Embarq launched tonight in Las Vegas with a big marketing show at the Orleans Arena. The show featured lots of demonstrations and plenty of information about products for sale.

Things I learned:

• 100 years of experience;
• Partnerships with Cisco and Nortel;
• Unique Wi-Fi networking offering seamless transition from wireless to wired networks;
• Las Vegas represents largest market;
• Irreverent commercials featuring a singing trio.

Keynote speaker Irwin "Magic" Johnson offered insight into his business philosophy and his success. He explained what happened with Shaq and Kobie and provided Embarq with an assist to launch its new business.

However, after all the excitement, hype and explanation of the new business, a businesswoman leaving the party summed up a lot of the confusion following the event: "I still don't understand why it's Embarq. Did they sell the company? Why isn't it still Sprint?"

That's the difference between marketing and public relations. PR professionals work to explain the message, while marketers strive to sell the new product. A lot of folks leaving tonight could have used a little PR mixed in with the marketing.

And yes, Embarq is the new name for Sprint's local phone service.