Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009 | 11:55 a.m.
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Beyond the Sun
A Utah man and his wedding marketing business are being sued in a dispute involving a bridal trade show set for next month at the Rio hotel-casino in Las Vegas.
The North American Bridal Association Inc. of Las Vegas filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against James Butler and his company, Bridal Training and Marketing Systems LLC of Mapleton, Utah.
The Las Vegas lawsuit says the North American Bridal Association is hosting a show called "Las Vegas the Market" for the bridal, formal and prom industries. It's set to begin Sept. 8.
While Butler has participated in previous Las Vegas the Market events, he's not associated with the North American Bridal Association for this show, the association says.
Yet Butler has been promoting a competing seminar planned for Sept. 8 at the Rio using the bridal association's Las Vegas the Market trademark, the lawsuit alleges.
The bridal association accuses Butler of trademark infringement, false advertising and unfair competition.
A message for comment on the allegations was left for Butler.
Butler says on his Web site that Bridal Training and Marketing Systems was started in 2006 to assist bridal store owners in growing their businesses with sales and marketing strategies.
"Jim has become an expert in the bridal industry and currently speaks to groups of hundreds of bridal stores giving them training and coaching to improve their businesses. He has appeared several times as a panelist at the Las Vegas Market," the Web site says.
He's also scheduled to speak at the Las Vegas Convention Center at the Wedding Merchants Business Academy event Sept. 22-24.
Carnival lasts all year at the Rio. With a float occasionally passing overhead and dropping beads while feathered dancers fire up the gamblers below, the Rio tries to keep its 120,000-square foot casino jumping with excitement. Special Brazilian mixed-drinks are also served throughout the casino. The hotel suites tend to be larger than similar priced rooms on the Strip and many offer excellent views with floor to ceiling windows.
The Rio offers some quality shows like "Penn & Teller" and "Chippendales." Many come to the Rio for the nightlife at the VooDoo Lounge, located on the 51st floor, or McFadden's Irish Pub on the casino level.
Others come for a bit relaxation at the Rio Spa or pool area and still others come to shop at the hotel's 60,000 square feet of shops. In each of these endeavors, the Rio attempts to make the experience a bit more fun and spontaneous.
The Rio also offers guests a variety of dining choices from all-American food at the All-American Bar & Grille to Gaylord India Restaurant for something a little spicier and even Carnival World Buffet for the indecisive.
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