There’s no destination in the world like Las Vegas. In part, that’s because the city continues to reinvent itself, making it one of the most popular locations for meetings and events. It’s the ideal place to host events that go above and beyond, impressing attendees and making a statement on behalf of your company.
With meeting venues galore – and more regularly being added, world-famous chefs who continue to open new restaurants, and a robust shows and events calendar, attendees are sure to have an incredible trip. Read on to discover the latest openings in Las Vegas and see why hosting here is a great idea!
RESORT OPENINGS AND THEIR OFFERINGS
Las Vegas is an ever-evolving destination and continues to elevate its offerings, recently adding two new resorts. Each brings a host of new meeting and event space, dining concepts, pools and more!
Fontainebleau Las Vegas opened December 2023 and was certainly worth the wait. The luxury hotel uses its 25 acres to provide traditional and unique meeting space. Planners can choose from a 90,000-square-foot theater, 57 breakout rooms, a 105,000-square-foot ballroom, and a 26,000-square-foot outdoor garden. At 67 floors high, it’s a structure of beauty. Additionally, there’s plenty of new dining options within the resort, including Nowhere, a new speakeasy-like concept that constantly changes, providing guests with a different experience each visit. Then there’s Papi Steak, immersing patrons in a Golden Age of Hollywood-like atmosphere, offering an entirely new steakhouse experience on the Strip. Dozens more dining and bar-style concepts are available on site. Plus, the Oasis Pool Deck adds seven luxurious pools to the destination’s offerings.
A short 20-minute drive from the Strip, Durango Casino & Resort also opened in December 2023, bringing 15 new restaurants, a sophisticated 24-hour sports lounge, and 25,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Notable new dining options include Bel-Aire Lounge, a chic bar with handcrafted drinks, small bites, DJs on rotation, and doors to its outside poolside lounge are set to open this coming spring. There’s also Mijo Modern Mexican Restaurant, which takes guests on a culinary journey of costal Mexican flavors, topping it off with a decadent ambiance (and a hidden speakeasy, Wax Rabbit).
NEW AND IMPROVED MEETINGS SPACES
Across the destination, redesigns and renovations are constantly taking place, ranging from updated décor to completely redone rooms to new additions and offerings. A few noteworthy renovations and new venue openings include:
Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas completed phase one of its multimillion-dollar renovations in October 2023, which included upgrades to its 15,000 square feet of event space, room renovations, and a redesign and relocation of its gorgeous lobby and front desk. Continued renovations are anticipated to resume in spring 2024. Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas has been working on a multimillion-dollar redesign of its 424 rooms and suites. Inspired by the Mojave Desert, the new motif balances contemporary design elements that provide a sense of place, a softer feel and a more residential environment. It also offers nearly 40,000 square feet of event space in various areas throughout the resort.
While Formula 1’s Las Vegas Grand Prix won’t return until November, its Grand Prix Plaza – the first permanent F1 structure – is available for bookings. The unique space not only tells a story, but also puts meetings and events attendees right in the middle of the action. They’ll feel the competitive spirit at this dynamic space right off the Strip.
Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), which was named the No. 1 convention center in the country by The Wall Street Journal, is upgrading its original campus with renovations to the South, North and Central halls. The extensive project, expected to be completed in 2025, began with a $600 million update to the South Hall. A new east entrance will welcome convention attendees with an indoor lobby and outdoor plaza featuring 500 plants and shrubs, creating a grand first impression of the already impressive space. Additionally, the second-floor boardroom will be expanded to 4,000 square feet, nearly twice its original size, and will feature a modern design, increased public seating and a 32-foot-by-9-foot LED screen serving as its centerpiece.
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is set to complete a $100 million remodel of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center this year. The renovation includes significant technology updates including dynamic signage and a refreshed design with new construction, décor and even fine art installations.
While Sphere currently puts on fully immersive concerts from rock bands like Dead & Company, the tech-driven venue can also play host to convention keynote speakers. Presentations at this impressive space will captivate and engage audiences with purpose-built tech capabilities that production teams dream of. The entertainment venue, which holds 20,000, is billed as the largest spherical structure on Earth. With 23 VIP suites, this immersive experience is also ideal for a team outing or corporate takeover. The exosphere will be available for branding takeovers for maximum impact.
Another project to look forward to are the renovations to the Venetian Expo at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, giving the entire convention space a whole new look over the next few years.
The 1,613-room SAHARA Las Vegas completed a $200 million renovation in early 2023 and now sports 95,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor venue space for private or corporate events, along with a full-service catering and banquet team. Nine ballrooms offer a variety of configurations and options.
NEW TEAM-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES
Las Vegas offers all kinds of activities that are going to bring your team together. Whether it’s experiencing something new together, working alongside teammates or just spending time enjoying the destination’s entertainment, your meeting is going to be better because of special activities outside of the meeting room.
Atomic Golf at The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower brings the greens to the Strip this spring, as 18 holes of golf are transformed into a unique driving-range experience with an immersive play game and complementary entertainment that will make this spot a perfect place to bring your group for a night of fun and forging relationships.
Off the Strip at AREA15, the John Wick Experience is set to open sometime in 2024. Based on the popular crime-fighting franchise, the attraction is sure to be a fantastic bonding opportunity for teams visiting the destination.
Spiegelworld is behind some of the most well-known Vegas shows, including Absinthe and The Atomic Saloon Show. The group’s latest innovation to the entertainment scene will be DiscoShow, a production-meets-venue-meets-diner (yes, diner), all in one. Pegged to open this summer, it’s for sure going to be a wild night out for your group – and you’ll definitely walk away talking about everything you saw, all the way back to the water cooler at the office.
While the aforementioned sports-centric venue will offer more of a straight-forward approach to golf, Swingers Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino is going to give convention visitors a bit more fun. Opening in the fall and billed as “crazy golf,” the miniature putt-putt experience is going to offer your group the comic relief and slight competition that they just might need.
NEW VEGAS DINING VENUES
Discover these new and upcoming dining options bursting with flavor and new experiences. Be sure to book reservations in advance, as these spots are rapidly gaining popularity!
Right across the street at Horseshoe Las Vegas, visitors will find another superstar’s spot with Blake Shelton’s Ole Red at the Grand Bazaar Shops. The country-themed restaurant and venue opened in mid-January and offers an extensive menu, full bar and live music. The 27,000-square-foot space will be a great booking for your group’s next trip to Vegas.
Brasserie B by Bobby Flay opened in early January at Caesars Palace, the latest outpost from the acclaimed chef and Food Network personality. The 140-seat restaurant features a Parisian storefront-inspired facade and offers a menu of French cuisine with Flay’s signature flair. Your team will be welcomed with open arms, as group dining is available.
Caesars Entertainment will be revealing even more hot spots this year, as Pinky’s by Vanderpump will open at Flamingo Las Vegas this summer. Reality television star and restaurateur Lisa Vanderpump is behind this addition, which will offer distinctive dishes and statement cocktails that will no doubt light up many visitors’ Instagram grids. The 7,000-square-foot space will be Strip-side, an envious spot for any company’s gathering.
Celebrity chef Michael Mina has a culinary empire in Las Vegas. His latest, Orla, opened at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in mid-January. Inspired by the Mediterranean’s markets and bazaars, the new restaurant offers kebabs, zesty vegetables and fresh seafood. The eatery specializes in group dining, catering to parties of 15 or more with its menu and impeccable service.
Opening this summer at Resorts World Las Vegas, Copper Sun will offer an immersive dining experience focused on Mongolian cuisine and the hot-pot preparation with a delicious herbal bone broth. This experience is highly social, making it a perfect fit for groups like those attending meetings and conventions in Las Vegas.
The Pinky Ring by Bruno Mars, which opened in February at Bellagio, brings the superstar’s venue vision to life with mood lighting, live music and a spectacular bar program. It’s a great spot to kick things off with a company cocktail hour or wrap things up with celebratory drinks.
Off the Strip visitors can enjoy quality sushi from the renowned Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill at Green Valley Ranch Resort & Spa. This new restaurant offers high-quality catches, distinct grilled dishes and a relaxed vibe.
Another off-Strip space set to open this spring is Luckley Tavern & Grill. Located at the under-renovation Rio Hotel & Casino, this restaurant offering new American cuisine will be anchored by an inviting bar and will offer signature dishes like lobster pot pie and a 32-ounce Tomahawk steak. Welcoming and familiar, it will no doubt be a fabulous addition to the stable of restaurants perfect for company events.
There’s no duplicating Las Vegas. Events thrive for a good reason, and the destination stands ready to help build indelible moments when your group holds its next meeting or event here. Plus, when it comes to team bonding and group outings, there are tons of options to choose from! Remind yourself why there’s no place like Las Vegas.