Las Vegas tourism officials are hoping for better days ahead in 2021. After meetings, conventions and trade shows came to a screeching halt last year, industry insiders are looking to this year with optimism.
One of the first glimmers of hope in Las Vegas came in October when Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak loosened its COVID-19 restrictions increasing the number of people who can gather from 50 to 250 people or 50 percent of capacity, whichever is less.
This was good news for the $375 million CAESARS FORUM, the new 550,000-square-foot conference center located on the Las Vegas Strip featuring the world’s two largest pillarless ballrooms, each measuring more than 110,000 square feet as it hosted its first conference – the Annual Partner Meeting for ConferenceDirect. The gathering was a huge success.
In June, the city is planning to welcome the World of Concrete, the first large trade show to be held in the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC)’s new West Hall, a $980 million expansion.
When groups come back to Sin City, there are some changes and new attractions to look forward to.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, a new meetings hotel, will open March 25. The integrated resort will intermix a passion for food and beverage with music and culture and features three hotel towers totaling over 1,500 Chambers and suites; the 60,000 sq. ft. Mohegan Sun Casino, operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment; a five-acre desert pool oasis including a multi-functional event lawn; live music and entertainment theater with 4,500 capacity; a signature showroom accommodating 650 guests; an exclusive portfolio of twelve food and beverage venues including Todd English’s Olives, Kris Yenbamroong’s Night + Market, the legendary Nobu, Michael and David Morton’s MB Steak, Kassi Beach Club from restauranteur Nick Mathers, Casa Calavera by global hospitality company Hakkasan Group, the sports entertainment, daylife and nightlife venue Money, Baby! from Clive Collective, famous Afters Ice Cream, Pizza Forte by the Ferraro Family and signature Virgin Hotels restaurants and bars including The Kitchen at Commons Club, The Bar at Commons Club, The Shag Room at Commons Club and Funny Library Coffee Shop.
Re-conceptualized and revitalized, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas offers 130,000 square feet of remodeled meeting, event and convention spaces. The property’s pool and entertainment complex combines a resort pool, dayclub, and The Promenade and Event Lawn for gatherings.
In other Vegas news, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has acquired the assets of the Las Vegas Monorail Company, preserving an important transportation option in Las Vegas. This transaction also paves the way for the Boring Company’s underground tunnel, the Vegas Loop, to be constructed throughout the destination.
The 3.9-mile elevated monorail has moved nearly five million people a year, many of whom are attending meetings at the LVCC.
“Versatility is one of Las Vegas’ greatest value propositions. As home to nearly 150,000 hotel rooms, nearly 14 million square feet of meeting space and three of the top 10 convention centers in the country, we offer options for just about every taste and budget,” said John Schreiber, Vice President of Business Sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “In 2020 the destination added more than two million square feet of world-class meeting space, including the expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s West Hall, the expansion of the Wynn Las Vegas convention space and the addition of CAESARS FORUM. Las Vegas also celebrated the debut of Circa Resort & Casino downtown and Allegiant Stadium. This year we’ll welcome Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and Resorts World, so our offerings will only continue to increase as we look forward to welcoming back larger gatherings and events.”
The LVCVA’s business website, VegasMeansBusiness.com, is a resource hub for planners.
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