ISES-LV Directors
Thom PassPresident ISES Las Vegas 2009-2010
MGM Mirage Events
702.792.7798
tpass@mgmmirage.com
With over 30 years experience in the special event industry, Thom has had the privilege of creating special events worldwide in exotic locations as Thailand, Japan, Austria, Italy, Spain, Morocco, Tahiti and pretty much everywhere in-between. Thom with his southern accent and Texas drawl has found home in Las Vegas for 4 years now. Working with the professionals at MGMMirage Events, he is an event manager utilizing his god given talents in the corporate and social segments of our industry. Thom is a firm believer in hard work, dedication, as he contributes his success not to a “Love” of the Special Event Industry but a “Passion” for the Special Event Industry.
Angela Roberts, CMP, CSEPPresident Elect
National Sales Manager
Christie's Photographic Studios
702.638.2711
csepplanner@gmail.com
Angela received her Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and began her career in Hotel Operations. After opening the New York, New York Hotel & Casino, Hotel by Doubletree, and the Venetian, Angela made her way to the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino in 2001 and made her way into the Catering Convention Services department in 2003. Through May of 2006, Angela held the position of Sales Manager for the Pavilion Events & Entertainment department. In 2006, she accepted the position of Catering Sales Manager. After six wonderful years, with the Rio, Angela said goodbye to the hotel and hello to a new future. After a short run in the Non-Profit world, Angela came back into the industry to which she is very passionate about, event planning. Angela joined the Pacific Event Productions team as one of their Event Sales & Design Managers in February 2009. Along with her duties at PEP, she also gives back to the future by instructing at the International School of Hospitality. She is confident that with the support of her fellow ISES members the 2009 / 2010 year will be the best year yet.
Jill LattucaImmediate Past President, ISES Las Vegas 2008-2009
Account Executive, Lounge 22
702.210.6471
jill@lounge22.com
Jill Lattuca has worked in event furnishings for the past 6 years. She is the Las Vegas Account Executive for Lounge 22. Lounge 22 has a progressive and elite line of furniture that the owner and his design team both design and build in California. The beauty and quality of their produce is second to none and has allowed her the opportunity to work with the industries top Event Producers. Jill has served on the ISES board for the past four years holding a variety of positions and is looking to another great year of service.
Robyn K. Hadden, MS, CSEPVP of Memberships
Alumni & College Relations Director
William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at UNLV
702.895.3148
robyn.hadden@unlv.edu
Robyn Hadden is the Director of Alumni & College Relations at the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at UNLV where she is also an adjunct professor teaching Special Events Management in the Tourism & Convention Administration department. Robyn is a guest lecturer at The International School of Hospitality, a leading hospitality management career school.
Prior to joining the hotel college, Ms. Hadden was the Events Manager for the UNLV Foundation and an Event Coordinator for Soirées Catering and Events. Her special events experience began in 1994 when she worked as a personal assistant to Michael Crawford, who was the original star of EFX at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. She then became a personal assistant to David Cassidy while he performed in EFX, and later assisted him while he wrote and produced two Las Vegas production shows - The Rat Pack Is Back and At the Copa starring David Cassidy and Sheena Easton. In 2001, Robyn was the Tour Coordinator for David Cassidy while he toured the United States and the United Kingdom.
A founding member of the International Special Events Society Las Vegas Chapter, Robyn earned her Certified Special Events Professional designation in 2000, and is a past president of ISES Las Vegas. In 2005, Robyn graduated from UNLV with a Master of Science degree in Hospitality Administration with a focus on special events management.
Tori ChiversVP Education / VP Programs & Logistics
Bellagio Resort
702.693.7156
vchivers@bellagioresort.com
Tori Chivers is a Senior Catering Sales Manager for the Bellagio Resort. With over 10 years in the hospitality business she currently oversees the Catering Social Market for the 5 Diamond property. During her career she has orchestrated events for a wide variety of clients from NBA Basketball Players to Fortune 500 CEO’s. Her events have led to segments on WE’s “Platinum Weddings” and included the participation of culinary moguls such as Todd English, Michael Mina & Jean-Georges Vongerichten. Prior to joining the Bellagio Tori worked in Scottsdale Arizona as a Sales Manager for the Gainey Ranch Resort.
Carla M. MarreroVP of Communications
Marketing Revolution Special Events
702.221.1456 / 702.513.6737
carla@mrs-events.com
With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Carla has become a recognizable name in providing top talent for corporate events and local businesses. MRS-Events is a successful launching pad for her imaginative entertainment arsenal. “Going against the grain” and creating new conduits to success has always been her motto.
Originally from Hawaii, she brings her ever constant optimism, extensive experience and endless resources to the table. Carla is very excited to be the new VP of Communications and promises a few “different approaches” to shake things up a bit!
Courtney PansiniCatering & Convention Services Manager
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
702.785.9057
cpansini@planethollywood.com
Courtney has an extensive event planning background that started as a Corporate Event Planner for Marsh & McLennan offices in Portland, Oregon and San Francisco, CA. I moved to Las Vegas in 2006 and have been part of the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino family ever since. Initially I was the Casino Special Events Manager and have since joined the Banquet and Catering Team as a Catering & Convention Services Manger. At Planet I have had the opportunity to diversify my event experience; orchestrating celebrity events, off property events, casino events, media events such as the PH Grand Opening and the Peep Show debut. My focus now is to ensure the success of meeting planners who host their events at our fabulous property. In a sense I have come full circle, working as a meeting planner with various vendors and venues and now as a venue. I am grateful to ISES for introducing me to a vast and fabulous network of individuals who welcomed me into their industry almost five years ago. I am thrilled to be serving you again as a member of your Board. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of further assistance. I look forward to an eventful and memorable 2009-2010 year with you.
John HumphriesEarth Water Sky
702.439.2768 (mobile)
john@lightandvideo.com
John Humphries is the Owner of Earth Water Sky, a full service A/V company specializing in creative audio, video, and lighting solutions for special events. Also specializing in nightclub installations and design, John has over 10 years of experience handling a wide range of high profile projects and clients.
Suzi Waltos, CSEPDirector of Special Events
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino
702.785.9169
swaltos@planethollywood.com
With a diverse background in Hotel Operations, F&B, Gaming Operations and Casino Marketing, Suzi Waltos, CSEP has been responsible for designing and executing a multitude of wide-ranging events including New Year's Eve Celebrations, Super Bowl Extravaganzas, Celebrity Cruises, and various Star-Studded Celebrity Events. Expanding her international horizons, Suzi also creates and orchestrates Chinese New Year Celebrations. Currently the Director of Special Events at Planet Hollywood Resort Casino, Suzi is responsible to bring FAME to the masses. In addition to her responsibilities at Planet Hollywood, Suzi often volunteers her services to the Special Event Industry having served on many committees within the community. Suzi began her career in her hometown of Atlantic City, New Jersey. She is excited about her active role as a Board of Director ISES Las Vegas and brings more than 18 years of industry related experience to the ISES Board.
Lisa BobakPast President, ISES-Las Vegas
President, Soirees Catering & Events
702.364.0065 x222 / 702.604.6834 (mobile)
soireeslisa@yahoo.com
Lisa Bobak is the President of Soirees Catering & Events, a Nevada Corporation. Soirees has been serving the corporate and social markets of Southern Nevada with customized menus and themed events with her personal design touches since 1982. This is Lisa's second round on the Board of Directors for ISES Las Vegas having served as this chapter's president in 2003. The exchange of ideas, the constant introduction of trends in the industry from members, and talent without limit in ISES-Las Vegas keeps her coming back.
Lisa and her group recently opened a new facility with a restaurant/deli component. She sits on the Board of Directors for the YMCA of Southern Nevada and is an active supporter of the Arts in Southern Nevada.
Joshua Jones, DMCPExecutive Vice President
Baskow & Associates
702.733.7818 / 702.630.2993 (mobile)
joshua@baskow.com
Joshua Jones, DMCP is a graduate of Colorado State University in the Journalism and Public Relations school and has been involved in meeting and event planning for many years. He has been with his current company, Baskow & Associates for 10 years and in many capacities and currently serves as Executive Vice President. Joshua has helped produce thousands of events over the last decade He has a unique understanding of both Sales and Operations, as he was the former Regional Sales Director for American Golf Corp., Las Vegas. Joshua's philosophy of "All challenges are seen as Opportunities to Succeed" enables him to deliver top-notch service and build long-term relationships with clients and Strategic Partners.
Brit Bertino, CSEPPower Events
702.435.7693
bbertino@powerevents.com
Dazzle, luxurious, extraordinary, memorable, and stunning are just a few descriptions of the exceptional events that Brit Bertino has produced in the past 7 years. Brit began her career in the special events industry on an exotic cruise line where she conversed with clients from around the world and organized nightly themed gala's, weddings and special events. Brit then had the opportunity to open up her own special events business in Northern California in 2003, which soon expanded to the greater Las Vegas Region in 2008. A graduate from both the Conference Management & Event Planning and Wedding Coordination & Design programs at The International School of Hospitality, Brit currently serves as Co-Chair of the TISOH Alumni Association. Brit carries a professional and positive attitude and she is always willing to give back to the hospitality community. Brit is excited to be a part of the ISES Las Vegas Chapter and she looks forward to getting to know all of the ISES members and making this year exciting and unforgettable!
Christine Newcombe, CSEPPresident, Studio Ennovate
702.256.0888 / 702.526.6674 (mobile)
christine@studioennovate.com
Christine Newcombe is president of Studio En•novate, a total experience marketing company specializing in marketing, guest service and entertainment strategies. She is a recognized expert in developing new and previously untapped revenue sources for the hospitality industry and creating high-yield, innovative marketing strategies for her clients – Elle Magazine, Vh1 Classic, World Series of Poker, Planet Hollywood, CityCenter Residential, Bellagio Resort, CNN Entertainment, Redken International, Caesars Entertainment, Flamingo Hotel, and the World Championship Wrestling Organization (partial list).
Newcombe has an extensive background in marketing, business development, hospitality and entertainment. She served as director of special projects for Tenner & Associates, a boutique marketing and public relations firm; cocktail and beverage manager for Wynn Resorts; casino marketing supervisor for Caesars Entertainment; guest service evaluation manager for Mirage Resorts; and company manager for Paul Osborne Productions.
Newcombe began her career in marketing and hospitality at the personal invitation of Las Vegas visionary Steve Wynn. Today, she has a unique 360-degree experience from Las Vegas’s top mega-resorts, including opening Wynn Las Vegas and Bellagio Resort Hotel balanced by her non-gaming opening experience in a Marriott, New York City hotel property. Through these three expansive career experiences Christine has worked in virtually all divisions of a hospitality organization, from human resources and entertainment to food & beverage, casino and hotel operations. She also tracks industry trends of the world’s finest hotels, including Europe’s most prestigious Michelin three-star properties and restaurants.
Previously, she enjoyed a successful career in New York as a dancer, singer and actress in film, television, live theatre and recording, including performing with Michael Crawford, Patrick Dempsey, Robert DeNiro, and Liza Minnelli. It is here that Newcombe developed a passion for starting a project and having the vision to see it through to completion.
Newcombe is also an author, journalist and frequent guest speaker on entertainment and marketing related topics. Most recently, she has been invited by the University of Nevada at Las Vegas campus is comprise a committee of scholars and industry professionals to assist in the design of a new interdisciplinary degree program known as Entertainment Studies. She is also an active member of the American Marketing Association, Las Vegas Hospitality Association, and International Special Event Society.