Las Vegas Convention Center Focal Point of $2.5 Billion Development Project

February 25, 2013

Major improvements are in the works for the Las Vegas Convention Center, some starting in the next few months. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors unanimously approved the first phase for the $2.5 billion development of the Las Vegas Global Business District that will include an improved campus of the Las Vegas Convention Center, a  World Trade Center building and a multimodal transportation hub.

“We’ve been the No. 1 trade show destination for the past 18 years and intent to stay that way, but we need to move forward to do that,” said LVCVA President and CEO Rossi Ralenkotter.

He added, “A lot has changed for Las Vegas, and we need to make some bold moves. It’s not just about the destination. It’s about the customer experience.”

During the first phase of this eight- to 10-year project, LVCVA plans to enter into the RFQ process for the Las Vegas Business District, as well as to work on improvements to the existing space at the LVCC, finalize the budget and look into potential land acquisitions.

For the 54-year-old Las Vegas Convention Center, the first phase includes renovating meeting space, technology upgrades, general session and press facilities and new food and beverage points of sale.

To accommodate collocating shows, it is proposed to create a new public entrance from Joe Brown Drive. A little further down the line, are additional exhibit space, a grand concourse that connects all three buildings and new architectural elements that would bring the iconic Vegas feel to the convention center campus.

In 2011, LVCC received an official World Trade Center site designation through an agreement with the Consumer Electronics Association.

The second phase of LVCVA’s project calls for leveraging this designation to build a dedicated World Trade Center facility that would serve as a base of operations for Fortune 500 companies that already participate in such trade centers around the world, as well as attract other global businesses.

The third key element is the creation of a centralized transportation hub that would improve passenger flow among the resorts, effectively connecting LVCC to trade show and convention facilities at the Sands Expo & Convention Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

LVCVA is working with local transportation stakeholders, including the Monorail, Regional Transportation Commission, taxi companies’ representatives and others to come up with a long-term strategy.

The LVCVA plans to issue up to $150 million of commercial paper to fund phase-one elements.

Las Vegas currently features more than 10.6 million square feet of exhibit and convention space, with the Las Vegas Convention Center offering about 2.2 million. Las Vegas is projected to welcome 40-plus million visitors in 2013.

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Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact