HEC 84

Illuminating the Possibilities: Learning from
Las Vegas

HEC 84 turned its focus toward the most dynamic and exciting hospitality destination in the world: fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada. Full of innovation and bursting with entrepreneurial spirit, this sophisticated service economy holds lessons for anyone in the hospitality industry. Attendees familiar with the innermost workings of Vegas's top destinations shared their expertise with true Sin City flair—and, of course, a few tricks up their sleeves.

HEC 84 Board of Directors

 Kira Gailey '09
Managing director

Adam Dennett '11
Hotel operations director

Alison Harrigan '10
Program director

Cathy Popp '10
Procurement director

Erin Cade '09
Executive chef

Hilary Wattenberger '09
Food and beverage service director

Jessica Rubin '10
Communication consultant

Justin Gould '10
Information systems director

Katie Tomechko '11
Conference director

Kyi Gyaw '09
Design director

Michelle Hyjek '09
Business services director

Natalie Ho '09
Food and beverage director

Peter Bowen '09
Public relations director

Rachelle Borja '10
Human resources director

Willis Cheng '11
Guest services director

Zachary Ruben '11
Marketing director

The Program

Las Vegas: Past to Present

Speaker: Marc Falcone '95, Goldman Sachs

Gary Loveman: The Las Vegas Perspective

Speaker: Gary Loveman, CEO, president, chairman, Harrah's Entertainment

Isadore Sharp: Luxury in Las Vegas

Speaker: Isadore Sharp, founder, CEO, chairman, Four Seasons Hotel Company

Developing Las Vegas

Speaker: Bob Boughner, CEO and president, Echelon Place

Brad Stone: The Future of the Industry

Speaker: Brad Stone, president of global operations and construction, Las Vegas Sands Corp.

Only in Vegas: Operating a Mega Destination

Moderator: Mark Birtha '94, vice president of development, Marriott International

Speakers: Arthur Keith '84, president, general manager, The Stratosphere Hotel and Casino; Andrew Klebanow '91, principal, Gaming Market Advisors; Harry Kassap, vice president of marketing (emeritus), McCarran Airport; Sid Vaikunta '99, assistant general manager, Suncoast Hotel and Casino (formerly vice president of marketing and operations, Echelon Resorts)

The Las Vegas Restaurant World

Moderator: Professor Chekitan Dev, School of Hotel Administration

Speakers: Elizabeth Blau, founder and CEO, Blau and Associates; Todd English, executive chef and restauranteur; Damian Mogavero, CEO and founder, Avero LLC; Steven Schussler, CEO and founder, Schussler Creative; Jason Lapin '90, partner, Blau and Associates

Wynn Resorts: Back to Basics

Speaker: Tom Breitling, senior vice president, strategy and development

Deductive Wine Tasting Lesson

Speaker: Greg Harrington '92, owner, Gramercy Cellars