1 Billion Global Impressions

February 18, 2010 in Uncategorized by admin | No comments

There is no doubt that CityCenter is one of the most significant projects in the history of Las Vegas. Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE, Jim Murren had this to say about the public relations effort on the project:

“Global earned media has been tremendous for the launch of CityCenter…over 1 billion global impressions…our PR team has done a tremendous job.”

Thanks, Mr. Murren. It was our pleasure to be part of what was truly a team effort. See more about the opening of CityCenter and what it means to this community by watching this video of Jim Murren on ARIA’s opening day.

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A Visit Fit for a President

February 12, 2010 in Uncategorized by admin | No comments

What a week at Kirvin Doak. We announced the return of Celine Dion to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, prepped for the grand opening of Viva Elvis at ARIA, saw CityCenter earn coverage in Travel + Leisure, and did all our usual pitching, follow up calls, gathering of TV clips and handling client and media requests.

But one of the week’s highlights absolutely had to be hosting former President George W. Bush at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. George W. Bush received a personal tour of the medical facilities and construction site of the soon-to-be completed Life Activity Center from Ruvo, a long-time personal friend of the Bush family, and greeted more than a dozen volunteers. Kirvin Doak helped facilitate the media coverage of the tour and our own Dave Kirvin was on-site to catch the action.

Dave Kirvin tours the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health with former President George W. Bush

Former President Bush said of his visit:
“I am honored to have been invited here to witness the progress of this impressive project. I tip my hat to the people of Nevada for stepping up to the plate and recognizing a need, and displaying the desire to help. The research and treatment being done inside these walls is essential to prolonging health and vital aging in people at risk for dementia and memory impairments, and I look forward to following the Center’s progress.”

No doubt the center is a labor of love that we are proud to have a small part in. And speaking of love, we wish all you a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend.

Peace and Love,

KDC

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Living Breathing and Eating CityCenter

January 29, 2010 in Uncategorized by admin | 3 comments

By Guest Blogger Heidi Baldwin
January 29, 2010

It’s not every day that you get to move into a brand new hotel, see a sneak peek preview performance of a new Cirque du Soleil show and, better yet, dine at some of the most incredible new restaurant venues in the city…with about 130 of your friends and colleagues. But, when you work in public relations and have the opportunity to host over 100 fantastic journalists at Las Vegas’ newest resort development – CityCenter – that’s what you get to do. I’m a lucky gal.

Let’s start at the beginning…I began working on CityCenter over two years ago and let me tell you, pitching stories to journalists about an $8.5 billion development opening in the midst of a recession wasn’t the easiest job. However, as the months came and went and as the towers grew taller and began to take shape into this incredible city-within-a-city, people became intrigued by what CityCenter would bring to Las Vegas.

(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for CityCenter) Fireworks explode during the grand opening of the Aria Resort & Casino at CityCenter December 16, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fast forward to 11:30 p.m. December 16, 2009…the moment many of us had been waiting for. Opening right on schedule – defeating several obstacles and proving many disbelievers wrong – was CityCenter. I can’t begin to explain what it felt like the moment the public was introduced to CityCenter. Watching the fireworks shoot off the rooftop of ARIA was not only breathtaking; it was the highlight of my entire career. Five years in the making, two years of my personal hard work and countless hours of planning this remarkable opening and here it was…right before me. That single moment will forever be frozen in time. The cheering of the crowd, erupting fireworks and flashing cameras made every triumph and struggle of representing this extraordinary development completely worth it.  

Heidi Baldwin and her teammates with Alan Feldman, SVP of Public Affairs for MGM MIRAGE at the opening gala for Mandarin Oriental, CityCenter

Just last week, I was part of an incredible PR team that hosted over 100 national and international journalists at ARIA Resort & Casino at CityCenter. Talk about event planning! From pitching the media (meaning many 7 a.m. morning starts to catch both east and west coast journalists – and lots and lots of coffee), to coordinating flight and hotel arrangements and over 100 customized itineraries, we had our work cut out for us. Over the four day media week, we saw Viva ELVISTM by Cirque du Soleil®, conducted property tours (showcasing CityCenter’s Fine Art Collection, sustainability initiatives, WET water features, among other elements), ate fantastic food, hosted culinary tastings, met with the chefs, ate more food, danced at Eva Longoria Parker’s new nightclub Eve, ate some more and capped off one evening at Haze Nightclub inside ARIA.

The best part of the entire experience was being able to connect with the journalists I have been working with over the past two years face-to-face. I am so privileged to walk away from this experience with incredible story opportunities underway, but more importantly, with newly formed friendships with some of the most insightful, down-to-earth and amazing people I have ever met.

Nobody said opening an $8.5 billion development in Las Vegas would be easy, but I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be part of this unbelievable journey.

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NYE help is on the way

December 30, 2009 in Uncategorized by admin | No comments

If you are anything like me, you’ve waited until the last possible minute to schedule your New Year’s Eve plans. Once again, Vegas is expecting huge crowds to pile in town for the welcoming of our next decade, so you should probably figure out what you want to do before it’s too late.  Check out the list of what some of our clients have planned. I’m pretty sure it will keep you busy on the craziest night of the year. And, don’t forget to thank your DD!

Off-Strip activities and specials:

Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar at Town Square

$20 cover at the door gets you one free Jose Cuervo Platino Tequila shot and one free Kettle One drink of your choice. Call 702.220.PETE (7383) to reserve a table, or just swing by!

PT’s Taverns

Select PT’s Taverns will have live DJs plus free party favors, specialty shots and a champagne toast at midnight.  Enjoy PT’s Happy Hour from 4-8 p.m. or from midnight to 4 a.m. with half off all food and pizzas too!

Frankie’s Tiki Room

Frankie’s Tiki Room, the only authentic tiki bar in Las Vegas, commemorates the coming of the New Year in true island fashion by offering partygoers complimentary Fink Bomb Shots at 2 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, 2010. Made from a blend of 160 proof rum, melon liqueur and pineapple juice, the Fink Bomb is the ultimate island concoction and perfect for the occasion.

Downtown and Strip activities and specials:

El Cortez Hotel & Casino

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the El Cortez and you could win one of five $2010 cash prizes.  Open bar, appetizers and champagne toast from 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. in the Fiesta Room.  Tix are $35 in advance/$50 at the door.

Nove Italiano

Enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu on New Year’s Eve between 5:30 and 10:30 p.m.  Featuring delectable authentic Italian fare created by Executive Chef Geno Bernardo, the special menu is available for $45 (excludes tax and gratuity), for parties of six or less.  Guests are encouraged to make reservations by calling 702.942.6800. 

Rain Nightclub presents PAUL OAKENFOLD

Paul Oakenfold, world’s most iconic DJ, resident and producer for Perfecto Vegas, will spin his internationally-acclaimed remix inside Rain Nightclub. 

Moon Nightclub presents Z-TRIP

Resident DJ and mastermind behind Z-Trip’s Revolution, Z-Trip showcases his genre-blurring style at Moon Nightclub, the exclusive penthouse nightclub loaded with high-end finishes, VIP accommodations, premier entertainment and a spectacular view of the Las Vegas Strip. 

Ghostbar presents FLASHBACK HEART ATTACK  

Guests will turn back the hands of time and rock in the New Year in 80s style, as they enjoy a unique performance by nationally-acclaimed cover band, Flashback Heart Attack at ghostbar. 

Playboy Club – MAROON 5

Hosting at Playboy Club following their performance at The Pearl is renowned rock band Maroon 5, which has been producing popular hits including, “Harder to Breathe” and “She Will be Loved” since 2002. 

Studio 54

The exclusive New Year’s Eve celebration will include an open bar from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. featuring complimentary party favors.  Las Vegas’ favorite dance club will offer a pre-paid ticket line to usher party-goers directly into the club.  Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door.  Doors open at 9 p.m.  Guests must be 21 years of age or older.  For reservations, call (702) 891-7279.

HAZE at ARIA

Join HAZE at ARIA Resort & Casino on New Year’s Eve 2010, which hosts the No. 1 DJ in the world – TIESTO!  Tickets are $300 per person, with no minimum limit for guests, and are available only by visiting www.tiestotickets.com.  Price is subject to change. For table packages and reservations, call (702) 693-8300.

The GOLD Lounge at ARIA

Toast to 2010 with a countdown to midnight while a special guest DJ spins late into the night to give guests a one-of-a-kind experience. Tickets are $125 per person and includes VIP admission, passed hors d’oeuvres and a hosted bar from 9 p.m. to midnight.  For more info and reservations call (702) 693-8300.

The Deuce Lounge at ARIA

Combining signature libations with high-energy gaming inside the posh, upscale ultra-lounge, The Deuce Lounge will become one of the ultimate New Year’s Eve destinations. Tickets are $50 per person with no minimum limit for guests and includes VIP admission and a hosted bar from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.  Table reservation packages start at $100 per person with a minimum of four people per group.  For more information or reservations, call (702) 693-8300.

Beso Restaurant and Eve Nightclub Grand Opening

Join host Eva Longoria Parker to celebrate the Grand Opening of Beso restaurant and Eve nightclub at Crystals.  Advanced tickets are available for $125 and include hors d’oeuvres, an open bar from 8 p.m to 11 p.m. and a champagne toast as the clock strikes midnight.  For pricing, tickets and reservations, call (702) 227-EVE8 (3838) or e-mail reservations@evethenightclub.com.

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The Review-Journal on CityCenter Media Coverage

December 16, 2009 in Uncategorized by admin | No comments

“With all the images, stories, articles and blogs written and produced about CityCenter in the past several weeks, one would have to be a resident of Pluto — or at least be without an Internet connection — to not know that CityCenter, the largest privately financed development, was opening after five years of construction.”

-Howard Stutz

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Dave Kirvin gives great advice to Tiger Woods

December 11, 2009 in Uncategorized by admin | 1 comment

No question about it, Tiger has got himself into a particularly interesting public relations nightmare. But, the good news is people like our very own Dave Kirvin might just hold the key to re-establishing his public image. For those of you who haven’t already read it (and we apologize for not posting earlier, but we had some technical difficulties with our blog platform), check out Rick Reilly’s recent column on ESPN.com, chock-filled with PR tips from Dave Kirvin to Tiger Woods.

Tiger, if I were you, I’d listen!

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Congratulations Terri Maruca

December 9, 2009 in Uncategorized by admin | No comments

Terri Maruca featured in the December 2009 issue of VEGAS Magazine

Terri Maruca featured in the December 2009 issue of VEGAS Magazine

A big congratulations to our own Terri Maruca who was honored last night at VEGAS Magazine’s VEGAS Gives Event at the Palazzo!

Not only was Terri one of 12 Valley women who were singled out for their philanthropic ways, but she even won one of the raffle items!!

More importantly though, thanks to the support of many of her colleagues and friends, she was able to earn an additional $1,500 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas as the honoree with the most supporters in attendance.

 

See more of the VEGAS Magazine spread in the December 2009 issue, and below.

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Just another day at Kirvin Doak…

December 2, 2009 in Uncategorized by admin | No comments

There’s never a dull day here, but some days are, well, more interesting than others.
 
Like Tuesday.
 
Our company was literally spread out across the country Tuesday, helping make news coast-to-coast and beyond.
 

CityCenter

CityCenter

Starting here in Las Vegas, the first hotel of CityCenter, Vdara, opened with a press conference attended by more than 100 members of the media. And, even before opening its doors, the spectacular city-within-a-city has generated more than 300 million domestic media impressions over the last three months alone. Check out the piece from NBC Nightly News here. This comes on the heels of some amazing coverage for CityCenter, including USA Today and the Los Angeles Times. Next up for CityCenter, MGM Mirage’s incredible $8.5 billion resort, is the opening of Crystals (including the amazing new, two-story Tiffany & Co.) on Thursday, Mandarin Oriental on Friday and ARIA on Dec. 16. Trust us, you have to see CityCenter to believe it.
 
While that was happening, we were also in New York helping AEG and Paris Las Vegas announce Barry Manilow’s new show coming to Paris in March. Barry will take over the gorgeous theater at Paris with a show built around love songs.   ”I’m actually going to focus on the fact that we are in the most romantic world called Paris,” Barry told the Associated Press. ”Since I sing such romantic songs, I thought that would be a really good place to do something like this.” You can see him on the Today Show here and Access Hollywood here.
 
Meanwhile, back at  the ranch… and we mean Wayne Newton’s ranch, CBS Sunday Morning was in town for two days of taping with Mr. Las Vegas himself. It’s going to be the definitive Wayne Newton profile, and it airs later this fall. You can learn more about his new show, “Once Before I Go,”  at www.tropicanalv.com.

And as if that wasn’t enough for one day, we also spent the evening at Caesars Palace celebrating Cher’s 100th performance on The Colosseum stage.

Just another day at Kirvin Doak…

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Carlos Santana visits Three Square, and touches our hearts

November 13, 2009 in Uncategorized by admin | 3 comments

We do a lot of events in this agency. And that means that often times we get caught up in the hustle and bustle, moving rapidly from one thing to the next, without enough time to take it in or enjoy the fruits of our labor. And then, every once in a while we work an event that allows us to sit back and realize what we are here for. Yesterday was that kind of a day for us.

Carlos Santana signs t-shirts at Three Square Food Bank. Credit Erik Kabik/RETNA

Carlos Santana signs t-shirts at Three Square Food Bank

Carlos Santana (I think it’s safe to assume you’ve all heard of Carlos Santana)who plays about 36 times per year at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, took time out to visit with Three Square Food Bank and talk about his similar interests. Santana in engaging in a partnership with the food bank and World Hunger Year (WHY) to collect non-perishable foods and donations from the public at his November performances. But that’s not really why he was there. Instead, he was there to connect with a group of people that really cared about making a difference… about feeding the hungry… and about nourishing human souls.

Carlos has this way of speaking (he called it “intense” at the press event) that’s really hard to describe, but he pulls everything into perspective and can totally change your perspective. And after listening to him for about 10 minutes and discussing our media attendance with the folks at Three Square and WHY, we realized the power of awareness, the power of the media, and the hope that the hours we spent organizing this gathering would ultimately put food in the bellies of hungry kids. That’s a great day in PR.

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Terry Fator drops by the office for Halloween

November 2, 2009 in Uncategorized by admin | No comments

Terry Fator selects winners of KDC Costume Contest

Terry Fator selects winners of KDC Costume Contest

It would almost be understandable, as busy as we all are in these times, to allow a slightly frivolous tradition to slip. You get busy. There’s only so many hours. There’s always next year.

Which is what made Friday at KDC so great.

For the last several years, we’ve made Halloween our holiday. Each team decorates their part of the office, the costumes get broken out, someone famous stops by at lunch to judge our costume contest and our kids and those of our friends go office-to-office trick-or-treating.

We could have let all the things on our collective to-do list temper this year’s celebration. But no way. The costume contest was bigger – and more inspired – than ever. Our special Celebrity Guest Judge was Mirage headliner  Terry Fator, who took his role seriously and couldn’t have been nicer.

Debbi Medsker as Mrs. Potatohead took top honors, followed by Ashlee Miller as Winston the Puppet from Terry Fator’s show (taking “sucking up to the judge” to new heights) and Judy Chappell as a wicked pirate taking third. We also had an awesome Kenny Powers (Brad Seidel) a fashionista nun (Claudia Cogburn), some evil surgeons (Kala Peterson, Lindsay Rathjen and Melanie Shafer), “Blackmail” (a very clever Liz Lundstrom), Jamie Oliver The Naked Chef (Bonnie Smith) and two frat boys who used their costume as an excuse to have beer (Craig Nyman and Matt Guidish).

Young trick-or-treaters came by to make Mr. and Mrs. Pumpkinhead toys and put their hands in some brains and innards and eyeballs. And they made off with a lot of candy, too. Take a look at the photos. Yes, it actually was as much fun as it looks. And if you’re in the neighborhood next year, stop by. It will only be better.

To see more photos of our party, check out our Flickr album.

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