< Previousyear and beyond.” According to Glascock, to keep up with the demand, Resorts World Las Vegas is focused on creating immersive experiences, with its high-tech LED capabilities, and by utilizing its assortment of restaurants and nightlife, as well. He added, “This year, we will have new venues open- ing up along with new meeting space, providing additional opportunities for corporate and/or incentive groups.” The new Fontainebleau Las Vegas features 3,644 lux- ury hotel rooms and suites, and 550,000 sf of customiz- able meeting and convention space. “Fontainebleau Las Vegas is an exciting opening for the destination adding to the resort options surrounding the Las Vegas Convention Center and the north end of the Strip. We also can’t talk about recent openings with- out mentioning Sphere,” Deluca said. Sphere at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is fast becoming an iconic group venue on the Strip. The larg- est sphere-shaped building in the world, it stands 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide at its widest point, and possesses the world’s largest concert-grade audio system. It was intro- duced last summer by Sphere Entertainment and Madison Square Garden Company. With an auditorium that can seat 17,600 people with a standing room for 20,000 people, the venue offers private group experiences for up to 5,000, including a two-hour reception and interactive Sphere Experience. Groups can also choose a full buyout of the facility for 17,500 while smaller groups and incentives can enjoy the premium suites for concerts or the Sphere Experience. “This venue has caused quite the stir in the destination and throughout the world,” Deluca said. “There simply is nothing else like it with its fully programable exterior that can be used to display fun emoji faces and mesmerizing designs to the truly immersive entertainment experience inside. Groups are clamoring to find ways to incorporate the venue in their visit and have found a variety of options to do so through full buyouts or smaller packages for specific shows.” Changes at the Venetian Resort Las Vegas include a recently announced $188 million dollar renovation of its convention center, one of the largest meeting facilities in the world, set to be completed in stages between 2024-2026. Additional offerings will be a new speakeasy-style lounge with an opportunity to host invi- tation-only events in a 10,000 sf take on the Venetian design of 1930s. “The finishes and ameni- ties planned were thoughtfully curated based on feedback from our customers and will usher in a new era of Venetian Meetings, and maintain our position at the forefront of the industry,” said Patrick Nichols, president and chief executive officer of The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. The new openings along the Strip are poised to benefit other established properties such as SAHARA Las Vegas, which recently remodeled its Marra Tower suites as part of a more than $200 million transformation. “They have been rei- magined to provide the level of luxury and finishes that our groups expect at a property of this high caliber,” said Christo- pher Bond, vice president of sales, SAHARA Las Vegas. The SAHARA resort and casino with 1,613 guest rooms and suites in three towers, offers groups use of its more than 80,000 sf of flexible meeting space, its AZILO Ultra Pool, two rooftop pools and a collection of restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. “The available 10,000 sf LED wall at A rrive in style to any meeting or event with AWG Ambassador’s car service. Their luxury limos are perfect for the executive who needs a break in between events or is preparing for the next meeting while on-the-go. It also is ideal for those who want to continue networking with fellow meeting planners while heading to the next gathering. Forget navigating the traffic on the busy Strip and travel stress-free. AWG Ambassador offers everything from a luxury sedan to an executive coach, or stretch limo to meet all your needs. For more information, visit awgambassador.com. Getting Around: AWG Ambassador Bitfocus recently held its Clarity Connect conference at the newly-remodeled SAHARA Las Vegas, which offers more than 80,000 sf of meeting space. 60 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comAzilo Pool has no equal and allows our groups to brand or have sponsors provide unlimited graphics and video con- tent,” Bond said. Diane Quaresma, customer relationship man- ager at Bitfocus, which held its Clarity Connect conference at the SAHARA Las Vegas last fall, said, “I liked how the conference rooms were set up and their relation to the distance to the rooms. I didn’t feel as though I had to walk two miles to get to the space.” Caesars Entertainment also sees poten- tial benefits from the Strip’s added attractions, including the Grand Prix. “Formula 1 was a big success and got worldwide attention. Being the first year, we didn’t know what to expect and neither did our group customers,” said Reina Herschdorfer, director of marketing, national meet- ings & events for Caesars Entertainment. “I would anticipate more companies wanting to organize events around this next year. It’s a fun and unique way to entertain VIP customers. The energy and the sound of these incredible cars is unlike anything else.” Caesars FORUM, which debuted in 2020, has been an immense hit since it opened, said Herschdorfer. “With its 550,000 sf of space, modern design and high-tech ameni- ties, it has paved the way for very large events. Herschdorfer has always worked with corporate groups, but CAESARS FORUM has allowed them to elevate the experience. The facility has a dedicated culinary team and provides restau- rant quality catering as well. Caesars Palace recently took the wraps off its renovated Colosseum Tower. Formerly known as the Forum Tower, the redesigned tower offers 440 guest rooms and suites. Other projects include an upgrade to Harrah’s Las Vegas, with a new porte-cochere. The property had an infusion of capital with more than $200 million for new rooms, suites, a lounge as well as the addition of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, Ramsay’s Kitchen, which opened last year. The property is connected via skybridge to CAESARS FORUM and is often the headquarter hotel. Meanwhile, celebrity restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump, who opened Vanderpump à Paris at Paris Las Vegas and Van- derpump Cocktail Garden at Caesars Palace, is set to open her third venue on the Strip, Pinky’s by Vanderpump, at Fla- mingo Las Vegas this summer. Caesars Entertainment is also focusing on wellness with its new Wellness Menu. “Planners can incorporate as much or as little that makes sense for them,” Herschdorfer said. “They can keep the wellness aspects of a meeting subtle by only incorpo- rating healthy food and beverage options or really make well- ness the star of the show by working with the speakers we have suggested and incorporating everything from tai chi lessons to chakra realignment sessions and painting therapy. A simple way to add wellness is to add online wellness challenges that everyone can join in during the conference, pre or post. It’s a fun way to create some competition and camaraderie.” MGM Resorts, which features four million sf of meeting and convention space across 13 resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, is currently finishing up a $100 million remodel of its two- million-sf Mandalay Bay Convention Center, which will be completed early this year. “The project reflects the needs and preferences of today’s meeting planners and attendees with significant technology upgrades, dynamic digital signage and a fresh, new design and ambiance,” Glanzer said. The Convention Center remodel is part of a new wave of enhancements and experiences 62 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com A RENAISSANCE OF Space and Service For nearly 25 years, The Venetian ® Resort Las Vegas has been inspiring attendees, and we can’t wait to show you what’s next. Over $1 billion is being invested in every facet of our guest experience. We are dedicating $188 million to transforming our convention space into a modern renaissance of Italian grandeur. Spaces will be more customizable with cutting-edge technology and offer impeccable service that’s synonymous with The Venetian Resort. Join us as we celebrate our past while reinventing the future of meetings. Visit venetianmeetings.com to find out more. W hen at an out-of-town conference, meeting planners want to explore their host city, and what better way to understand the culture than to experience their culinary specialties? Lip Smack- ing Foodie Tours are a great way to get out on the town and revel in the gastronomical offerings of the destination. Perfect for networking, the tour takes your group to four top restaurants to experience their signature dishes and sit with different people at each stop while being treated like a VIP. Add on optional enhancements like branding opportunities, photo ops and more. For more information, visit lipsmackingfoodietours.com. Group Activity: Lip Smacking Foodie Tours I liked how the conference rooms were set up and their relation to the distance to the rooms. I didn’t feel as though I had to walk two miles to get to the space. DIANE QUARESMA Customer Relationship Manager, BitfocusA RENAISSANCE OF Space and Service For nearly 25 years, The Venetian ® Resort Las Vegas has been inspiring attendees, and we can’t wait to show you what’s next. Over $1 billion is being invested in every facet of our guest experience. We are dedicating $188 million to transforming our convention space into a modern renaissance of Italian grandeur. Spaces will be more customizable with cutting-edge technology and offer impeccable service that’s synonymous with The Venetian Resort. Join us as we celebrate our past while reinventing the future of meetings. Visit venetianmeetings.com to find out more.coming to Mandalay Bay. This includes the redesign of Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas’ 424 rooms and suites, the opening of Swingers, an immersive adults-only golf experience and Orla, a new Greek concept by celebrated chef Michael Mina. In addition, a $110 million transformation within Bellagio’s Spa Tower began last spring and is wrapping up now. Both the Grand Prix and Sphere along with the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII, to be held this February at the Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, are seen as drivers of group business to Wynn and Encore Las Vegas Resort. “Wynn has a very positive outlook on the group market in Las Vegas and we’re excited to see this trajectory continue,” said Chris Flatt, executive vice president of Hotel Sales and Marketing for the properties. “From unique enter- tainment and din- ing to iconic sports moments via the recent inaugural Grand Prix and Big Game, Las Vegas is reinforcing why it’s the place to be. Even guests who have visited multiple times previously are continu- ally excited to come back and check out what’s new.” Wynn and Encore Las Vegas, which feature 560,000 sf of flexible space across the properties, currently hold Four Green Globes, the highest sustainable building certification from the Green Building Initiative. All meeting and conven- tion spaces are powered by 100% renewable energy sourced and delivered directly from the 160-acre Wynn Solar Facil- ity and on-site rooftop solar panels. Renewable energy is also a focus for Allegiant Stadium and the Las Vegas Raiders, which recently announced the stadium’s conversion to 100% renewable energy. “Allegiant Stadium has been a game changer for many rea- sons,” Deluca said. “Not only did it help solidify our evolution into the ultimate sports destination by providing a world- class facility for the NFL, but also opened the door for groups. Now they can creatively design memorable experiences including dinner on the 50-yard line or exclusive stadium tours.” The T-Mobile Arena is also a draw for groups, especially after the 2023 Stanley Cup for its resident Las Vegas Knights. Next, Las Vegas is moving ahead with its plans to build a baseball stadium for the A’s, who gained approval to relocate the franchise from Oakland to the Strip. Reports note that the $1.5 billion ballpark in Vegas will be built at the site of the Tropicana casino and hotel after it’s torn down, which is expected to happen by end of this year. The introduction of the Grand Prix also brings a new venue for groups. “With the successful completion of the first ever Las Vegas Grand Prix, groups now have access to the incredible Paddock Building,” Deluca said. “During the race, it is set at the start/finish line and used as the pit area for the drivers and their teams, as well as high end hospitality suites, but now can be used all year round.” The Paddock Building features a four-story space with a rooftop looking out at the Las Vegas skyline and is available for events when not in use for the race. DMCs such as Hosts Global are seeing benefits of the added attractions, as well. “We had some fun local and international groups for Formula 1,” said Jill Schneider, vice president of sales. “One in particular directly affiliated with the race was a large sponsor of one of the teams. We were asked to provide transporta- tion and staff for the sponsor high profile celebrity guests and entourages from event to event. This was a little more challenging than most typical high-profile transfers as security was at a high and many or most of the roads were closed. Next year will be spectacular and we are extremely excited to see what we will be involved in.” Another local DMC, 360 Destinations, also believes 2024 will see a benefit from For- mula 1. “Groups coming to Las Vegas focused on the luxury level brand/unique events that were produced by the Grand Prix,” said Amy Bollington, director of sales, Las Vegas. “Behind the scenes of those events, we supported hotel efforts and destination logistics to the corporate groups. We are hope- ful that this year there will be more opportunities now that the dust has settled from last year’s events.” With new developments, LVCVA is bullish on the future of corporate events. All indicators continue to express opti- mism with many event organizers expecting more attendees and larger overall footprint for their meetings. C&IT 64 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com SIMPLIFY SUCCESS caesarsmeansbusiness.com | 855-633-8238 8303931-8.125x10.875-mtg-corpincentravelresize-v1.indd 18/21/23 1:24 PM L as Vegas got its start partially through mafia influ- ence, specifically Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lan- sky when they opened The Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Today, the history of these gangsters is documented at The Mob Museum, along with many of their counterparts. Besides offering artifacts to peruse, the museum also has other activities. Enjoy a distillery tour and learn about Prohibi- tion. Head to the Crime Lab and see how forensic scientists dig for evidence and solve cases. Or become an enforcer tracking down the criminal element with their Firearm Training Simulator. These and other aspects of the museum make it perfect for an off-site adventure. For more information, visit themobmuseum.org. City Attraction: Mob Museum The T-Mobile Arena can host up to 20,000 attendees.SIMPLIFY SUCCESS caesarsmeansbusiness.com | 855-633-8238FORMOSOWHITEHEADREESSARABIA-MASONLOY ON THE MOVE // Meet Minneapolis announced that Christy Loy will be their next senior vice president of destination sales, replac- ing Brent Foerster, who is retiring after working there for 10 years. Currently, she works as the general manager of the Canopy by Hilton Minneapo- lis Mill District. The Setai, Miami Beach has announced the appointment of Rodrigo Formoso as director of sales. Formoso has more than 25 years of experience in the industry and has worked for brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Kempinski, and Grand Fiesta Americana Hotels and Resorts. Most recently, he worked as director of sales and marketing at Kem- pinski Hotel Cancun. The Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) hired Lynn Whitehead as vice president of Global MCI sales & marketing, replacing John Reyes, who is retiring. Before working with HVCB, she worked with San Diego Tour- ism Authority as national sales direc- tor, eastern region. Hard Rock International has hired John Rees as senior vice president of hotel operations. With more than three decades of experience under his belt, he most recently worked as vice president of resort operations and guest experience at Marriott Vacations Worldwide. Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Francisco has appointed Geoffrey Sarabia-Mason as director of sales & marketing. With more than 30 years experience, Sarabia-Mason, most recently worked at Radiate Hospitality as vice president of operations where he worked with 11 company-owned hotels. In his new position, he will plan and implement sales and marketing programs for the hotel. C&IT THEOMNIHOMESTEAD.COM 888-796-5838 Reintroducing the South’s grandest destination. Make your next meeting anything but conventional. Discover The Omni Homestead Resort, a destination unlike any other, recently revitalized with an extensive $150 million investment. Special rates available for January - May 2024. An American ENCORE. 66 January 2024 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com Following a $200M modernization, Memphis’ Renasant Convention Center is open and ready to host your group for boutique, affordable meetings featuring flexible space, natural light and Mississippi River views . . . all in the legendary home of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE EXHIBITOR MAGAZINE, 2021–2023 BEST CONVENTION CENTER SMART MEETINGS, 2022–2023 BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE & ON-SITE SUPPORT EXHIBITOR MAGAZINE, 2022Next >