Puerto Vallarta: The Friendliest City in the World
April 20, 2014
The Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center in Mexico is just four and a half years old, but it already is making a name for itself in the international event community.
For the past three years, it has been recognized in MDC Magazine Readers Choice Awards as one of Mexico's top 10 convention centers. This year, it was No. 3 on that list.
While speaking outside the building to Patricia Farias-Barlow, CEO at PVICC, a hawk was seen flying overhead. “That’s Harry,” said Farias-Barlow. “He was adopted by us, and he’s not completely wild.”
PVICC is the only convention center in the world adjacent to a Natural Protected Ecological Area. The 320 acres of naturally protected area are maintained by revenue from events at the convention center. Itis an area that is vital to the ecology of Puerto Vallarta and the bay.
Farias-Barlow said that the PVICC is focused on attracting conventions and corporate meetings of 2,200 attendees and below.
The convention center has 105,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibition space. Gran Salon Vallarta, the Convention Center’s column free main meeting hall, offers close to 54,000 sq. ft. of space and can be subdivided into eight fully equipped, soundproofed rooms.
PVICC is equipped with 160MB free Wi-Fi. For events requiring a more advanced solution, a fiber optic network has been installed in the facility and events need only pay for the link.
Farias-Barlow said the center is set up to service events with infrastructure needs at a very low cost. “We decided we are not here to make money on the Internet,” she added.
Puerto Vallarta’s airport has 25 direct flights from the United States and Canada (most the United States is just a four hour flight away) and is located just five minutes from the Convention Center.
Puerto Vallarta also has more than 20,000 hotel rooms available. A major plus for event organizers is that those 20,000 hotel rooms offer a wide range of price points for their attendees.
The Holiday Inn Express, which opened in the fall of 2013, with its proximity to the airport and the convention center, would make an excellent command center for event organizers.
The hotel has a sleek modern design, light filled rooms, ample meeting rooms and a restaurant and bar adjacent to the hotel is scheduled to open later this year.
Puerto Vallarta was dubbed “the friendliest city in the world”, and once you’ve been there, you’ll see it is a claim that’s hard to argue with.
Partner Voices
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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