Entertainment: It's All About the Play

Over the years, Las Vegas has morphed from being primarily a gambling destination to a venue for world-class stage productions and entertainment acts of all kinds. As a result, tradeshow managers and exhibitors have had their pick of performers to wow the crowds on the showfloor.

From contortionists twisted into inconceivable poses to acrobatic wonders flying into the air to the one and only Elvis, Sin City offers it all.

Senior Editor Rachel Wimberly spoke with a handful of entertainers who make the Las Vegas experience all that more magical for tradeshow organizers and exhibitors looking for something different.

As a kid, life was uncertain for Greg Miller. He grew up with a Navy dad who moved around a lot. But there was at least one thing he knew for sure even by the tender age of 5: He was a true blue Elvis Presley fan.

Miller grew up playing in bands and sometimes singing Elvis covers. Fans started to comment on how much he sounded like the King of Rock 'n' Roll — and looked like him too. Miller took it as a compliment, but didn't give up his day job in construction, eventually moving to Las Vegas with his company in 1990. By that time, Elvis impersonators had evolved. Miller said he was impressed with how good they were and decided to give it a try himself.

In 1992, he auditioned for the Legends in Concert stage production and scored the role of Elvis. It was fun, Miller said, but then he was approached by an agency and asked if he would consider performing for corporate events. The rest is history. Miller has done more tradeshows and events than he can remember, as well as travel the world on behalf of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority as a representative of the city.

For more information: www.elvisinvegas.net

Thirty-three years of martial arts and yoga gave Kelvin Gordon the kind of flexibility most people couldn't begin to fathom, and a career as a contortionist was born.

In 1990, Gordon moved to Las Vegas. Eventually, someone spotted his act and asked if he would be interested in performing at tradeshows and corporate events. One of the first shows he remembers working was Interop Las Vegas. He said he has done at least 30 more since then, including Intl. CES. Both show managers and exhibitors hire him to perform, Gordon added. When they see him twisted into mind-boggling positions, he said, "People freak out totally. How does this 6-foot guy fit into that box?"

For more information: www.lasvegascontortionist.com

Towering high above the crowds in colorful costumes, gliding gracefully across the showfloor, Stiltwerks performers are a popular choice for show managers and exhibitors looking to make a splash, according to Paul Ortiz, owner of ESI Las Vegas, which provides the service to shows. During a mega-show, such as Intl. CES, Ortiz said, "We see a windfall." Clients will call him with their own ideas and, he added, performers are custom-picked whether it be an all-American, Mardi Gras or tropical theme. Stiltwerks, a product developed by his partner Jeffrey Jay, is unique because it mimics the human legs, Ortiz said.

For more information: www.esilasvegas.com

Heather Holton, owner of Shoe Shine Dolls, called it a "light bulb moment" when she realized what her path to success was going to be. She was working at the shoeshine stand in Nordstrom's Las Vegas store when she noticed a lot of tradeshow and convention attendees stopping by. So, instead of having them come to her, she put together a portable stand and offered her services to the shows coming to town. "One of the first shows I worked was a computer show, and there were a truckload of businessmen," Holton said. "I was swamped all day." Even though it's hard work shining shoes all day, Holton said she enjoys her job. "I'm very good at what I do," she added.

For more information: www.shoeshinedolls.com

Sergei Sandou and his two brothers spent 25 years performing an acrobatic routine in a Moscow circus before they decided to roll the dice on Las Vegas in 1995. Eight years and many performances later, the brothers decided to try their luck again and opened their own company, Sandou Productions, which supplies entertainers, as well as the Sandou Theatrical Circus Studio and School. The production company has hundreds of acrobats who can soar above booths, clowns who play with the crowds and mimes who charm people without saying a single word with their antics, all available for tradeshows.

"When (show managers or exhibitors) hire the performers, especially in Las Vegas, ... it brings them attention," Sandou said.

For more information: www.sandouproductions.com