“What Happens in Vegas…
…stays in Vegas.”
First and foremost…your money! I resisted the urge to gamble on my recent jaunt to Sin City. Not easy for someone who has enjoyed the lure of Lady Luck in the past. Alas, Lady Luck also seems to channel Murphy’s Law whenever I pick up dice or cards. I figured I went there to make money…not lose it!
The trip went well although I was a little uncertain even before I landed. That’s because just before landing we encountered some fairly nail-biting turbulence. I can tolerate the standard shake and rattle but when the ‘roll’ part seems to be a distinct possibility, well, I start revisiting my faith. There’s something strangely ironic about reciting the Lord’s prayer when flying into Sin City. When I got to the part “…and lead me not into temptation…” I improvised somewhat: “…simply allow this plane to land safely in the city of temptation and I promise not to be tempted by anything….and I’ll start going to church again…and, well Lord, you get the gist of what I’m saying here…”
The outcome is obvious. Otherwise it would mean heaven has high speed. (I’m sure it would anyhow. Dial-up would be Hell!) I don’t know what took longer – the flight to get from Toronto to Vegas or the wait to get a taxi. I’ve never seen a longer line in my life. I’m not kidding when I say there were at least 500 people that serpentined their way through the roped-off area to be assigned a cab. Then again, it was Friday afternoon at the biggest adult playground in the western hemisphere. Apparently more people fly in and out of Vegas every day than any other city in the U.S.
Flying home somewhat ‘lighter’ no doubt!
I had to find some place to buy a dress shirt for Saturday’s event. The accommodating taxi driver brought me to Marshall’s. I was in and out in 5 minutes with a perfectly suitable (no pun intended) Van Heusen dress shirt for 12.99! Unbelievable. I just got to Vegas and already hit the jackpot!
I arrived at the Flamingo where I checked into my room and then checked out the situation with the big room for that evening’s gala dinner. I basically had enough time to settle in, change into my tux and then get things rolling. The energy in the room was encouraging. The dinner was terrific. Entertainment courtesy of a local pianist who contributed an added element of class.
I welcomed everyone, introduced the head table, made my speech and then called some of the heavy weights up to say their piece. I made a toast and everyone hit the dance floor or simply mingled. It was a solid start to lead into the next day’s full roster of speakers and presentations for which I would be master of ceremonies.
Saturday started bright and early with everyone gathering for a wonderful breakfast between 7:00 and 8:45. I was on stage in the conference room at 9 a.m. getting things underway. The audience numbered close to 300. They were pumped in anticipation of what they would learn that day in the areas of ‘self and wealth’. “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” might be the city slogan, but what these folks would take away from Vegas would be worth more than what any casino cash-out could provide. The energy is electric in these conferences. This is the second one I have been associated with and the inspiration, motivation and empowering sensation is infectious!
It was a full day that wrapped up at 5:30 with eight speakers and yours truly as professional master of ceremonies keeping things moving along. The event was a fantastic success and those directly involved, myself included, breathing a sigh of relief when something so logistically challenging can seem to come off without a hitch.
I didn’t have to fly out until the next morning so I contacted another client of mine in town and arranged to meet up. It was another scorcher in the low 100’s and I wanted to meet up on a patio somewhere and perhaps have a cold one. The venue turned out to be ‘Nine Fine Irishmen’ at the New York, New York site. (O’Shea’s Casino would have seemed too obvious 
It was a creatively productive meeting with Harry as we talked and brainstormed on some terrific ideas about a show we’re talking about producing. We’re certain this pilot would fly (again, pun unintentional). We’ll stay in touch via e-mail and phone to see what comes together over the next little while. It’s a busy time for us both and this would take some extra time and energy to say the least. (Harry’s company is in charge of putting together major trade shows and conventions in Vegas. I’ve done voice over work for him in the past. He also wants me to be an on-camera spokesman for his website )
Harry and I shook hands. I returned to the hotel and bypassed all the incessant “ring-ding-ding-ding-wheel-of-fortune-black-jack-poker-adingaling-ding-ding” temptation and went straight to bed.
I’m guessing it’s pretty routine in this neck of the woods, or desert, to have spectacular sunrises every morning. Another one greets me through my 12th floor hotel window and it’s time to make my way back home. Check out. Hop in taxi. Head to airport.
There’s something surreal about driving along the road, looking out the window and seeing the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and a Pyramid & Sphinx all within blocks. A very “Planet of the Apes”-type of moment!
Just seems like yesterday I submitted my last entry. Actually, it was the day before yesterday. I’m now soaring at 37,000 feet and it’s Sunday already. Time flies.
(o.k., that pun I was shooting for)