Archive for the ‘Meetings’ Category

 

Party Tips for Any Budget

Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Holiday PartyIf you’re hosting a fabulous holiday bash but want to stay within or under your budget this year our party planning experts at M are here to help you. Our Catering Manager Tina Randall offers a few key tips to keep in mind when party planning. Trust us she knows it all, after all, planning memorable events are all in a day’s work for her.

  • Saturdays tend to be the most popular day. Try booking your party on a Friday or even better, Monday-Thursday.
  • Select a venue that provides some type of holiday décor; decorations can add up quickly.
  • Depending on the menu for your guests, sometimes plated dinners are more cost effective in a banquet setting than a buffet.
  • Choose a venue that doesn’t charge a room rental fee and won’t charge for power usage for your DJ.
  • Go for a venue that does not charge extra for tables, chairs, linens, dance floor, etc. The less extras that are added to the price, the lower you can keep your budget.
  • Ask about discounted room rates for your guests. When booking an event, resorts are usually willing to work with you to accommodate guests overnight.
  • Choose a venue with access to an outdoor area so your guests don’t have to leave your party to smoke in a casino or other designated areas.
  • Ask for a quote with all taxes, gratuities and additional fees included so you can anticipate the grand total of the event.
  • If you have a specific budget, don’t be afraid to ask what can be afforded within the limits of your budget. Event planners are there to help you stay within the means for your party.

The best part of all is that these tips are things we offer to our guests who are planning an event at M. If we’ve piqued your interest, take a look at the different venues we have to host your holiday party. Tina, or one of our other catering Team Members would be happy to assist with your holiday or special event. You can contact our catering department by emailing catering@theMresort.com.

 
 

Vegas Meetings with a View

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Everything’s better with a view, hotel rooms, restaurants, pools you get the idea. With a resort 400 feet above the Strip we like to think we have a view from almost everywhere on property (which we pretty much do) and our conference space is no exception. There’s no better way to spice up your next conference or meeting like adding spectacular scenery around it and M is the perfect place for you to do so in four-star style of course.

With 60,000 square feet in meeting space and 390 rooms at our property we like to consider ourselves a boutique resort. Not just because of our size but because of the tailored service we’re able to provide to each of our guests. Meeting planners can feel at home without being overwhelmed with millions of square feet of space to choose from.

Meeting Rooms and A Ballroom

ballroomsetupblog MBoardroom1small

Multiple meeting rooms can be divided to suit any conference need and an exquisite boardroom and sprawling ballroom with built-in stage deliver flexible space with the latest in technology including audio/visual capability, video conferencing and more. The classic yet elegant design theme of our resort continues throughout our meeting space, which has the capacity to accommodate small to mid-size meetings and events.

Restaurants

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Thinking of doing something more unique for your meeting? You can book the entire space at any of our restaurants. Who wouldn’t want to meet around this floating chef’s table at Anthony’s or the private dining room in our Italian restaurant Marinelli’s? Or how about one of our favorites…our rooftop restaurant Veloce.

Pool Deck

We are lucky enough to have one of the most unique pool decks in our very own backyard. Imagine an event for over 5,000 people. The possibilities are endless with our full-size concert stage and runway down the middle of our main pool.

M Resort Main Pool

If you love what we have to offer, just give our meeting sales department a call at 1-866-551-1540 and they’ll be happy to assist you with your planning needs.

 
 

Say ‘I Do’ to a Vegas Wedding

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
Wedding TablescapeThere must be something in the casino air in Vegas and we’re not just talking about that pleasant scent you smell at M. On average there’s a wedding every 4 ½ minutes here in Sin City (that’s a whole lot of cake).  But, if you think Vegas is only known for quickie weddings with cheesy themes at 24-hour chapels, then you’ve got it all wrong. Here at M, we turn your wedding dreams into reality. We have a variety of venues for all your nuptial needs whether you desire ballrooms, poolside terraces or even a rooftop restaurant. From open bar to candy bar, your big day can be customized to suit your celebration style. Our world-renowned pastry chef Jean Claude Canestrier will even make you and yours a personalized cake.
  

Wedding CakeVegas Wedding Facts – Wonder what made Las Vegas the ‘wedding capitol of the world’? These facts and figures probably had a little something to do with it.

  • Approximately 315 weddings are performed here each day.
  • New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day are the most popular days for weddings in Vegas.
  • 128,000 couples married on or near the Las Vegas Strip in 2004.
  • Las Vegas’ marriage licensing bureau is open till midnight.
  • Triple digit-dates are also popular to marry on in Vegas. 12-12-12 will be the last until the year 3001.

Famous Vegas Weddings – If you need any more convincing to hold your wedding festivities here in our fair city, check out some of the famous names who have said ‘I Do’ here too.

  • Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow at the Sands – July 19, 1966
  • Elvis Presley and Priscilla at the original Aladdin Hotel – May 1, 1967
  • Dennis Rodman and Carmen Electra at Little Chapel of the Flowers – November 15, 1998
  • Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton at the Little Church of the West – May 5, 2000
  • Britney Spears and Jason Alexander at the Little White Wedding Chapel – January 3, 2004

Looking to book your wedding ceremony and reception this summer? We’re offering special rates in the month of August! Contact us for more information.

*Fact and figures taken from a variety of sources.

 
 

Taking it to the house

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

Here at the M Point of View, one of our favorite topics to cover is the little things that make a big difference here at the property. They’re not always the most glamorous things or the most visible things, and they probably aren’t things you’ll find other properties talking about. There’s a reason for that though – they’re the things that make M Resort special.

MicSo, here’s another one for you – in-house A/V. Okay, like we said, they’re not the most glamorous of things. When it comes to planning an event here at M though, like your wedding, family reunion, or a large-scale meeting/conference, it’s something you’re going to appreciate a whole lot. Why? A few different reasons. First and foremost, your bottom line. A lot of properties out there have outside audio/visual companies who deliver, install, operate and tear down their own equipment and guess what, it’s not cheap. Handling everything in-house means we remove a third party which results in savings that we can pass along to you.

SoundboardThose third parties bring us to our second point. When you’re planning your event and while your event is actually underway, do you want to rely on a third party? You’re already relying on the property where your event is being held so why throw someone else into the mix? When things go wrong, is the property going to pass the proverbial buck? “Sorry, that isn’t our equipment so you’ll have to take this up with them.” With an in-house A/V department added to the already extensive meeting, catering and special events departments, you’ll have Team Members from M every step of the way covering every aspect of your event. Your event essentially becomes our event, and believe us, we like our events to be flawless.

VideoProjectorYour event is important to you, to your family, your friends, your business and more. We know that and more importantly, we care about that. So remember when you’re making choices about where to stay, where to play and where to have your event, those little and perhaps no so glamorous things can make a big difference.

 
 

10 Off-the-Cuff Vol. V

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

DragonDanceWe probably shouldn’t put this one up since you can’t see it anymore, but it was just too cool not to. Our Dragon & Lion Dance in celebration of Chinese New Year was spectacular! There are videos and more pics available on our Facebook page if you’re interested!

RavelloWallRavello Lounge isn’t just a great place to see live entertainment – it’s also home to some pretty amazing technology. Not only are there more than 40 screens built into the walls that can showcase the onstage entertainment, but the large panels next to the screens can be programmed to visually match audio beats and more through visual representation.

 

 

 

 

 

LavendarCakeSpring will be sprung in the not too distant future and you know what that means?! Wedding season. If you’re looking for a spectacular custom cake creation for your special day or other special occasion, we can make just about anything you can dream up.

 

 

 

 

BabyCakesTileAnd speaking of cake, let’s talk Baby Cakes. These are some of the custom tiles you’ll find here inspired by European patisseries. It’s the details that make all the difference, not to mention some unbelievably good pastries!

RestaurantTerraceWith warmer weather on the way, it’s almost time to start enjoying dining al fresco. Veloce, Marinelli’s, Terzetto and Hash House all feature great outdoor terraces where you can enjoy your meal, the weather and spectacular views of the pool area and Strip.

VeloceDrinksHmmm, what to enjoy out on the terrace? How about some of the amazing cocktails Veloce is offering for Happy Hour in their bar & lounge? Red Sangria, Peach White Sangria and Rocks Margaritas with a superb selection of top-shelf tequilas for just $5 are all excellent choices.

PumaImageBack to those details. When we have meeting/conference groups here with us at M, we do our utmost to show them we appreciate their choosing M Resort. From custom welcome messages on our marquee to these super-cool light-logos displayed in the water features behind check-in, we want you to feel welcome and appreciated.

MeetingsFixtureAnd when you’re in those meetings? Let’s face it, meeting rooms can be a bit dull at times, but like the rest of M, we did our best to incorporate some amazing fixtures and fittings that add a little extra something.

WovenMetalWallOkay, so more décor, but you have to admit this is cool. These backlit, woven-metal walls can be found outside Studio B and also inside Spa Mio.

 

MFamilyCareNobody likes to have to go to the doctor, but it sure is nice to have one right down the corridor. M Family Care is like any other doctor’s office, it’s just located inside M Resort!

 
 

Cater to the New Year

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

It’s a brand new year and one of the things we’d like to start sharing with you are some of the trends we’re seeing for 2011. As a resort property, we keep tabs on trends on everything from food and beverage, to gaming, hotel, pools and more. Here are a few of the items that are trending in the catering world – apply them at home for your own entertaining or take advantage of them when you book an event here at M Resort:

Comfort foods are still in as we have yet to recover from the recession, but we are seeing them mixed in with other items that are for more distinguished palates.

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Along with comfort foods, comes comfort candies. Everything and anything displayed in glass jars don’t last long. Use smaller plastic bags to help keep candy around long enough for everyone to get some.

Receptions with hand-passed hors d’oeuvres only instead of action stations. This is making our chefs more creative on how they present simple bite-sized items that used to be served on small plates. And we can pass food with the ebb and flow of groups, thus maintaining freshly served food all the time.

Go green. Disposable is not what it used to be – with bamboo and other green utensils and serving platters that look great, especially for outdoor events of which we see a lot of in Vegas.Organicproduceblog

Organic and locally-grown fresh produce are always a hit, but not as easy in the Las Vegas market. We rely heavily on our California neighbors and South America to get us the best produce and this market will become more in demand as people want to eat healthier and be more sustainable.

Along with organic foods, we see chefs using foods that are also healthy -  pomegranate, soy, kelp, and other heart healthy foods will be used more and more in the future.

Cocktails will always be a hit, especially when they are new, exciting and tasty. Mixologists and bartenders alike can be just as creative as chefs, and using glassware that was once reserved for a specific drink isn’t a bad thing anymore.

The Las Vegas market has both a wide range of local and tourist palates to impress. We think this is why restaurants and caterers remain so competitive and aren’t afraid to change it up. With chefs from around the world working in Las Vegas, we can easily compete with New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and other major hubs. Again, with the wide variety of tourists, locals and their budgets, there is enough to please everyone.

SeasaltblogThe use of salt. With such a wide variety of salts at our disposal, local chefs aren’t afraid to try them on their guests. Sea salts are still in demand and can complement a steak like no other. They are also healthier (less sodium) and more flavorful than their table salt counterparts.

 
 

Ten Off the Cuff Vol. III

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

We know you were waiting!!! Here are 10 more off-the-cuff things we think are pretty cool at M Resort that you should know about:

TerzettopatioblogIf you haven’t dined outside on the Terzetto patio, it’s a must. The view is great and the infinity pools are definitely cool. They also make a perfect aisle if you’re looking for a unique spot to get married.

 

 

 

ObeliskblogThe obelisk out by the porte cochere is something you should take a gander at. It’s made of bronze and kind of resembles a gun sight. If you follow its line, it travels through the lobby, out over the pool, across the main stage and out to the famous Las Vegas strip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MainstageblogAnd how about that main stage? An amazing view for guests and performers alike. 

BallroomblogOkay, okay, maybe it’s just a ballroom, but it’s a HUGE ballroom and you might not have even known it was here tucked away on the spa level. Reception after Terzetto patio ceremony? Yep.

 

 

 

FitnessCenterviewblog

 There’s no better motivation to get fit than gazing out over our spectacular pool. Our fitness center offers a view for aesthetics and to help you keep going.

 

 

 

 

HashHousetractorblog

 

Antique tractor in a casino? Cool.

 

 
 

 

 

CeilingTilesblogYou may not have known what you were looking at, but the tiles covering the columns and ceiling on the casino floor are mother of pearl.

 

 

 

 

 

GlassElevatorblogMaybe you’ve never used it or even seen it, but there’s a sweet glass elevator between the Lobby Bar and Oyster Bar – it travels down to the spa level and then further down to Hostile Grape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 That’s right, M Resort has a gas station and you can use your iMagine Rewards points there. Nice.

 

 

  

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Can’t remember all the Triple Crown Winners? Who took the World Series in 1966? The walls at Vig Deli are covered in sports factoids to peak your interest or settle the debate.

 

Another 10! Check ‘em out next time you visit us here at M!

 
 

‘Tis the season…for parties.

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

holidaycakeblogThe holiday party season is fast approaching once again. And whether you love them or hate them, remember that the holidays are a time to be festive and fun and as our Director of Catering and Conference Services Mark Kaussner points out, a time of goodwill and generosity. For employers, holiday parties are a great way to show that goodwill and generosity in a tangible way to thank your employees for their hard work throughout the year. For employees, holiday parties are a great way to come together socially with a group of people you may not get to see very often and bond a little bit while you’re having a great time doing it.

holidaydecorblogIf you’re looking for an exceptional place to hold that holiday party, look no further than M Resort. But look quickly, ‘cause dates are filling up fast! We provide holiday centerpieces and décor as well as a dance floor for your party and you can find some great catering specials for local businesses too on our website here. Call group sales at 1-866-551-1540 and they would be happy to help you make all the arrangements so your holiday party is one to remember.

If you’re just starting to plan your holiday party, here are a few tips from Mark that may help you along the way:

  • As a planner, be sure to enjoy yourself.  If you do, your guests will too.
  • Don’t forget those guests that may have special dietary needs.
  • Hire a professional to help you plan the event – the time and stress it will save you is worth the expense.
  • Theme the event – a Victorian Christmas or maybe something from your favorite holiday cartoon.
  • Give employees holiday gifts and if you can, personalize each one.
  • Luncheons are typically less expensive than dinners. (And by the way, the M Resort holiday menus are specially priced to give you the best we have at the lowest price point.)
  • Many companies now hold their holiday parties in January, so don’t feel obligated to have your party in December.
  • Be sure to get an accurate headcount to avoid overpaying for “no shows”.
  • Create the mood by decorating in seasonal deep reds and forest greens.
  • Special lighting can really enhance an event.
  • Be sure everyone is having fun, but also watch their alcohol consumption. Some organizations will set up a designated driver program specifically for your party. 

holidaydessertsampleblogWe hope your holiday party this year is a great one and we’d love to host it here at M Resort – a spectacular venue and level of service that are sure to impress your guests.

 
 

Putting the “special” in Special Event

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

We get a lot of meetings and conference groups here at M Resort, and fall is definitely one of our busiest times. If you’ve ever planned a large-scale event or something smaller but still used a “host” property/venue, you’ll know that sometimes it can be difficult. It’s a “special” event, right? Meaning, it needs to be special – you want to wow your guests whether they’re friends, family, employees, potential customers, etc. And when you put that much time, effort and planning into something, the last thing you want is to have to deal with a difficult host property. 

sandcastleblog2One of the nice things about M Resort is that we’ll let you use just about any space you want to use – the restaurants, the pool, the meeting spaces of course and the terraces. How about those terraces? We recently hosted the Carlson Wagonlit Travel Performance Summit here at M Resort and they made a rather spectacular use of Terrace 3. The theme of the summit was “Shaping our Future” and they decided on a beach theme for their closing reception. How to bring those two things together? How about a 46 ton, 13’ tall, 4-day to “shape” sand sculpture? Courtesy of The Sand Sculpture Company based out of Woodstock, Illinois, the attendees of Carlson Wagonlit Travel’s summit definitely got something special at their special event. 

Whatever it is, big or small, indoors or out, business or pleasure be sure to make your special event special. And remember that here at M Resort, we’ll make it a point to help you accomplish that and make it as easy as possible for you.

 
 

Weddings – Having your special day at M

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

While Las Vegas may be known as the “entertainment capital of the world,” it’s also known as the “wedding capital of the world.” Why? Well, there are not only tons of weddings here each and every day of the year, but there are also a ton of venues to choose from where you can get married (yes, even a drive-thru). Here at M Resort, we offer a pretty amazing setting as well as all the extras and essentials you’ll need for your special day.

Weddingblog2Our expansive conference space affords brides-to-be an incredibly diverse range of options when it comes to picking that perfect space, from multiple meeting rooms and a spacious ballroom, to outdoor terraces and the spectacular piazza. The boutique size of the resort allows it to become a wedding party’s personal playground. Imagine a bridal party spa day in Spa Mio, starting with a relaxing massage, the ladies getting their nails and hair done, the gents sitting down with our master barber for a shave and haircut. Perhaps a bachelorette party poolside in a VIP cabana? Have your rehearsal dinner 16 floors up in Veloce enjoying the elegant dining and sensation views of the Las Vegas strip. A ceremony on the Terzetto terrace overlooking our amazing pool and cap everything off with a wedding reception in the grand ballroom filled with elegant table settings and a hardwood dance floor.   

Weddingblog3M Resort’s team can provide as much or as little assistance as needed. Décor, entertainment, catering and beyond you can leave to us or simply let us be your host. And don’t forget, with incredible restaurants, entertainment, gaming, spa and accommodations, your wedding party and guests will have everything they could want just moments away, never having to brave the throngs of tourists and crazy traffic of the strip. You can let M Resort become you and your guests’ getaway for that special day.

If you’re still in the planning stages of your wedding and want to check out all the latest and greatest M Resort and 20 top wedding vendors have to offer, come see us June 26 for “Veils and Vino,” a unique bridal event offering all the latest in greatest in bridal fashion and everything weddings. You can register and find all the details here.