The time: 1:07 a.m. PT
The place: Omnia nightclub, Caesars Palace, Las Vegas
The date: Wednesday, March 9
The players: Chris Jobst, Business Development Manager and Nicole Phillips, VP – Account Management + Business Development
The why: Nightclub & Bar 2016
Calvin Harris is missing.
Yes, we are in the throes of the EDM nightlife faithful, waiting for the soon-to-be Mr. Taylor Swift to take to the booth and change our lives. It is late, especially for two Midwesterners running about two hours ahead on our physical clocks. It is crowded. It is insane. How did we get here? Why did we get here?
Nightclub & Bar is a trade show where beer and spirits brands put their best and newest cups forward (see what I did there?) to capture the attention of drinking establishments across the country. In addition, innovation such as automated shot makers, lit cash drawers, lighting and seating design, and confetti cannons create a party atmosphere unlike any other show. And then there’s the cover band that was playing the same four songs in the corner … we’ll skip that.
Of course, the show makes its home in Las Vegas, the world’s epicenter of nightlife fun (for most people). We recapped some trends of which to take note:
Retro Fun
Hard root beers have been on the market for some time, allowing for all kinds of nostalgic feels. Now more “hard” sodas (read: sodas with alcoholic content) are hitting store shelves, with flavors like cream, orange, lemon-lime and more. We also saw shots and drinks rimmed in popping candies and other treats, creating an entirely different experience. For a real throw-back, we could enjoy it all with a game of beer pong … but it’s a beer pong for a new era, which leads me to our next trend.
The Robots Are Coming
Picture a ping-pong table on which the cups automatically lower when you score, allowing you to drink a clean beer that’s conveniently in cupholders attached to the table. Oh no, fellow germaphobes – this isn’t a fantasy. It’s a real thing! But that’s not all – your friendly neighborhood bartender may soon be replaced with … a machine! Yes, there are all sorts of automated drink solutions in place to handle standard mixed drinks, specialty mixed drinks, shots … even jello shots! But not to worry – we are not living in the Matrix. (Or are we?)
Drink Your Dessert
Many people have an affinity for a little something sweet. And sweet drinks are nothing new on the bar scene. But now you can get your cake – or pie – and drink it too. Yes, there is a line of pie whiskey – apple, cherry and pecan, to be exact. And if you’re looking for something a little more solid, check out the boozy cupcake food truck. Choose from flavors like Chocolate Wasted, Appletini in Eden and No Limit Lemon Drop.
Baby You’re a Firework
Paris may be the City of Lights, but anyone who’s seen the Strip at night knows that Vegas would come in a close, yet not as meaningful, second. Everything has an unnatural fluorescent or neon glow – from the drinks to the trees to the seating. A night at the clubs is one big light show – enough to inspire your local club or even bar and grill.
Going Behind the Velvet Rope
Where better to see all these trends work together than famed Las Vegas clubs. With names I’ve only read in US Weekly (those Kardashians really get around), various night and day clubs lifted the curtain and let in the show attendees, demonstrating how all of these trends combine to create a moment that is shared on social channels and creates countless channels.
Calvin Harris Is In the Building?
All of which brings me back to our friend, Adam Richard Whiles, aka Calvin Harris, Scottish DJ, singer and songwriter. Boyfriend of Taylor Swift. Creator of such hits as “Let’s Go,” “Sweet Nothing” and “I Need Your Love.” Calvin may have found love in a hopeless place, but as of 1:35 a.m. on Wednesday, March 9, he had not yet found the booth at Omnia. Yes, we could distract ourselves with the dazzling light show – Omnia creates the atmosphere like no other, incorporating an amazing moving chandelier that syncs to the beat and LED walls around it.
Source: https://www.thrillist.com/venue/drink/las-vegas/bar/omnia-nightclub
We could focus upon the numerous “private” parties surrounding us, where brands have a banquette area, where servers clad in Calvin Harris-dress shine lights and sparklers throughout bottle service on bottles of vodka, whiskey and rum. We could bob our heads to the hard, hard beats (#BeatsSoHard) – with one song lasting approximately three hours.
We didn’t.
We saw all of our Nightclub & Bar findings come to life at Omnia. And that would have to be enough. Alas, Calvin was not meant for us that night. Our feet were throbbing, are heads were thumping and the beat carried us away … out of the Omnia realm and back into the casino to find our way to our temporary hotel homes. Lesson learned: Afternoon naps in Vegas are key if you want to see a DJ whose name you’ve actually heard of. Especially one whose girlfriend may show up, and that girlfriend is Taylor Swift.
I don’t know about you, but I was not feeling 22. My feet were especially not feeling 22. However, for one glowing, EDM-fueled moment, we were behind the rope, waiting for the It Guy to come out and make more magic than David Copperfield. Until we meet again, Calvin. Here’s a Pop Rocks-covered shot to you.
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