In August 2017, Oslo’s nightlife was put on the international map when String Showbar received the prestigious award for “Best International Club of The Year” in Las Vegas. This victory was not only a recognition of our dedication but also proof that hard work, innovation, and an uncompromising commitment to quality can bring a small gentlemen’s club from Oslo to the top of the global entertainment industry.
Every year, ED Publications, a recognized authority in the industry, brings together strip clubs from all over the USA and internationally for an annual convention and awards ceremony. Awards are given out in a variety of categories, including “Best Club of the Year,” “Best Manager,” and, of course, “Best International Club of the Year.” When the award was announced, it was a surreal experience to hear the name String Showbar among giants like Spearmint Rhino in Birmingham and the Hustler Club in Las Vegas. This victory was a symbol that our vision of creating the best experience for our guests and entertainers has a resonance far beyond Norway’s borders.
The Journey to Las Vegas: From Inspiration to International Victory
Our journey towards this recognition began two years earlier when we visited the same convention for the first time. In 2015, it was held in New Orleans, a city full of life and energy. Being at the convention was an enormous experience, full of energy and new ideas. We came into contact with a number of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovative thinkers who challenged our perception of what a strip club could be.
We returned home to Oslo with our heads full of inspiration. Over the next two years, we worked methodically to implement these ideas to elevate the experience at String Showbar. We focused on all aspects of our operation—from improving our service and customer communication to upgrading the club’s facilities and atmosphere. We understood that to stand out in Oslo’s bustling nightlife, we had to offer something more. It wasn’t just about entertainment but about creating a luxurious and memorable experience that exceeded our customers’ expectations. Our commitment to premium beverages, a relaxed atmosphere, and a dedicated, professional staff was key.
When the nominations for the 2017 awards came out, we were immensely proud to see our name on the list. Our victory was a direct result of our success in attracting and retaining both loyal customers and talented entertainers who saw the value in what we were building. Their votes were the greatest recognition we could receive.
The Convention: A Deep Dive into Las Vegas’ Nightlife
To receive the award, I (Magnus S. Morland) and Remi Slåttnes traveled to Las Vegas and participated in the three-day convention held at the iconic Hard Rock Hotel. Just being in Las Vegas is a powerful experience, but the convention took it to a whole other level.
The convention served as a hub for the industry’s most influential players. We attended seminars on everything from new technology and marketing to legal issues and the art of running a profitable business. We gained insight into the latest trends and learned from the best in the field. It was a unique opportunity to see how the biggest and most successful clubs in the USA operate and how they constantly work to improve their guest experience.
One of the most exciting trends we observed was the concept of Feature Dancers. These are entertainers who have elevated their shows to an exceptionally high entertainment level. They travel around the USA and are booked as the main attraction at clubs. For those of our customers who have followed us for a long time, you may remember when in 2010 we had Dakota Sky as a “feature dancer” at String Showbar. She brought with her a fresh, American showmanship and an incredibly cool and humorous show that was something completely different from what was common in Norway at the time. Back then, the concept was new to us, but now we see how popular it is internationally. This is a trend we are considering reintroducing for our customers, to give them a taste of the most advanced shows from the international scene.
Bikini Contest and the Big Award
The final day of the convention culminated in an exciting Bikini Contest at the Hard Rock Hotel’s pool. The entire area was reserved for the event, and a large group of entertainers lined up to compete for a first prize of $5,000. It was a lively and energetic end to an incredible week.
Winning the “International Club of The Year” award was a fantastic moment that we will never forget. It was a powerful confirmation that our efforts, our commitment to quality, and our constant striving for improvement are being noticed. This award means that we have succeeded in establishing a reputation that extends far beyond our local competitors and places us among the best in the world.
For our loyal customers and entertainers who voted for us, this was their victory as much as ours. We did it thanks to you. We are deeply grateful for the trust and loyalty you have shown us. Who would have thought that a small strip club from Oslo would make its mark internationally in this way?
For those of you who visit us, you can see the award displayed in the club, as a reminder of what we have achieved together. String Showbar will definitely continue to be represented at this convention in the future, and we will continue to work to ensure that the experience with us is the best in Oslo’s nightlife.
We are committed to building on this success and continuing our journey to be the leading destination for entertainment in Europe. Also read our article Behind the Scenes in the Entertainment Industry: Our Lessons from the ED Expo & ED “Honors” in Las Vegas
Magnus S. Morland, Owner, String Showbar