(All photos credited to LV Photo)
by Danelle Dodds, Exhibit City News
Bells rang on the night of one of the largest hospitality networking events of the year. On December 12th, nine associations converged at Giada’s, Giada De Laurentiis’ breathtaking flagship restaurant at The Cromwell Hotel, for the industry’s All-Association Holiday Party.
Participating associations included the Las Vegas Hospitality Association (LVHA), National Association for Catering & Events – Las Vegas Chapter (NACE), PCMA Southwest & Pacific Chapter, Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA), Vegas Wedding Chamber, MPI Southern California Chapter, HSMAI Las Vegas, Skål International Las Vegas, and Las Vegas Territory.
As a surprise to no one, this coveted event of the season was in high demand, selling out a week before the date. It made perfect sense that tickets went quickly. Not only was the location at one of the hottest restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, but the attendees were the who’s who of the event and experiential industry. Anyone who is anyone in the Las Vegas event community was there in their festive best.
A cornerstone of the live event world is the sparkle of surprise that greets an audience. The All-Association event was no exception. (But you wouldn’t expect anything less when your members specialize in creating immersive experiences.)
The anticipation started before the guests arrived. On the morning of the party, every attendee received an email with a welcome video from Giada herself. The video shared the celebrity chef’s excitement for the upcoming event and acknowledged the incredible philanthropy that all the associations perform.
Upon arrival at the restaurant, attendees experienced their next bite of delight. As guests ascended the escalator into a heavenly cloud of garlic-perfumed networking, costumed models in glowing lampshades peppered their path. Acting as living décor, the models were the visual amuse-bouche to a delicious night ahead.
From the moment attendees stepped into the laughter and clink-filled restaurant, they experienced an evening indicative of the industry’s best work. The room buzzed with celebration. 2024 was a busy year for event professionals, and this was the night to honor their hard work and toast to fellowship. Octopus-armed bartenders hustled with cocktail shakers and wine bottles as attendees traded their drink tickets for G&Ts and the house red. Giada’s staff expertly squeezed through the throngs of back-clapping and shoulder-hugging industry friends, maneuvering trays loaded with Italian-inspired bites to hungry guests. A full buffet with Giada’s signature dishes had a line snaking out the door of the adjacent private room. Garlicky broccoli rabe, bacon-wrapped dates, charcuterie, and cheesy pasta shells dished straight from a wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano were the siren song to the masses.
The restaurant’s famous retractable windows overlooking the endless glow of Las Vegas Blvd. were wide open, sending a kiss of winter breeze into the room packed with people. It was needed; the energy in the restaurant was glowing. As the escalator models hinted upon arrival, additional entertainment appeared around every corner. Strolling photographers, AI photo booths, and a mobile roulette game kept attendees engaged. The industry’s favorite tarot reader, Mystic Mona, was on hand to reveal what 2025 held in store. Even Santa appeared, strolling through the crowd of good girls and boys to pose for selfies.
Activations weren’t the only form of fun. A variety of vocalists treated guests to headline-worthy performances. Old-fashioned crooners, powerhouse songbirds, pompadour performers, and a bedazzled DJ kept the tunes flowing.
But the night wasn’t simply about bubbles and bites. Make no mistake, these associations do incredible work to give back to the community. Every ticket sold included funds that benefited each organization’s causes. Onsite toy drives collected unwrapped gifts for needy children. The largest community push involved LVHA’s “Fill a Bag with Cheer” campaign, which donated shoes, coats, and gifts to 450 children at Walter Long STEAM Academy.
This crowd loves to gather. When the event ended, the audience lingered, enjoying each other’s company as long as possible. As they finally filtered out past the twinkling holiday trees, everyone received a sweet parting gift from Giada, including an autographed photo and her iconic lemon ricotta cookie. It was the perfect dessert ending for an industry that knows how to leave no crumbs.
