Mandalay Bay Convention Center and UBM Join Forces to Develop Sustainable, Energy Efficient Lighting

February 19, 2018

Global business-to-business events organizer, UBM, and its UBM Fashion Group division, recently partnered with Mandalay Bay Convention Center to collaborate in the development of a more energy efficient and sustainable lighting system within its exhibit halls.

The new LED system debuted during MAGIC Marketplace, held Feb. 12-14 at the MBCC and the Las Vegas Convention Center.

In a demonstration of MBCC and UBM’s commitment to progressive leadership in sustainable, environmental and socially responsible business practices, the multi-million-dollar investment is expected to provide significant carbon footprint reductions as well as improve the overall appearance of the convention facility.

“UBM is committed to sustainability across its events, so when conversations about partnering with the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to upgrade existing lighting, replace all fixtures and install a new control system came to fruition, we enthusiastically agreed,” explained Tony Calanca, UBM executive vice president of exhibitions.

He continued, “We are honored to partner with the MBCC and the impressive team responsible for executing this expansive lighting overhaul in just a matter of months. UBM’s partnership with the MBCC, coupled with this new, state-of-the-art lighting system, will provide long-term sustainability for the tradeshow industry, the city of Las Vegas and the broader society in which we live.”

More than 1,000 light fixtures at the MBCC have been replaced with top-of-the-line LED lights, increasing the luminescence range of the interior hall by nearly 300 percent and reducing the facility’s energy consumption by 85 percent.

The new lighting system will help reduce the MBCC’s environmental footprint in the following ways:

  • The new control system is estimated to reduce energy consumption by 85 percent due to the ability to customize light levels. This amount of projected energy savings could power all of Mandalay Bay for nearly five days and prevent 900 metric tons of greenhouse gases (CO2E) each year.
  • Within the 10-year project’s lifetime, there will no longer be a need to recycle 26,898 fluorescent lamps, which equals 20.4 miles of lighting.
  • Each of the pre-existing fluorescent lamps contained 4 mg. of mercury, which means the 26,898 lamps recycled every 10 years contained 4 ounces of mercury. It only takes one ounce of mishandled mercury to contaminate a lake for centuries.
  • Each year, 3,000 lamps will no longer need to be boxed a second time and transported to other states for recycling.

“This higher quality lighting system will help Mandalay Bay Convention Center – and MGM Resorts International – achieve significant energy savings,” said Chris Magee, vice president of sustainable facilities for MGM Resorts.

He added, “UBM is a valued partner and is as committed as we are to the environment. We’re excited to unveil the results of our collaboration.”

Both the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and the MBCC hold the Five Key ratings from the Green Key Eco-Rating and Meetings Programs, as well as a gold rating from TripAdvisor’s Green Leaders Program.

The convention facility integrates environmentally responsible practices into its operations including the recycling of more than 80 percent of all convention materials. From sustainable service ware and organic, sustainable menus to zero waste recycling, MBCC offers a variety of options to help groups conduct greener and more socially responsible meetings and events.

​​​​​​

Don’t miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE & engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram!

Add new comment

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