Past Events

Challenge:

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.

Engage:

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.

Resolve:

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.

Challenge:

September 25, 2017

Five years ago, a corporate client contacted CLI Groups, an event management agency, to coordinate a small team event at a local Las Vegas bowling alley. Fast forward five years. The corporation blinked its eyes and became a billion-dollar business. Yes, it’s that easy. At this year’s summer conference, the bowling alley was traded in for the entire third floor of convention space at a major hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, sourced by CLI Groups. CLI Groups coordinated and managed four days of Las Vegas meetings and nightly offsite celebrations for their long-standing client. Guests included many global corporate leaders convening for the first time.

Engage:

Guests were welcomed to Las Vegas as they dined and danced the night away at a popular Las Vegas nightclub. Things didn’t get serious until the cinnamon churros rolled out, with the strawberry and dulce de leche dipping sauces. What is better than a warm churro after a day of travel? The company celebrated the retirement of a beloved colleague by bringing out even more desserts- a cart full of cake and cake pops. Did I mention that there were churros? With two sauces. Mmm…churros.

Six cheerleaders were ready bright and early the next morning to greet guests at the conference center, which was helpful for the ones who weren’t fully awake yet. In the general session area, guests sat before a beautiful stage branded with the company’s logo, which included multiple screens to ensure proper visibility. The entire third floor of meeting space was branded and looking sharp. A show producer and technical director were on hand to manage each minute of the presentations. A comedy troupe performed after lunch to help guests relax before resuming business discussions.

The jury is still out on whether the guests were completely energized by the general session speakers or by the many cleverly branded banners and escalator clings lining the halls at the conference center. There’s power in a cling. By the end of the general session, everyone felt ready to hop on a mechanical bull and do some country line dancing. Guests were transported to a Las Vegas country nightclub which was decorated top-to-bottom with fun and festive western-themed decor. There they enjoyed a full BBQ dinner, craft beer tasting stations, and a candy bar while listening to a live country band. They participated in bean bag tosses, beer pong, and billiards. Four line dancing teachers were on hand to teach guests how to line dance. What a night! A true cowboy experience. Feeling refreshed after a fun evening of beer pong and candy, guests were back to learning and networking during breakout sessions at the conference center the following day. Comfortable, modern furniture was carefully arranged by CLI Groups to facilitate these discussions. A cool sponsorship wall, containing the logos of 16 sponsors, was created for this area. The wall was a perfect way to pay homage to sponsors and served as a great photo op.

Resolve:

By evening, the guests were ready to celebrate the culmination of an exceptional conference with one last night on the town. CLI Groups coordinated transportation to take guests to another Las Vegas hotspot, a beach club on the Strip. CLI Groups took special pride in completely branding this venue with its client’s logo, including the ceiling, despite having to deal with condensation issues due to humid weather, a rare problem in Las Vegas. But that didn’t stop guests from enjoying the food and festivities.

Next year, CLI Groups just needs to add a night at the bowling alley…with some churros

Challenge:

September 18th, 2017

A violin played, a champagne bottle was smashed, and celebratory cheers could be heard at gate number 40 at Signature Airport on that beautiful Las Vegas evening.

Crystal Skye, the world’s largest and most luxurious charter jet, a wide-body Boeing 777-200LR, was being christened by her owners, the prestigious Crystal Cruises, and its parent company, Genting Hong Kong.

Virtuoso, a prominent network of travel advisors, joined Crystal Cruises in celebrating the reveal of the cutting-edge airliner.

CLI Groups was proud and honored to be Crystal Cruises’ event management agency of choice to coordinate the Crystal Skye christening, followed by a cocktail reception at Maverick Event Center and five days of jet tours by almost 2,000 Virtuoso and global travel advisors.

Planning the christening event at Signature Airport presented some very unique challenges for CLI Groups. Every person attending the occasion on the tarmac, including the bus drivers, and any items used for the ceremony required prior clearance and authorization by Signature Airport. Some of the items needed for the event, such as a small tent to shade equipment, were not allowed to be used due to safety reasons. CLI Groups, with its combined 60 years of event managing experience, quickly thought of alternative materials that could be used on the aviation platform. They also gathered all of the clearance information that was needed while at the same time preparing for the cocktail reception and tours.

Engage:

Renee Kim, President of CLI Groups, explained how her event management team works to prevent issues from arising, saying, “Each minute is planned. We triple check– TWICE– every detail before and during the event until it ends. We don’t assume anything. We have a strong sense of pride, and accountability and responsibility to our clients. This combination is what brings our events to life.”

The cocktail reception at Maverick Event Center is where the creativity of Crystal Cruises and CLI Groups really came into play. As guests entered the reception area, they were instantly transported to another era- 1950s Pan Am, “The Golden Age of Air Travel.” The room was transformed to give a festive “old airport” feel to guests, using a black and white color scheme and vintage Pan Am decor.

The “old” was a nice contrast to the “new.” A lounge area was dedicated to the Crystal Skye jet, decorated in the modern style of the Crystal AirCruise brand, using Crystal’s signature colors of teal, silver, and white.

Resolve:

By the next day, the hundreds of travel advisors, who traveled to Las Vegas from all over the world, were very excited to tour the unprecedented Crystal Skye charter jet, with its 88 first-class, lie-flat seats. CLI Groups carefully secured five days of transportation for the advisors to get to and from the Las Vegas Strip and Signature Airport in fifteen-minute intervals. Guests traveling aboard the branded buses at the noon hour enjoyed boxed lunches personally handed out by CLI Groups employees.

Helen Panagos, Vice President at Crystal Cruises, expressed gratitude to CLI Groups for helping to create the successful Las Vegas event, when she said, “Our President and CEO Edie Rodriguez and I send our personal thanks to you and your team for bringing our original Crystal AirCruise celebration vision to life for the Crystal Skye’s Christening. It made all of our past and present efforts worthwhile.

The Crystal Cruises jet christening was a joyous success, an impressive event for an even more impressive jet, Crystal Skye.

For more information about how CLI Groups can help you plan and manage your next corporate meeting or event, please visit cligroups.com or call 702-329-9908.

Challenge:

A repeat client came to us looking for the same décor and entertainment from their previous year’s conference, along with some new ideas. The goal of the client was to host multiple evening events that were fun for guests as a getaway from their day time conference.

Engage:

For the first evening event we brought in the same DJ and lights from the previous year, but also added a magician and bubble girl for the pool as entertainment. The wind was dangerously strong, so we quickly re-evaluated and had the lights lowered and weighed down, and the bubble girl perform at first only on the pool deck. The second evening event we had staffing used as directionals to guide guests from the busses to the venue, games, a band, and a photo booth.

Resolve:

The client was pleased that we were flexible and able to come up with risk management solutions. Overall the guests had a fantastic and fun time at both evening events which set an elevated tone for the conference.

Challenge:

Every year, Brian, Regional Vice President for sales, puts together an incentive program for his team to celebrate their success. He wanted to create a memorable experience his team for their annual incentive trip.

Engage:

We suggested varies entertainment and activities for them to experience in Las Vegas. They especially loved the amazing buggy ride through the desert landscapes of Nevada. We also handled the transportation and food for this activity.

Resolve:

The group had a great time and definitely created a very memorable experience.

Challenge:

Our client came to us for ideas on how to do a mix lounge setup instead of a traditional meeting setup in a ballroom. They also wanted help with converting a casino gaming event into a team building and enhancing their reception space.

Engage:

For the meeting space we did a combination of sofas, conversation tables, highboys with stools and some existing classroom seating. In the existing casino space we created a tournament event that was designed where people were paired off and had to work together on the games. For the reception we provided a DJ, glow lights, Hollywood style furniture, and did a group photograph with the SLS sign in the background.

Resolve:

Meeting was a success, everyone could see the presentation without having a structured seating format. The teambuilding was effective in getting attendees to work as a team in a fun gaming atmosphere. The reception décor was beautiful and tied in with the hotels prevailing style.

Challenge:

A repeat client came to us looking for complete event management. One of the first things to tackle was the transportation. They wanted to transport over 1,800 people from the airport to Bellagio over a 10 hour span.

Engage:

We worked closely with the hotel to get guests to either the main check in desk or satellite check in to ensure maximum utilization of staff and minimal lines/wait times. We also made sure that the guests luggage was to be delivered directly to their rooms after being checked in. Not only were we able to have the luggage quickly delivered, we also made sure to get their luggage from storage to the shuttles in a quick and orderly fashion on their day of departure.

Resolve:

The client was immensely pleased that we were flexible and able to come up with quick and timely solutions. Overall the guests had a stress free transition to their first day of travel. We ended up transporting their 1,800 guests in under a 8 hour time span.

Challenge:

Client came to us to help change the format of their client appreciation event. They hold this event every year during CES and wanted to find a format that was higher energy and more engaging for attendees.

Engage:

We developed a room layout that created more of a lounge feel, with couch settings and varying levels of furniture. We also brought in a production manager to produce the show, so the format was more of a flowing production instead of a standard presentation.

Resolve:

Attendees were very excited about the new format of the evening, both the production and room design. We predict an increase in attendance next year due to the positive reactions generated this year.

Challenge:

Our client wanted to put together multiple engaging team building activities for their top sales performers held in Las Vegas. The client reached out for innovative gaming ideas to place in multiple rooms within their Las Vegas hotel meeting space. Each room had a theme correlating to a marketing concept.

Engage:

Once given each rooms themed concept we proposed multiple gaming options that would match each theme. The biggest hurdle was creating a life size maze with a given budget. We proposed a balloon maze, in which we brought in our balloon designers and used 3000 balloons! We also provided cash machines, sports games, décor, and lighting to enhance each room.

Resolve:

The guests were able to engage with their peers in friendly competition, while strengthening their bonds and company principles.

Challenge:

Our client came to us looking for a full design concept for their Gala Dinner in Seattle. The dinner was for 1000 guests and the client could not find a local event management team that had the décor quantities or the man power to run the event.

Engage:

We were able to accommodate the request and shipped our team to Seattle to make this event a success! We brought in every décor aspect for the Gala Dinner: chairs, tables, linen, centerpieces, place settings, china, and glassware. The room was tied together using lighted table bases which collectively transformed the venue space.

Resolve:

The décor successfully transformed the large empty hall into a chic and elegant dinner venue. We succeeded in making the clients vision come to life and the evening was beautiful.

Challenge:

Our client had a last minute request for fun décor ideas for their Rock N’ Roll themed dinner in a hotel ballroom. They also needed staffing to help with their registration.

Engage:

We pulled together a proposal with a multitude of décor options and the client decided on some fun linen, centerpieces, and an entrance piece. With these touches the room transformed into a Rock N’ Roll themed party. Our staff worked with the client for the whole conference with registration and various administrative tasks.

Resolve:

The décor successfully transformed the meeting space into a themed party where guests enjoyed their evening. The décor and our staff helped the clients have a successful end to their conference.

Challenge:

Our client was looking for an event management company to customized team building concept as well as a sophisticated reception in Las Vegas. They also requested some event staff that could smoothly run the game.

Engage:

We decided to create a customized family feud team building game to fit for their group. We also suggested to open the airwall between the team building and their reception so that the additional guests could sit at the cocktail rounds we provided.

Resolve:

Adding that connection to the reception area and the team building created a great flow and the guests had a blast. We were able to open up the wall within minutes and had no delays. We also were able to add in some smaller activities that could keep guests busy in addition to the big team building game.

Challenge:

Our client wanted to throw a Super Bowl viewing party at a popular restaurant located on the Las Vegas Strip. They were interested in unique branding ideas and functional seating.

Engage:

We did multiple consultations at the restaurant in order to determine how to best utilize the space. We proposed comfortable black couches and sleek black high boys. For branding we clinged all of the restaurants stools, customized coasters, branded the highboys and created logo’s pillows on the couches. Aside from décor we also provided round trip airport transportation for all guests.

Resolve:

The party was a hit! Branding was optimized throughout the space and there was plenty of comfortable seating for the guests.

Challenge:

Our client wanted to create an Innovation Lounge in a suite at a hotel on the Las Vegas strip. The lounge would serve as a place for vendor partners to showcase to clients during CES.

Engage:

We converted a standard hotel hospitality suite into a modern lounge. We removed all the furniture in the space, designed a floor plan and selected furniture that provided ample seating and had a fresh design.

Resolve:

Successfully created a lounge with a modern feel that had enough seating and space for vendors to effectively present their products.

Challenge:

Our client came to us looking for décor and entertainment for their awards show for the end of their conference. They were looking for an elegant design while still remaining cost efficient.

Engage:

We provided elegant floral centerpieces along with plant groupings for the stage. For the tables we used navy blue linen and white napkins for a crisp visual. We brought in showgirls to greet the guests and hand out awards on stage to the winners.

Resolve:

The room had an sophisticated look and the client was amazed with the design. The showgirls brought a fun Vegas ambiance to the event!

Challenge:

Our client came to us and asked to help with their Alumni Dinner Event.  They were not sure which theme to go with other than they new it had to be something magical and fairytale like.  They didn’t have a big budget but they wanted to make sure the décor was impactful and “wow” the guests.

Engage:

Our creative team got together and gave them several options of themes and the one they chose was the Alice in Wonderland Theme.  We used large colorful props that we already had in our warehouse and brought in a backdrop to create the look and feel of the theme.

Resolve:

The guests were absolutely pleased and needless to say, we were awarded the business again!

Challenge:

Our client just went through a merger and acquisition and needed to put together a teambuilding event that will bring all top executives together. Total of 250 Vice Presidents were invited to this event held in Las Vegas. We needed to create an environment where people are encouraged to mix and mingle for 3 days. We were also tasked with making sure these top executives walk away with understanding the branding of the company, learn a bit more about the CEO and have complete understanding of the company mission and it’s culture.

Engage:

The group stayed in one of the major hotels in Las Vegas. We provided 2 teambuilding programs, one with a charity component and the other was pure fun and exciting, “Backyard Brawl” program. We offered three off site venues every night and brought in entertainment along with the various items that encouraged our client to mix and mingle. We put together a musical skit where the company culture was explained in a humorous way. We chose a venue on the first night that had incredible spot for branding opportunity. We also provided registration system, air reservation, hotel selection, staffing, ground transportation, teambuilding, off site selection, décor, room drop and branding.

Resolve:

The attendees truly had a bonding experience and walked away with a great understanding of the company culture.

Challenge:

Wellpet launched their new brand of pet food called TruFood. They wanted to introduce their new product to their retailers and the Animal Supply Company at the SuperZoo trade show. The food is grain-free, with whole foods from farm, field and sea. They wanted turn the venue into a mini-show room displaying the product and create brand awareness Showcasing and highlighting the actual ingredients in the food including beets, turnips, carrots, blueberries and more.

Engage:

We converted a regular and high end restaurant at Four Seasons into a rustic, farm-to-table all-natural feel & environment. We create a live greenery wall and tables featuring fruit and vegetable. We filled baskets and mason jars with sorted ingredients giving the room a burst of color. Throughout the venue, we had TruFood inspired window clings surrounding the room and a live mixologist created drinks named and made from ingredients featured in the food. At the entrance of the venue, we set up a a branded cart filled with bags of TruFood.

Resolve:

A very successful well-attended event that gave their guests an up-close and personal taste of what it means to be a WellPet partner.

Challenge:

We helped Robert last year putting together an employee appreciation event at Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. This year, they wanted to go somewhere completed different. We were challenged with finding a destination that is fun, exclusive and it had to be a “wow” experience.

Engage:

We picked Dominican Republic as the destination. We proposed a very exclusive and all inclusive reach resort, Casa de Campo located in La Romana. We coordinated golf, skeet shooting, tennis, chartered a yacht, snorkeling, teambuilding programs, welcome reception with entertainment, gala night and a party to remember. We handled everything from site selection, audio visual, catering, menu selection, hotel selection, venue selection and ground transportation.

Resolve:

Everyone was blown away with such an amazing resort and had a wonderful time and we will plan their next event.

Challenge:

We serviced this client last year and at that time, they had a different event manager that helped the client put together a small tradeshow. The client was not happy with the service. They normally buy out a couple of floors at one of the finest hotels in Las Vegas and create a tradeshow environment. Each room gets occupied by an exhibitor and all potential customers make appointments. They needed help with registration process, collecting appropriate funds, hotel contract negotiation, food & beverage, special networking event set up, décor, exhibitor booth set up, entertainment for the networking event and staffing for registration and for meet & greet.

Engage:

First we created a registration link for all exhibitors to easily sign up and register for the event. We negotiated hotel contract terms for our clients from attrition rate, cancel policy, food & beverage min and of course rate negotiation. We had one point of contact for our client where he was able to communicate everything through our manager. We handled all questions from the exhibitors for set up, food & beverage and audio visual needs. We hired appropriate staff to run the registration at the special networking event and management everything from start to finish.

Resolve:

The event was a big success and we look forward to putting together our next event in New York!!

Challenge:

Canadian Dairy Queen has bi-annual tradeshow where they gather all of their franchisees and have a tradeshow. They needed a band that is lively, entertaining and interactive. This year, they had their convention at Atlantis in Bahamas. They also needed help with setting up a stage.

Engage:

We proposed a 10-Piece band that generates a contagious enthusiasm. The audience enjoys listening and everyone dances and has fun at your party. Often the evening starts with quiet background music during cocktails or dinner, then things pick up and the fun and excitement begins. They customize the song list just for CDQ and it was a huge hit.

Resolve:

They loved the band so much, they requested for the same band for 2 years in a row.