At least one guy still throws big parties Casino mogul Solomon Kerzner dropped a cool $20 million last week to celebrate the opening of his new Atlantis The Palm in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Celebrity planner Colin Cowie told WWD that the three-day event was the "biggest party" he'd ever put together. The marine-theme property was transformed into a fairy-tale setting with big pink dragons and jellyfish roaming among the 2,000 guests, who included actor Robert De Niro, singer Janet Jackson, and basketball superstar Michael Jordan. Celebrity chefs Nobu Matsuhisa, Michel Rostang and Giorgio Locatelli kept partygoers well fed ...

Pros promote penny-pinching parties Although the forecast for the corporate holiday event business is grim, independent event professionals are not giving up without a fight. Forty-five percent of respondents to an online poll from Special Events say they are promoting lower cost holiday events to clients and potential clients. A total of 18 percent say they are doing the standard promotion they do each year, while 14 percent say they are not doing any promotions to boost corporate holiday party business. Speaking of social ... If you create holiday parties for social/private clients, how does your business look for 2008? Please respond to the anonymous poll at the lower right side of our site--thank you! ...

MPI defends value of events In light of recent criticism of corporations receiving taxpayer bailouts while continuing to host incentives and other events, MPI president and CEO Bruce MacMillan has drafted an open letter articulating the value of meetings and events as valid business tools. MPI is encouraging event professionals to share the letter with the media, politicians and others who may not understand the value of events and meetings. To review the statement, click here.

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