Expert: Richard Reed - 6/11/2003

Question
Hello Richard. I am a fellow "expert" (education) and now I need help myself. My question is right up your alley! Please don't be annoyed, but I actually have a couple different but related questions.

First, when I clicked on your city I didn't know you'd pop up. I wanted to find the names of any magazines in your area that are geared towards high-end homeowners. I am interested in finding publications that would have articles about topics such as lifestyle, design, entertaining, travel, and ideas related to the home and garden. Also, can you provide the name of a writer at the main newspaper that specializes in articles related to gardening and outdoor entertaining?

Here's my story and it's a good one.

Although I am a nationally certified educator by day, I am also a designer and manufacturer of architectural-grade stainless steel planters, firepits, beverage servers and UL-approved outdoor lighting. These pieces are enormous and elegant. From my humble little plant in Illinois I've managed to get some good initial coverage. Just this month editors from Interior Design Magazine featured one of my pieces in its Spring Market Guide. Also in May editors form Better Homes and Gardens used the entire collection in a project that is in one of their special publications on Patios and Decks. Garden Design is using my firepit in its September issue. Now I need to keep the momentum going by connecting with other publications in areas in which people appreciate and can afford absolutely superior products like those I make. My budget for this is of course is between $5 and $10 bucks! I need free coverage, for example new product feature, feature article etc.

Also, how in the heck to I find people responsible for decorating and redecorating all the casinos and hotels in your city! What top firms/people I should contact out there?


Thanks for all your help. I truly appreciate your time and willingness to share your expertise.

Answer
First off, I think you should contact the Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas for many reasons... they can help you with publications and contact info and your high end builders.

Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce
3720 Howard Hughes Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89109-0320
e-mail address: info@lvchamber.com
Phone (702) 735-1616
Fax (702) 735-2011

With regards to casinos.... good luck.  As you can imagine every manufacture in the world tries to get the casinos to buy their products.  In many cases the casinos are almost given the products so the manufacturer can use it as a showcase.  You would have to contact each major casino and see what development program they were scheduling and if your products fit their needs.  

With regards to free advertising, we cannot help you because our web site deals with Las Vegas info, not building or product features.  

Best of Luck!

Respectfully,

Richard Reed
www.insidervlv.com
vegas@insidervlv.com