Las Vegas Paves the Way to Safe, Successful Events

A data-driven approach coupled with industry-wide commitment to safety have been instrumental in the return of large professional events to Las Vegas, facilitating innovation and growth and accelerating the nation’s economic recovery.

Between June and September, the city has welcomed back a number of large trade shows, including World of Concrete, Summer 2021 Las Vegas Market, MAGIC, OFFPRICE Show, Vision Expo West and PACK EXPO, among others. The Las Vegas Convention Center alone hosted 25 events, and 22 more events are planned through Jan. 2022, with over 515,000 attendees expected. Open without capacity restrictions, Las Vegas has been working closely with local health authorities on effective guidelines as well as with industry partners to ensure a safe return to business.

WOC 2021

“Las Vegas is successfully back to business, and we couldn’t be happier,” commented Brian Yost, Chief Operating Officer, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “Last year the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR facility accreditation, and between June and September, welcomed more than 310,000 attendees to shows in our building.

Meanwhile, our partners throughout the destination have hosted meetings and groups of all sizes and brought back world-class entertainment and dining, giving our visitors an amazing experience both on and off the show floor. Feedback at the LVCC has been overwhelmingly positive – our business travelers are delighted to be meeting and making connections in-person, and they feel confident about wellness measures throughout the destination.”

The trade show industry has responded to the pandemic challenge with a powerful joint approach to make events safe. Earlier this year, several of the world’s largest organizers, including Tarsus, Informa Markets, Reed Exhibitions, Clarion Events and Emerald collaborated with the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) and other global organizations, suppliers, venues and local authorities collaborated on the release of AllSecure, a rigorous set of industry guidelines trade show and events that was quickly adopted and has become an industry standard moving forward.

Along with the measures adopted by Las Vegas as a destination, they have already proved effective for hosting safe and productive events.

Las Vegas Sfaety

PACK EXPO and Healthcare Packaging EXPO welcomed over 23,000 attendees to Las Vegas this September and was a huge success, said Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. “Exhibitors and attendees alike were energized by the number of people who attended and more importantly the business conducted from the moment we opened the doors.”

Tricia Barglof, executive director of OFFPRICE, part of the Las Vegas Fashion Week, commented that her show saw a resurgence in buyer traffic and exceeded expectations. She said: “We knew there was pent-up demand for face-to-face meetings due to supply-chain issues. Retailers are looking for in-stock inventory that can ship quickly, that’s what our vendors are known for. Our OFFPRICE Market held last February in Orlando and in Las Vegas in August proved we could align with the rest of Fashion Week to create an environment where health and safety was our top priority and all those involved felt comfortable.”

An impressive lineup of large trade shows and events, including National Hardware Show, SEMA, IMEX at Mandalay Bay, Amazon Web Services re:Invent 2021 at The Venetian, Cowboy Christmas, and CES 2022 is scheduled through January, successfully kicking off a new year of major events in Las Vegas, with many more slated into 2022.

Partner Voices

MGM RESORTS: HERE, CONVENTIONS ARE DO-GOOD AND FEEL-GOOD

MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting. At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas: Protecting Natural Resources MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction. Committed to Community Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs. MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations. Fostering Diversity & Inclusion To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all. MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.

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