From Boring Boardroom to Viva Las Vegas: A Corporate Event Guide

Las Vegas is so much more than amazing shows and food. It’s a dynamic, thriving meeting and convention city with the bonus of incredible national and state parks in the surrounding area. Whether you're a Las Vegas pro or planning your first event in the entertainment capital of the world, there is always something new and evolving in Las Vegas. Interested in designing a stand-out corporate event in Las Vegas? Check out our spotlight of the Las Vegas area and go from boring boardroom to viva Las Vegas!
Destination Spotlight

Welcome to one of the most extravagant cities in the world – Las Vegas!  When it comes to planning a large-scale corporate event, Las Vegas ranks top on our list.  There’s no place like Vegas to take your event from boring boardroom to a viva Las Vegas extravaganza!  If you’re looking to plan a dynamic, large-scale corporate event, look no further than Las Vegas! Check out our hot tips to ensure your corporate event is a huge success. 

The Best of Las Vegas

Las Vegas is so much more than amazing shows and food.  It’s a dynamic, thriving convention city with over 30% of the city's employment in leisure and hospitality.    Whether you're a Las Vegas pro or planning your first event in Vegas, there is always something new and evolving in this entertainment capital of the world. The options for entertainment and activities are as endless as the desert sky. Whether your colleagues want to try their luck on the strip, network in one of the world-class nightclubs, or VIP’s with a delectable feast at a celebrity chef’s restaurant, Las Vegas has it all.  Here are some highlights:

  • The Views.  Something people rarely talk about are the views of the surrounding mountains, they are truly breathtaking.  I love stepping into my room at sunset after a Vegas-crazy day, sitting for 10 minutes and catching my breath as I watch the incredible desert sunset over the bustling city of Las Vegas.  
  • ARIA.   A modern oasis on the strip, ARIA has the perfect balance of spacious and comfortable rooms, high-end shopping, high-quality spa, endless foodie-endorsed eateries, and easy to navigate meeting space.  
  • Caesars Palace.  Boasting an impressive 3,960 sleeping rooms and two pillarless Ballrooms, Octavius and Forum, that can each accommodate as many as 5,555 guests and be reconfigured into up to 25 separate breakout rooms, Caesars is an ideal location to host your group in classic Vegas style.   But a little known fact is their exceptional record when it comes to DEI, dating back decades.
  • Park MGM.  Hello Park MGM and their smoke-free environment!  Say goodbye to annoying indoor smoking at this hipster, eco-friendly hotel.  You can happily eat three meals a day at Eataly, which includes more than a dozen high-quality, authentic Italian eateries and incredible, high-quality products.  Don’t miss the divine Italian chocolates and gelato. 
  • The Fremont Street Experience.  The strip gets most of the attention in Vegas, but the Fremont Street Experience is definitely worth a visit.  The LED dome sets the scene for a fun dine-around experience up and down Fremont Street.  Enjoy an alternative to the strip and a piece of Vegas history in resurging Downtown Las Vegas.
  • Four Seasons Hotel.  Located adjacent to Mandalay Resort & Casino, the Four Seasons is an oasis of luxury and one of the only non-gaming and non-smoking hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Entertain your VIPs and consider offering a bonus visit to the Forbes Five-Star Spa for a truly luxurious getaway from the buzz of the strip.
  • Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas.  Located in the heart of the strip, the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas offers elevated elegance in the heart of the city, with spectacular views from every space.  This is a perfect location for VIPs to explore a range of outstanding dining experiences by celebrated chefs, the sprawling award-winning spa, and indulge in the Meet with Purpose program.
  • Resorts World Las Vegas.  As the first integrated resort to be built on the Las Vegas Strip in over a decade, Resorts World Las Vegas seamlessly blends technology and luxury at the urban contemporary resort.  Totalling 3,500 guest rooms, immerse yourself in comfort and service with the largest collection of branded Hilton experiences in the world, including the Conrad with 1,496 rooms. 
  • The Entertainment.  The number of entertainment options is truly astounding.  There is something for everyone in Las Vegas - from musicians in every genre to comedy to performance art and theater to sports and adult entertainment.  Reserve a block of tickets at a variety of shows and let your attendees choose their ticket, which keeps them together for a very cool shared experience.  Check out one of our trusted resources for up to date information on Vegas entertainment.
  • The Mob Museum.  It’s fitting that a museum dedicated to understanding the history of organized crime and its impact on American society lives in Las Vegas. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization offers a provocative, contemporary look at the topic of organized crime through hundreds of artifacts and immersive exhibits.  Get creative and host up to 600 people at a unique private reception at the museum.

Las Vegas truly offers the best of the best when it comes to corporate event entertainment. So get ready to put on your poker face, because in Las Vegas, you’re guaranteed to have a winning event!

A Brief History of Las Vegas

Native Americans lived in the Las Vegas Valley, beginning over 10,000 years ago. In the 1800’s, the area was a key stop on the Spanish merchant trade route to Los Angeles.  The valley was so lush and fertile, it was called Las Vegas, which means "the meadows" in Spanish. 

The Las Vegas we know today was officially founded in 1905 and was nothing more than a dusty, desert railroad town full of tumbleweeds.  In 1931, work began on the Boulder Dam (now known as the Hoover Dam), which brought a massive influx of male workers.  Casinos and theaters popped up to keep the men entertained, attracting all sorts of characters, from mobsters to movie stars. The state of Nevada decided to legalize gambling, which paved the way to making Las Vegas the gambling capital of the world. 

The Rat Pack, consisting of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and their crew, practically owned the place in the '50s and '60s. They turned Las Vegas into their personal playground, putting on epic shows and leaving the audience begging for more. 

1989 kicked off the megaresorts era, with The Mirage, followed by the openings of the Rio and Excalibur.  A steady stream of megaresorts have opened since this time, defying even the disruption of the mortgage crisis and recession of 2007 - 2010, which has contributed to Las Vegas being a prime convention and meeting destination. 


Iconic Activities in Las Vegas

Like any city, there are iconic activities that make Las Vegas truly one-of-a-kind. Here are some of the activities that have become synonymous with Las Vegas:

  • The Food.  Ever since Wolfgang Puck opened Spago in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in 1992, star chefs have been popping up in Las Vegas to wow the hungry crowds.  The food in Vegas is truly world-class, which provides an awesome option for dine-arounds or VIP experiences after hours.  
  • See a Show.  Whether you indulge in an iconic musician’s residency (like Adele or Usher), see a Cirque du Soleil performance, catch the Blue Man Group or laugh your head off at some comedy, Vegas isn’t complete without seeing a show.  Rent an entire theater for your group, or arrange blocks of tickets for them to choose their favorite show.  Keep your group together and give them a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
  • Get Sporty.  Engage your group in unique, fun team building experiences with buyouts at event centers like TopGolf or Brooklyn Bowl.  Or plan a VIP experience watching live sports with the Las Vegas Raiders, the Vegas Golden Knights or the Las Vegas Aces.  
  • HighRoller at Linq Las Vegas.  Roll out the VIP experience for your group by reserving a private bar cabin plus private meeting space for socializing before or after your guests “roll”.  Soar 550 feet above the center of the Las Vegas Strip on the largest observation wheel in North America. With sweeping 360-degree views, this is a truly unique experience for your group. 
  • Mercedes Driving Experience.  Get your VIP’s adrenaline pumping at the original, best rated and world's largest supercar driving experience.  Choose from over 50 exotic cars and make your racecar driving dreams come true with the most exhilarating driving experience ever.
  • Hit a Nightclub.  Nightclubs in Vegas are a thing of wonder.  With top resident DJs, over the top decor and energy that won’t stop, it’s a perfect opportunity to buyout a nightclub for a group celebration event.  Some of the clubs that top this list are XS, Zouk, TAO, Omnia, Hakkasan, Drai’s and Marquee. 
  • Lounge by the Pool.  The extravagant hotel pools are as iconic as the gambling.  From luxe cabana experiences to chill poolside lounging, allow some time for your guests pre and post event to unwind poolside in Vegas.  
  • Gambling.  You can pick your poison - hit the slot machines, play some poker, or spin the roulette wheel.  Set a limit and be ready to win or lose.  It’s fun to do at least once!

These are just a few of the iconic activities that make Las Vegas the ultimate 

destination for your corporate event. So get ready to let loose, have some fun, and create memories that will last a lifetime in this vibrant and unforgettable city.

Activities in the Surrounding Las Vegas Area

After you've had your fill of the glitz and glamor of the Las Vegas Strip, it's time to venture out and explore the activities in the surrounding area. Offer your group a VIP excursion that they will remember for a lifetime!  

  • Grand Canyon.  I know, I know…. The best way to experience the Grand Canyon is to hike or raft your way through the breathtaking natural wonder.  But if you’re in Vegas, an incredible, VIP once-in-a-lifetime experience is to chopper in and have lunch along the Colorado River.  Yes, it’s cheating, but it’s still amazing. 
  • Hoover Dam.  It’s easy to plan a day trip to the historic Hoover Dam.  This truly stunning engineering marvel is just 45 minutes from the strip.  Hire a private guide and take in the views from the dam.  For a taste of old-school Vegas, head to the iconic Hoover Dam. This engineering marvel not only provides electricity to Nevada, Arizona, and California, but it's also a sight to behold. Take a guided tour and learn about the dam's fascinating history while marveling at its impressive size. Plus, the photo opportunities are Instagram-worthy, so don't forget your camera.
  • Red Rock Canyon.  Less than 30 minutes from the strip, the Red Rock Canyon features a one-way 13-mile scenic drive, hiking and trails, plants and wildlife, geology, camping, cultural resources and much more.  With its stunning sandstone cliffs, vibrant hiking trails, and picturesque desert landscapes, it's the perfect place to get some fresh air and channel your inner Indiana Jones. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, because the desert sun can be brutal.  Getting away from the gambling and noise is easy and worth the effort.
  • Valley of Fire State Park.  If you're looking for an awesome outdoor excursion away from the hustle and bustle of the city, take a scenic visit to the stunning Valley of Fire State Park. This natural wonderland is famous for its vibrant red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs, and breathtaking vistas. It's like stepping into another world where time stands still. Pack a picnic lunch and spend a couple of hours exploring the hiking trails, snapping photos, and enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature.
  • Lake Las Vegas.  Just 25 minutes from the strip, Lake Las Vegas offers a calming oasis from the buzz.  With hiking trails, golf, lakeside dining and a resort getaway vibe, it’s worth a step off the strip.

Take a break from the glitz and glamor and discover the hidden gems that make this region truly unique. After all, what happens in Vegas doesn't have to stay in Vegas when there's so much to explore just beyond the city limits.

The Convention and Meeting Scene in Las Vegas

The Vegas hospitality community knows how to do mega events.  If you have a large-scale group, Vegas is the ultimate destination.  From sales kick-offs, to customer events to team offsites, Vegas has you covered!  Here are some of the top convention hotels in Las Vegas:

  • The Convention Center.  The Las Vegas Convention Center is 3 miles north of downtown Las Vegas and has 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space, 225 meeting rooms (more than 390,000 square feet) and can handle seating capacities up to 2,500.  There are no hotels in the center, but there are plenty of options within a few miles.  
  • The Venetian + The Palazzo.  With 4,049 guest rooms and 1,500,000 square feet of meeting and event space, The Venetian can flex to accommodate a large-scale audience.  
  • Mandalay Bay + The Delano.  Mandalay Bay is the fifth largest convention center in the U.S. with 2.1 million square feet of space and 3,209 hotel rooms.  Expand your possibilities by including The Delano, for an additional 1,117 hotel rooms and 31 meeting rooms.  
  • ARIA.  The Aria hotel includes two curvilinear glass towers, rising up to 50 stories, with 4,004 rooms and suites and 500,000 square feet of versatile meeting space.  It is a recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award and a five-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. 
  • Wynn Las Vegas.  Recognized with more Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Awards than any other independent hotel company in the world,  Wynn Resorts offers luxurious accommodations with approximately 2,716 hotel rooms and suites at Wynn Las Vegas and 2,034 suites at Encore and 560,000 square feet of meeting and event space between the Wynn and Encore resorts.

Las Vegas offers endless possibilities for hosting corporate sales kick-offs, team offsites, training events, and customer events.  Let your imagination run wild as you kick-off planning your Las Vegas adventure.   

Interested in designing a stand-out corporate event in Las Vegas?Let’s chat and take you from boring boardroom to viva Las Vegas!

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