THE CORPORATE

MEETING& INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS

TOP 10 REASONS TO MEET IN VEGAS SEE PAGE 6 2 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS 3 INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION

join Las Vegas’ already legendary lineup of leisure pursuits. The variety of available options are a big reason meetings and conventions see higher attendance figures, Meyer says. Having so much entertainment in one location also offers event professionals a bonus: access to a wealth of available talent. A number of marquee entertainers maintain homes in the area and can be engaged. And scores of musicians, dancers, acrobats, musicians, comedians and other performers associated with the city’s many shows are available to energize trade shows and conventions. A clear advantage for meetings in Las Vegas is ease of access. Getting to Las Vegas has always been easy, thanks to more than 950 inbound and outbound flights from more than 130 U.S. and international markets serving McCarran International Airport. That’s not by ac- cident. “We work diligently with the airport and have our own airline development program, seeking out carriers to bring passengers to the destination,” Meyer says. “We’ve had some great wins lately, including new service from Amsterdam on KLM, new seasonal nonstop LATAM Airlines flights from Sao Paulo, new flights from Frontier and increased service by Delta.” American Airlines in partnership with Japan Airlines will add flights from Tokyo to Las LAS VEGAS Vegas to support strong demand during CES 2019. And international visitors to Las Vegas don’t need their arms twisted — in 2017 16 percent of travelers were from overseas, and interest remains strong. A WINNING FORMULA Hosting 21,300 meetings and a record-breaking 6.6 million the Sands Expo and Convention Center “There’s a certain amount of excitement because people know we’re always going to be business travelers in 2017, Las Vegas is already the world’s most and the Las Vegas Convention Center. fresh and offer something they haven’t seen,” Meyer observes. “They know they can come FOR MEETINGS popular convention destination, according to the Trade Show News The guest room count is nearly 150,000. here for a meeting or convention and accomplish what they need to — but they will also be s a premier incentive destination for meetings, Las Vegas Network — a spot it has maintained for 24 consecutive years. And with all the projects in the works — able to do something fun.” appeals on many levels — countless venue and lodging Las Vegas is already known as the home to mega events such particularly phase two of the $935 million A options, the capacity to handle everything from an inti- as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which attracted 182,000 Las Vegas Convention Center District ex- mate board meeting to blockbuster annual events, a lively and di- attendees in 2018. That was just one of the 47 largest U.S. trade pansion — the destination is poised to di- verse entertainment scene, plenty of leisure pursuits, world-class shows that took place in the city last year. Las Vegas also has global versify its appeal to even more groups and restaurants, easy access, blue skies . . . the list goes on. appeal, as evidenced by IMEX America. Set here for the eighth con- events. (See page 10 for a breakdown of Given all this, it’s not surprising that the strongest argument for secutive year, the world’s largest gathering of meeting and incentive convention facilities in the works.) meeting in Las Vegas remains “choice, choice, choice,” says Chris professionals drew a record 13,000 attendees from more than 150 Venue choices are bountiful as well, Meyer, CEM, CMP, vice president of sales, Las Vegas Convention countries in 2018. and more are coming online, including and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). Less well known is the fact that many of those 21,300 meetings the latest, MSG Sphere, a sphere-shaped “When you have choice, as a buyer you can create a value are on a much more modest scale, demonstrating the city’s ability to concert arena expected to open in 2020 at proposition that is very unique to your own company’s and group’s cater to a wide range of meeting needs. “Even though many the Sands Expo and Convention Center. It needs. It puts the power of creation in the hands of event profes- are very large, we can create spaces for the very small,” Meyer says. will feature a programmable exterior, 35 sionals,” he adds. “Meetings here average about 67 rooms, and most are under 100. miles of LED lights and a 250-million-pixel And those choices continue to multiply as the city’s facilities pe- high-resolution screen, said to be the big- rennially reinvent and modernize to stay fresh and to accommodate SPACE, ROOMS, RESOURCES APLENTY gest, highest definition screen on earth. the needs of today’s traveler — both for work and for play. Not sur- Las Vegas already boasts more than 11.5 million square feet MSG Sphere and the recently opened prisingly, average attendance jumps 8 percent when conventions of exhibit and meeting space and three of the 10 largest U.S. con- Esports Arena at Luxor, both designed with rotate to Las Vegas. vention venues, including the Convention Center, millennial and Gen Z travelers in mind, will Chris Meyer, CMP, CEM, vice president of sales, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

2016 NUMBER OF NUMBER OF CONVENTION/ NUMBER OF MEETINGS INTERNTIONAL PERCENT GROWTH OF MEETING TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF NUMBER OF LOCAL JOBS VEGAS VISITORS MEETING DELEGATES & CONVENTIONS VISITORS ATTENDEES FROM 2017 SOUTHERN TOURISM SUPPORTED BY TOURISM BY THE 41% of the NUMBERS 42.2 million 6.6 million 21,300 16% +5.3% 59 billion 391,000 ( workforce )

Source: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority LVCVA Spread Ad LVCVA Spread Ad THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS 6 TOP 10 REASONS TO MEET IN VEGAS # TOP 10 REASONS TO WEATHER7 days of 320 sunshine 10 MEET IN VEGAS less than 5 LAS VEGAS precipitation annually CONVENTION AND VISITORS This warm, dry climate is attractive AUTHORITY for meetings throughout the year. LVCVA is the ultimate authority on Las Vegas. ACCOMMODATIONS Our team of With nearly 150,000 rooms, Las Vegas offers the # # friendly Las Vegas best group value proposition in the world. 8 experts has an 1 extensive array # CONVENTION # INCREASED TRANSPORTATION of tools available SERVICES ATTENDANCE In many cases, the proximity to assist you: 2 3 of Las Vegas hotels eliminates • Lead distribution The attractiveness of the need for transportation 246,000+ Las Vegas generates as delegates can walk to • Press release/ many destinations. When press kits resort industry employees strong attendance for meetings. On transportation is required, Las The city’s resorts host nearly average, attendance Vegas offers myriad options • Attendance promotion increases 8 percent including bus, taxi, uber/lyft shuttles and the country’s when conventions • Visitor brochures, 21,000+ first automated monorail. rotate into Las Vegas. guides and maps meetings, conventions and Research also shows incentive programs annually. that attendees spend • Site-inspection # arrangements Attendee size ranging from more time in meetings and on the trade show 9 • Calendar of Ad 1 floor when programs events and shows 10-150,000+ are held in Las Vegas. DINING There are few other cities in the • Familiarization # CONVENTION CENTERS world that are able to boast as tours 4 wide an array of dining options as can be found in Las Vegas, from • Convention/trade Las Vegas has more than Las Vegas all-you-can-eat buffets to some show planning sf Convention Center 2.2M of the finest restaurants in the services Mandalay Bay 11. 5 M illion world. Many of the great chefs • Local supplier sf Convention Center square feet of exhibit 2.0M have set up shop in Las Vegas coordination and meeting space and Sands Expo and restaurants, where patrons are is home to three of the 1.7 M sf Convention Center consistently rewarded with great • Registration country’s 10 largest Additional food. As a result, Las Vegas has staffing +sf Venues options for every culinary taste. convention venues. 5.6M • Promotion assistance

• Destination inbound and outbound U.S. and international research 950+ flights per day 125+ cities, with nonstop service • Facility Travel to Las Vegas is easy on your and your and contact information

McCarran International Airport is conveniently located just LOCATION Las Vegas Las Vegas # two miles from and 3.5 miles from the Boulevard Convention Center LOCATION Las Vegas Convention Center, with nearly 150,000 rooms 6 LOCATION in Las Vegas, most within a 15-minute drive to the airport. 2 Mi. 3.5 Mi.

FOR MORE, VISIT VEGASMEANSBUSINESS.COM 8 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS 9 BETTING ON INNOVATION BETTING ON INNOVATION

WINNING INNOVATIONS Tech Around Town

Continuous improvement guarantees there’s always something Robots to the rescue: Hotel & and a game-themed menu by celebrated Chef José Andrés round fresh and exciting to see and do in Las Vegas. These are just a Spa’s team now includes Fetch and out the complex. few of the developments bringing new energy to the destination: Jett, three-foot-high robots that deliver Team-based virtual reality at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is a snacks, drinks, frequently requested New on collaborative experience that allows groups of two to four to partic- amenities, and spa products directly to ipate in up to four 15-minute timed team challenges. Teams travel the Menu guest suites. The pair are fully auton- through some of history’s most iconic moments, from the Stone omous delivery units that seamlessly Eataly, the popular Italian Meetings and More Age to ancient Egypt, medieval times, and the Space Age, solving food marketplace, is navigate around people and objects. An- puzzles and challenges along the way. rolling out its sixth U.S. The new Ideation Studio at Park MGM is a 7,000-square-foot collaborative meeting other dynamic robot duo, Elvis and Pris- location at Park MGM space which combines technology and behavioral science to spur creativity, collabora- cilla, joined the staff at the Renaissance An innovative attendee and corporate gift idea comes from in December 2018. The tion, productivity, and innovation. It’s a complex of seven “laboratories” geared toward Las Vegas Hotel, where they make guest room deliveries, bus empty Maui Jim, a company which offers optical lenses providing blue 40,000-square-foot culinary destination will groups of six to 25, all equipped with height-adjustable and easily repositioned tables trays, and alert the maintenance staff when the Wi-Fi is down. light protection. The new technology, incorporated into clear non- take over as the hotel’s and chairs which allow presenters and participants to be at eye level. Two large monitors prescription lenses, is designed to preserve healthy eyesight from Esports Arena Las Vegas, the first permanent esports venue on main entrance and are set up in each room and they incorporate Cisco Webex Teams virtual meeting tech- the ill effects of too much screen time. the Strip, opened earlier this year at Luxor Hotel and . The feature Eataly’s signature nology, allowing up to 25 remote attendees. The monitors can be used as smartboards; 30,000-square-foot, multilevel arena hosts every form of compet- Cutting-edge technology, more than 75 illusions, and 20 nev- unique food counters, everything that appears on the screen gets saved to the cloud and is accessible to the bars, cafes, and dining itive gaming, from daily play to high-stakes esports tournaments. er-before-seen effects are pushing the magic envelope in Criss meeting participants. experiences serving It features a competition stage, 50-foot LED video wall, telescopic Angel’s immersive new show, Mindfreak Live!. The over-the-top traditional Italian fare. Park MGM also recently unveiled the Madison Meeting Center, a flexible executive con- seating, PC and console gaming stations, and a network TV-quality visual spectacular opens in December 2018 at Planet Hollywood This incarnation will also ference facility created for classroom training, product seminars and workshops. Cater- production studio. A virtual reality platform, retro gaming consoles, Resort & Casino. include al fresco dining ing to groups from 10 to 50, the 10,000-square-foot facility contains 10 flexible meeting and several areas devoted to live cooking demos. rooms, two self-service lounges, ergonomic movable furniture with integrated power along with built-in audiovisual equipment and rolling whiteboards. The Madison Meeting Block 16 Urban Food Center also offers an all-inclusive day meeting package with a flat per-attendee fee that Hall recently opened at The Cosmopolitan resort. covers food and technology. YOU’RE IN VEGAS.VEGA The striking new dining introduced the All-Inclusive Group Experience. Groups of 10 or more concept introduces a staying for at least three nights can enjoy a package that includes suites, three daily variety of chef-driven GO DO SOMETHINGOME DIRTY. casual eateries, including meals at selected on-property restaurants, open bars, poolside snacks, selected minibar Pok Pok Wings and beverages, and a theme party during one of the dinners. The packages also include tax- We’ll bet that you didn’t know that just 20-minutes Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, es, gratuities, and food and beverage service charges. south of the Strip is an off-road experience unlike any along with sushi, fresh other in Las Vegas. Corporate and Incentive groups sandwiches, and more. The Wynn Solar Field, opened in June 2018, is a dedicated 160-acre solar energy facili- can experience gorgeous sand washes, natural rock features and serene valleys of the pristine Mojave ty that offsets up to 75 percent of the Wynn Las Vegas’s peak power requirements. Even- One of Hong Kong’s Desert. With Zero1 RZR Tours, you can single-drive, tually it will be used to provide the resort’s new meeting and convention space expansion most revered co-drive or ride-along with a friend in one of our exciting adventures. You’ll hit the trails with highly , Mott 32, with 100 percent renewable energy. restaurants trained guides who know the lay of the land to is opening its first U.S. ensure a fun and memorable event. location in Las Vegas at The Venetian Resort. Mott 32 combines authentic To book your Vegas experience, contact us Chinese recipes handed at [email protected] or 702.361.9100. down through generations zero1.vegas/rzr-tours with progressive cooking techniques. Mott 32 is known for an exceptional mixology program and stunning design. 10 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS SPECIAL FOCUS: EXPANSION

Convention Center District Tropicana Spurs Even More Expansion

Cranes and construction pits punctuate the dazzling Las Vegas skyline, but the biggest and most buzzed about project, the long-awaited Las Vegas Convention Center expansion, has at last broken ground.

Four years in the planning, the $935 million expansion of the That commitment has also ignited a building boom which some 200-acre Convention Center campus will add 1.4 million square expect will usher in the next golden age for Las Vegas. “Once our feet to the current facility, including at least 600,000 square feet expansion project started, our hotel partners jumped in; now, we of exhibit space and 400,000 square feet of convention and meet- have about $17 billion in new projects in the works,” says Chris ing space. That total includes 180,000 square feet of pure meeting Meyer, CEM, CMP, vice president of sales for LVCVA. rooms. The grand unveiling is scheduled for December 2020, just This whirlwind of activity will boost the city’s total meeting and in time to welcome the massive 2021 CES a month later. exhibitor space by 2.5 million square feet, a jump of more than “We’ve been the No. 1 trade show destination in North Ameri- 20 percent over the existing 11.5 million square feet. But more ca for 24 consecutive years, but we must continue to be innovative meeting capacity is only a small part of the story. The projects will and upgrade our offerings if we’re going to maintain that top spot,” bring an estimated 9,500 new rooms to the destination through says Steve Hill, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s chief 2021, as well as new venues and new attractions for visitors, cre- executive officer and president. “This expansion and renovation is ating even more compelling reasons to visit. Based on projected our commitment to our clients and our community to foster growth openings, 2020 will see the largest increase in rooms on the Strip and continue to deliver the excellent service and amenities that since 1993, when MGM Grand, Luxor and Treasure Island debuted, have made Las Vegas the world’s premier destination.” adding 10,000 new rooms. 12 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS SPECIAL FOCUS: EXPANSION

# ARIA Resort & The new construction and expansion projects are almost 4 Casino recently too numerous to track. The most notable developments added 200,000 square feet of are focused on meeting spaces. flexible meeting space across four stories, bringing its total in- ventory to 500,000 square feet. The new spaces include indoor/ MGM Grand has invested $130 million to expand its conference center. The # open-air verandas with retract- 1 250,000-square-foot addition includes two new ballrooms, three junior ballrooms, 11 able windows and dramatic breakout rooms and a new courtyard. One floor of the consolidated conference center will be views as well as an executive devoted to MGM Grand’s Stay Well Meetings, designed to stimulate “healthy, productive and lounge, three private suites creative work environments.” The resort now has 850,000 square feet of meeting space. for personal work spaces, a conference room with flexible furniture setups and a study. # Caesars Entertainment broke ground on # The Drew Las Vegas, 2 a new, $375 million conference center, 3 an integrated Marriott # Park MGM now Caesars Forum, in July 2018. The single-level International resort under devel- 5 offers two intimate meeting spaces designed for structure will occupy 550,000 square feet and have opment on the Strip, will include smaller groups: the city’s first 100 breakout rooms and the two largest pillarless more than 500,000 square feet Executive Meeting Center and ballrooms in the world. A 100,000 square-foot out- of convention and meeting space. the new Ideation Studio. door meeting and event space will sit adjacent, and The site of two luxury brands — the new facility will connect by skybridge to several Edition and JW Marriott — it’s Pink Jeep # Resorts World Las nearby hotels. It’s expected to open in 2020. expected to debut in 2021. 6 Vegas, a $4 billion, 60-story Asian-themed resort expected to open in 2020 or 2021, will have a 4,000-seat This will be a watershed moment for many theater. association shows which haven’t been able to get the dates that they wanted. Having more breakout space at # The Westin Las 7 Vegas Hotel & Spa the convention center and at individual properties will also added four meeting rooms off allow the city to better meet the needs of medical groups.” the lobby in 2018, increasing its capacity by 20 percent. — Chris Meyer CEM, CMP, vice president of sales for LVCVA # Treasure Island 8 Las Vegas bumped its conference and meeting Meyer says all this activity not only will keep Las Vegas competitive, but will also allow it to serve facilities up by more than 40 groups which have been shut out until now because of high demand or facility challenges. percent in 2017, increasing the total to more than 30,000 square feet.

Phase three of the Convention Center District project, set to follow closely after phase two, will involve a hall-by-hall renovation of the existing convention center. The schedule will ensure that the city maintains 1.9 million square feet of leasable exhibit space in order to continue to provide the amenities and level of service that has become synonymous with Las Vegas. 14 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS PLANNERS’ PERSPECTIVES

Lisa Breck TIPS ON MEETING GLOBAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CONFERENCEDIRECT IN LAS VEGAS SEATTLE, WASH. TIPS Know your client’s Wi-Fi and AV needs, and don’t assume that the hotel’s free Wi-Fi will be sufficient. Also, it’s essential to determine whether the hotel is a union shop; if it is, union fees need to be included in Scott Young the budget. PRESIDENT COOLEST GROUP VENUES One of my favorites is Drai’s THE MEETING COMPANY Beachclub and Nightclub at The Cromwell, with a great CHATHAM, MASS. view of the Strip and capacity for 2,500. For smaller groups, I like venues that offer a view of the Strip. TIPS Don’t be intimidated. Vegas can work for programs both large and small. Use the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to help guide you through BEST DINING EXPERIENCE I am a fan of SW Steak- your options. It’s one of the top convention and visitor bureaus in the country. house at Wynn, Giada at The Cromwell, and for great Italian food off the Strip, Ferraro’s. COOLEST GROUP VENUES Downtown Container Park on Fremont Street is a great place for a group event. I also like Drai’s Beachclub and Nightclub. WHY VEGAS It’s great for groups that are growing and want to stay under one roof. Las Vegas hotels have a BEST DINING EXPERIENCE I am a big fan of Yellowtail at the . But I lot of space to grow and will work with you as your also like simple and fun food, and Container Park [in ] is a group grows. great place to stroll, sightsee, and have some good, casual food along the way. Maui Jim FAVORITE FREE-TIME PURSUIT Dream Racing has WHY VEGAS Great flight schedules, great hotels with some very appealing a fleet of exotic fast cars that you can drive right on rates, and almost anything you can imagine for first-class activities, shows, and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway — also Topgolf at the dining, both on and off the Strip. MGM Grand, pool/beach parties, and helicopter tours. FAVORITE FREE-TIME PURSUIT A helicopter flight, great golf, and, for a great thrill, off-roading 20 minutes off the Strip. Walter Galanty Jr. PRESIDENT Lin Guba AIM MEETINGS SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEETINGS AND EVENTS INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ALEXANDRIA, VA. DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TIPS Make sure you ask the hotel, AV provider, and WASHINGTON, D.C. others about any “exclusive contracts.” Understand all TIPS The hotels in Las Vegas are big places, so try the specific union regulations and what the hotel will to assist attendees with getting around as much as allow you to bring in or what you might need to rent, possible, and be sure to allow extra time for getting from one place to another. such as easels, podiums, signage, etc. COOLEST GROUP VENUES Lou Ruvo Center is a unique option for medi- COOLEST GROUP VENUES Topgolf at the MGM Grand; um-sized groups; Fremont Street Experience (you can plan some really cool the hotel bars and nightclubs, which can be booked for parties there); Troy Liquor Bar at the Golden Nugget, overlooking Fremont Street; receptions and private functions before 9 p.m.; Skybar, and the Mob Museum. on the 23rd floor of the Waldorf Astoria; Troy Liquor Bar. WHY VEGAS Las Vegas works for groups that want to do social networking and BEST DINING EXPERIENCE Every restaurant at The like taking advantage of the nightlife. It’s also easy to get to, has great energy, Cosmopolitan provides a unique and wonderful experi- and the weather is decent most of the year. Also there are a lot of great options ence. I also like Blossom at ARIA — the duck is the best! for different size groups and different budgets. WHY VEGAS Flights are great; the Vegas hotel inven- BEST DINING EXPERIENCE La Comida, for low-key, informal dining. tory presents different price points for every group; non-gamblers have options — and it’s Vegas, baby! FAVORITE FREE-TIME PURSUIT Visiting the silver mines and other attractions just outside the city. On the Strip, the Fountains at Bellagio and behind-the- FAVORITE FREE-TIME PURSUIT World-class golf, din- scenes tours never get old. ing, professional sports, and people watching— espe- cially on weekends and downtown. 16 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS 17 RESORTS AND HOTELS RESORTS AND HOTELS

HOTELS IMPROVE, EXPAND, THE STRIP

he Las Vegas Convention Center District expan- MGM Grand Hotel & Casino has 5,044 guest sion and the enduring popularity of Las Vegas as rooms and an additional 51 at the Forbes 5-star a travel destination have spurred dozens of new Skylofts. In addition to an array of dining, shop- hotel construction, expansion, and improvement ping, and entertainment, the resort is home to projects in recent years. Many of those develop- Topgolf Las Vegas, a 4-level entertainment ven- ments have already arrived on the scene or are ue with interactive golf games, pools, VIP suites, close to completion. Here’s a look at some of the and special-event menus. most notable projects so far. MGM Resorts also spent $170 million to ex- The former Monte Carlo Resort and Casi- pand the ARIA Convention Center by 200,000 no officially was rechristened thePark MGM square feet with the addition of a four-story facil- in May 2018. Along with the new name came ity that boosted its capacity to 500,000 square upgrades, including an additional 77,000 square feet. It includes a new executive lounge and the feet of new convention space, with expansive most recent component, an 8,000-square-foot ballrooms, 43 meeting rooms, the Ideation Stu- outdoor space. ARIA Resort & Casino has 4,004 dio and a Madison Meeting Center devoted to guest rooms, more than a dozen restaurants— smaller groups, and an outdoor terrace. The ho- including the newly opened Catch — and luxury tel’s nearly 3,000 rooms offer a boutique-style shopping at Crystals. experience for groups ranging from small gath- After introducing the Stay Well concept to erings up to 5,000 attendees. NoMad Las Ve- more than 100 of its 3,044 guest rooms last gas, an exclusive hotel-within-a-hotel on the top four floors of the property, recently opened with 293 rooms and a dedicated private entrance, casino, dining, and central lobby. Meanwhile, the nearby MGM Grand Conference Center is ex- pected to have an additional 250,000 square feet of conference space on- line by the end of 2018, bringing its

total space to more than 850,000 The MGM Grand Conference Center added 250,000 square square feet (see p. 10 for details). The feet for a total of more than 850,000 square feet. 18 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS RESORTS AND HOTELS

After an 18-month rebranding project, the Waldorf Astoria now at the Venetian Resort recently upgraded all of its offer guests a sleek, contemporary design with amazing views. suites and also added new restaurants and bars.

year, is doubling down with the addition of Stay Well expanded shopping plaza, and outstanding entertainment options, Meetings. Calypso Court, which includes seven meeting rooms, will Wynn also is home to 200,000 square feet of meeting space, while be converted to the Stay Well concept, which entails healthy envi- Encore has 60,000 square feet. ronments that promote high performance by increasing attendees’ The Drew Las Vegas, a collaboration between Marriott Inter- energy, focus, and productivity through evidence-based elements. national and Steve Witkoff, will have nearly 4,000 rooms and suites The area can accommodate groups of 15 to 350. The Mirage Con- and 500,000 square feet of meeting and convention space at its vention Center houses 170,000 square feet of meeting space and opening, scheduled for 2020. Two luxury hotels will share the site Treasure Island unique event venues such as Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and — an Edition and a JW Marriott. Both will be managed by Marriott Dolphin Habitat. International. The former Mandarin Oriental is now the Waldorf Astoria Las , an Asian-themed resort with a ten- Vegas Hotel & Residences. The property is home to 392 guest tative opening date of late 2020 and a $4 billion price tag, will add rooms and 225 residences, including 55 suites and three presiden- 3,000 guest rooms to the city’s inventory. It will be located across tial suites. The resort provides a non-gaming, non-smoking environ- the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center. The first phase is ment. Following an 18-month rebranding, the Waldorf’s guest rooms expected to include multiple restaurants with a variety of regional now sport a sleek, contemporary design with floor-to-ceiling win- Chinese cuisines; a 100,000-square-foot casino, retail, and nightlife dows framing spectacular views of the Strip and surrounding desert. options. Among the resort’s food and beverage options are Michelin star-rat- Bally’s Las Vegas completed a $125 million renovation of 2,052 ed Chef Pierre Gagnaire’s Twist, a Tea Lounge which presents three guest rooms, capping the process of upgrading all 2,800 rooms over afternoon tea services, and a 23rd-floor SkyBar offering handcrafted the last four years. The property has 175,000 square feet of conven- cocktails. The property offers 12,000 square feet of function space, tion space. including the glamorous Waldorf Ballroom, with a walk-out balcony The 3,027-room The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas renovated and floor-to-ceiling windows featuring views of the Strip. rooms in the Boulevard and Chelsea Towers, adding modern artwork, After a more than a year of work, The Palazzo at The Venetian statement wall coverings, texture carpeting, improved lighting, and Resort has upgraded all 2,872 of its guest suites, added new restau- user-friendly technology. The upgrades were part of a property-wide rants and introduced a new bar, Electra Cocktail Club. The Palazzo transformation. The hotel has more than 240,000 square feet of and its sister property, the 4,028-suite The Venetian, provide two vertically integrated meeting space as well as a 40,000-square-foot distinct luxury hotel experiences along with celebrity-chef restau- performance venue and three pool experiences. rants, shopping, nightlife and entertainment. The two resorts have The Grand Tower at SLS Las Vegas has been integrated into the direct access to the Sands Expo and Convention Center. full resort operation. The 1,300-room property is in the midst of a The 2,716-room Wynn Las Vegas and its sister property, the $100 million refurbishment that will update the casino floor, rooms, 2,034-room Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, together offer one-of-a- pool, and entertainment venues. SLS has more than 80,000 square kind luxury. Known for its luxurious spa, acclaimed dining, newly feet of meeting and event space, including a 9,000-square-foot ball- 20 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS 21 RESORTS AND HOTELS RESORTS AND HOTELS Green is Growing Hotels and convention facilities in Las Vegas get greener every day. A few of their eco-conscious measures include:

• The Venetian and The Palazzo installed LED light- ing in all suites, use a solar-thermal system to supply hot water for all pools, spas, and portions of the Palazzo Tower, use an off-the-grid water filtration

Tropicana Las Vegas boasts over 100,000 sq ft of flexible meeting system, operate meeting spaces with Level Two spaces that can be divided into as many as 38 breakout rooms. APEX/ASTM green standards, achieved a perfect Harrah’s Las Vegas recently completed a $140 million renovation Golden Nugget’s ballroom can accomodate even the largest teams. score on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and project to improve its Valley Tower accommodations. The hotel offers over 70,000 sq ft of meeting and event space. room and 30,000 square feet of dedicated meeting rooms. achieve among the best recycling rates in Nevada. — a DoubleTree by Hilton offers more than • At ARIA, local farms recycle restaurant leftovers; 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space that can be divided into as a power plant recycles excess heat to keep pools sport more than $1 million each in exclusive furnishings and décor rants. ’s 20,000 square feet of meeting facilities in- many as 38 breakout rooms and features one of the fastest Wi-Fi services warm; resort limos run on natural gas; cooking oil is chosen by top designers. clude a ballroom with a capacity for 2,000 guests. in Las Vegas. The Trinidad Pavilion and Meeting Rooms provide 55,000 recycled into bio fuel, and low-flow shower heads cut Another Caesars Entertainment property, Harrah’s Las Vegas, A longtime player in Las Vegas, Golden Nugget offers luxury square feet of meeting and exhibition space with ground-level access that water usage by 50 million gallons a year. The resort’s wrapped up a $140 million renovation that involved the 1,622 rooms and sophistication in the heart of downtown. With 2,400 deluxe is perfect for large general sessions, exhibits, and other types of events, recent convention center expansion earned five keys in its Valley Tower. The 2,500-room resort offers more than 25,000 accommodations, nine world-class restaurants, exciting night- while the award-winning pool and gardens and the Tropicana Theater are from Green Key Global Eco-Rating program. square feet of meeting and convention space, six restaurants, and an ly entertainment and more than 70,000 square feet of custom- opulent venues for upscale events. Other group venues at the 1,467-room • Wynn Las Vegas recently was awarded four green outdoor bar with flair bartenders and live music. izable meeting and event space, the hotel creates unforgettable hotel include the Havana Room — with a magnificent chandelier, custom globes, the highest certification given by the Green experiences for guests and attendees. The hotel has a same-day seating areas, a dark wood dance floor, and premium technology — and Building Initiative. In 2018 the resort opened the OFF THE STRIP AND BEYOND response policy for group inquiries submitted before 2 p.m. PST. the Sky Beach Club, which is ideal for extravagant outdoor events with Wynn Solar Field, which will provide a majority of is adopting a fresh look with a $620 mil- A distinctive feature of the hotel is its pool area and the Tank, a two spectacular pools surrounded by waterfalls, palm trees, and cabanas. Wynn’s peak power requirements and power the lion renovation. The multi-year makeover is proceeding in phases; 200,000-gallon shark aquarium, with a waterslide that allows Treasure Island — TI Hotel & Casino has more than 30,000 square hotel’s new meeting and convention space. MGM the first changes will include redesigned guestrooms, several new guests to virtually swim with the sharks. feet of convention space and a total of 2,664 rooms and 220 suites. The Resorts also recently partnered with renewable restaurants, a new nightclub, a redesigned casino floor complete Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa, set in Summerlin, is home meeting facilities are located away from the casino floor and within easy energy company Invenergy to purchase solar power with a shark tank, and a mini art museum. Phase 2, expected to to 814 guest rooms and almost 100,000 square feet of function access from guest rooms. TI features several indoor and outdoor alterna- that will power its hotels by the end of 2020. MGM’s continue through 2019, will create new themed suites, several mar- space, including a dedicated conference center with five ball- tive venues within the hotel and overlooking the Strip with atmospheres Mandalay Bay Convention Center already operates quee restaurants, a new nightclub, a year-round pool party club, and rooms. A 72-lane luxury bowling center and a three-acre pool area ranging from casual and extraordinary to formal and elegant. Private and the nation’s largest rooftop solar array. a spa. are popular group venues. The resort’s spa offers a tailored well- semi-private banquet and meeting facilities are also available at a variety • Caesars Entertainment announced a commitment Palace Station just wrapped up a two-year, $192 million mod- ness-themed menu for meeting groups, including group spa expe- of food and beverage outlets and poolside. to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ernization which includes an overhaul of the casino floor as well as its riences, outdoor hikes that take advantage of the nearby Red Rock Caesars Entertainment’s new 550,000-square-foot conference cen- The company made the agreement with the Science 575 guest rooms and suites. The property also added a resort-style Canyon National Conservation Area, stress management sessions, ter, Caesars Forum, is scheduled to open in 2020 (see p. 10 for details). Based Targets Initiative. It’s part of Caesars’ pool area, a nine-screen movie complex, and several casual restau- and team-building programs. The facility will have direct access to the 5,000 rooms at and decade-old CodeGreen environmental program Harrah’s hotels through the Forum sky bridge; the 3,500-room Flamin- that has already cut the company’s greenhouse gas go Las Vegas is accessible through the LINQ Promenade. Groups will be emissions, waste, and water usage. able to buy out the LINQ Promenade for private events or use Brooklyn • The Las Vegas Convention Center does its part The Hotel & Spa is now a non-gaming, non-smoking Bowl, a concert venue located at the center of the promenade. Caesars through a recycling program that diverts more property. The Westin recently underwent updates of its lobby, 826 rooms, the also recently completed a $6.5 million redesign of the 73,000-square- than 3,500 tons of material from landfills annually, Hibiscus Spa and Salon, the fitness facility, and the outdoor pool area. With the foot meeting space at The Flamingo. It includes updated walls, carpeting, including 205 pounds of “techno trash” and 670 addition of four new meeting rooms, the hotel has more than 30,000 square lighting fixtures and more. tons of cardboard and paper. The facility also follows At , a lavish $100 million upgrade of the Palace Tower an environmental purchasing policy, relies on water- feet of flexible event space. updated 1,181 of the resort’s nearly 4,000-room inventory. Ten new villas and energy-conserving technology, and promotes the use of green vehicles by staff and visitors. 22 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS THE BUSINESS OF ENTERTAINMENT

ENTERTAINMENT Something for Every Taste

as Vegas is legendary for its copious leisure pursuits: aside where they morphed into the Las Vegas Aces. Their games take from the , visitors can take in shows headlined by place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. The year before, the NHL Lworld-renowned entertainers; dine in an assortment of Vegas Golden Knights kicked off their inaugural season at T-Mobile Bear’s Best celebrity chefs’ signature restaurants; and shop at stores running Arena, located on the Strip. In their first year they reached the Stan- the gamut from iconic anchor stores to luxury designer goods. And, ley Cup final, an unheard-of feat for an expansion team. of course, there’s golf, and spas, and high-tech fun. There truly is Two new sports venues will soon bring even more action to the something for everyone here. And that’s a big factor in the city’s city. Next year, the 10,000-seat Las Vegas Ball Park in Summer- appeal for event attendees. lin is expected to debut as the new home of the Las Vegas 51s, “Entertainment is still a big driving force behind why people a Triple-A minor league baseball team affiliated with the Oakland want to come here, for both business and leisure travel,” says Chris Athletics. And sports fans are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Meyer, CEM, CMP, vice president of global business sales, Las Ve- Oakland Raiders. After moving to Las Vegas, the NFL team will play gas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “Seeing people in a new, 65,000-seat stadium expected to open in time for the on the trade show floor, then going to dinner, then going to see a 2020-21 season kickoff. show, or to a sporting event is the best way to build trust.” When it comes to participatory sports, the latest newcomer is Fly LINQ, the first zipline on the Strip. It features 10 side-by- New Sports Action side ziplines, capable of simultaneously launching all riders from In recent years professional sports have taken on a more prom- 114-foot-tall launch towers above The LINQ Promenade entertain- inent role within the mix. Last year, the Women’s National Basket- ment and dining district. Guests can enjoy the 1,121-foot ride and ball Association (WNBA) San Antonio Stars relocated to Las Vegas, the spectacular views from either a seated or superhero position.

The Ultimate Spin at SoulCycle For spinning enthusiasts, SoulCycle is debuting a new Las Vegas studio at Wynn Plaza, the resort’s new retail complex. The 62-bike studio provides illuminated lighting, upgraded playlists, an expanded podium for up to three instructors, and mind-blowing art and neon installations. 24 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS THE BUSINESS OF ENTERTAINMENT

Pink Jeep Tours’ interactive team building activities challenge, The Waldorf-Astoria spa offers a variety or relaxing styles to fit any motivate and inspire learning through fun and laughter. guest’s pampering needs.

Pink Jeep Tours sessions and corporate golf outings. Private dining rooms supply Jeep tours have also taken off in recent years as a group terrific views and top-notch service. team-building activity. Pink Jeep Tours, for example, will custom As the largest golf course management company in Las Vegas, design an exclusive short, half-day or full-day program with a ca- Elite Golf offers 135 holes of golf over six unique courses. Elite’s tered picnic lunch (or a hotel box lunch). Tours led by the firm’s ded- professional team is equipped to coordinate every aspect of cor- Elite Golf icated professional staff and local guides can range from mild, sce- porate or association golf events — including accommodations, nic, informative drives to exciting, rugged excursions. Select groups round-trip transportation, customized food and beverage packages, will receive complimentary snacks while on their tour as requested. and more. From the exclusive Spanish Trail Country Club to the con- Groups booked in 2019 are eligible for an exclusive 25 percent dis- veniently located Legacy Golf Club to the beautifully scenic Primm count if planners mention MeetingsNet when submitting RFPs. Valley Golf Club, Elite can offer courses which appeal to all golfers.

Zero1 Las Vegas Off-Road RZR Tours Living the Spa Life For groups with a taste for edgier experiences, Zero1 Las Vegas Convention attendees looking for a way to wind down and relax Off-Road RZR Tours help groups to escape from the Strip to a after a day of meetings and trade show action have an abundant se- different side of Las Vegas in the Mojave Dessert. Drivers climb lection of spas with wide-ranging treatment menus to consider. Spa behind the wheel of a Polaris R2R XP 1000 UTV to navigate pris- styles range from minimalist to luxurious, European to Asian style, tine desert terrain, natural rock features, twisty sand washes and and therapies with restorative and healing properties. The newest, rugged trails. Led by Zero1’s highly trained, knowledgeable guides, the Spa & Salon at Park MGM, offers a variety of massages, body tour participants enjoy the power and excitement of high-octane treatments, and facials that meld new-age techniques and ancient off-road driving. traditions. Guests can enjoy services in standard treatment rooms, poolside, or in guest rooms on special request. More Action on the Green The Waldorf-Astoria (formerly the Mandarin Oriental) updated the As home to more than 70 courses, Las Vegas remains a premier des- menu at its elegant and spacious spa to offer experiences custom- tination for golfers. The typically mild weather and courses designed ized to a guest’s skin type, aesthetic goals, and a holistic analysis. for every level of play make it a natural. For something completely different, Qua Baths & Spa at Nobu Unique among the mix is Bear’s Best Las Vegas, a course com- Hotel at Caesars Palace now offers Mindful Touch, a 100-minute posed of 18 holes hand-selected by Jack Nicklaus from his 270 treatment that includes a 10-minute virtual reality journey honoring global designs. The private events staff provides personalized ser- five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and metal. Following seaweed vice and professional accommodations for a variety of business foot and spine masks, the video recreates hypnotic scenes from events, from formal meetings to business dinners, team-building nature and a voice provides thoughtful awareness instruction. 26 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTERS Non-gaming hotels include The Delano, The Artisan, Embassy Suites, Four Seasons, Waldorf Palms Astoria, Place, Renaissance, Trump International, Vdara, and many more.

1 2 5 3

4 CONVENTION CENTERS

1 LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER 4 HENDERSON Operated by the Las Vegas Conven- CONVENTION CENTER tion and Visitors Authority, the 3.2 mil- Located 12 lion-square-foot Las Vegas Convention miles from the MGM RI Center offers 2 million square feet of ex- Strip, the center hibit space and nearly 250,000 square offers more than feet of meeting space. The center’s 13 13,000 square exhibit halls and 144 meeting rooms are feet of versatile within three miles of more than 100,000 hotel rooms. convention and meeting space including a Invision Studios Future plans include the renovation of existing facilities and a 600,000-square- 10,000-square-foot ballroom and 10 meeting foot expansion that will house new meeting and exhibit space. rooms. The space can accommodate up to vegasmeansbusiness.com 1,000 theater-style seating, 500 in a classroom setup and 600 for a banquet. The center can make arrangements for food and beverage and 2 SANDS EXPO AND CONVENTION CENTER offers the option of self-catering. Conveniently situated near 40,000 hotel cityofhenderson.com rooms and offering direct access to the 7,093 suites of The Venetian and The Palazzo, Sands Expo offers more than 1.7 million square feet 5 COX PAVILION of show floor and meeting space. Included are the 85,000-square-foot Venetian Ballroom, multiple exhibit halls, boardrooms and hundreds of meeting rooms. sandsexpo.com

MANDALAY BAY 3 Located on the campus of UNLV approximately CONVENTION CENTER two miles from the Strip, the 3,000-seat Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino’s offers more venue is connected to the school’s Thomas than 2 million square feet of meeting space & Mack Center. The pavilion hosts sporting including the Mandalay Bay Events Center events, academic functions, concerts, trade featuring over 30,000 square feet of exhibit shows, parties and special events. In-house space and 26,000 square feet of meeting services include catering, audio/visual and function space. It seats 12,000 in a full support, event staffing and talent booking. arena setting. The convention center offers direct access to Mandalay Bay Re- thomasandmack.com sort featuring more than 3,000 guest rooms and suites. mandalaybayconventions.com 28 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS TRAVEL | TRANSPORTATION

FROM THE AIRPORT Passengers landing at McCarran International Air- port enjoy a stunning view of the Strip that underscores how close the airport is to the action. In fact, the terminals sit just 2 miles from the Strip, 3.5 miles from the Las Vegas Convention Center, and 15 miles from downtown. Taxis are plentiful; a ride to GETTING THERE a Strip resort should run $20-$40. Beware: Some taxis will not accept credit cards, so Many Choices in Air Service it’s a good idea to inform the driver if you plan to use one. Getting downtown should cCarran International Airport capped another record year in run about $40-50. Another option is an airport shuttle, which costs $7-$10, de- 2017, serving 48.5 million passengers to make it the busiest pending on location. Many resorts in nearby Myear in the airport’s history. Through the first eight months of Summerlin, Henderson and AWG 2018, that upswing in traffic continued, with traffic up 2.7 percent. The run shuttle service. Ride-sharing services airport handles an average of 950 flights a day with direct service from 140 through Uber and Lyft also pick up airport cities. Competition among multiple carriers providing service from so many passengers at designated locations. markets keeps the city an affordable and easily accessible destination. CAR RENTALS All of the major car Domestic traffic rose by 2.4 percent. Southwest remains the dominant rental companies are located in a cen- carrier, but Delta, Frontier, Sun Country, Spirit, JetBlue and United airlines tral facility only 10 minutes from the air- all saw gains in passengers. port, accessible via a free shuttle.

McCarran has expanded its global reach, with service from 25 international PRIVATE RIDES Limos are avail- markets on 20 carriers. Some 16 percent of visitors to Las Vegas are able for hire outside the airport and from outside the U.S., a long-term upward trend. In 2018 the destination many hotels; typically an airport trip welcomed the first direct flight on LATAM Airlines offering seasonal service ranges from $50-$150. One transporta- tion provider, AWG Ambassador, specializ- from Sao Paulo. It’s now easier to get to Las Vegas from Canada with three es in private tours and group charters. Its carriers adding service: Air Canada Rouge from Edmonton, Swoop from fleet includes limos, stretch limos, sedans, Edmonton, Abbotsford and Hamilton; and Flair Air from Edmonton and SUVs, party buses, luxury cars, passenger Winnipeg. Frontier Airlines also launched international service from Cancun vans, tour buses and more. and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

AROUND TOWN One of the easiest McCarran remains the nation’s eighth busiest airport. But it’s not just a busy ways to get from one destination to an- place, it’s a happy place. Visitors to Las Vegas like the airport experience so other along the Strip is the Monorail. It much that McCarran tied with Orlando as the No. 1 North American mega connects the Convention Center with more airport in the most recent J.D. Power ranking of consumer satisfaction. than 26,000 hotel rooms at seven stations along a 4-mile route. Walking is another op- tion, especially on milder days; sky bridges For more information on carriers and service, visit www.mccarran.com. and trams connecting selected resorts make navigating the Strip a little easier. 30 THE CORPORATE MEETING & INCENTIVE PLANNERS GUIDE TO LAS VEGAS ADVERTISERS

AD INDEX 29 27 AWG Ambassador Chauffeured Transportation Services MGM Resorts International Christine Backman, Director of Sales Michael Dominguez, Chief Sales Officer 702-740-3400, [email protected] 702- 632-7901, [email protected] www.awgambassador.com www.mgmresorts.com 23 13 Bear’s Best Las Vegas Pink Jeep Tours Jim Stanfill, General Manager Jessica Juadines, Senior Sales Manager, Group Sales 702-804-8500 ext.222, [email protected] 702-778-3912, [email protected] www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/Bear-s-Best-Las-Vegas www.pinkjeeptours.com 25 19 Elite Golf Management Treasure Island – TI Hotel & Casino Matt Utter, Director of Sales Shelly Ryser-Blanton, CMP, Executive Director Hotel Sales 702-525-9972, [email protected] 800-944-7711, [email protected] www.EliteGolf.com www.treasureisland.com 32 11 Michael Toney, VP President - Sales, Tropicana Las Vegas – a DoubleTree by Hilton 702-386-8284, [email protected] Gavin Mealiffe, VP of Sales www.goldennugget.com/lasvegas/ 702-739-2362, [email protected] www.troplv.com 4 & 5 Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority 7 MeetingsNet Amy Riley, Senior Director of Business Sales Wynn/ 702- 892-0711, [email protected] Steve Blanner, Vice President of Sales www.vegasmeansbusiness.com 702-770-7800, [email protected] House Ad www.wynnmeetings.com 15 Maui Jim Sunglasses 9 Maui Jim Corporate Gifts Zero 1 Desert Adventures 800.614.6790, [email protected] Karl Fusco, Corporate Sales www.mauijimcorporategifts.com 702-806-8249, [email protected] www.zero1.vegas

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photos courtesy of The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, © 2017, Las Vegas News Bureau. Photos also provided and copyrighted by individual hotels and establishments. Las Vegas Sales & Event Director: Lisa K. Perrin [email protected] Writer and Editor: Regina McGee Art Director: Informa Engage © 2018 informa Golden Ad Nugget Page 32