San Diego Queens of Nightlife: SIN, Gaslamp Event Management

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San Diego, we are in the midst of a nightlife boom. New clubs and revamped lounges open nightly, award-winning restaurants and posh hotels reinvent lifestyle monthly, and the nightlife status quo elevates annually.

These simple facts are by no means secrets - we all walked down the same red carpet to relish the grand openings and taste the new flavors of the town. However, what remains a mystery is: Who is behind the scenes making San Diego nightlife a success? Who plans the parties, develops downtown, promotes to the public, and mixes the mind-blowing cocktails?

While a notable group of men is undeniably responsible for much of the hype, San Diego nightlife just wouldn't survive without the Queens of Nightlife. From behind the scenes planning to behind the desk promoting and red carpet pursuing - San Diego's Queens of Nightlife are the fierce female force behind the nocturnal buzz.

Discover a San Diego Queen of Nightlife: SIN, of Gaslamp Event Management (GEM).

Q: How does it feel to be female in a stereotypically male-saturated industry?

A: It feels like I am a nun in a red light district. Being different sets one apart and being a female gives me a unique edge. At the same time, the nightlife industry in San Diego is very close knitted. Everyone is deeply passionate. None of us is in direct competition with one another. The boys in the industry are mates of mine and we are all dedicated to elevating the standards of nightlife in San Diego.

Q: As a woman, how do you make a name for yourself in the nightlife industry?

A: Having the name “SIN” does not help, as you can imagine. You make a name for yourself through diligence, a genuine desire to help the venues you represent succeed, and giving back to the community. A great deal of our organization's time and efforts are devoted to voluntary work to improving our neighborhood - the Gaslamp Quarter.

Q: How did you do it? How did GEM find success in San Diego?

A: We specialize in club grand openings and have remained the most sought after event planners of this nature because of the added value we bring to the venues. Besides a well orchestrated event, we are able to bring in press coverage, celebrities, TV personalities, concierges, hotels, corporate planners, and an A-list clientele that will sustain the growth of the venue long after opening night.

GEM INC. has been the leader in the event and nightlife industry because of the network we have established over the years. We have always been committed to building genuine and long-lasting relationships and partnerships with all the stakeholders, and respect for all. This includes the city, Gaslamp Quarter Association, convention center, associations, PD, Vice, the media, club owners, bartenders, servers, security, DJs, promoters, vendors, concierges, and bellmen. Respect begets respect.

Q: What are your top San Diego clients? What are your top San Diego events?

A: Our top corporate clients include major conventions such as ASR, Comic-Con, ESRI, and Neroscience and companies such as HID, Sector 9, Cox, NFL teams, Wells Fargo, US SEVENS, MTV, Midway, and Turner.

Our top San Diego Events include Mardi Gras Club VIP, New Year's Eve, Hard Rock Hotel parties, Hospitality Industry Appreciation, and club grand openings.

Our top San Diego venues include Basic, Belo, Candelas, Confidential, Ole Madrid, On Broadway, Onyx, Minus-One, Stingaree, Side Bar, The Keating Hotel, Thin, and Red Circle.

Q: In your opinion, who are the top female GMs, owners, promoters, DJs, and bartenders in San Diego?

A: Perri Spiller, Executive Director of GQA - Gaslamp Quarter Association, Tricia Tellier, GQA - Gaslamp Quarter Association, Sandra, GM, The Keating Hotel, DJ Miss Lisa, Laurel McFarlane, McFarlane Promotions, Lonnie, Bartender Hard Rock Hotel San Diego and Stingaree, Christal Clippinger, bartender + Venue Menu writer.

Q: What are the top clubs/lounges/bars in San Diego right now?

A: Gerber Bars, Minus-One, Red Circle, Confidential, Endev enterprise, and BASIC.

Q: What does San Diego have to look forward to in the end of 2007 and beginning of 2008?

A: MTV 1st Official San Diego New Year's Eve Bash, Red Circle has recently been remodeled and placed under the talented Phillip Drew and Paul Parente, the new Gerber Bars at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, Sweetwater Saloon/Moonstone Lounge, Maryjane, Bareback Grill, and Exy.

Q: What San Diego neighborhoods are the most up-and-coming?

A: Downtown San Diego's East Village is quaint and has a great deal of resemblance to the Meat Packing District. The Gaslamp Quarter also continues to flourish with so many new additions.

Q: What makes-or-breaks a new club/lounge/bar in San Diego? What are major nightlife faux pas?

A: Customer service, management, consistency, marketing plan, and the sound system.

Q: What is your favorite cocktail? What is your favorite fall/winter cocktail?

A: Wild Turkey & coke and Tanqueray & tonic are my cocktails; sparkling Shiraz and a classic Flat White, available only at Bondi, are great for the holidays.

Q: In your opinion, who are the Kings of Nightlife in San Diego?

A: Matty A, the Fortune Boys, and DJ HERE are well known in San Diego. On a lower profile, but very brilliant are DJ SEM, Nick Beat, Jalil, Dave Shapiro, Big Dude and Nicky Z from Kayella Entertainment.

Q: What is the future of San Diego nightlife? Do we have a chance to join the ranks of LA, NY, and Vegas?

A: San Diego IS on the map and gaining more significance as a party city every day. I do not want to liken our city to others because what we have is so unique; from world class venues in the historic Gaslamp Quarter to laid back bars in Pacific Beach and Del Mar. San Diego has emerged in its own right and has a great deal of talent, sexiness, and glamour minus the attitude to rival LA, NY, and Miami as a destination hot spot.