Even during a recession, hosting a meeting in Las Vegas rarely requires an apology.
That’s the consensus from industry leaders in the city.
“We’ve felt the impact that any meeting destination has felt, and we’ve also been addressing persistent rhetoric from Washington D.C. about where meetings should or shouldn’t be held,” said Chuck Bowling, executive vice president of sales and marketing at MGM Mirage, which owns multiple resorts on the Las Vegas Strip. “But in terms of productivity, face-to-face meetings deliver far better returns than phone calls or web conferences. Las Vegas offers a highly effective meeting experience.”
Bowling’s comments may surprise those who primarily associate Las Vegas with gaming and headline entertainment rather than business gatherings. Nevada’s 1931 legalization of gambling transformed a former Mormon fort into what became known as “Sin City,” and the tourism bureau still highlights nightlife and getaway experiences. Today, though, the 37 million annual visitors come for a wide mix of reasons—everything from a production of The Lion King at Mandalay Bay to major trade events like high-stakes poker tournaments on the famous Strip. Due to a quirk of local jurisdiction, much of the Strip itself is actually in an unincorporated area called Paradise, not the city of Las Vegas.
Las Vegas rents more convention space than any other U.S. city, and major trade shows such as the International Consumer Electronics Show— which drew about 110,000 attendees in January—regularly return. Approximately 5.8 million delegates, or roughly 12 percent of visitors, participate in meetings and conventions each year, according to Michael Goldsmith, director of convention sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority. Many business travelers arrive expecting entertainment options; that expectation helps them focus on work and networking during daytime hours.
“Many attractions are evening activities—fine dining, shopping or shows,” Goldsmith explained. “Attendees tend to spend more time on the trade show floor in Las Vegas because they know other experiences will be available after traditional business hours.”
One of the most anticipated developments in recent years is MGM Mirage’s CityCenter, a multibillion-dollar complex designed as a high-rise neighborhood rather than a single themed resort. Slated to open in December, CityCenter includes residential and hotel towers, retail space, and extensive meeting facilities. The Aria Resort within the complex will offer about 300,000 square feet of meeting space, with 36 meeting rooms and four ballrooms ranging from around 20,275 to 51,560 square feet.
Other new and refreshed properties continue to expand the city’s meeting inventory: the M Resort, Spa, and Casino offers roughly 60,000 square feet of meeting space; Hard Rock’s Paradise Tower is part of an expansion that adds substantial exhibition area; and Monte Carlo’s Hotel 32 provides an exclusive, high-touch experience for select guests, including private elevator access and personalized room amenities.
Las Vegas remains the center for major conventions, hosting many of the nation’s largest events across nearly 9.8 million square feet of convention space, according to Tradeshow Week. Yet its venue mix also supports smaller groups and intimate meetings. Even Mandalay Bay Convention Center—the city’s largest convention facility—handles a large volume of smaller events in addition to major shows.
“Our property is among the largest convention facilities in the U.S. We run meetings on a huge scale better than almost anyone,” Bowling said. “On average we host about 100 meetings a month, and roughly 80 percent of those use 150 rooms per night or fewer.”
Gaming remains a draw—about 85 percent of visitors in 2008 spent time at casino tables—but the city’s appeal now extends well beyond the casinos. Las Vegas’ dining scene has evolved dramatically since the era of all-you-can-eat buffets; chefs and restaurants have elevated the culinary landscape so that the city earned listings in international guides. Several restaurants double as event venues; others offer immersive experiences such as private cooking lessons for small groups.
Spa and wellness options have also become important incentives for meeting attendees and their companions. In 2008, about 35 percent of convention visitors traveled with spouses, family members, or friends. Luxurious individual treatments and unique spa environments—ranging from intimate single-customer services to themed relaxation spaces—add to the destination’s attractiveness for planners seeking memorable incentives and rewards.
“Pretty much anything you can imagine, Las Vegas can accommodate,” said Alicia Malone, public relations manager for leisure with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. That versatility underpins the city’s long-standing role as a top choice for meetings and conventions.
CONVENTION CENTERS
LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER
Managed by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Las Vegas Convention Center offers more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space and 114 meeting rooms seating from 20 to 2,500 guests. Its proximity to McCarran International Airport allows some airlines to accept baggage drop at the center up to 12 hours before a flight. 3150 Paradise Road, tel 702 892 9711
MANDALAY BAY CONVENTION CENTER
Opened in 2003, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center provides around 1 million square feet of exhibit space. It features a 100,000-square-foot pillarless “mega-ballroom” and breakout areas designed to accommodate dozens of simultaneous meetings. 3950 Las Vegas Blvd. S., tel 702 632 7777
SANDS EXPO AND CONVENTION CENTER
With approximately 2.25 million square feet, the Sands Expo and Convention Center offers more meeting space than several major U.S. cities combined. Adjacent to the Venetian Resort, the Sands regularly hosts a significant portion of the nation’s large trade shows and corporate events, with halls ranging from about 1,320 to 380,000 square feet. 201 Sands Ave., tel 702 733 5556
MEETING HOTELS
BELLAGIO
Steve Wynn’s Bellagio blends luxury design inspired by Italian villas with extensive meeting amenities. Its conference offerings include the 30,000-square-foot Tower Ballroom and the 45,500-square-foot Grand Ballroom, plus alternative event spaces such as Tuscany Kitchen and an art gallery suitable for smaller gatherings. 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., tel 702 693 7111
RIO HOTEL & CASINO
The Rio’s 2,500 all-suite guestrooms start at about 600 square feet each. Its 160,000-square-foot conference center includes dedicated parking and drop-off areas. As part of a larger meetings network, planners can coordinate activities across multiple properties for added flexibility. 3700 W. Flamingo Road, tel 866 746 7671
WYNN LAS VEGAS
A flagship among modern Las Vegas resorts, Wynn Las Vegas offers high-end amenities, an 18-hole golf course, and expansive meeting facilities. Its meeting space exceeds 223,000 square feet and includes 18 meeting rooms plus two large ballrooms ranging from roughly 25,000 to 50,000 square feet. 3131 Las Vegas Blvd. S., tel 702 770 7000