In multiple years, the MGM Grand Conference Center has played host to the ASA’s Staffing World convention and expo. Courtesy Photo

From large conferences with thousands of attendees to more intimate staff-roundtable gatherings, Las Vegas has proven to be the ideal location for associations to host conventions, conferences, annual meetings and smaller affairs.

For Lisa Simpson, vice president of conventions and events at the American Staffing Association (ASA), Las Vegas is one the preeminent locations in which to host events for her association. The organization’s Staffing World convention and expo has been held there numerous times, most recently at the MGM Grand Conference Center in 2022, where nearly 2,300 were in attendance.

“Las Vegas is a dream for major event planners. When you announce you’re holding your event there, people get excited,” Simpson says. “Room rates are always competitive, there are a variety of hotels and special event venue options and the airport is conveniently close to downtown, which is always a perk. The onsite staff at Vegas resorts are also seasoned professionals who know how to put together all types of industry events.”

Attendees also love Las Vegas, and those taking part in the ASA conference didn’t even have to leave their hotel to attend the biggest staffing industry event of the year — but when they’re ready to explore the city, the entertainment options are endless.

“Vegas offers countless restaurants at all different price points, providing many ways to do networking lunches, dinners and even sponsored receptions,” Simpson says. “If you’re thinking of hosting your association’s event in Las Vegas, start planning early. Not surprisingly, convention space can sell out far in advance, so be sure to plan a few years ahead, especially if your convention is during the fall.”

Also, be mindful of other potential events that are taking place at the same time as you’re looking to book yours. Rates might be higher when, for instance, the Formula 1 race is being run, or a major convention or sporting event is happening — as opposed to other times of the year.

“Las Vegas is a destination that can drive up attendance at your association’s events and create a buzz all year long. The more time you have to prepare, the more options you’ll have to make your event unforgettable for attendees,” Simpson says.

The Place Transforms Any Event

Many planners focus solely on the Strip, but there’s so much more within a short distance that can elevate an event for attendees and organizers, says Trecia Lorelle, CMP, Marketing Manager, US Events at ESW, an e-commerce solutions provider.

She adds that the city is a playground for the extraordinary, and she’s orchestrated everything from large-scale tradeshow activations and annual conferences to private penthouse experiences.

“Las Vegas offers unmatched versatility. You can host a high-production tradeshow, convention, annual conference, a luxury retreat or a private networking event all within the same city,” Lorelle says. “For planners, that means endless possibilities. Whether attendees crave nonstop entertainment, world-class dining or an unexpected offsite experience, Vegas delivers. The infrastructure, diverse venues and high-touch service make it easy to create something unforgettable. Vegas doesn’t just accommodate events, it transforms them.”

For one recent event, Lorelle converted the Las Vegas Convention Center floor into an immersive showcase, highlighting the featured organization and engaging thousands through interactive design and dynamic storytelling. On the other end of the spectrum, she’s curated intimate penthouse gatherings where 50 VIPs were elevated above the Strip in a refined setting with skyline views, custom cocktails and a unique energy that comes only with a carefully designed, exclusive space.

“Right now, I’m creating something entirely different — an off-road UTV adventure through the Mojave Desert, a stop at a historic saloon and a sunset dinner in the Valley of Fire. Vegas isn’t just about the Strip, it’s about what’s possible when you take your event beyond it,” Lorelle says.

One of the Strip’s largest venues, the Venetian Convention & Expo Center is a favorite among event planners in the know. Courtesy Photo

Mark Bogdansky, vice president of tradeshows and community engagement at the Auto Care Association, plans the group’s annual trade show, held at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. The show, along with another event they co-locate with every year, draws between 155,000 to 165,000 people to Las Vegas for the week.

“For the planner, there are several key reasons to select Las Vegas as a destination,” Bogdansky says. “The city really sells itself (everyone knows Las Vegas). It is a huge international draw, which is important to our show. Since it is such a popular destination for shows, everyone there understands how conferences, conventions and tradeshows work, and the value and impact they have for the city. For attendees, it is easy to get there from anywhere. It’s a great place to also make a vacation, and it has hotel options for everyone’s price points.”

CAESARS FORUM offers a 550,000-sf conference center and FORUM PLAZA, the first 100,000-sf outdoor event space in Las Vegas. Courtesy Photo

It’s Accessible, Affordable and Versatile

Throughout her career, Staceyann Doria, CMP, CED, HMCC, founder and CEO of the Event Narrative, has had the opportunity to plan and execute large-scale conferences in Las Vegas for both the medical and tech industries, often as part of major association events. These ranged from 3,000 to 10,000 attendees and have been held at premier venues like Caesars Palace, Bellagio and Paris Las Vegas.

“My role encompassed a broad scope of responsibilities, including coordinating exhibit booths, managing sponsor activations and ensuring seamless session execution with speakers and panelists,” Doria says. “I also oversaw booth staffing, sponsor engagement and onsite support to ensure exhibitors and sponsors maximized their presence and ROI. The scale and complexity of these events required meticulous planning, strategic collaboration with vendors and stakeholders and the ability to adapt quickly to evolving needs onsite.”

In Doria’s experience, Las Vegas has consistently been a top choice for events due to its unique combination of accessibility, affordability and versatility. As a planner, she evaluates destinations based on cost, ease of travel and the range of available activities — all areas in which Las Vegas excels. With a high volume of flights and competitive hotel rates, it’s a city that makes attendance feasible for a wide range of participants.

“One of the biggest advantages is the sheer variety of venues and experiences within a condensed area,” Doria says. “Whether designing programming for general attendees or curating exclusive VIP experiences, Las Vegas allows for seamless customization — all within the same property or just steps away. This flexibility enables planners to create highly personalized event experiences without logistical hurdles.”

For association attendees, Las Vegas offers more than just a conference — it provides an immersive experience.

As Doria points out, beyond the event itself, attendees have access to world-class dining, entertainment and outdoor activities such as hiking at Red Rock Canyon, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether they want to extend their trip or just enjoy their downtime, the city caters to all interests.

“From a planning perspective, my longstanding relationships with top-tier partners in Las Vegas are invaluable,” Doria says. “The level of service and dedication from venues, vendors and hospitality professionals ensures that every event improves upon the last. With all these factors in mind, Las Vegas remains a go-to destination for delivering impactful, engaging and seamless events.”

An Array of Choices

Las Vegas has options for all event types and sizes. One popular venue is MGM Resorts, which is undergoing a $300 million renovation expected to be completed in December. Association planners also love one of the Strip’s largest venues, the Venetian Convention & Expo Center, thanks to its expansive guestrooms and an upcoming $188 million renovation of the resort’s convention space.

Of course, Caesars Entertainment offers an array of venues from which to choose — including Caesars Palace, CAESARS FORUM, Harrah’s Las Vegas and The Linq Hotel + Experience. But that’s just a taste of the eight properties that grace the region, offering association planners and attendees an exceptional meeting and event experience. For example, CAESARS FORUM features a 550,000-sf conference center and also boasts the much-celebrated FORUM PLAZA, the first 100,000-sf outdoor event space in Las Vegas, making it the ideal spot for receptions, wellness breaks and team-building events.

And while Resorts World Las Vegas offers 250,000 sf of meeting and event space — including a plenty of unique indoor and outdoor spaces — Encore at Wynn Las Vegas is another favorite, thanks to its more than 560,000 sf of event space. That includes the resort’s much-desired outdoor areas, complete with spacious lawns, manicured gardens and idyllic pools — all of which offer the perfect backdrop to any association gathering.

Considered one of the most iconic casino resorts in the city, SAHARA Las Vegas is celebrating a recent $200 million renovation. The hotel now offers over 95,000 sf of indoor/outdoor event space, including the SAHARA Theatre and The Pool at SAHARA, which deliver unique venue experiences for attendees.

Tips for Success

Las Vegas offers an incredible range of options for association events — whether you’re looking for gaming or non-gaming properties, five-star luxury or budget-friendly accommodations. Doria says the key to maximizing your event’s success in this city is to cast a wide net when sending out your RFP. You may be surprised at the rates that come back, even from properties you initially assumed were out of budget.

“One of the best pieces of advice I can give is to ask questions — lots of them. Your hotel sales representative is an invaluable resource and has insider knowledge on what’s happening in the city,” Doria says. “I’ve uncovered unique experiences, creative gifting ideas and exclusive opportunities for my attendees simply by being curious and having open conversations.”

Las Vegas is constantly evolving, and your hotel and vendor partners can help you craft an experience that goes beyond the typical conference. “The more you engage with them, the more tailored and impactful your event will be,” Doria says.

When organizing an event in Las Vegas, it is important that planners know their audience and make sure it is a group that will enjoy being there. As Bogdansky explains, it’s a great city if you want it to be, but if your audience is not going to enjoy what Las Vegas has to offer, it won’t be the right place.

“If it is a good fit, it will be a more successful city than any other,” Bogdansky says. “Also, make sure you know what else will be going on in the city at the same time as your event — no matter how big you are, there are always bigger things happening in Vegas. Some associations prefer to be the ‘big fish in a small pond’ — that isn’t going to happen.”

“Whether it’s an unexpected location, immersive entertainment or a setting designed to impress, Las Vegas thrives on bold ideas, so lean into that,” she says. “Curate every detail. Attendees should feel like they’re stepping into something unique, intentional and designed just for them. Las Vegas isn’t just a destination, it’s a stage for experiences that leave a lasting impact.”

Stacy Weber, CMP, senior manager of meetings, travel and procurement at Moss Adams LLP, says planners should start with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), as the city hosts many large events that affect availability, rates and flight prices, so it’s essential to check with the LVCVA about any major happenings during your desired dates.

“They can also provide insights into which hotels are hosting large conferences and assist with vendors, transportation, activities, etc.,” Weber says. “Given the busy nature of Las Vegas, be flexible with your dates. You might find an ideal date with great deals.”

In 2024, Weber planned four conferences in Las Vegas. Three of these were annual client-facing events, chosen for their ability to attract the highest attendance. Two were training seminars held at Park MGM, averaging 150 attendees over a week. The third was a C-level healthcare conference with approximately 300 participants, which has been hosted at the off-Strip Red Rock Resort for the past eight years.

“Red Rock offers a luxury experience similar to on-Strip properties while keeping attendees on-site for all events,” Weber says, adding that the fourth conference hosted 1,600 attendees for three days at Bellagio.

“We selected Las Vegas for its central location, ample hotel rooms, extensive meeting space, overall cost-effectiveness and variety of dining options,” Weber says. “We did buyouts of 16 restaurants/venues, all within walking distance, for groups ranging from 100 to 600 attendees — where else but Las Vegas could that have happened?” | AC&F |