I laugh each time someone asks me how the recent FTC announcement on fining bloggers effects me. Every time I say the same thing. It won’t change my world one bit because I’ve always made sure to disclose anything like this because plain and simple it is the right thing to do and the ethical path to follow.

This past week I was in Las Vegas for Blogworld Expo and had two fun nights out on someone’s dime besides my own. FTC or not, I’d still write this post the same way and share the same information.

On Thursday I got the chance to check out Cirque Du Soleil’s KA. Being a smart organization with the very smart Jessica Berlin heading up their social media efforts they put the offer out several weeks in advance to all attendees of Blogworld that they’d try to give out as many free passes as possible to people who might want to see the show. How could I pass up an offer like that?

I had a great time at the show. The scale of the massive moving stage was beyond impressive. We went to a 9:30 pm show which translated to 12:30 am for me, so the middle of the show when it gets rather mellow and romantic almost lost me. I hate to admit that my head bobbed a couple of times.

But, the battle scenes and the wire work easily made up for the slow middle. I actually felt like the end came on a little too quick as I was getting into it and was hoping for even more of “the war” part of the story. With no dialogue it forces you to pay attention while your jaw hangs open at the amazing things the performers are doing. Last year I bought tickets to see Love and comparing the two I have to say I liked Love better, but then again I’m a music junkie so that makes sense.

On Saturday after the conference was over I was invited to a dinner hosted by Joseph Morin and Taste MGM Grand at Shibuya. I am not a guy to pass up a free dinner and even though Japanese would not be the first choice for me personally I went in with an open mind.

They had a tasting menu for us and the staff really made sure to fully explain each and every item we were enjoying. My personal favorite was the  Lobster and Scallops in Uni Butter followed closely by the Kobe Beef Short Ribs. I asked if I could get the seafood recipe because I’d love to try making it at home. We also enjoyed some Kikuhime Junmai Daiginjo Saki which was simply amazing. The only reason I can even know how to spell that is because they gave us a business card for the restaurant with all the information printed on it. Smart move! The picture above was taken by Steve Hall capturing us in our afterglow. *laugh*

Both nights were great times with good people, which at the end of the day is really what made both of them so cool. Yes, being given tickets or food that I didn’t have to pay for is nice, but not required. I had equally good dinners, lunches and hang outs with friends that did require my dollars and they were great as well.

I hope that brands of all sizes realize that simple things like this can go a long way. Just make sure that when you encourage attendees to share their experiences that you also stress that they fully disclose the arrangements of the event. It goes a long way in all directions and is more important then ever.

My full wrap up of Blogworld Expo when I get a chance to finish wrapping my head around my thoughts.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: http://cmp.ly/2