Parties & receptions
After a full day of learning, the thousands gathered on Sunday night to kick off the conference with entertainment and drinks in the CORT Powered Attendee Lounge and surrounding area to network and celebrate a good day of learning. Delicious nibbles and great entertainment kept partygoers fueled.
The CORT Welcome Reception theme was Havana Nights
Mini Chicken Picadillo Taquitos were just one of the many delicious Cuban-style nibbles available to feast on during the event
Cort's Derek Argo chatted with colleagues
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The 5 @ Tao Monday night party
“Of all of the stations we have set up at Tao,” said chef David Rooney of Catering Creations, Omaha, NE, prior to the opening of the event, “I think we are most excited about the ‘Fun-Gi’ station.” And yes, it was spectacular, but we think most partygoers would be hard pressed to choose their personal favorite.
The path to catering enlightenment began with the Yin and Yang collaboration of producers Cade Nagy, owner, Catering by Design, Denver, CO and Jeff Snow, owner, Catering Creations, along with Dan Smith Chavira, Creative Director, Catering by Design, and MJ Potter, Director of Operations, Catering Creations. With a philosophy reflecting the five elements of nature, the teams filled each room at Tao Restaurant and Nightclub at the Venetian with new food and station concepts that dazzled the well over 1,600 people who attended this event.
At the entrance, guests were greeted with a choice of refreshing beverages; then could wind their way through various rooms, each with a different focus and end up on the rooftop of the nightclub to enjoy a spectacular view of the city.
From Earth to Buddha: Smoked Buffalo Bento | Stuffed carpaccio, farro, pickled black mustard seed, micro orchid, crystal fennel
From Fun-Gi, great signage for the Coconut Mushroom Kaffir Broth with Enoki and straw mushrooms
From Fun-Gi: Crispy Lamb Tongue Salad | Grilled oyster and king trumpet mushrooms, leeks, micro green salad, seeded brittle, creamy goat cheese dressing, yellow rosemary catsup
From Purple Pig: Crispy Pork Trio | Shoulder and belly, sweet chile aioli, smoked Tillamook cheddar grits, mustard greens
From The Fifth Element (savory): Zucchini Noodle Salad | Ahi tuna salad, orange sambol dressing and caper popcorn
From The Fifth Element (savory): Craft Corn | Vibrant popcorn in five ways
Shown: Peanut butter and jelly; Loaded popcorn; Pineapple habanero; Pepperoni pizza; New Orleans gumbo
From Rubber Ducky (savory): Lasagna | Layered pasta, duck sausage, roasted grape, soy
From Rubber Ducky (savory): Spaghetti-O’s | Basil duck meatball, pasta O’s, roasted tomato, crispy duck prosciutto
Well, that’s one way to sell lasagna successfully. Rubber Ducky, you’re the one…
From Beach Club Delivery Service (savory): Modern Day Cheese Ball Trio | Smoked curry cashew Cotija poblano cheese ball; Mascarpone and melon with crushed prosciutto; Huitlacoche-infused white cheddar rolled in cilantro crystals
From Beach Club Delivery Service (savory): Faux Sushi | Compressed watermelon, Nori sushi rice, water chestnut salad, Togarashi
From Beach Club Delivery Service (savory): Winter Squash Salad | Foie gras blue cheese, quenelle, apple nectar vinaigrette
Tiki Tao | Zyr Vodka, mango, coconut, pineapple
Rachanee Keovorabouth and Dee Haddad
The 5 @ Tao gets a Thumbs Up!
It was a beautiful evening outside on the rooftop, overlooking the city.
Inside, the party was hopping.
Good times, good friends
Interesting costumed characters kept the party lively
Executives at American Metalcraft greeted featured speakers David Beahm and Simon Majumdar
Thank you to the sponsors of The 5 @ Tao Monday night party
Accent Décor, American Metalcraft, Backdrops Beautiful, Cambro Manufacturing, Champagne Creative Group, Chef Rubber, EMI Yoshi, Finest Call Premium Cocktail Mixes, Fresh Origins, Laura Chenel’s Pure Goat Milk Cheese, Lucky Buddha Beer, Mayesh Wholesale Florists, Mercer Culinary, Nova Artist Group-PTE Productions, Sterno Products, The Original Butt Sketch, Tillamook Cheese, Tyson Food Service, US FOODS, Vita Craft Corporation, VerTerra, William Hill Winery, and Zyr Vodka
