Informa Partners With Vegas Events Veterans to Launch Concierge Service
June 9, 2021
After 30 years in the Las Vegas events business, Melanie Bash isn’t exactly a deer in the headlights maneuvering down the Strip. But she knows that for event organizers and corporate meeting planners, the city’s vast options can be daunting. Trying to find the right venue is hard enough in regular circumstances, but even worse when factoring all of the health and wellness research that goes into bringing events back to life.
Recognizing a need to personalize experiences as Las Vegas reopens, Bash has teamed with DMC veteran Molly Hoisington to found a concierge service in partnership with Informa Markets. Known as “Get Informed,” the company aims to be a one-stop shop for many of a planners’ local needs, including booking transportation and venues, and cutting good deals in the process.
“Planners don't have to spend so much time researching venues and also it's not going to be done in a marked up way,” Bash explained.
The timing for knowledgable Vegas professionals to work their connections and understanding of clients’ needs is ideal. The city fully reopened on June 1 and trade shows will begin to arrive en masse with World of Concrete on June 8. Informa, one of the largest players in the trade shows and exhibition world, operates WOC, MAGIC and Las Vegas Cosmetic Surgery, among many other events.
“We recognize the value of ease, efficiency and excellence as our customers look for opportunities to network, connect and rebuild this year,” said Ken McAvoy, executive vice president of corporate development for Informa Markets. “As live events return to the show floor, we hope to add a little extra magic and a little less hassle to communities who join us here in Las Vegas.”
Get Informed has 150 venues in its database, most of which Bash and Hoisington have worked with previously. Bash was already in the same space with her own private company, Last Minute Events, which, as its name suggests, finds venues for planners in a time crunch.
Las Vegas is “about to come back with a vengeance,” predicted Bash, though numbers will not be quite as high as pre-pandemic years. As attendance rises, venues will charge more. But she is confident that Get Informed has the credibility and partnerships to keep costs under control going forward.
While the company partners with Informa, its services are not exclusively offered to Informa events. Similarly, the service is able to assist intimate corporate gatherings as well as large events. A virtual option has also been honed in the past year, in which the pair assists with F&B and other teambuilding activities done via computer.
Bash noted that organizers are not charged for their service. “It’s an amazing perk,” she said.
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Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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