Photo by Sam Morris / Courtesy of LVCVA

Las Vegas has been playing “host” to meetings, conventions, trade shows and exhibitions for a myriad of industries for decades. And although this long-standing history has helped Las Vegas earn the titles as “The entertainment capital of the World” and “The Greatest Arena on Earth,” the venues that dot this great city are sculptural masterpieces for attendees with an eye for the exquisite and extraordinary.

And while this city is about gambling, there is so much more than meets the eye. From exceptional entertainment to world-renowned golf courses to celebrity-infused dining, Las Vegas offers planners visions for an event into reality and unforgettable gatherings for attendees. There are endless meeting spaces in Las Vegas, and many are a truly stunning work of art — each with its unique charm and character.

The more reason why today’s meeting planners are free to exercise creativity as they offer attendees the opportunity to explore the Eiffel Tower, canals with singing gondoliers, an Egyptian pyramid and the Statue of Liberty — all in one community.

For Pamela Dory, CDS, meeting professional and vice president of global accounts at ConferenceDirect, one of the key reasons Las Vegas is top of mind for many meeting and event planners is quite simple: Selecting Las Vegas as a destination for meetings and events results in proven attendance.

“Las Vegas combines business efficacy with an exhilarating backdrop,” Dory says. “After intense sessions, attendees can unwind by exploring an amazing show, world-class dining, hitting the casino floor or just people watching. Attendees associate successful meetings with positive emotions, reinforcing their commitment to your organization.”

Magaly Buitrago, partner and managing director at 5A Incentive Planners, agrees that Las Vegas offers something for everyone and is truly a draw for so many corporate professionals, including those within the financial and insurance sectors. 5A Incentive Planners specializes in corporate group travel with a focus on curated executive meetings.

“Las Vegas remains an exceptional destination for our client base due to its unparalleled amenities and infrastructure,” Buitrago says. “With world-class convention centers, luxurious accommodations, a myriad of entertainment options, and many of the finest dining outlets in the world, it ensures we remain able to deliver seamless and memorable events.”

Buitrago works extensively in North America, so Las Vegas continues to offer 5A Incentive Planners and their clients an ever-changing atmosphere to create unforgettable and engaging experiences which enhance guest satisfaction every time.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

With a coveted location adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center, boasting the industry’s most advanced meeting technology, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the ideal setting for any event, with an infinite combination of space types and configurations, with an all-in-one business destination design that makes it easy to navigate and windows in many meeting rooms that reinforce a continuous connection to nature.

“We had heard so many good things about the potential opening of Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Within weeks, we were under contract for what should probably be considered a ‘drop in’ meeting,” says John DeLeon, meeting planner and vice president of sales and operations for MTI Events.

“We operated mid-January and were impressed how well the team at Fontainebleau had come together. Operating at Fontainebleau felt like they had been doing this as a team for years. Our attendees raved about their program going next level. Fast forward 30 days and we were under contract with Fontainebleau again for a July program four times the size of January.”

Fontainebleau Las Vegas impresses with more than 550,000 sf of flexible meeting and event space across five levels, including a ballroom spanning more than 105,000 sf – one of the largest in Las Vegas.

This includes a three-level, 90,000-sf theater with generous pre-function space capable of hosting business functions to entertainment, nearly 62,000 sf of additional space that can be used to create up to 57 breakout rooms, three executive boardrooms overlooking almost 25,000 sf of an outdoor hospitality garden that, like much of Fontainebleau Las Vegas, provides a seamless connection to the natural beauty that surrounds the city.

With six dedicated freight elevators, the conference center offers unrivaled flexibility and ease for planners to bring their meetings and conventions to life — whether they are preparing for large gatherings or intimate conversations.

Resorts World

Resorts World Las Vegas, which features a $4.3 billion integrated resort experience, brings three of Hilton’s premium brands, including Hilton Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts, to Las Vegas. When the hotel opened in the summer of 2021, Las Vegas was the first city in the U.S. to have all three of Hilton’s luxury brands.

The 3,500-room resort includes a gaming floor, nightclubs, a wellness spa and fitness center, diverse culinary experiences and more premier facilities. It features a 5,000-capacity state-of-the-art theater, 350,000 sf of meeting and convention space, a grand ballroom, and a 220,000-sf pool complex with seven unique pool experiences.

While Resorts World is situated across 50 acres of land, the meeting space is less than 30 seconds from the elevator banks, the check-in desks are within view of the guest elevators and attendees can even access group dining options without stepping foot in the casino. Resorts World’s advanced technology and digital enhancements have also been a considerable appeal for meeting planners and attendees who enjoy the venue’s meeting space that accommodates groups.

MGM Resorts

MGM Resorts boasts The Park, a vibrant outdoor dining and entertainment district that celebrates the beauty of the surrounding desert landscape and offers visitors a new way to experience the Las Vegas Strip.

The Park serves as a gateway to the 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena and is a social gathering space where guests can experience iconic art and playful entertainment. The T-Mobile Arena also offers a wealth of event spaces for rent, ideal for small and larger gatherings.

MGM Resort’s robust convention spaces at Mandalay Bay and the MGM Grand are a draw for many groups, as are the many luxury spaces throughout the Bellagio, ARIA, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Vdara, and Park MGM. These spaces allow planners to host large events while also offering an elevated experience to attendees.

Bellagio recently unveiled its stunning Spa Tower renovations, investing $100 million in reinvigorated guest rooms and suites with an enhanced sophisticated look via custom furnishings and bespoke art inspired by the natural vibrancy of Lake Como. MGM Grand also recently underwent a refresh of their Studio Tower, reflecting a retro desert feel with the mid-century modern design and decor aesthetic of their 700 rooms.

In addition, MGM Resorts’ New York-New York Hotel & Casino recently completed a $63 million expansive remodel of guest rooms and suites, drawing inspiration from the spirit and energy that is synonymous with New York City and Las Vegas.

In 2022, MGM Resorts acquired The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The luxury resort has a 100,000-sf casino, a 40,000-sf concert venue, a more than 60,000 sf rooftop nightclub/dayclub, three distinct pool experiences, world-class cuisine, an eclectic mix of boutiques and breathtaking views of The Strip. Planners will find more than 240,000 sf of vertically integrated meeting and event space available for their needs.

Caesars Entertainment

When planners think of Las Vegas, they often think of Caesars Entertainment, which offers a wealth of gaming resort options. The company’s CAESARS FORUM, with its 550,000 sf of space, including the 100,000 sf outdoor FORUM PLACE and two pillarless ballrooms, each of which can accommodate up to 10,000 attendees. Harrah’s Las Vegas, which is connected to CAESARS FORUM, is another preeminent casino resort gem, offering over 25,000 sf of meeting and event spaces.

As one of the most sought-after casino resorts, Caesars Palace boasts a two-story conference center, complete with two pillarless 51,000 sf ballrooms. This venue also offers memorable gaming and meeting space experiences.

Its 300,000 sf of meeting space is comfortably set apart from the casino area, yet remains within easy reach of attendees. The extensive range of flexible venues at Caesars Place offers countless configuration options to suit groups of all sizes. In addition to traditional meeting venues within Caesars, the site’s 4,100-seat Colosseum boasts one of the world’s largest LED screens, a perfect location for presentations that really “wow.”

An additional Caesars Entertainment property that has enticed meeting planners for years is the Flamingo Las Vegas, with over 73,000 sf of meeting and event space.

The Venetian

When it’s time for meeting attendees to relax and unwind, they can head to The Venetian Resort, which is undergoing a dramatic transformation after 20 years of providing meeting and event attendees memorable experiences in Las Vegas. The $1 billion renovation will touch all aspects of the attendee experience — from renovated pool decks to a full convention center renovation to revamped suites, food and entertainment offerings.

The convention center renovation will include improvements to state-of-the-art technology throughout the center, enhancing the ability for attendees to truly engage in all aspects of an event or convention. For meeting planners looking for a streamlined expo experience, the Venetian Expo boasts over one million sf of expo space and provides the latest in digital sponsorship experiences that attendees have come to expect from Las Vegas venues.

Other event spaces range from small, intimate meeting rooms to large-scale ballrooms to unique spaces, such as nightclubs, lounges and theatres.

ARIA Resort & Casino

ARIA Resort & Casino has long been considered one of North America’s premier destinations for meetings and events, with stunning, naturally lit spaces and unconventional venues.

The abundance of native plants and a relaxing desert ambiance create a calming environment, while continuing to be a bustling center-Strip destination as planners flow into the AAA Five Diamond resort.

ARIA Resort & Casino offers stunning views and 500,000 sf of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, including seven ballrooms. After meetings, planners can enjoy gourmet cuisine from all over the world and step out onto The Strip to take advantage of everything that Las Vegas has to offer.

Station Casinos

Station Casinos completed an addition to its portfolio at the end of last year with Durango Casino & Resort. Built in the Southwest Las Vegas area just 10 miles from the Strip, the new property features a boutique gaming and resort experience with amenities that will appeal to today’s meeting attendees.

Some of the highlights of the resort include 83,000 sf of casino space, including an open floorplan seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor socializing spaces; 200 guest rooms and suites, and 25,000 sf of meeting and event space, with 15,000 sf of ballroom space. Outdoors, they have an event lawn and intimate patio spaces.

When not in meetings, attendees can relax at the cabana-filled pool area or eat and drink at one of the 15 bars and restaurants available.

Latest & Greatest in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has always been, and still is, a city that is constantly evolving. This has been the case over the last few years as casino resorts, arenas, exhibition centers and convention centers have been built or renovated to engage and delight attendees who have come to expect high-tech and contemporary experiences.

Recently, the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) kicked off a $600 million renovation of the facility’s legacy campus. The renovation includes enhancing the facility’s contemporary design, architecture and attendee experience of the 1.4 million-sf West Hall, which opened in 2021. The renovation project is expected to last through 2025 but is designed to cause minimal disruption to the convention center experience. Because the celebrity chefs, entertainment options and unique Las Vegas experiences are constantly changing, it’s important that planners frequently visit the Las Vegas Conventions & Visitors Authority web site (LVCVA.com) for up-to-date information about new resorts, renovations, entertainment options and more to make a gathering as memorable as possible.

In the end, when selecting Las Vegas, meeting planners and attendees have more access to celebrity performances, world-renowned chefs, as well as indoor and outdoor activities. This accessibility along the Las Vegas strip takes away from many of the logistical challenges of transportation for attendees. In addition, the diversification of restaurants and entertainment within the city allows both planners and attendees a vast amount of options for every interest level.

To make the most of their event planning experience, meeting planners who have selected Las Vegas as the destination of choice should begin orchestrating the event as far as possible in advance to avoid major conventions or events that drive up the prices of hotels and event venues.

Las Vegas has so much to offer that it can be overwhelming when considering all of the group event options. That’s why planners can also turn to experienced hotel teams and destination management companies to help find the best options for their group, no matter how big or small their company’s vision is.  I&FMM.