Inaugural event attracts overwhelming, diverse crowd
Consuls General of Uzbekistan and Japan fly in day before; Seven honorary consuls take part.
8 December, 2009–/ The first annual Cocktails with the Consuls took place at the Parisian Palace in Las Vegas, to the acclaim of an at-capacity, unusual collection of guests.
At-capacity crowd of dignitaries converges on the Parisian Palace for Cocktails with the Consuls
Over 150 international business people, political candidates, personal and corporate security specialists, former CIA, FBI, State Department and Special Forces officers mixed with diplomats, entertainers, celebrities, corporate sponsors and local Las Vegas society, in a renaissance of international business and investment opportunity.
“It was a great function. Congratulations to the Las Vegas Consular community for this great evening. Ditto on the recognition of Nico, Jonathan and Paulina. Nico’s design skills are incredible. What a wonderful venue. I will see you all again soon. Thanks for the opportunity, I enjoyed it very much.” –Gary Furlong, Honorary Consul General of Uzbekistan
Included in the honored guests were:
- Ken Walther, decorated former CIA officer
- Gary Furlong, Honorary Consul General of Uzbekistan
- Kathleen Blakely, Honorary Consul General of Japan
- Paulina Biggs Sparkuhl, Honorary Consul of Chile and Member of the Board of Directors of the World Federation of Consuls
- Jerome Snyder, Honorary Consul of Great Britain
- John Petkus, Honorary Consul of Poland
- Dr. Aldo Aguirre, Honorary Vice-consul of Guatemala
- Dr. Geoffrey Vanderpal, Honorary Consul of Slovakia*
- Senator Roberto Benvenuti (Italy)
Marco Antonio Varela and Betsy Ann Fiore perform opera at Cocktails with the Consuls.
Guests were treated to a brief talk by Consul General Gary Furlong, who’s legendary and daring work in the former Soviet Union is chronicled in the book “Who the Hell is Bob” by Steve Rudman.
Following Gary our keynote speaker was Ken Walther, a decorated veteran of nearly three decades as a CIA officer. Ken’s work in 100 countries is chronicled in several books, and the unique secret technology department he helped develop is the subject of the book “Spycraft” by Robert Wallace.
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~ Slideshow ~
Order of Consular Emissaries 
December 12, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I think the first and foremost influence in what made this evening so special was the attention to all the details; forethought into what you felt would make your guests feel welcomed and special. The venue was a huge part of what set this event apart from others. The Palace Club’s ambiance was warm and welcoming with it’s fireplaces warming the cold evening air. Every room had a cozy and fascinating feel that was conducive to comfortable mingling with other guests. Also, this venue site was so very out of the norm of what many are exposed to which created a fantasy like experience. I think it helped make your guests feel very special. The appetizers were delicious, the bar area was cozy and comfortable, the cigars available to guests that wanted to enjoy them was a wonderful detail. The operatic performance was so very beautiful and a wonderful surprise. The invited guests were such a wonderful array of educated and worldly personalities making it fun and interesting to mingle from one person to the next. The invited key-note speakers were fascinating and informative. You could really tell that the people that were there, really wanted to be there. One man said to me “I’ve never been to anything like this. Isn’t it wonderful?” I agreed. I think that you get out of life what you put into it. A lot of thought, passion, and hard work was put into setting up this event and even though it was a bitterly chill night, I’m sure all the guests were very glad they decided to attend. I know I am glad I did!
I can’t personally think of anything else to have asked the speakers that was not already asked but I’m sure we could have all sat there for the rest of the evening enjoying listening to them.
I believe that anywhere you decide to have another event and create another fantasy like experience, put the attention to detail that you put into this one, will be just as or even more enjoyable and memorable as this first “Cocktails with the Consuls.”
If I were to select one venue (fantasy) site, I’d select (c) A private resort on a Greek Island. Greece has so much history and is such a beautiful and welcoming country. I can imagine those visiting for a few days would be able to venture out onto the island to explore the waterfront and the beauty of the island. The indigenous foods and libations would be a palatable experience in of itself.
Thank you again for a very enjoyable evening.
December 13, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Thank you so very much Jonathan for inviting me and then insisting that I come.
I was filled with anxiety before we arrived. I thought I would be out of place with all the high powered people. When we arrived I was very scared. The valet parking attendant didn’t turn his nose up at my little car. He treated me like a princess. I was swept into a fantasy world of kings and queens. I talked to some fascinating people who even thought that I was pretty special. I even made some new business contacts.
I was intrigued by the palace rooms. I kept wandering from the bowling lanes to the fireplace room and then to the room with the motorcycle. I even sat on on back
patio while the men smoked cigars and discussed trains.
My only regret is that I didn’t invite more of my friends to attend. Why go to the Greek Aisles, Jamaica or anywhere else when the Palace is such a perfect spot?
The people who I did invite were so thrilled to be there. (They think I’m really a big shot, now)
I have to keep up my new image so when’s the next party at the palace?
December 13, 2009 at 6:43 pm
In my opinion, the elements that set this event apart from so many others that routinely take place in an exciting city like Las Vegas were (i) the fact that so many interesting individuals from divergent backgrounds, yet with a common interest in international affairs, were in attendance and (ii) the amazingly luxurious and unique setting in which the event was held. I’ve lived in Las Vegas the majority of my life and attended countless social events during my career as an attorney here, and I can honestly say that this was the most unforgettable event of them all!
I would have liked to have learned more about possible opportunities for individuals here within the local community to become more involved with international relations on a personal level. For example, I was very interested to learn about the World Games taking place in Seattle in 2011 and am wondering if there is a group of Las Vegans interested in getting involved in some shape or fashion.
My vote is (c), most definitely. I think the allure of the Greek isles is unsurpassed. With the mythical background enveloping that entire region, the event would have a magical feel to it. Plus, the climate and natural beauty of the area would be a big draw and allow for many additional fun outings, should those traveling to the region so desire.
Regardless of where the next event is eventually held, I truly hope to be there!
December 15, 2009 at 12:36 pm
What a great evening and a great location. The guest speaker was very entertaing.
April 8, 2010 at 4:47 am
[…] Varela first introduced himself to the Order of Consular Emissaries at Cocktails with the Consuls at the Palace in December of 2009. During the event, Marco and his companion Betsy Ann Fiore swept the crowd […]
January 12, 2011 at 6:34 am
[…] Ann Fiore were introduced to Consul Warren in 2009 when they performed an impromptu opera number at Cocktails with the Consuls at the Palace, a holiday event produced by Mr. Warren for the Consular Chamber of Commerce. “Marco and […]
March 14, 2011 at 6:59 am
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April 22, 2011 at 7:39 am
[…] offered by Chez Paulina, and he has played host to our events including the tremendously successful Cocktails with the Consuls. His latest endeavor is sure to be a hit! Congratulations, […]