Chester tapped the services of Lisa Meller of Papillon Entertainment Group for the launch party, which took place at Nu Sanctuary Lounge. Since the venue just opened in May, Meller made only small alterations to the space, bringing in signage bearing the Web site’s name and converting a raised dining area into a stage. Women armed with iPads circulated the lounge, encouraging guests to nominate potential candidates on 45Under45.com. Attendees nominated 76 candidates that evening.
Chester and Todd Simons, southwest director for Esquire, invited their influential contacts in Vegas and last year’s 45 Under 45 winners, knowing that these guests would most likely have potential nominee names at the ready. However, in keeping with the democratization of the nomination process, locals could also R.S.V.P. to the event via 45Under45.com or the organization’s Facebook page.
“We really wanted to open up the event and give the public a chance,” Chester said. “We didn’t want the regular guy who’s dedicated to what he does—the cop or fireman—to get overlooked.” Those regular guys can continue to submit their names for consideration on 45Under45.com until September 1, when voting begins. Winners are announced in November. Until then, two cocktail parties are scheduled to continue to draw participants to the new site. So far, it has garnered 120 nominees and more than 1,700 hits since its launch last month.
