News and Happenings – Elite Casino Events

Football Season Is Back!

As we enter September, a long-held tradition that is deeply tied to many in America returns.

That’s right- football season is back!

With the NFL in pre-season games leading up to the Season Opener featuring the Chicago Bears at home against the Green Bay Packers, we know that football fans all over the world are looking forward to tuning in to see their favorite teams play. This made us think… what is it about the NFL that keeps people coming back year after year? How is the NFL harnessing that anticipation and banking on repeat customers to be drawn in for viewership, merchandising and attendance? Is it the pigskin? Perhaps the spirit of competition. People like to see big plays and lots of points scored. Maybe it is the star athletes or even an opportunity to cheer on the home team. Whatever “it” is…they are doing it right. The NFL is big business.

In the event industry, we are extremely intrigued by this question. After all, we share many of the same goals with our customers that the NFL does with theirs. We are looking for long-term customers that will want to repeat their party year after year. We want them to have successful parties that increase in attendance. We want action and we want our client’s to score! Whether it is a customer appreciation party, a launch party – or even a holiday reward party, we want to see smiling, happy faces in attendance and winning experiences delivered.

What can we learn from the NFL’s incredible business model? Let’s start with building a loyal fan base. The NFL has some of the most die-hard fans. Fans in Philadelphia are passionate about their Eagles – while those in Pittsburgh use the “terrible towels” to show fan support for their Steelers. The New England Patriots have an extensive base, thanks largely to the dynasty they have built around Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The Houston Texans are a passionate team, strengthened by their community support
after the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey ravaged the community. Many will likewise remember the full crowds and outpouring shown for the New Orleans Saints after Hurricane Katrina. Through strength, outstanding performance and communal spirit, the NFL has done an incredible job of building an audience that follows its teams year after year.

In the event business, we do not have the benefit of some of the tools at the NFL’s disposal. We can, however, deliver incredible, memorable performances. In so doing, you will develop your own fans- and they will want to book your services year over year. Event companies can also create a spirit of community by reaching out to non-profits and offering casino style parties as a form of entertainment at their events. People coming together to rally for a cause is a fundamental principle of the NFL. Giving
back to the community is another one. An occasional donation to a non-profit goes a long way toward building relationships with your future fans.

Another way event professionals can learn from the NFL’s business model is to consider going “BIG”. Take our home team (and America’s Team), the Dallas Cowboys. Among the most storied and valuable franchises in the world, the Dallas Cowboys built a larger stadium to accommodate greater attendance. ATT Stadium is a sight to behold – it’s expansive and impressive. It features state-of-the art equipment, technology and communications. No detail was overlooked- there is art, viewing areas and concern for guest comfort throughout. The same approach was used in constructing the new U.S. Bank Stadium in Minnesota and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Those in the event industry should consider the same. Increase your inventory in anticipation of future business. Consider new technology- and embrace it. Look at your inventory and ensure that your presentation is stellar. Consider guest comfort above all else- and look to implement simple solutions that will go a long way to please your guests. Something as basic as comfortable seats can make a world of difference. Providing coasters for drinks or integrating a welcoming ambassador can set the tone with your clients that is inviting. Consider your presentation to be your stadium- and build it to accommodate your audience.

One of the greatest successes of the NFL is their prolific ability to license and sell their merchandise. Go to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, and you will find a sea of green jerseys being worn by “Cheeseheads”. Go to Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium, and you will not only hear the crowd roar – you will see the Chief’s arrowhead on everything from gloves to beanies. In Miami, the Dolphins’ signature colors can never be mistaken- the teal and orange stand out against the crowd. Visit nfl.com and you can buy
shoes, shirts, jackets, hats, jerseys and more.

In our line of business, consider offering variances that will create mass appeal. Use different themes so each year the group experiences a different facet of your services. For example, we may host a traditional Las Vegas or Monte Carlo themed event one year, and then migrate to Harlem Nights,
Roaring 20s, Speakeasy, Gatsby, western, modern or a futuristic theme for the next casino party. Is that any different than the NFL offering a new style of jersey to its customers each year? After all, guests want the “latest and greatest”. Be sure you are supplying that and advertising that to your customers.

We are looking forward to an amazing NFL Season and thank the NFL for providing inspiration for our informative blog. The NFL is an organization that is synonymous with the best of the best. Find your team and build a winning guest experience for your clients! Be your best so you can stand out among the rest!

Promotion & Planning Your Event

For those that have been watching the resurgence of classic MTV programs…Jersey Shore Family Reunion and The Hills…you have undoubtedly seen the promos for the MTV Music Video Awards. This is the biggest ceremony for MTV and this year’s performers feature some of the most dynamic music talents in the world. From veteran performers like Taylor Swift and Missy Elliott to newcomers like Little Nas X and Billie Eilish, we expect this to be an incredible awards show. This then made us think about planning and what an integral role proper event promotion plays in that process and the success of your casino event.

In the case of MTV, they have put commercials and Breaking News lead ins on their network for the past month or so. If you have watched an MTV program, you know the VMAs are coming. MTV has also strategically included press releases and scheduled exclusive premiere performances to entice viewership. They have also selected the effervescent Missy Elliott to receive their Video Vanguard Award, the equivalent of a Lifetime Achievement award.

So how does this correlate to the party business? Well, specifically for the casino party business, we can relate. We encourage our clients to spread the word across multiple platforms to advertise their event. Granted, most of them do not have their own television network. But they do have other (here comes the pun), channels, that they can utilize to their benefit. This can include internet marketing, message boards, mailed invitations and group emails.

Another way a party planner can use some of the tricks of the trade is to have an exclusive element that adds intrigue to the party. This can be achieved in the theme, or by offering an award. Perhaps this is an opportunity for a product launch or to make an exciting announcement. Why not enhance that process by creating a veil of mystery? People are much more likely to devote their attention to something if they are intrigued. MTV is advertising an exclusive World Premiere for Taylor Swift. We know that Ms. Swift is an incredible performer (we are super-fans), we can’t wait to see this! After all, she brings “it” every time. Find your “it” and do the same.

One of the best ways to enhance attendance at an event is to bring in a special guest. With the VMAs, bringing in Missy Elliott will undoubtedly lead to a different viewership than the people who are typically watching some of the regular programming like Catfished or the Rob Dyrdek-hosted Ridiculousness. Now, MTV is more likely to attract a larger cross-section of the population. Take Billie Eilish, the newest phenom and youngest nominee at 17. Many of her fan base are considered Generation Z. This generation was born while Missy Elliott was producing hits like “One Minute Man” and “Work It.” By having the multi-generational viewership appeal, MTV is betting on a huge audience. This strategy can also be used at events. Select a speaker or guest that will appeal to a cross section of the population.

One other observation we have made is that MTV has been relentless in their promotion. Despite having seen their commercials multiple times, we continue to see ads being run. If you consider the “Seven Times Rule”, which is a fundamental concept in marketing, then your target audience needs to see your advertisement/invitation seven times for it to be memorable. Social media has changed a lot of our perception- so it is important to remember to include a social media strategy across different platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

We want you to experience success at your next event. The most well-thought out event can end in disaster if no one attends. Try some of these strategies when planning your next casino party, and let’s see if you can create a “winning” outcome by doing so!

What If You Could Snap Your Fingers and Make a Change?

With the new movie Avengers: End Game coming out, it made us think…. What if everything could be undone with a single snap?

For those few of you who may not be following the story line, The Avengers is a Marvel Comics phenomenon – with blockbuster movie sales at the Box Office. It follows a story arc featuring many of the characters we have known and loved- the Hulk, Black Panther, Thor, Tony Stark aka Ironman, Star Lord, Steve Rogers aka Captain America, The Black Widow, Spiderman, Groot, Hawkeye, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man, Scarlet Witch and several other supporting characters. In the concluding moments of the last movie, Avengers-Infinity War, the antagonist, Thanos, has successfully managed to collect all of the Infinity Stones. As a result, he wields the power to control the universe. In the closing scenes of the movie, Thanos snaps his fingers, wiping out half of the world’s population. In his opinion, he has now made the universe “right”, and sits back to relax and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

,Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR..Thanos (Josh Brolin)..Photo: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2018

So, thinking now about events, we can draw some comparisons between Thanos’ quest and event planning. Thanos collects stones, while planners collect data. The goal is to create a world where everything is perfect. Much toil goes in to the preparation. For planners this includes establishing a theme, finding and vetting vendors, developing a run of show, selecting menus and décor to enhance the experience, and ultimately, sitting back and watching the event develop and run organically.

For many, this is a tried-and-true process. For some planners though, we have all experienced the pitfalls of a live event production. That brings us back to our original question- What if you could snap your fingers and make a change? What would that change be? We asked a few of our planning friends and were surprised at the responses. Here are what a few of our Special Events Planners had to say:

“If I could snap my fingers, I would go back and begin the process a little earlier. Nothing is more stressful than a deadline. So being able to use the time travel stone to go back in time and encourage my client to start working on their party earlier would be my wish.”

“If I could snap my fingers, I would review the ratings of each vendor participating in the event and really take those in to account in the selection process. I made the mistake once of choosing the lowest bidder off of a friendly recommendation, and well, it turned out to be a disaster. The vendor made me ultimately look bad to my client. Reviews are not going to give you a 100% guarantee, but they are the closest thing to it.”

“If I could snap my fingers, I would start over from some of the early events I did. At that time, I was really focused on getting everything for the lowest possible price. I was considering price, but I was not considering value, and there is a difference. When groups are spending thousands of dollars to create these magical evenings, it really is a disservice to focus solely on price. I know that the quality of my service has increased significantly because I now see value in higher costing providers. Knowing that a professional is at the helm is something you can’t put a price tag on.”

We thought this was a great way to start a conversation about event planning and learn from the experiences of others. We hope that you will find this both informative and inspirational. Ask yourself this question- what would you do if you could snap your fingers and make a correction? Feel free to share your insight with us!

As always if you need assistance in your event or party planning we are here for you! Contact us today and see why Eite Casino Events has been recognized as the Best Casino Entertainment Provider in Dallas, Fort Worth & Houston.

Considering Price Over Value

Recently, in a dinner conversation, the following question was posed. “If you could have a room at the Bellagio or a room at the Circus Circus, which would you choose and why?” Interesting question, and perhaps even more insightful were the answers provided. We thought we would share the conversation and how it applies to our industry.

The first dinner guest was quick to chime in. “Well, Bellagio, of course.” When prompted, he discussed the benefits of choosing Bellagio. First, the name itself is comforting. It is a brand, and it is well known. The amenities are refined, and you are guaranteed to be well-treated. You can situate yourself in luxury, it’s easy on the eyes. The people are generally happier, and the setting is serene. You can relax and enjoy the moment.

These refrains were echoed by additional dinner guests. Some adding in that at the Bellagio, you could expect to be professionally greeted, that they had water waiting for guests upon check-in. That there was thought given to their first impression, and that they placed an importance on service. Another talked about the appointments of the casino and how no detail was overlooked- down to the branding and the logo. “They are so proud of what they built that they stamped their name on it. They are not afraid to tell you who they are.” Another guest pointed out the fountains- and how with Bellagio, they don’t want you to just be entertained, they want you to “be dazzled”.

The conversation then moved on to the Circus Circus. One dinner guest mentioned that they would consider this as a first option- because in their opinion, their money would be stretched farther. With lower table minimums, they could play longer. With less pricey meals, they had greater budget flexibility to buy desserts with their meals. They were okay with a compromise of quality in exchange for a monetary savings.

It was at that point that a different dinner guest, a man of few words, opined the following sentence. “What if your perception of these benefits at Circus Circus is wrong?” Everyone turned to listen more intently. “I’ll give you an example”, he said. “Having been to Circus Circus, I’ve seen the crowds. It is a misconception to believe that you can get on a $5.00 table that readily. See, they may advertise a $5.00 table, but there are only a few available. Often there is a wait for them.” This brought up a great point and turned the entire direction of the conversation to this one point. Is perception of lower price inhibiting you from experiencing greater value?

Consider this- the person choosing the Circus Circus experience will most likely spend less money. But will they waste more time? Will they experience longer lines, less entertainment, and perhaps even never have the chance to play as they wanted? Do they really save money if they do not have the experience they planned to have? Is it worth it to spend a little more to be guaranteed an ability to play, to know that you will not experience some of the frustrations you would otherwise encounter with a budget provider, and to relax and enjoy the experience?

We do not intend to disparage the Circus Circus, by any means. In fact, having recently played there, we found their dealers to be exceptionally friendly, their gaming to be as expected, and their guests seemed genuinely happy. We use them as an example of a lower cost provider by comparison only. We have tremendous respect for their Veteran’s Program, and they are a very family-friendly establishment. Check out their Splash Zone if you have not done so already!

The point of sharing this conversation was to share insight in to what we learned. Sometimes saving money does not equate to saving time. Often we place an importance on price without considering value. Aesthetics play an important role to many – and can bring about a more favorable experience. Service is crucial, and making sure you are treated as a treasured guest is the best way an establishment can thank you for your patronage. Consider these aspects when making your next consumer spending decision. If you are choosing for a group- that is a tremendous responsibility. Make sure your selection reflects the core values of your participants, and is not decided upon solely by cost basis.

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5 Tips For An Epic Fundraiser

When planning a successful charitable event there are a few things you should take into consideration to make it an enjoyable experience for your guests and profitable for your cause.

Get the Word out!

Advertise your event. There’s nothing worse than throwing a party and having no one show up. You can’t raise the money without the interested guests! So, let your team know about the event. Use social media to your advantage and make sure you ask people to “Save the Date”. Postcards are a great tool if you have a mail list. Email your group as well. Bright, eye catching graphics, or photos that highlight the cause are beneficial.

Goal Awareness

Set and goal and publicize it. People are more likely to respond if they feel there is a mission behind the request. Make it attainable. People want to contribute- and they are more likely to do so if they believe that their contribution makes a difference. Some groups use visuals- like the thermometer graphic, or a pie chart. Percentage graphs are great too. Announce your goals in the invitation. Set expectations early so guests accept invites knowing that the will be asked to spend.

Location Really is Everything

Events are more likely to be successful if you choose the right location. Find a place that is unique. Guests will often RSVP if they are going somewhere they have never been, or if it is an exclusive venue. Choose central locations- picking something a great distance from your core attendees is not recommended. Make it as convenient as possible for your guests.

It’s the little things

They say the “devil is in the details”. Check the temperature of the room – guests have to be comfortable to stay – and spend. Rain in the forecast? Make provisions for a valet company, and include a welcome mat. Someone slipping and falling is not going to benefit the benefit.

Do sound checks beforehand- make sure that any announcements can be heard in the back of the room. Impassioned pleas falling on deaf ears is not a pathway to success. Consider thank you notes at place settings- guests will open their wallets if they feel appreciated for their presence. Ambassadors at the doors greeting guests is also another way to make people feel more welcomed and comfortable.

Engagement

Okay, so you have the people there. How do you keep their attention? What can you do to make them stay? This is an especially challenging situation if guests do not know each other, or know each other only casually.

A great emcee can break the ice. A fantastic DJ or band can get the crowd moving. Entertainment is the key to engagement. The more enjoyment the guest has, the longer they stay and the more they spend.

Casino nights are especially popular for this use- because the guests are entertained while mingling with others. There is also a choice in gaming or participation that appeals to the individual, so there is no obstacle to participation or hesitancy to do so.

Most casino games naturally attract crowds, and games can accommodate as many as 20 at once, depending upon the game. This is a great way to attract your crowd- and keep them there!

We provide award winning event experiences. If you are planning a charitable event, or any event to celebrate life’s special occasions, contact our event specialists to learn more.

(866) 28-POKER

www.elitecasinoevent.com

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Lights, Action… Lighting and Your Event

Production of a live event can be a massive undertaking. There are several steps to consider in doing so. There is the attraction itself- the theme or activity that is drawing the crowd. Then there are the supporting roles that go into creating ambience. This includes everything from props and or décor, to generating a crowd, to sound, to the entertainment itself. Today, we will talk about the importance of lighting as a key element in setting the right tone.

You’ve heard the phrase before- lights, camera, action! Without lights, you have none of these. Lighting is a critical component and serves as both a mood setter and a safety item.

Consider some of the most entertaining things you have done. For me, it’s been going to NFL Football games at the ATT Stadium in Arlington, Texas to see my hometown team, the Dallas Cowboys. It’s also going to see the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Both places not only host my favorite teams, they also host some of the most amazing concerts. Recently we’ve seen Pink! and Justin Timberlake at the American Airlines Center. In October, we will see Taylor Swift at AT&T Stadium. In these concerts, one of the main components was lighting. The dimmer the lighting, the more connected and intimate the experience. Conversely, the brighter and more elaborate the lighting, the more grandiose and elaborate the moment felt. With Pink!’s show, she cleverly integrated soft moments and subtle backlighting when she wanted to create dramatic effects. When she wanted to make a statement, or emphasize a lyric, the lights were bright and powerful. All these created emotional, dramatic results. With Justin Timberlake’s show, it is a dazzling laser spectacle. At one moment, it’s he and the microphone, but being spotlighted with soft light, surrounded by laser effects created a highlighted moment for this pop megastar. In both cases, the lighting lent a supporting role to enhance the experience. We must admit we were emotionally invested in each instance and mesmerized by these stunning performances.

In our line of business, casino parties, lighting can play an equally important role. A casino party experience usually makes the casino the, pardon the pun, highlight, of the experience. Being the star of the show, means often highlighting the equipment and showcasing it for participants.

Spotlighting tables with unique lights can create a dramatic, inviting effect. In this process, the tables are illuminated from above, creating a soft, inviting glow. An example can be seen here.

Some groups choose to use this as their primary lighting source, which subtly leaves the room behind it in shadow. This is especially popular for industrial settings and parties in which dim light is requested.

Up-lighting is another way to enhance an event. Unlike spotlighting, up lights offer diffused lighting and are usually set to a specific color. The goal is to use an accent color to enhance the mood and tie the theme together. Consider Christmas parties where the walls are awash in red or green. Or perhaps weddings, where a complimentary color is selected to accompany place settings or bridesmaid’s dresses. Up lights can be selected from a color wheel and set to the client’s preference. We see this most often with our white casino parties. The white leather-wrapped tables offer a blank canvas for our clients to “say it with color”. Here’s an example of that concept.

There are many other types of lighting as well. Generally, we do not suggest laser lighting, as guest comfort must be considered. We also do not suggest excessively bright (and hot) lights for the same reason. There are a lot of innovative specialty LED lights that can be programmed to create exciting and unique effects that will distinguish your party from others – just like the rock stars do!

Our love for the game is the reason we offer the best equipment in the business and unparalleled service. Elevate your next event by contacting our event specialists today and rock your next event!

The Art of Corporate Event Planning

Corporate party planning can be an underrated art. Consider that your typical party planner is working to create an experience that is entertaining, celebratory and commemorative. There are multiple, competing objectives to be met. Casino party rentals are one of the most popular forms of corporate party entertainment. With a casino event, attendees are often given a natural ice breaker that encourages interaction among guests. Instead of walking around mingling to cocktails, guests can instead interact with one another to the sights, sounds and thrills of Las Vegas-style entertainment.

When choosing this form of entertainment, an often-overlooked aspect is the appearance of the party. While there are many casino party operators in any metro area, there are usually only a select few that can provide the experience a typical party planner seeks. Unlike shopping for a product, you are not guaranteed the same result when shopping for services. It is important to know the difference.

Not all casino party operators are equal. In fact, the differences can be chasmic. For this reason, it is important to educate planners to avoid price comparison and instead focus on product comparison. Planners are encouraged to seek out the best value, not necessarily the best price.

One of the most important variables in the selection process should be the look of the experience. Did you know that there are variances in the appearance of casino party rentals? The differences can be extraordinary. Casino table games are often the first thing guests notice when they arrive to their party. There are traditional operators offering standard tables, usually with green felts, that have been in use for years. There are other operators who have unique tables that are updated. Different patterns, colors and designs may be used. These providers focus on the visual impact that the tables can have – seeing them more than just a piece of furniture, but instead as an extension of the party.

When planning your event, ask for photos. Review them carefully. Are they stock photos or are they representative of what you can expect to receive? Do the photos show the tables in full detail? Are the tables clean and neat in presentation? Are the tables that should be skirted (blackjack and/or roulette) skirted? Craps tables should be open and comprised of wood. Party rentals should never be placed upon another table (table top games) but should instead be free-standing. Do the rentals include seating? Are these the best option for your group?

Corporate party planners seek to create an experience that personifies the company’s reputation and core values. Don’t leave your party to chance – know before you book.

www.elitecasinoevent.com

Casino Cheats…how they almost got away with it.

The House always wins- or so they say. It’s true- all table games are skewed in favor of the house. Players have long looked for the slightest advantage to gain over the “house” in casino play. Most have chosen the path of studying odds and refining their skills, while others have chosen a more nefarious route, cheating the casino. Popularized by the movie Ocean’s Eleven, and its follow-up Ocean’s Twelve, beating the house has become a full-on obsession for some. Here are a few of the more infamous schemes that innovated the way technology has evolved to respond to the ever-changing methods of cheating.

Roulette is a straight-forward game. The wheel spins, the ball is dropped by the dealer, and the ball randomly lands on a number between 00 and 36. Seems simple enough, right? Well, one Spaniard thought differently. After spending hours upon hours studying the results of a particular roulette wheel, Gonzalo Garcia-Pelayo used the data he collected to determine ball-landing probabilities. He developed an algorithm, and used this in Madrid to take the casinos for more than 600,000 euros in a single evening. Confident in his results, he made his way to Las Vegas in the 1990’s and was able to successfully win more than $2,000,000. After being barred from the casinos, Garcia-Pelayo appealed to the United States Supreme Court, which ruled in his favor. He is the reason casinos test their wheels so frequently- and is known as a pioneer in roulette cheat technology.

Blackjack is fairly simple to learn- get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Obtain a higher number than the dealer, and the player wins. The odds favor the house by as little as .43% to as much as 1.80%, depending upon the house rules on splitting, number of decks used, and blackjack payouts. Enter Edward Thorp, the father of card counting. Mr. Thorp developed a method of card counting, the Thorp Count, which he later went on to publish in the book, “Beat the Dealer”. The book explains his analysis of the probabilities of the game and was published in 1996. Mr. Thorp is a member of the Blackjack Hall of Fame, and his science is what paved the way for other cheats- including the infamous MIT students that would follow many of his concepts.

Craps. It’s the loud, crowded table in the middle of the action in any casino. Usually it is manned by no less than 4 dealers- making it impossible to cheat. Or does it? Just ask Dominic “The Dominator” LoRiggio. Perhaps the most prolific dice setter in history, Mr. LoRiggio developed a method of “setting the dice”. This involves starting the dice in a very specific manner, and then tossing them perfectly. The dice remain together in the air and very gently land off of the diamond wall on the craps table. If the arc of the dice, the toss, and of course, the starting position remain constant, then Mr. LoRiggio could accurately predict the numbers the dice would land on. The Dominator practiced this principle for hours upon hours over the course of years to perfect his method. It’s a craft he now passes on to others in his “Golden Touch” DVDs and classes.

We encourage all avid gamers to learn the odds of every game. If you’d like to perfect your theory before trying it out in a genuine situation, consider attending a casino party. This is a mock casino trial featuring real dealers and players without real stakes. Elite Casino Events is a Texas-based casino entertainment service that offers parties with blackjack, roulette, craps, poker and many more options. We welcome you, and your strategies any time.