Las Vegas Invests in Venues, Creates Value for Events, Trade Shows

From mind-blowing architecture to cutting-edge technology, Las Vegas is showing its commitment to delivering world-class attendee experiences with over $4.5 billion investment in new landmarks, hotel additions, and updates to existing venues taking place in 2023 and beyond.

Just over the past two years, Las Vegas gained 2 million square feet of new trade show, convention and meeting space with the addition of the West Hall Expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Resorts World Las Vegas – Hilton, Conrad & Crockfords, CAESARS FORUM, The Venetian Resort’s Stella Studio, and others. 

“Vegas is built on reinvention and innovation, never failing to offer something new, exciting and noteworthy,” said Lisa Messina, chief sales officer for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, “Our endless array of new venues, experiences, and accommodations continue to deliver on what organizers and attendees expect when they host an event here.”

Now, organizers can take advantage of even more unique venues that will set the stage for the future of live events. 

Article sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Sphere

MSG Sphere to Redefine Immersive

Expected to open in 2023, the $2.1 billion MSG Sphere at the Venetian is adding a new, iconic element to the Las Vegas skyline and is set to deliver a next-level experience for events. For starters, it will be the largest spherical structure in the world with an exosphere that features a fully programmable, 580,000-square-foot LED display, the largest LED screen on Earth. Inside, the venue will house the world’s highest resolution LED screen – a 160,000-square-foot display plane that will wrap around the audience and deliver true immersion with a  HOLOPLOT sound system and 4D scent and air systems. The MSG Sphere will have approximately 17,500 seats and a scalable capacity of up to 20,000 guests. 

LVCC

$434 Million Las Vegas Convention Center Renovation

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) recently approved funding to renovate the North, Central and South exhibition halls of the 2.5 million-square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center. It will focus on upgrading the North and Central halls, expanding the entrance and lobby of the South hall, and is slated to begin in 2024. 

 

Mandalay

$100 Million Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Remodel

A fresh, new design and significant technology upgrades, reflecting the evolving needs of trade shows and meetings are part of the upgrades taking place at the 2.1 million-square-foot Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Already the exhibit halls and meeting spaces feel more bright and vibrant with new carpet, improved lighting, and dozens of new art pieces. All-new Cat6A cables have doubled the capacity for data transmission and increased data speeds for attendees and exhibitors. New sponsorship and communication opportunities are available through 11 digital walls measuring 24 feet by 13 feet each. In 2023, further technology enhancements will include RFID locks on all meeting room doors, as well as the installation of more than 200 motion-detection cameras throughout the facility.

Caesars

Caesars Palace Lavish Entrance Redesign

Following the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation, Caesars Palace impresses guests with a redesigned arrival experience complete with a dramatic entryway and a new Galleria Bar in the lobby. After raising the roof of the entryway to match the grandeur of the hotel lobby, guests now enter a beautifully lit space, with a coffered ceiling and an intricate, marble mosaic floor. A 15-foot-tall Carrara marble statue of Augustus Caesar welcomes visitors under the raised ceiling, which features hand-painted illustrations of Roman gods and a spectacular chandelier containing 70,000 crystals.

MResort

M Resort Spa & Casino $206 Million Addition

South of the Las Vegas Strip, M Resort Spa & Casino is set to double its capacity with the addition of a second 384-room hotel tower. Along with the additional guest rooms and suites, the property will also expand its meeting space and update amenities. The project is slated to begin construction this year. 

 

Fountainbleau

Fontainebleau Las Vegas to Finish Construction

Slated for the fourth quarter of 2023, the 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas will offer 3,700 guest rooms with a Miami beach vibe. Meeting planners will be able to take advantage of some 500,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 105,000-square-foot pillarless ballroom and a state-of-the-art theater with capacity for 3,300. The property’s location, one block from the Las Vegas Convention Center, will make it easy to welcome groups participating in a variety of trade shows and conventions. 

Las Vegas welcomed over 4.7 million business travelers in 2022. It now offers over 14 million square feet of trade show and convention space destination-wide, including three of the country’s largest convention centers, and is poised for further growth as the nation’s top trade show destination. 

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