In college, Dustin Drai threw parties, but they weren’t your typical college parties. He would book talent, market the event and make sure everything went off without a hitch—basically the job he has today, but for fun.
Drai started his career at Drai’s in operations, learning the ins and outs of the business before moving to talent coordinator, then to director of marketing and finally, into his current role as VP of entertainment and marketing.
“Everything that comes with promoting and organizing a live concert, I have to do three to four times a weekend, back-to-back-to-back nights,” Drai said. “I am always on my phone, checking emails or trying to improve things for the venue and the club.”
Credited for “reinventing the Las Vegas residency” by Complex magazine, Drai brings some of hip-hop’s top performers, including Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz and Meek Mill, to Drai’s for repeat performances. And Drai has made the fan experience a top priority by ensuring that artists perform hourlong sets.
Drai has always had a love for the arts. He grew up acting in theater plays and is a huge movie buff. He makes it a point to get to the Smith Center each month to see a show.
In 2017, Drai, along with managing partner Brian Affronti, coordinated Drai’s first backpack drive, benefiting local elementary schools. From that initiative, Drai’s Cares was born. The company now hosts a full lineup of charitable initiatives, benefiting several local organizations including the Just One Project and Veterans Village.
“There are a lot of great causes around the world, but because Las Vegas has given so much to me and my family, it’s important to me to take care of my city,” Drai said.