Aria Resort & Casino Will Add 200,000 Square Feet of Meeting Space
January 1, 2016
The Aria Resort & Casino has unveiled plans for a major expansion of its LEED Gold-certified convention center in Las Vegas.
The $154 million project will feature an additional 200,000 square feet of technologically advanced, flexible meeting space across four stories, highlighted by indoor/open-air spaces and a glass-enclosed venue with views of The Park and new Las Vegas Arena.
With the completion of the expansion, ARIA will feature more than 500,000 square feet of meeting space for its clientele.
Construction is scheduled to begin May 2016 with anticipated completion February 2018.
“Convention business at ARIA is booming, and demand is currently exceeding the space we have available,” said Bobby Baldwin, ARIA’s president & COO. “Hosting large meetings and conventions is a core part of our business; as our clients’ needs grow, we are committed to grow with them.”
ARIA’s new convention space will maintain MGM Resorts International’s commitment to build all new venues to LEED Gold standards or better.
“Our guests expect luxurious offerings and will be wowed by the new convention space,” said Tony Yousfi, ARIA’s vice president of sales, said.
He added, “With the addition of this elite 200,000-square-foot venue, ARIA exponentially increases the spectrum of events and services that can be hosted at our AAA Five Diamond resort.”
The first level will feature an open ballroom with ample pre-function spaces, and access to an exclusive loading dock for events that require sizable displays.
Versatile indoor-outdoor breakout rooms, which provide meetings flexibility to enjoy the Las Vegas weather while conducting business will highlight the second level.
The third level will offer a large ballroom, as well as naturally lit pre-function spaces connecting to ARIA’s existing convention center.
The facility’s top floor will complement a ballroom with an outdoor patio that can accommodate receptions for up to 2,000 guests. The top-floor patio will feature views overlooking The Park and Las Vegas Arena, both of which are slated to open in April 2016.
ARIA was named the top meeting resort in North America by Cvent; received the 2015 Gold Platter and Gold Key Awards from Meetings & Conventions magazine; and was named Smart Meetings’ Best Gaming/Casino Hotel in 2015.
The new convention space will take the place of the location currently occupied by Cirque du Soleil’s production of Zarkana, which will close April 30.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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