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Proper Use of Casino Secret Shops Is Outlined in Newsletter by Robinson & Associates, Inc.

February 25, 2014

Boise, Idaho (PRWEB) September 19, 2013

Casino secret shops should be used as a tool for improvement and not to intimidate or punish employees. Secret shops and other topics are explored in this week’s edition of “Casino Customer Service Solutions, Tactics and More,” Robinson & Associates, Inc., announced today.

Those interested in receiving this week’s edition and future issues should contact Robinson & Associates at lbaird(at)raresults(dot)com or call # They also may subscribe to the newsletter by clicking here.

“Casino Customer Service Solutions, Tactics and More” curates links to online articles, news releases, videos, graphics and more and presents them in a format that makes it easy for readers to review and then click for more information.

About Robinson & Associates, Inc.

Martin R. Baird is a casino consultant and chief executive officer of Robinson & Associates, Inc. For 20 years, Robinson & Associates has been dedicated to helping casinos improve their guest service so they can compete and generate future growth and profitability. A Boise, Idaho-based casino consulting firm to the global gaming industry, Robinson & Associates is the world leader in casino guest experience measurement, management and improvement. Recently, it announced Simply Share, a real-time customer feedback platform that makes it fast and easy for casino customers to share their experience directly with casinos instead of posting comments online at social media sites.

For more information, visit the company’s Web site at casinocustomerservice_reputation.htm or contact Lydia Baird, director of business development, at # or lbaird(at)raresults(dot)com. Read about a variety of topics at Martin Baird’s blog at casinocustomerservice_news.htm/, including casino-related articles, casino customer service training, mystery shopping, casino reputation measurement, casino training, service gap analysis and more. Robinson & Associates is a member of the Casino Management Association and an associate member of the National Indian Gaming Association.

Online Casinos News · Filed Under Casino News 

Casino Infographic Helps Casino Marketing Understand Yelp, Twitter, Facebook and How They Affect Customer Service, Announces CasinoCustomerService.com

February 25, 2014

Boise, ID (PRWEB) January 24, 2013

Facebook, Twitter and Yelp are now as much a part of casino marketing as Yellow Pages and newspaper ads once were and CasinoCustomerService.com has just published an infographic that shows how social media trends are impacting casinos.

“With old media, the advertiser controlled the story and message,” says Martin R. Baird, chief executive officer of CasinoCustomerService.com and Robinson & Associates, Inc., a guest service consulting firm to the global gaming industry. “The challenge is that today, with social media, casino guests control the message.”

The newly published infographic reveals interesting facts about social media, as well as questions that casino marketing departments need to address, Baird says. “Think about this: 56 percent of all tweets to companies go unanswered, according to AllTwitter,” Baird notes. “In the old days, would 56 percent of calls from people who found a business in the Yellow Pages have gone unanswered?”

The AllTwitter statistic alone makes better understanding of social media urgent, Baird says. “The first question is why aren’t casinos proactively responding to tweets?” Baird asks. “Even more important, why are customers tweeting to casinos and not communicating in a more direct manner? The answer is that it’s usually easier for the customer to tweet than it is to make a phone call or fill out a comment card. Social media is an easy form of communication for guests. Most casinos have not made it simple to share directly with them.”

The infographic also shows that more than half of Pinterest users interact with others about food, according to Baird. “What do casinos have on Pinterest?” Baird asks. “Most likely pictures of the casino, pools, the golf course and maybe a couple of restaurant shots. This one fact about Pinterest users should prompt casinos to change what they post to increase interest and readership.”

Lastly, casinos are missing opportunities if they are not part of the mobile age, Baird says. “A variety of studies show that between 21 and 25 percent of all Internet traffic is from mobile devices,” Baird says. “This means many people use their smartphone or tablet to get what they want about a casino and it better be easy to find. If a potential casino guest has to pinch and pull on his phone’s screen to get a phone number or map, the property has lost that customer to a competitor. Casinos must have a Web presence that is mobile and guest friendly.”

In the past, social media and sites like Twitter and Facebook were fun to talk about, but now these game changers must be analyzed, Baird says. “Social media must be given real consideration,” Baird explains. “Our new infographic shares great information that is a must for casino marketing decision makers in these highly competitive times.”

About Robinson & Associates and CasinoCustomerService.com

Martin R. Baird is a casino consultant and chief executive officer of Robinson & Associates, Inc. For 20 years, Robinson & Associates has been dedicated to helping casinos improve their guest service so they can compete and generate future growth and profitability. A Boise, Idaho-based consulting firm to the global gaming industry, Robinson & Associates is the world leader in casino guest experience measurement, management and improvement. Recently, it announced Simply Share, a real-time customer feedback platform that makes it fast and easy for casino customers to share their experience directly with casinos instead of posting comments online at social media sites.

For more information, visit the company’s Web site at casinocustomerservice or contact Lydia Baird, director of business development, at # or lbaird(at)raresults(dot)com. Read about casino customer service improvement at Martin Baird’s blog at mbaird.blog Robinson & Associates is a member of the Casino Management Association and an associate member of the National Indian Gaming Association.

Online Casinos News · Filed Under Casino News 

PGAV Destinations Inspires Connections with Animals at the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago

February 21, 2014

St. Louis, MO (Vocus) July 12, 2010

PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, is pleased to announce the opening of their project at Chicago’s Brookfield Zoo. The Great Bear Wilderness is the first project selected by the zoo for completion from its Master Plan, created by PGAV in 2006.

Once virtually empty land, guests now encounter a 7.5-acre habitat thriving with polar bears, grizzly bears, Mexican gray wolves, bison, and bald eagles. The $27.3 million state-of-the-art Great Bear Wilderness project reflects the zoo’s commitment to conservation, animal welfare and an unparalleled guest experience. Trekking through new National Park-like areas inspires guests, as they discover animals in the wilderness and absorb vital information that has been woven into compelling stories.

PGAV Destinations developed plans for Great Bear Wilderness during a yearlong design process. The design team generated numerous ideas using storyboards to describe and enliven the experience of trekking through the western United States. Interpretive messages focus on conservation, and the fact that, with timely intervention, animal species can be brought back from extinction and flourish in their natural habitats. Guests set out on an adventure that allows them to connect with animals once at grave risk for extinction.

“Animal welfare is always a priority,” explains Emily Howard, PGAV Destinations Project Manager. “We worked hard to ensure all exhibit areas are unique and enriching.”

The new bear exhibits are innovatively designed so zoo staff can easily move the bears to different environments, by shifting them through the back of the house. Changing spaces helps to keep them stimulated through exploration. Previously, one species was assigned to one permanent space. With the innovative new arrangement, the polar bears and brown bears are able to share three exhibit spaces.

Guests begin their trek by first encountering a group of bison in a prairie setting. Following a pathway through a tunnel, guests view a mural with graphics illustrating the history of bison on the Great Plains. This exhibit was designed so bison can walk from yard to yard on a bridge over the tunnel. When guests are inside the tunnel, they hear herding sounds overhead augmented by sound effects.

“There’s significant value in adding sound effects to exhibits,” states Howard. “In addition to natural noises, the enhanced sounds greatly heighten the entire animal experience.”

Other kinds of challenges addressed by PGAV Destinations included infrastructure. For example, an exhibit concern was to ensure the bison prairie remained green at all times, even as the large heavy animals continually graze. To solve this potential problem, PGAV cleverly designed a specific 32-inch-thick soil profile. Its different layers of stone and soil allow water to permeate the rock in the exhibit, quickly filtering water away from the topsoil and grasses and preventing any muddy, non-grassy conditions.

About Brookfield Zoo

Celebrating its 75th year, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, inspires conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. brookfieldzoo

About PGAV Destinations

PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now in its fifth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.

PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, Niagara Parks Commission, The National Aviary, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, Kennedy Space Center, Hearst Castle, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. pgavdestinations

Media Contact:

Judy R. Goodman

Lents & Associates

1750 S. Brentwood

St. Louis, MO 63144 USA

PH: #

FAX: #

CELL: #

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Online Casinos News · Filed Under Casino News 

6 Most Romantic Cities in India

February 19, 2014

Your honeymoon is the most important phase of your married life. It makes for the most treasured memories and sets the tone of your entire life together. Therefore, choosing the honeymoon destination needs a lot of thought. The world is laced with stunning places to explore. But you need not go too far; India in itself is no less when it comes to romantic destinations. 

To help you choose, we give you 6 most romantic ones. They also happen to be the most popular ones for a really long time.

Goa

Gentle and azure waves on white sand beaches while you walk, hand in hand, with your partner- is there anything more romantic? Apart from moonlit strolls on the beach or going for a swim, Goa has plenty of other activities that you can enjoy. Windsurfing, paragliding, sailing, etc. are some water sports that almost all hotels and resorts offer. If you do not enjoy outdoor activities, you can enjoy a little taste of Vegas right here in India by hitting one of the waterfront casinos.

Recommended Read: Beauty Essentials for a Beach Honeymoon

Things you cannot miss: 

  • Sunset and sundown cruises
  • Exploring old Goa
  • Get a temporary tattoo by the beach
  • Shopping at the beach-side flea markets
  • Try Portuguese cuisine
  • Join a beachside party

Recommended Read:  9 Most Romantic Date Night Ideas for Married Couples

Manali

If you enjoy the great outdoors, there is nothing like Manali. You can go skiing and explore the lovely countryside during the day, and curl up with a mug of hot chocolate in front of a blazing fireplace at night, with your sweetheart. Leisurely walks in the tiny markets, exploring the local cuisine, while gazing at the snow-capped mountains are some things you definitely cannot miss.

Things you cannot miss:

  • Visit the Hadimba temple
  • Hike to the mountains
  • Go paragliding

Leh

A new-found favourite among young couples, Leh is the place that displays nature’s beauty at its best. Serene shades of blue, green, turquoise in the pristine waters, and tones of warm brown in the terrain, make it exotic. The best part is that despite its stunning beauty, Leh is not yet crowded and commercialised, so you can still enjoy without spending a fortune.

Things you cannot miss:

  • Visit the monastic villages nearby
  • Visit the Shanti Stupa
  • Try Tibetan cuisine
  • Take a walk by the Pangong lake

Recommended Read: 8 Surprising Things That Turn Men On

Port Blair

Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is in fact a cluster of 350 islands of which only some are inhabited; and this is what makes it so special. The serenity of this place is something that can only be experienced. Apart from the natural beauty, it is best known for its scuba diving. People from all over the world visit Port Blair for scuba diving. There are plenty of 5 star resorts here, and they are way cheaper than luxury resorts at many other locations.

Things you cannot miss:

  • Try local seafood at beachside restaurants
  • Visit the palm-surrounded Corbyn’s Cove
  • Go scuba diving
  • Collect seashells

Recommended Read: 5 Ways to have a Great Time before Making Love

Jaipur

The city of royalty, Jaipur, still has an ancient regal glory clinging to it. The forts and palaces of the “Pink City” recall the glamour and majesty of the eras gone by. This is without a doubt the best place to shop for handicrafts in the whole country. Not only can you shop-till-you-drop, but you can explore the sightseeing options to your heart’s content. This is probably the only place where even a desert safari would seem romantic, given the element of exoticism attached to it.

Things you cannot miss:

  • Visit the City Palace and Hawa Mahal
  • Go exploring true Indian culture in the local markets full of rare handicraft and art
  • Visit the ancient Surya Mandir
  • Camel rides in the deserts
  • Spend a night in the desert enjoying folk dance and music

Recommended Read: Sexual Health Basics for Every Woman

Kerala

Kerala has been a honeymooners’ favourite for decades now. If you and your beloved love the peace and quiet that nature has to offer, Kerala is the place for you. Aptly called ‘God’s own country’, Kerala boasts of lush greenery and steady backwaters. Here you can choose go for romantic boat rides or even stay in the houseboats. There are numerous beach resorts as well. The place is known for its typical seafood recipes and hospitality of the simple people. If you do choose to visit Kerala, the one thing you cannot miss is their signature Ayurvedic massages. Many places have offers for couples as well, so you can plan that with your partner.

Things you cannot miss:

  • Visit zoological gardens and wildlife sanctuaries
  • Enjoy interesting aromas at the spice gardens and tea plantations
  • Visit the Mattancherry Palace
  • Take the Periyar Lake cruise
  • Go rafting

These are just some of our favourites. India, that is considered so exotic in the west, has numerous such destinations that can help you create lovely memories to be cherished for a lifetime. Which one is your favourite? Leave a comment below to let us know.

Image Courtesy: Tripadvisor.in

Online Casinos News · Filed Under Casino News 

Twitter co-founder puts social twist on search with new mobile service

February 18, 2014

By Alexei Oreskovic

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – One of the creators of Twitter Inc unveiled a new mobile service called Jelly on Tuesday, hoping for another hit product in what has become an increasingly crowded field of social and mobile products.

The Jelly smartphone app seeks to improve the way people search for and find information, by querying people instead of Internet search engines.

"Everyone is mobile, everyone is connected. So if you have a question, there’s somebody out there that knows the answer," said Biz Stone, the CEO and co-founder of Jelly in a video on the company’s website. Stone was among the team that in 2006 created Twitter, the social network and microblogging service that had a blockbuster initial public offering in November.

Shares of Twitter, which has more than 230 million monthly users but has yet to earn a profit, have surged about 145 percent from their offering price.

Stone left Twitter in June 2011. Among the backers of the new company are Twitter co-founders Jack Dorsey and Evan Williams, venture capital investor Reid Hoffman, as well as U2 frontman Bono and former Vice President of the United States Al Gore.

The new service, which is available free for devices based on Apple’s iOS and Google Inc’s Android operating systems, lets users submit questions to the network of friends that they have on social services such as Twitter or Facebook Inc. Users can send a text query or circle something in a photo they’ve taken to ask for help identifying the object or for more information about it.

Jelly became available for download on Tuesday.

A number of other services including Quora, founded by former Facebook employees, Ask.com and Yahoo Inc’s Answers also let users query people for more information. Many people also use Facebook to get recommendations and questions answered by their friends.

(Reporting by Alexei Oreskovic; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

Online Casinos News · Filed Under Casino News 

"Will Work for Travel": IgoUgo Members Tell Travelers How to Take Free (or Nearly Free) Vacations This Summer — IgoUgo Members Offer Inventive Vacation Alternatives to Keep Costs Down

February 17, 2014

NEW YORK (PRWEB) July 14, 2008

Travelers who want to save this summer are willing to be creative

Recent IgoUgo data shows that travelers are ready and willing to explore new and different vacation options to keep their costs at a minimum. Strategies such as home exchanges or traveling to lesser-known destinations are becoming popular with those who want to save some dough. IgoUgo members are talking about creative money-saving travel strategies that go beyond the traditional "fly and stay in a hotel" approach. According to a recent IgoUgo survey

28 percent of travelers would consider camping or staying in an RV to save money. 23 percent would take it even further by offering up their own places in a home exchange. 27 percent would rent a room from a local, and more than half (51 percent) are willing to travel to "off the beaten path" destinations if it means saving some cash. IgoUgo’s editors list the best "free or nearly free" vacation ideas from their savvy member community:

The Home Exchange One IgoUgo member swapped her Hoboken, New Jersey, home for a place in Montreal during JazzFest, scoring free accommodations at the peak of tourist season. The Montreal house came with personal extras like "a comprehensive list of favorite places to eat and shop." Swappers count incurring no costs, enjoying the comforts of a home, and immersing themselves like locals as highlights.

The Volunteer Vacation Voluntourism opportunities are expanding — IgoUgo travelers have taught English to Tibetans in India, protected forests in Guatemala, taught in Peru, seeded organic farms in England, and rebuilt after a hurricane on the Yucatan Peninsula.

The Wine & Bike Weekend Leave overpriced bottles and cork fees behind while sipping through a local wine country for less. Many U.S. wineries offer free tours and tastings, as IgoUgo members have discovered from California to Tennessee to Florida. For vistas with vintages, bring or rent a bicycle and make the journey even more exciting than (and just as economical as) the destination. Pick a weekend and get ready to guzzle wine rather than gas.

The Camping Throwback Remember when vacation meant pulling into a national park or onto a beach, opening the station wagon’s hatch, and setting up camp, for little more than a park fee? It still does, IgoUgo members enjoy quiet spots like "best-in-California" Jalama Beach; Virginia’s Assateague Island; and New York’s Lake George, which even has private islands big enough for one tent.

The Bright Light-on-Your-Wallet Trip Ironically, the American city most often associated with glitz and greed is the very one where travelers find the most freebies. This is budget Vegas, baby: free live music fills the air; free trams navigate the Strip; free shows delight kids and adults alike; and free drinks are finagled when playing a pittance at some casinos. When it’s time to head in for the night, just beyond the Strip’s bright lights lay hostels (try USA Hostels Las Vegas) and campgrounds where prices are next to nothing.

The Timeshare Tour No matter the destination, money can be saved when sharing time. Massachusetts’ Berkshires charmed two IgoUgo members who took free trips there on behalf of a timeshare company — one was so enamored with the mountains that he indeed bought a timeshare. Free vacations are not guaranteed, but attending a presentation can at least get discounts on tours, shops, food or event tickets.

For more free or nearly free vacation ideas from IgoUgo travelers, visit the IgoUgo Travel Blog.

Quote

Attributed to Michelle Doucette, content manager at IgoUgo.com

"The rising price of fuel and airline tickets is leaving many families without the ability to take a summer vacation." "By getting creative and offering vacation alternatives, we are putting that option back on the table." About IgoUgo

IgoUgo is one of the most popular online travel communities in the world. Its 350,000 members—world-seasoned and passionate travelers—share firsthand travel experiences, advice, and photos, with candid tips and inspiring stories covering more than 5,500 global destinations. Site users can search by keyword to find reviews by like-minded travelers, as well as destination guides and helpful links. Members can easily contact one another to ask questions, exchange information, and build friendships without geographic bounds. In return for writing reviews, IgoUgo members accrue valuable points redeemable for gift certificates and frequent-flyer miles. IgoUgo has garnered top industry honors, including being named one of Forbes’ "Best Travel Sites" in 2006, a Webby Award for "Best Travel Site in the U.S.," a "Top Travel Site" ranking from USA Today, and "Best Travel Community" and "Top Travel Site" commendations from Yahoo Internet Life.

Online Casinos News · Filed Under Casino News 

Casino Best Practices Are Outlined in Interactive Image Announced by Casino Consultants Robinson & Associates, Inc.

February 15, 2014

Boise, Idaho (PRWEB) July 31, 2013

Casino best practices can help gaming properties create a customer service culture, and several of them are outlined in a casino customer service interactive image announced today by casino consultants Robinson & Associates, Inc.

“Adhering to casino best practices can go a long way toward creating a customer service culture at gaming properties,” said Martin R. Baird, chief executive officer of Robinson & Associates, Inc., a casino consulting firm to the global gaming industry. “There are a lot of casino best practices to choose from and our ThingLink interactive image offers several that will give casinos an excellent place to start.”

The image’s interactive icons explore such topics as:

– Proactively meeting the needs of casino guests.

– Creating casino guest advocates.

– Listening and asking questions when guests request help.

– Consistent delivery of quality customer service.

About Robinson & Associates, Inc.

Martin R. Baird is a casino consultant and chief executive officer of Robinson & Associates, Inc., and CasinoCustomerService.com. For 20 years, Robinson & Associates has been dedicated to helping casinos improve their guest service so they can compete and generate future growth and profitability. A Boise, Idaho-based consulting firm to the global gaming industry, Robinson & Associates is the world leader in casino guest experience measurement, management and improvement. Recently, it announced Simply Share, a real-time customer feedback platform that makes it fast and easy for casino customers to share their experience directly with casinos instead of posting comments online at social media sites.

For more information, visit the company’s Web site at casinocustomerservice_the_trainer.htm or contact Lydia Baird, director of business development, at # or lbaird(at)raresults(dot)com. Read about a variety of topics at Martin Baird’s blog at casinocustomerservice_news.htm/, including casino-related articles, casino customer service training, mystery shopping tips, casino reputation measurement and improvement, service gap analysis and more. Robinson & Associates is a member of the Casino Management Association and an associate member of the National Indian Gaming Association.

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Online Casinos News · Filed Under Casino News 

5 tips for generating serious sales with social media

February 12, 2014

How many sales can we generate on social media? How many leads were generated from our Facebook page? Any direct sales from YouTube? These are some of the questions that many people are asking when starting with a social media campaign. The problem is that many people on the social web are afraid of direct sales.

Social media is an attractive medium for many, because most people stepping into the social web for marketing purposes believe that they can only post helpful articles, images or videos, and many users will start breaking down their door to get their services or products. ‘Be there and they will come’ doesn’t always work on the social web unless you are a top brand, because then your customers expect it.

But what do you do if one of your main objectives with your social media campaign is to drive sales and leads? It’s possible to generate sales on the social web, but only creating content is not enough. It should be magnetic and be focused on reaching your goals. How do you do this?

1. Magnetic content

Is the content you share and publish on the social web really magnetic? Does it draw attention? Is it the same content everyone has seen and read a million times all over the show? Do you have a USP (unique selling point) that you can use in all of your content ideas? These can be used in content that you create or curate. If you do this, your readers and target audience will focus on your content more. Your unique viewpoint gives something new and fresh that can help you and your brand stand out from the noise and all the competition you have.

2. Grab the attention of your audience

The content you write or curate should always be focused on grabbing the attention of your audience or making them think about how much better off they would be if they used your service or product. How can you demonstrate your products and services to your audience? Have a look at how Apple does their commercials. They are really doing an excellent job of making you believe that you simply can’t live without their products. This is a simple method that can be used in many marketing campaigns to get your message across.

Most of the content that you use with your social media campaign should have some call to action tied to it. Whether you are asking for newsletter registrations, or a simple contact form, it’s important that your audience have something they want to do after they have read or engaged with your content. Instead of using an old blank link to another article or website page, ask your readers to leave a comment or share it with their own networks.

3. Create a sales funnel

Research and figure out the best process and steps your audience needs to take to go from simple readers to customers. This can include download coupons, direct contact or another way that you can use direct sales tactics with your audience. This isn’t an easy task, I know, but you will have to start testing different methods of approaching your audience to get them to buy from you. This is all about creating a sales funnel from the entry point (awareness point) to the final point (sale, lead, download, contact, etc.).

Having a sales funnel tied to your social media can help you get a much higher return on your investment with your campaign.

4. Use a sales pitch now and again

Never start your campaign with the idea of selling your products and services. It takes time, but will eventually happen. Be smart with your campaign and don’t use a sales pitch with every update that you do on the social web. Be smart and find ways that you can integrate your sales message into the content that you share with your audience, and focus on ways that you can use that content to attract more people to your network. Build online network connections, engage with them, and the sales will follow.

Another way you can use this is if you already have a customer base. Start with the ones you already have and don’t focus solely on new ones. Send a message to your Facebook connections, Twitter followers, and LinkedIn connections. Post your new offerings on your blog with call to actions. Test different ways of interacting with your audience, and analyze the data. This will help you build an awesome strategy that works for you.

5. Take your audience offline

Whether it’s through a direct sales call to your offices or coupon your audience had to download for a special promotion, try to get these people offline as soon as possible. In your sales funnel there should be a closing sequence and delaying this process can fail at the end of the day. Offer these people some kind of offline exchange – “can we call you? When can you come and meet us?”. In most cases, engaging with these people offline can strengthen the relationship you have with them. It’s not going to be possible with everyone due to the “worldwide” connectivity nature of the web, but make a point to add this to your closing sales sequence.

Also Read

Online Casinos News · Filed Under Casino News 

Battle of the Strands Awards Kim Vo Top Salon in Las Vegas

February 11, 2014

Las Vegas, Nevada (PRWEB) October 27, 2011

The Kim Vo Salon at the Mirage Casino received the award for Top Salon of Las Vegas at Battle of the Strands this past Sunday, October 23, 2011. Additional awards were given including Best in Hair, Best in Make-up, and People’s Choice. The Salon at Trump featuring Eli Sabat received best in hair for their extravagant take on the night’s theme. The Kim Vo Salon at the Mirage won Best in Make up as well as Top Salon. The fan voted award for People’s Choice was awarded to the Walk in Salon of Robert Cromeans at Mandalay Bay. Battle of the Strands was hosted by Best Beauty Essentials to promote the Las Vegas Beauty Industry as the Mecca of beauty attraction and is a thriving salon industry with talented and respected artists.

“I am very honored to be recognized with this award,” said Kim Vo. “We all had such a blast at this event, and are looking forward to more to come in the future.”

The Battle of the Strands (battleofthestrands) competition and masquerade ball was held at the Spanish Mansion, a 10,000 square foot estate in a 2.5 acre enclosed property 1.5 miles from the strip. From 8:00 P.M. until midnight, participants competed in a hair, make-up, costume, props, and execution impact competition. The five salons competing were given a theme and asked to portray it onto their three models. This year’s theme was “Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.” Four respected industry judges picked a winner based on a variety of categories and the winner received the award for Top Salon of Las Vegas 2011.

Prior to the show, Terry Jicinsky from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority spoke about the powerful potential of a thriving salon industry in Vegas. “Las Vegas is, and always has been, the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World,’” he said. “The salon and fashion industries play a vital role in presenting our entertainers, hospitality workers and tourism industry professional as the world’s best.”

“I am genuinely one with you in your mission to make the rest of the country know what your salons are stylists are capable of as you raise the bar of the beauty industry,” said celebrity stylist Nick Arrojo from Izunami hair tools in a special video message. “I share your passions towards creative excellence and its expression through Battle of the Strands. I congratulate [all of you] for coming together as one voice that will not only bring the Las Vegas salon industry forward, but will serve as a good example for the rest of the country.”

Before the salons unveiled their models for the competition, attendees were entertained by a fashion show from LVMH Piazza SEMPIONE and a dance performance by VZ Dance Studios.

The salons portrayed the themes creatively and expertly, with hair styled into everything from wreaths to sky-high towers of braids. The makeup and costumes were equally elaborate, and the overall effect with music and props was truly dramatic. The winning Kim Vo Salon featured a ghostly white Ghost of Christmas Past, a vine-covered Ghost of Christmas Present, writhing on the floor with a giant boa constrictor, and an eerie Ghost of Christmas Future with a gaping hole in place of a right eye. The audience interacted via social media and texted in their vote during the event. Text message votes were tallied to determine the People’s Choice recipient.

The following four stylists judged the competition: LaVey Ortiz, a Las Vegas celebrity make-up artist who is a favorite of celebrities including the Kardashians, the Hiltons sisters, Molly Sims, Rosario Dawson, and more; Kari Kisch, a make-up artist and stylist who has worked on celebrities including Alicia Keys, Michelle Obama, and Jennifer Aniston, as well as numerous magazine photo shoots; Lyle Malapit, Las Vegas Salon Owner, and hairstylist with almost a decade of experience; and Jenniveve McPherson, a costume designer who has designed for Vegas shows and owner of the production company and design team The Beverly Project, which has designed red carpet costumes for celebrities such as “The Hills” star Audrina Patridge and Jersey Shore’s Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi.

“Inspiration, passion, innovation and the most creativity I’ve witnessed at a single event,” said Kisch. “I am still in awe at all the amazing contenders at Battle of the Strands! I can’t wait for the next!”

“I would like to congratulate the five salons that put their unique talents and creativity to be on display today,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, President and CEO of Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority after the show commenced. “Congratulations to the winners, and finally, congratulations to Best Beauty Essentials for putting on a great event.”

VIP and celebrity guests were escorted to and from the event in Lamborghini and Audi luxury cars.

“Everything about this event was wonderful,” said celebrity guest Dr. Robert Rey, “from my dramatic arrival in Lamborghini’s brands new supercar, the Aventador, to the spectacular show, to the delightful company I had the pleasure of enjoying the night with.”

“What an awesome night!” raved reality TV star Frenchy from Rock of Love. “Whenever I need my hair or makeup done while I am in town, I know that I am in good hands with the salons of Las Vegas.”

“One thing that was obvious throughout the entire evening was everyone’s obsession with perfection,” said MasterChef runner-up Adrien Nieto. “It really blew my mind. After this amazing event, I have a new profound respect for everyone in this industry.”

As the night progressed, guests enjoyed delicious food from Wild Truffles, a high end Las Vegas caterer lead by prominent chef Eva Paulussen.

The participating salons were The Spa at Trump featuring Eli Sabat, Walk in Salon by Robert Cromeans at Mandalay Bay, Kim Vo Salon at the Mirage (winner),

Canyon Ranch Salon at the Palazzo, and Cariloe Concept Salon.

Sponsors for this event included Izunami Hair Tools, Bhumi Earth make up brushes, Lamborghini of Las Vegas, Audi Henderson, LVMH Sponsored Piazza Sempione, Best Beauty Products Today, Samantha Rose Jewelry, and more.

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Lifepoint Informatics Healthcare IT Firm to Serve as Gold Sponsor for MDx NEXT Conference on Molecular Testing

February 11, 2014

Glen Rock, N.J. (PRWEB) May 31, 2013

What happens in Vegas, fortunately, doesn’t always stay in Vegas: Lifepoint Informatics will contribute to the upcoming MDx NEXT conference on molecular diagnostic testing and genomic medicine as a gold sponsor, offering insight on information technology solutions for healthcare. The June 12-14 event is G2 Intelligence’s annual conference for independent and hospital labs, in vitro diagnostic companies and pathology practices, focusing on how labs of all sizes can successfully integrate molecular diagnostic testing into business strategies.

As the conference’s sole gold sponsor, Lifepoint Informatics will share information technology solutions that are designed to improve patient care while serving as a resource throughout the event.

Held at the Westin Las Vegas Hotel Casino and Spa, the conference offers sessions, case studies and discussions on realizing molecular diagnostics as a profit source within genomic medicine, focusing on where the market is going in 2013 and beyond and how leading molecular labs are expanding.

“As the gold standard in information technology for healthcare, we are honored to serve as the gold sponsor for this year’s MDx NEXT conference and to connect with other leaders and innovators in our growing industry today,” said William Seay, CEO, Lifepoint Informatics. “We look forward to showcasing IT solutions that can enhance communication, accuracy and flow of clinical information with our industry colleagues.”

MDx NEXT is the preeminent gathering of molecular and genetics experts and business leaders representing the nation’s top molecular laboratories. The event’s focus areas are adjusted annually to provide timely answers to the most critical issues facing MDx. Once a rare and exclusive form of testing, molecular diagnostics is now growing rapidly, making insight into current and future trends more critical than ever. As MDx testing becomes the standard of care, an increasingly diverse array of laboratories is already offering molecular tests.

Topics covered at this year’s conference include Molecular Fundamentals: Starting Up and Running a Molecular Lab; Molecular Diagnostic Coding, Billing, and Payment: Strategies for Successful Reimbursement; the Evolution of Genetic Testing in Medical Practice; Emerging Technologies in Molecular Diagnostics; How to Successfully Market and Sell to Physicians; Molecular Diagnostic Payment: Policy and Practical Implications for Labs and Consumers and many more.

Lifepoint Informatics’ mission is to help healthcare providers improve patient care and lower costs through the use of information technology by enabling customers to integrate disparate healthcare information systems and improve the communication, accuracy and flow of clinical information. Lifepoint’s solutions can improve the quality of patient care at a reduced cost, achieving positive return on investment.

About Lifepoint Informatics

Lifepoint Informatics is a leader in healthcare IT focusing on laboratory outreach connectivity, health information exchange and clinical data interoperability to help healthcare providers improve patient care and lower costs through the use of information technology. Since 1999, Lifepoint Informatics has enabled more than 200 hospitals, clinical labs and anatomic pathology groups to grow their market share and extend their outreach programs through the deployment of its ONC-ATCB certified Web Provider Portal and its comprehensive portfolio of ready-to-go EMR and EHR interfaces. For more information, please visit lifepoint

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