented by dancers encased in ice, and crystal beads & fabric shreds dangling from the ceiling.


The shredded fabric and crystal bead design continues inside the event space suspended from icy chandeliers.


Utilizing a similar concept, the backdrop to the band in this cocktail reception is created with shredded fabrics and swags.

5. Print on it!

With the variety of technologies available in wide-format printing, many fabrics can be printed with graphic designs and incorporated into the event design...





Buddha heads and other designs printed fabric, then suspended over cabanas and backlit from inside, create a tranquil feeling at a poolside event at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel.


A playful graphic pattern is printed on fabric, stretched on aluminum frames, and turned into columns at this event at Mandalay Bay.

…And then again, sometimes it’s just nice to use sheer fabric to soften a room and simply illuminate the drape from behind...





A 12’ wide fan crafted from organic materials is placed behind sheer gauze and illuminated to a soft shimmer inside the ballroom at The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas.



At the Mirage Las Vegas, paper lanterns dangle overhead as guests dined within fabric-draped canopies of sheer muslin. Candlelight and a soft wash of amber provided a romantic glow.


Photography by Curtis Dahl and Kelly McKeon

7.01.2011

8 Values of a Successful Team-Effective

The 8 Values of a Successful Team acronym CREATIVE ends with “E” for “Effective”.

Brenda Reichert states that “An effective leader is someone that does the right things and avoids doing the wrong things”. Words we live by at MGM Resorts Events. She adds, “Although the Event Manager is at the center of an event’s success, it is the communication, direction, leadership and responsibility expressed by all the leaders that matters. Being effective in all efforts drives the ultimate success of an event. All of the steps we take are put in place so that we can be effective along the way and continue smoothly to the desired end result”.

Jim McCoy quotes Alice In Wonderland “Curiouser and curiouser”!

Jim laments - “Meetings and events everywhere are experiencing an interesting evolution. One common denominator we are all experiencing is that the business cycle has changed in a manner by which we are unaccustomed, and it is coming from directions that we did not anticipate”.

"Smaller budgets were anticipated. However, the extreme edits in lead time and long-term preparation were not. This new equation requires focus on what our clients now expect from us as event professionals. Not to mention the continual awareness of what the competition is willing to do to secure a piece of work”. (Note- as this post was being prepared, a call came in for a "Dinner in Heaven" to be executed for a VVIP client in 4 days!)

“With this new approach to business, we rely more than ever on our core values that keep us strong and moving forward. What brought us to the level of success that we are at today? What motivates us to be the industry leader? What makes us stand out in the crowd? It is our 8 Values of a Successful Team that keep us focused on the path in which we are heading. And it is those Values that will keep us together as a unit and team, continually looking forward and accepting the challenges that will make us grow creatively and fiscally”.

Brenda continues – “For our events, it is not only the effectiveness within MRE, but our synergy with our counterparts at the properties owned by MGM Resorts International. Our effectiveness spills over to the property teams we work with - Convention Sales & Services, Catering & Banquet Staff, and our corporate Audio/Visual teams to ensure our client’s expectations are met or exceeded. We strive to not only be effective internally, but also an effective partner to all of the MGM Resorts International properties”.

Here’s a recap of our core values:

Committed
Respectful
Enthusiastic
Accountable
Timely
Innovative
Value-Driven
Effective

Does your organization have values that are the heart of your operation?