What's "News" at Las Vegas Meetings by Harrah's Entertainment May 2009
For Immediate Release:
Las Vegas Meetings by Harrah’s Entertainment Vice President of Catering, Conventions & Events Don Ross was honored as Industry Executive of the Year during the UNLV William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration’s 5th Annual Vallen Dinner of Distinction on Thursday, April 30. Ross was one of three distinguished executives recognized for exceptional contributions to the hospitality industry.
The Vallen Dinner of Distinction honors exceptional industry executives, innovative corporations and notable alumni for the significant impact they have made in the hospitality industry. Don Ross has more than 26 years of experience in management positions with various hotels, resorts and casinos. As Vice President of Catering, Conventions & Events for Las Vegas Meetings by Harrah’s Entertainment, Ross is responsible for the entire operational side of the company’s convention business in Las Vegas including catering, conference services and banquets. In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities within those key areas, Ross is also responsible for transitioning single property customers into multiple property customers, and making it simple for them to utilize various properties and venues across Las Vegas Meetings by Harrah’s Entertainment’s seven properties.
Ross has been employed at Bally’s for 16 years and was part of the Paris opening team. Before joining Bally’s, Ross held the position of Director of Convention Services at Caesars Palace, as well as various positions in food and beverage with the Boca Raton Hotel & Club; Amfac in Oahu, Maui and Dallas; Hilton Hotels in Dallas and Miami; and the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Most recently, Ross was honored with the Spirit Award at the Las Vegas Hospitality Association’s Distinction Awards.
In addition to Ross, this year’s honorees included:
Industry Executives of the Year: Sal Semola, associate, Warner Gaming; Kevin Rabbitt, president and CEO, GES Exposition Services International Gaming Institute Recognition of Achievement Award: Stan Fulton, entrepreneur and philanthropist
Harrah’s Excellence in Innovation Award: Tapcode, Inc., entertainment and hospitality software company
Alumnus of the Year: Bob Boughner, president, Echelon Resorts
Caesars Palace Introduces New Culinary Happenings Vegas Uncork’d Events Happening at Caesars Palace: The world’s most legendary chefs descend upon Las Vegas May 7-10 for Vegas Uncork’d, the “can’t miss” event of the culinary season. Presented by Bon Appétit magazine, Vegas Uncork’d will feature Masters' Series Dinners at Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro, Rao’s, Mesa Grill, Bradley Ogden and Restaurant Guy Savoy, as well as The Grand Tasting, taking place poolside. For hotel room reservations, call (866) 227-5938. To purchase tickets to any of the Vegas Uncork’d events, visit vegasuncorked.com.
Restaurant Guy Savoy Pre-Show Menu: Restaurant Guy Savoy’s new a la carte menu is the perfect precursor to Cher or Bette Midler, two of Caesars Palace’s legendary performers. The pre-show menu at Restaurant Guy Savoy has guests creating their own tasting experience including choice of appetizer, main course and dessert. Highlights include:
Oysters in Ice Gelée Cannons of Vegetables Stuffed with Mushrooms and Herbs, Vegetable Gelée and Mushroom Emulsion Artichoke and Black Truffle Soup, Toasted Mushroom Brioche, and Black Truffle Butter Restaurant Guy Savoy is the only place in America to experience the elegant cuisine of Guy Savoy, one of France's most revered and award-winning chefs. The new a la carte menu is $98 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Reservations are accepted from 5:30-6:15 p.m. For reservations, call 877-346-4642.
Bradley Ogden Unveils Spring Menu
Famed Bay Area Chef Bradley Ogden, a pioneer in the farm-fresh and organic movement, has revealed his new spring menu. New dishes include seared Hawaiian tuna, Atlantic diver scallops and globe artichoke soup. Pair the season’s dishes with refreshing cocktails such as the SpringFling (Stoli Citros with sweet and sour and hibiscus flavors) or Bradley’s Dreamsicle with Cointreau and Tuaca. Bradley Ogden’s spring menu is available through June 21. For group dining information and reservations, call 866-462-5982.
Acclaimed Artist Elton John Ends Five-Year Run at Caesars Palace
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer, Elton John took his final bow to a sold-out crowd at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Wednesday, April 22. The Red Piano debuted on February 13, 2004, and was originally booked for 75 shows over three years. Responding to overwhelming demand, the resort accelerated the number of shows presented each year, for a final engagement total of 241. The Red Piano took audiences inside Elton John's world with rich imagery of Hollywood and Las Vegas icons — each moment created to give the viewer a new, three-dimensional interpretation of the legendary performer.
Tickets on Sale Now for Cher at The Colosseum Through 2009
Caesars Palace headliner Cher recently announced on-sale dates through the end of 2009. Cher at The Colosseum, a high-energy, concert-style show, features Cher’s record-breaking hits, including “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “Believe” and “Strong Enough.” With her infamous rock-and-roll attitude and flare for theatrics, the show treats guests to an intimate look back through Cher's iconic career, with vintage footage of rarely seen “Sonny and Cher” clips and an ever-changing stage that adapts to each song. Tickets are on sale now for Sept. 19-20, 22-23, 26-27, 29-30, Oct. 3-4, 6-7, 10-11, Nov. 19, 21-22, 24-25, 28-29 and Dec. 1-2, 5-6, 8-9, 12-13, 15-16 and 19-20.
The 90-minute show is presented at 7:30 p.m. four nights a week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $95 and can be purchased in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, keyword “Cher” or by calling 1-866-510-CHER (2437). For groups of 20 or more, call 702-731-7208.
Bette Midler's The Showgirl Must Go On Announces On-Sale Dates Through 2009
Bette Midler's 90-minute extravaganza flaunts plenty of girls and gags and features an enchanting repertoire of her greatest hits, with some of Midler's favorite characters like Delores Delago - the wheelchair-bound mermaid - and Soph, the oldest living showgirl in Las Vegas. Amongst the backdrop of a glittering Broadway-style theatre, Midler and her entourage of talented performers light up the stage in an energetic, comical, and visually stunning spectacle. Tickets are on sale now for Aug. 11-12, 14-16, 18-19, 22-23, 25-26, 29-30, Sept. 1-2, 4-6, Oct. 14, 16-18, 20-21, 23- 25 and Nov. 3-4, 7-8, 10-11, 13-15.
The Showgirl Must Go On is performed five nights per week at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $95 and can be purchased in person at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace Box Office, online at www.ticketmaster.com, keyword “Bette Midler” or by calling 1-877-7BETTEM (723-8836). For groups of 20 or more, call 702-731-7208.