Las Vegas Leaders Gather for Inaugural 2016 Global Meetings Industry Day
April 15, 2016
Las Vegas top meetings and convention experts came together April 14 to celebrate the first Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) at the newly opened T-Mobile Arena.
The event marked the expansion of North American Meetings Industry Day, held earlier this year and was spearheaded by the Meetings Mean Business Coalition and Convention Industry Council.
It had special significance to Las Vegas, where meetings, conventions and tradeshows bring over $9.3 billion in economic impact and support more than 66,000 jobs. It’s also home to the largest 54 tradeshows in North America, as ranked by the 2015 TSNN Top 250 trade show list.
The meeting kicked off with a keynote address by Roger Dow, president and CEO of U.S. Travel Association, who praised the city for its continued success as a meetings destination and for its leaders’ commitment to promoting the value of face-to-face.
The panel discussion that followed was led by Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the LVCVA and featured Chuck Bowling, president and COO of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino; Chandra Allison, vice president of Sales, The Venetian and The Palazzo; Chris Flatt, executive vice president of Hotel Sales and Marketing, Wynn Resorts; and Michael Massari, senior vice president for National Meetings and Events, Caesars Entertainment.
Allison noted that Las Vegas has overcome the pushback as a business destination. She said, “Choosing Las Vegas is no longer an issue. It’s a serious place to come and do business. The statics shows that attendance (for meetings) is higher here.”
Bowling added that the demand is back to pre-recession days. “We’re redefined the peak season,” he said. “It used to be a January through May conversation and a couple of months in the fall. Now, it’s a year-round business for us. Some of our busiest meetings are in the summer.”
Bowling also commented that the fears of technology taking over in-person meetings proved unfounded. “Some of the biggest meetings we’re doing today are tech meetings,” he said. “Technology is the fastest growing market in America today. People have to get together and talk about the new products.”
When asked about the new metrics for tradeshows, Allison said that her customers are measuring ROI in learning and engagement. “How that trend is changing meeting design is fascinating,” she added. “We used to be about a general session. It’s about events where people can collaborate, engage and learn amongst themselves.”
Allison also noted the trends for customized food events and interactive experiences. “It’s customized events within an event,” she said.
Safety and security continues to remain top of mind for executives and planners and all participants expressed their commitment to ensuring that every aspect is covered. “All of us have to continuously reevaluate (security programs) to make sure we’re one of the safest places on Earth,” Flatt said.
HERE is a roundup of events that occurrred worldwide #GMID16.
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.
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