Las Vegas CVA 2016 Executive Summary Boasts Upticks in Visitation and Convention Attendance
February 9, 2017
Last year was a good one for Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority’s recently released 2016 Executive Summary.
Driven by strong demand in both the leisure and convention segments, the city experienced another record-breaking year for convention attendance and visitation.
For the third year in a row, Las Vegas broke its visitation record, welcoming 42.9 million people to the destination, a 1.5% increase compared with 2015, while nearly 22,000 meetings attracted more than 6.3 million attendees to the city, a 7.1 percent increase compared to the year before.
In addition, citywide hotel occupancy climbed to 89 percent, an increase of 1.4 percent compared with 2015.
Continued strength among large tradeshows and notable increases in small to medium-sized conventions largely contributed to the sizable boost in event participation, with 2017 on track to be another strong year for trade shows and tourism, according to Chris Meyer, LVCVA vice president of global business sales.
“Las Vegas is already demonstrating strength in the 2017 convention calendar year with the inclusion of large-scale shows like AHR Expo and CONEXPO-CON/AGG, which did not take place in the destination in 2016,” Meyer said.
He continued, “We anticipate steady growth in visitation and that’s because Las Vegas is not a destination that rests on its laurels. Our industry and resort partners are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our visitors and deliver on the business experience that is synonymous with our city’s reputation.”
Last year also showed Las Vegas making great strides to maintain its more than two-decade-long reign as North America’s No. 1 trade show destination, most notably with the passage of Nevada legislation that paves the way for development of the Las Vegas Convention Center District (LVCCD).
The massive revamp and redesign project will add 600,000 square feet of exhibit space, new meeting rooms and other amenities, as well as the renovation of the entire LVCC property.
In January, the LVCVA celebrated the completion of phase one of the LVCCD campus with the unveiling of the Diamond Lot, a new 26-acre parking and outdoor exhibition space.
“In recent years, our trade show customers have expressed a need for growth, evolution and innovation at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and our destination has taken aggressive action to accommodate those interests,” Meyer said.
He continued, “The decision to move forward with the LVCCD demonstrated a great deal of community support and forward-thinking leadership in recognizing the far-reaching impact this project has on the future of Southern Nevada’s economy. The LVCCD truly represents more than just a project to benefit the convention center, it’s an investment for the entire industry and our destination.”
The destination wasn’t alone in enjoying a strong 2016. Many large trade shows that call Las Vegas home boasted record-breaking attendance last year, including CES, InfoComm International, ISC West, SuperZoo, World of Concrete and RECon.
Read the full LVCVA 2016 Executive Summary here.
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
Add new comment