Aria Resort & Casino Will Add 200,000 Square Feet of Meeting Space
January 1, 2016
The Aria Resort & Casino has unveiled plans for a major expansion of its LEED Gold-certified convention center in Las Vegas.
The $154 million project will feature an additional 200,000 square feet of technologically advanced, flexible meeting space across four stories, highlighted by indoor/open-air spaces and a glass-enclosed venue with views of The Park and new Las Vegas Arena.
With the completion of the expansion, ARIA will feature more than 500,000 square feet of meeting space for its clientele.
Construction is scheduled to begin May 2016 with anticipated completion February 2018.
“Convention business at ARIA is booming, and demand is currently exceeding the space we have available,” said Bobby Baldwin, ARIA’s president & COO. “Hosting large meetings and conventions is a core part of our business; as our clients’ needs grow, we are committed to grow with them.”
ARIA’s new convention space will maintain MGM Resorts International’s commitment to build all new venues to LEED Gold standards or better.
“Our guests expect luxurious offerings and will be wowed by the new convention space,” said Tony Yousfi, ARIA’s vice president of sales, said.
He added, “With the addition of this elite 200,000-square-foot venue, ARIA exponentially increases the spectrum of events and services that can be hosted at our AAA Five Diamond resort.”
The first level will feature an open ballroom with ample pre-function spaces, and access to an exclusive loading dock for events that require sizable displays.
Versatile indoor-outdoor breakout rooms, which provide meetings flexibility to enjoy the Las Vegas weather while conducting business will highlight the second level.
The third level will offer a large ballroom, as well as naturally lit pre-function spaces connecting to ARIA’s existing convention center.
The facility’s top floor will complement a ballroom with an outdoor patio that can accommodate receptions for up to 2,000 guests. The top-floor patio will feature views overlooking The Park and Las Vegas Arena, both of which are slated to open in April 2016.
ARIA was named the top meeting resort in North America by Cvent; received the 2015 Gold Platter and Gold Key Awards from Meetings & Conventions magazine; and was named Smart Meetings’ Best Gaming/Casino Hotel in 2015.
The new convention space will take the place of the location currently occupied by Cirque du Soleil’s production of Zarkana, which will close April 30.
Partner Voices
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
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