My day in Las Vegas
June 26, 2007 | by brett | Permalink
So I know that the golden rule is “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” But I’m here to spill the beans.
Yesterday I woke up at 5am to go to Las Vegas, NV to attend the 2007 SHRM Conference to make a few connections with some of the fifteen thousand attendees. All I knew is that my flight was at 7:15, and that a limo was to pick me up. I had no idea where I was going to stay, who I was going to meet, and what was going to come out of this adventure.
A perfect Vegas trip.
Upon arrival, there was a limo driver holding a sign that said “Farmiloe.” Pretty sweet. We rode over the conference where my exhausting and adventurous day began.
I made my home base at in Jobing.com’s “territory,” which is my synonym for extremely badass booth. They had a double decker structure that looked over the entire landscape of the conference, about 50 Jobing employees representing their respective cities, and enough popcorn and cookies to go around.
I met everyone at Jobing.com, which was awesome because they are really jazzed about our project, and are willing to help out in any way they can.
I then walked about a marathon to cover the conference floor in a matter of 4 hours. I met Lance Armstrong’s people. I chatted with Disneyland’s employees. I met Elvis. Bob’s fruit guy. Tons of passionate entrepreneurs, and found great leads to help with the success of the Pursue the Passion tour.
In all, I collected enough business cards to fill a shoe box. And I left with a kazoo.
After the conference ended, with my legs burning, it was time to go to Jobing’s party at the Palms to meet more people. Apparently, Jobing knows how to show its clients a good time.
They rented out every suite at the Palms, and transformed the rooms so they would fit into their local employer, local jobs mission. So in the Real World suite (where MTV shot one of their seasons), you had Arizona. In the Hardwood suite (where there is a basketball court in the suite) you had Las Vegas. In the suite with the waterfall that seemingly fell off the edge and into the strip’s skyline, you had Los Angeles. It was awesome.
I made my way around the parties, shook hands like it was my job, and networked. I had a blast, but was exhausted at the end of the day. I still had no place to crash.
That’s when Jobing saved the day. They pulled me aside and gave me a room key. I went upstairs and found that the room I was staying in had seven flat screen TV’s, four bathrooms, two huge showers, and bird’s eye views of Vegas. I had a suite all to myself after not knowing where I would crash to start out the day.
Just shows what can happen if you take a risk and pursue your passion. I had no idea what would come out of a last second decision, and a lot of positive things happened as a result of that risk taking. Video of the adventure to come.
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THERE ARE 9 RESPONSES TO THIS INTERVIEW
Tiara Says:
June 26th, 2007
I love the kazoo. XD
You never know where a risk takes you. I’ve taken many risks and most have paid off. I’m going to take another risk right this minute…wish me luck!
brett Says:
June 27th, 2007
I wish you luck Tiara. And I am fully enjoying the kazoo.
brett Says:
June 27th, 2007
And on as a side note about the kazoo, I saw so many different things companies were doing to attract attention to their booth. Everything from Elvis to craps tables to Dominque Wilkins to a kazoo.
But nothing, absolutely nothing beats a free bottle of water giveaway. After walking around for two hours or so, the booth that gives away water will be the most popular booth in the place.
Free giveaways…
Danielle Says:
June 27th, 2007
Never turn down a free thing, I say! Also, one of the best ways to attract college kids to your events.
Glad Vegas was a blast!
Kelly G Says:
June 27th, 2007
Maybe with the kazoo you can join “Class Project” on some of their gigs!!
Steve Says:
June 27th, 2007
Seven flat screen TV’s? Let’s see, there are 2 ESPN channels, 2 Fox Sports, and probably a local sports station. That leaves 2 extra TV’s for what? Maybe the Weather Channel because you are about ready to start your Tour. Then again, it sounds like you are already on a roll. Keep going. Enjoy the journey.
Carrie Walker Says:
June 27th, 2007
I’m mad that you failed to mention the overly intelligent blonde that you ran into that worked for Jobing. I see how you are. 
Have a great journey and GO JOBING!!
Nikole Gipps Says:
June 29th, 2007
I hope you’re happily blowing through that box of cards I sent you. You only have to shake 500 hands to get rid of all of them …
brett Says:
June 29th, 2007
I passed out 42…and didn’t receive too many emails as a result. Luckily I am an expert pesterer and have followed up with each one of those 42, which makes it all worth the while.
Plus, those business cards are sharp. Definitely adds credibility to what we are doing!
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