A Spectacular September “Spectacle”

A Spectacular September “Spectacle”

By: Mary Cate Zurfluh, October 12, 2017

Las Vegas played host to some of the most innovative and creative eyewear designers in the world, as they traveled near and far to attend the largest independent luxury eyewear trade show production in North America, Loft Las Vegas. The annual premier event is an opportunity for designers to showcase their latest work, network, learn from one another, expand on ideas, and be noticed by top retailers in the industry.

The trade show managers at Loft Las Vegas, have trusted CLI Groups, an event management agency, to organize and manage each of their trade show productions in Las Vegas for the last five years. It is a partnership that continues to grow.

CLI Groups designed the 2017 Loft Las Vegas eyewear trade show in a modern style to make sure it properly reflected the trendy and luxurious eyewear being showcased by the designers.

This year, CLI Groups and Loft Las Vegas worked together to raise the level of the trade show production from previous years, starting with the venue. The event used to be held in a beautiful Las Vegas Strip hotel, however, the eyewear vendors were working within suites which created barriers. The attendees were not able to see all of the vendors simply due to the logistics of the floor plan. That needed to change. They needed an open area to increase the exposure amongst the vendors.

CLI was able to solve this problem by sourcing the perfect venue, the breathtaking Keep Memory Alive Event Center. The Center is known for its unique and contemporary architecture, the ideal site for celebrating the latest in eyewear design. It is situated in the popular downtown Las Vegas area, the newly renovated arts and cultural center of the city. According to kmaeventcenterlasvegas.com, the building contains “a 75-foot ceiling with 199 windows, with no two windows having the same size or shape.” A unique setting fit for a one-of-a-kind event. CLI has worked with this venue before so they knew exactly what to expect.

Planning a trade show is a complex task with many different facets that need to be considered. CLI Groups relies on its years of trade show management experience and high-level of creativity to prevent and handle any issues that may arise. The program agenda for this event was over twenty pages. That is an indicator of the amount of planning that is required for a successful trade show to take place. CLI constantly checked it to catch any mistakes before they could happen. The tiniest details are often the most important and cannot be missed.

One of the challenges of this event was that thirty-two modern-style booths, including common areas and food and beverage stations, needed to be set up in a relatively small area. CLI Groups took great care to organize the layout of the space so that each of the designers could occupy a booth that was large enough to suit their needs, partitioned using pipes and drapes.

CLI Groups has access to the very best trade show production vendors, experts who can provide the highest quality products and services, within the client’s budget. CLI sourced fifteen vendors to customize the trade show production for their Loft Las Vegas client, including top vendors for such necessities as transportation, food and beverage, staffing, drapes, linens, signage, and furniture. They even sourced a printing company to make sure that each of the thirty-two exhibitors were provided with a comprehensive, yet simple, vendor packet of information.

CLI Groups also handled outgoing and incoming worldwide shipments, including storage, for their client. These are the kinds of details that CLI anticipates and knows how to manage for a trade show production.

From set-up to break down, CLI Groups was there, ensuring a smooth event. The guests were greeted, and the shuttles arrived (from two hotels). The breakfast and lunch buffets were overflowing with delicious choices. A personal espresso barista was on-hand to make sure everyone was well-caffeinated. Plenty of modern tables and chairs were strategically placed in order to promote discussions amongst guests.

Cutting-edge, beautiful eyewear could be found at every turn.

A question and answer panel discussion took place on the outdoor stage. CLI worked closely with the audio and visual team to make sure it went off without a hitch! A cocktail reception followed, including entertainment sourced by CLI. No one could resist the tasty hors d’oeuvres. The lobster mac and cheese bites went fast! Modern lounge furniture and tables were placed in the garden to keep guests comfortable. I like knowing that the people who probably designed my glasses get together and party in a garden every year.

CLI Groups was told by their client that this was their best event yet and that the challenge next year will be to top this year! CLI always loves a challenge.

Take a look at some of the highlights of this successful event: