May 5, 2009
A Sure Bet
Paul Steelman, owner and CEO of Steelman Partners, one of the world's leading casino designers, has worked on more than 3,000 casino and entertainment-related projects in a career that spans 32 years. Having designed some of the most unique and successful properties in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and elsewhere in the United States, as well as Asia, Europe, and South America, Steelman works closely with casino developers and operators to create one-of-a-kind gaming and entertainment destinations.
Successful casinos, he says, have their own identity and sense of place-- their own character. What elements are kept in mind when creating casino resorts? "Movement, excitement, making the customer look and feel great, cost, convenience, comfort. Emotional touch points that include making the customer feel like James Bond," says Steelman. "Natural lighting, blurring the lines between the outside and interior, and golden intoxicating lighting are also important." He is not surprised that casino resorts are a popular meeting spot for business conferences. "It is only natural that a place with an entire tourist infrastructure is also well suited to accommodate business meetings of all sorts," says Steelman.
