Vegas Guest List
So, you're planning a trip to Vegas, and you want to go clubbing. If you landed on this page, you are likely interested in a Las Vegas pool party and a legendary Vegas nightclub and want to know about Las Vegas the guest list. You've come to the right place; we can definitely assist you. In my Ultimate Guide to Las Vegas Guest Lists, we review every detail you need to know.
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About Brian Pfeiffer & Surreal Nightlife
But before we begin, just so you know, I'm credible, my name is Brian Pfeiffer, and I own Surrealnightlife.com and several other websites. I have been in the industry for over 25 years. I started in Chicago and moved to Vegas in February 2013 to help open Hakkasan Nightclub. From there, I started as the promotions manager in charge of thirty guest list promoters at Hakkasan and Wet Republic. I know the system and all the tricks of the trade. These days, I focus more on Bottle Service and Las Vegas VIP packages; however, we have a connection for every guest list at every venue in the city.
How Does the Las Vegas Club Guest List Work?
Some people come to Las Vegas and fantasize that being on the guest list is for a VIP (Very Important Person). They assume that getting on a list might include free entry and potentially open bar, and in some cases, that might be true. But to truly understand how the club list system works, you need to know what's going on behind the scenes.
Over the years, we have focused more on bottle service and shied away from the list due in part to many disappointing situations and issues that customers encounter. When I was a promotions manager, I saw some of the tactics these clubs use to maximize their revenue, and it was frustrating. In this A to Z guide, I will show you the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to the list and let you decide if it's the right option for you.
By definition, the list is just that, a list of people who have been invited to the club by a Las Vegas promoter. Before we dig deep, I want to clarify six different ways you can get into one of these clubs. Paying a minimum spend to reserve real estate in the club includes VIP entry. Most people get on the list the weekend they're in town, or the day of the event they're trying to attend. You can get put on the list via a website like mine, or you get referred to a promoter or meet a promoter on The Strip. The list will either get you free entry into the club, a reduced cover, or, in some cases, for the ladies, some free drinks or a girl comp table. Some older clubs have to offer incentives to get people to attend.
Why Do Nightclubs and Pools Offer a Guest List?
Most of the clubs in Las Vegas are considered mega-clubs and require a lot of people to make them look busy. As I mentioned above, there are six ways to get into the club, and all the systems are a little different and designed to help get people in the door. The guest list is one of the primary ways to fill the room with mostly tourists from the Las Vega Strip. Each club has a team of promoters typically assigned to promote specific areas of The Strip. The entire focus of a promoter's job is to convince the potential customer to come to that nightclub, and in return, the promoter makes a small commission per person. Without a guest kist, most of the venues would seem quite empty. In many cases, the guest list can bring in 50% or more of the people.
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly on Vegas lists
The Guest List Good
The advantage of a guest list is that you can gain entry into the club for free or a reduced cover, and a handful of venues, like Marquee nightclub and Tao offer ladies free drinks for specific hours. There is nothing better than getting into a club without paying any cover. The early crowd is a great filler for the venue. There wouldn't be much of a party without the extra people, although the clubs will still make money off people spending dollars at the bar. In my Chicago days, the average spend per person was around $20. With the high drink prices in Las Vegas, it's closer to $40.
The Guest List Bad
The bad part about the guest list is the long waits. Nobody wants to pay the full cover charge, so it's relatively easy to get on a guest list which makes the demand incredibly high. When 1500 people try to enter through one entrance, you can expect quite a delay. The guest list wait times are no joke in Las Vegas. We have heard horror stories of 3-4 hour wait times, but I have never waited more than 15 minutes to get into any club. I cannot imagine what it must be like to wait in line for hours. That's a lot of valuable time wasted! Remember, big events with artists like Tiësto, Meek Mill, Calvin Harris, and The Chainsmokers are in high demand and have a huge following, so there may not be a Guest List on those massive artist nights.
The next option would be to buy tickets, and as you would expect on nights with high-demand artists, they sell a lot of tickets, and the line is incredibly long for those as well. The best thing to do would be to pay the extra money for expedited entry tickets or, even better, consider our VIP Entry or bottle service. In Vegas, it's a "you get what you pay for" scenario.
The Guest List Ugly
On some nights, the clubs want people from the guest list to help fill the venue, but on other nights when they sell enough tickets and have a high-demand artist, they only use the list to fill in the gaps in the room. Let me give you an example of how this works and how it used to bother me. Say you have a larger-than-life DJ like Calvin Harris or Drake, and the club decides to have a guest list for ladies for free and guys at a reduced cover. The promoters work their tail off all day, filling up the list with all kinds of people since just about everybody in town wants to check out Calvin Harris or Drake. On the night of, some 2,000 - 2500 people show up for the guest list, and now you have an enormous line that stretches for miles! Do you think all these people are going to get in? The answer is a big NO.
Let me explain the shenanigans taking place behind the scenes. The club probably has a capacity of 4000 people, they sold 2500 tickets, and about 1000 people will come in on the tables for bottle service. They have to save space for those 3500 people who already paid for tickets and have bottle service reservations. That only leaves room for about 500 people on the list to come in between 10 PM and 1 AM. Do you see the problem? The club only needed 500 people to hit their numbers, but now 2000 or 2500 people are standing in line thinking they are getting in for free or at a reduced cover. WAKE-UP CALL! The club will slow down the line and only let in about 500 to 700 people. So, all those people thinking they are getting a deal will wait multiple hours, and when 1 AM rolls around and the guest list ends, they'll start letting you in quicker for a high cover charge. CHA-CHING FOR THE CLUB!!
We call this "maximizing revenue" in the club business. You've already wasted 2-3 hours of your night standing in line, so you might as well just pay the damn cover and go in and have a drink. I know firsthand this is how it goes because I was a promotions manager, and I used to get paid on the numbers we would generate from the list. I distinctly remember getting chewed out for not hitting our numbers on many big DJ nights, and I wondered how it was possible we did not hit our numbers when the line was two miles long. This is how the ball bounces in Las Vegas on high-demand nights. For a better experience, I highly recommend you buy tickets, use expedited entry, a bar card, a party pass, or consider one of our services.
How Do I Get on the Guest List?
Getting on the list is extremely easy. All you have to do is click on the club you're interested in, submit their form, and it will automatically connect you to a promoter. One caveat we'd like to mention is that we are not compensated for connecting you to the promoter in no way, shape, or form. Whatever happens between you and the promoter, the nightclub, and the list, is not a reflection of my company; we are only doing this as a favor in appreciation for visiting our website.
What is the Las Vegas Party Pass?
When you purchase a Las Vegas Party Pass, you can party hop day or night at some of the hottest TAO Group Hospitality nightclubs and pool parties in the city such as guests get to party hop on the iconic Strip to nine of TAO Group Hospitality's world-famous venues like TAO Nightclub, Marquee Nightclub, Jewel Nightclub, Omnia Nightclub, Hakkasan Nightclub, Wet Republic Ultra-Pool, TAO Beach, Marquee Dayclub, and Liquid Pool Lounge where you will see world-class DJ’s and artists Sunday through Thursday an affordable price.
What is a Free Guest List?
The FREE Guest List is relatively simple. It doesn't cost any money to get put on the list. If someone charges you to get on the list, they are ripping you off. Charging for a free list will highly jeopardize a promoter's relationship with the venue, and in many cases, it is considered stealing.
Do not pay to get on any guest lists
Just because it's free to get on the list does not mean the club may not charge you at the door. That is an entirely different story, as mentioned above in the Good, Bad, and Ugly Section.
Does the Guest List Cost Money?
Again, it's free to get on the list, but if someone charges for submission, they are ripping you off, plain and simple!
What Time Should I Arrive at the Venue?
Every event is different based on the demand and the artist. Your professional promoter will know the answer to this question based on variable circumstances, but we recommend as early as possible!
What's the Difference Between Guest List and VIP Entry?
Getting on the list for no cover or a reduced cover will get you entry through the list line. As previously mentioned, that line could be extremely long and slow. VIP Entry is a paid service where you agree to a fee to get walked in, usually through the table area.
What's the Difference Between Guest List and Tickets?
Tickets are usually bought in advance and will take precedence over people on the listers. By law, the club has to leave room for all paying ticket holders if capacity becomes an issue. The clubs would much rather sell tickets and have that money in the bank before the event; therefore, ticket holders will take precedence over people on any list.
What's the Difference Between the Guest List and Expedited Entry?
At most clubs, there are two forms of expedited entry. For tickets purchased in advance via the ticket link, there is typically a separate line to bring expedited ticket holders in quickly. Also, several clubs offer an expedited general admission area for people willing to pay a premium to bypass the lines and get in quickly. There's usually a heavy surcharge to pay on the spot for expedited entry, but it beats waiting in a ridiculously long line. An example would be if the cover for males is $40, on-the-spot expedited entry would be $80.
How Do Promoters Get Paid?
Promoter pay is relatively straightforward; most get a low hourly rate or small salary. They also get a commission based on the number of people they bring in. Many of the clubs will pay more for women than for men, and some events, they will not pay for men at all. A typical promoter payout might be $5 per girl and $3 per guy. These payoffs can change based on the artist and the demand for the evening.
Stealing from a Promoter
Having worked as a promotion manager, I know all the tricks of the trade. I've seen it so many times where a group of guys are on the list, but they need an even ratio of ladies to men. To get in for free, reduced, or at all, some clubs, on some nights, require an even ratio. So, they play this trick where they troll the casino for women to bring back to the club. In other words, they use these women to get the benefits of the list. Unfortunately, guys, more than likely, those girls are already on some promoter's list. In other words, a promoter has already talked to them and worked hard to get them to come to the club, and by you trying to recruit them, you are taking money out of someone's pocket. Essentially, this is stealing from that promoter! If Las Vegas security catches you in a recruit pursuit in the casino, more than likely, they are going to kick you out, and you might not get the chance to go to that club. If you're a group of guys and the list is free or reduced with an even ratio, and you don't have any ladies, you must buy tickets. PLEASE, do not steal from a hard-working promoter.
Is there a Dress Code?
All pools and clubs have a dress code in Las Vegas. If you don't follow it, you will be turned away. You will then waste time returning to your room to change.
What about Holidays/Fight Weekends?
Holidays and fight weekends can be tricky, especially at the more popular EDM Clubs, Latin Nights, Roof Top Clubs, Night Pool Parties, and Hip-Hop Clubs. Many high-demand places eliminate the list, so you will have to buy tickets, get a table, or pay the crazy cover price via general admission. Even on big weekends, the mid-level clubs still need help filling the room, so usually, you can find some free lists at the deal clubs.
Where Do I Go to Get in the List Line?
Every club and pool has a different setup, but that setup will change depending on the artist on certain events. The best thing to do is look for signage, ask a security guard or your promoter, and they will tell you exactly where to go.
Pregaming and Respect
Keep in mind the employees at the clubs are working in a high-pressure environment, so being respectful is important. We have seen it on many occasions when people pregame in the room or come to a club after a long day at the pool intoxicated. The club reserves the right not to let anybody in who has been over-served, and trust us; they will not let you in. Like all clubs in Vegas, there is a security checkpoint, and you will have to empty your pockets and get scanned by a metal detector. Use common sense, and you will be fine.
Do I have to Be Good Looking for the Guest List?
There have been situations in Vegas that have made national headlines where promoters asked for pictures before putting guests on the list. After some legal issues and discrimination lawsuits, the clubs have loosened up the quality of crowd restrictions. Even though it's not advertised that you have to be good-looking to get on the Las Vegas Guest List, that does not mean there isn't still some funny business going on behind the scenes. Most of the promoters who work for these clubs know if they bring in bad quality people, they will not get paid for them, not to mention they will get yelled at and potentially fired if the quality of the crowd is not good.
If the quality of the crowd is less than desirable, the promoter has no incentive to put you on the list. At certain high-demand events, you will find clubs that are only interested in listing attractive women because they know they will sell enough tickets and table ervice to fill the club without any list. If you're in doubt, I would highly recommend buying tickets. By law, there's absolutely no way they can deny you a ticket.
Las Vegas Guest List Bachelor Packages
Sin City is one of the top destinations for a stag party or a bachelor party. At Surreal Nightlife, we can help you create unforgettable memories by bundling a Las Vegas nightclub, pool party, or Las Vegas strip club with extreme adventures, Top Golf, bottle service, limos, and more.
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Las Vegas Guest List Bachelorette Packages
Calling all the hen parties and budget bachelorette parties, at Surreal Nightlife, we specialize in Las Vegas Bachelorette parties. We can help you create memories of a lifetime by bundling a nightclub or pool party with a Drag brunch, spa, shopping, pool package, a male strip club, a Las Vegas male revue, all-you-can-drink and eat dinners, bottle service, a custom hummer limo and more.
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Brian Pfeiffer's Final Word on the Las Vegas Guest List
Hopefully, we have answered all your questions about the list. With over ten years in Vegas and running a promotional team of over 30 people at Hakkasan and Wet, I pretty much have seen and heard it all. The promoter putting you on the list works hard for a living, and it's not an easy job. I would encourage you to deliver on your promises. If you say you will be somewhere, then please show up. If you would like a quote for a package, VIP Entry, or Bottle Service, please fill out our form. Some clubs with big DJs will not have a list, and we strongly encourage getting tickets through us. There may be a long wait and capacity issues, we do not have control over these situations.
If you want an alternative to the pool parties, nightclubs, and strip clubs, we also have other extreme packages like skydiving, machine gun shooting, and supercar racing. We are experts at creating fun! Call us today and let us help you plan your entire Vegas visit. Consider hiring some Atmosphere models or Vegas girls to enhance your Vegas nightlife experience!
Some other options for entry to pools and clubs include the club crawl, cheap bottle packages, the guestlist with a Las Vegas Promoter, club tickets, or a bar card all are good options for one or two events.
Contact Information / Questions & Quotes
Contact your Surreal Host for all your Vegas Nightclub needs. You can reach me directly at 773-459-8133, and please subscribe to my YouTube. And CLICK HERE to check out all my social media channels period.
If you have a question after reading through this guide, feel free to hit up the Surreal Forum. I am an active daily user and will be happy to answer any questions. From my experience, if you have a question, likely other people will have the same question. I do appreciate your support in the Forum.
But the fastest way to get a quote is to click on the button below and fill out the form. We will need the number of people in your party, guys and ladies, as well as the dates you will be in Las Vegas. I have several packages if you'd like to bundle some limos, dinners, or shows along with your bottle service. I will get back to you ASAP!
About Brian Pfeiffer »Hopefully, you enjoyed my Ultimate Guide Las Vegas Bottle Service. Thank you for reading until the end, and I look forward to working with you.
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