Lovin’ (and leavin’) Las Vegas!

I don’t think I could have had a better introduction to Las Vegas than heading there for their terrific new Las Vegas Market! I had never been to Vegas before (shocking, I know…) so I decided that seeing this new show, finding some new vendors, and thanking our new partners in person was like hitting the trifecta (note gambling reference). MSA has created some educational programming in tandem with the organizers of this relatively new market and I wanted to check everything out in person.

Everything about Vegas is big: the city, the hotels, the casinos, and the welcome mat that was put out for the many buyers from MSA by Sarah Jones, Angelia Singleton and Dorothy Belshaw. They are brilliant folks behind the establishment of this exciting new market and they went the extra mile (maybe more!) in making me feel welcomed and assisted in all aspects of my trip. The curated tours, small gatherings, useful info about the show, the vendors, and the permanent showrooms were offered in the most gracious way possible.

As buyers, we are always in the hunt for new sources, and hitting a show in an entirely different region can give you an added boost when it comes to finding “the new.” I found one new housewares line (very contemporary) and I asked if I would see them at the NY Gift Show. They said they didn’t have a booth in NY, only showrooms in Vegas and Atlanta. Now I do love NY and it is a huge source for all the departments our store buys for, but it can be really rewarding to find that awesome new thing you just weren’t going to see otherwise.

The old notion of the “City of Sin” that many people grew up with has been altered to become an enormous tourist destination. Sure, there are still the massive casinos filled with gamblers. But there are also the amazing restaurants in every hotel, most created by celebrity chefs. There are fountains with “dancing waters” and a life-size replica of the Eiffel Tower and the Rialto Bridge. Did I say everything is BIG??!!? The new “strip” is a bit like a Hollywood back-lot—on steroids. And, even in summer, the streets were filled with tourists, most there for the attractions of the city and not the “gamblers paradise.” (Confession: lost a whole $3 in a slot machine. True story.)

AND I stayed at the Venetian. OK, the suite was big (there it is again!) and totally comfortable. I know the psychology for the gambling public is “make them so comfortable they won’t want to leave.” But isn’t that the psychology of the whole hospitality industry? Anyway, large, comfy and gracious is the way to go. If you can get a deal at one of these places, it really makes a difference. Bring comfortable shoes as well. It is a bit of a hike to anywhere… and that includes inside the hotel!

I have to say that it really was a blast and a total immersion in an American cultural experience. So Las Vegas was a TRIP in every possible way. And yes, it is a dry heat

David Duddy
Deputy Director for Operations, deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
First Vice President, MSA