What’s new in Las Vegas? Significant investment. Not just the cash exchanged at casino tables, but major physical development by resorts determined to attract more visitors. Nevada’s desert city welcomed a record 42 million visitors in 2015, surpassing the previous year, and more than 5 million attended conventions, meetings or events. DestinationMAP’s survey of major meeting and convention decision makers ranks Las Vegas as the top North American destination for large meetings (300+ attendees) and fourth for groups of all sizes. The study evaluated 40 North American destinations.
Resorts aren’t relying solely on gaming to draw planners. “Gaming is still important, but it’s an amenity like entertainment—for after events, after hours,” says Michael Dominguez, senior vice president of sales and chief digital officer at MGM Resorts International. “At MGM Resorts, 75 percent of our revenue is non-gaming.”
“Las Vegas is a master of reinvention,” adds Chris Meyer, vice president of global business sales at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “From resorts to entertainment, restaurants and attractions, there is something new to experience with every visit. Currently there is more than $7 billion in projects under construction or in the planning stages. No other destination is making this type of investment to stay fresh and cutting edge.”
One high-profile project is the 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena, a $375 million venue developed by MGM in partnership with AEG. Opened recently, the arena will host more than 100 events a year—from basketball and rodeo-style competitions to headline concerts.
Artist’s rendering of MGM’s Monte Carlo Theater © MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
Connecting T-Mobile Arena with the New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts is a new outdoor attraction by MGM called The Park. Inspired by iconic plazas and promenades around the world, The Park is a pedestrian mall lined with cafés, bistros, bars, live entertainment, sculptures, water features and casual seating—an evening destination designed for groups that move from air-conditioned meetings to outdoor social experiences.
“There’s an expectation for Las Vegas to change quickly and always be able to offer something new to our customers,” Dominguez explains. “We’re investing heavily in outdoor venues and activities. During the middle of the day, groups are in meetings, but they want to be outside in the evening.”
This emphasis on open-air attractions follows the LINQ Promenade, launched in 2014 between Caesars Entertainment’s Flamingo and the new LINQ Hotel Las Vegas. The $500 million shopping, dining and entertainment district features the High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel, alongside retail and dining options.
New outdoor venues aimed at small meetings and incentive groups include Topgolf Las Vegas, which offers more than 100 outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays, dining and entertainment areas, and roughly 3,000 square feet of meeting space. SPEEDVEGAS invites guests to drive muscle cars and exotics on a twisting, Formula 1-style track at a 100-acre motorsports complex that includes a 1,000-guest event center.
The outdoor trend traces back to the Fremont Street Experience, created in 1995. That five-block covered pedestrian plaza helped spark a downtown revival that now includes more than $1.55 billion in recent development. Notable additions include the $450 million Smith Center for the Performing Arts in 61-acre Symphony Park; 18b, the Las Vegas Arts District with galleries, bars, restaurants and shops; and Fremont East, a $350 million initiative drawing new businesses and residents.
“Downtown Las Vegas is particularly ideal for small to mid-sized gatherings,” says Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman. “Larger hotels like The Plaza Hotel & Casino, The D and the Golden Nugget offer substantial event space, while Downtown Grand provides a more intimate setting ideal for corporate meetings and weddings.”
Las Vegas’ convention and event footprint spans roughly 11 million square feet and continues to expand with a focus on sustainability. Mandalay Bay’s convention center now includes 2 million square feet and features the world’s largest convention center solar array. The ARIA Resort & Casino is expanding its LEED Gold-certified convention space to 500,000 square feet.
Caesars Palace marked its 50th anniversary with a $75 million renovation of its Roman Tower, and construction continues on Resorts World Las Vegas, a $4 billion complex that will include hotels, an arena, a casino and a convention center.
For planners and attendees alike, the growing variety of indoor and outdoor venues, expanded meeting space and large-scale investments make Las Vegas a continually evolving destination for groups. Successful events fuel word-of-mouth, and the city’s ongoing reinvention helps ensure that its appeal only grows stronger.