Know Before You Go: Our Preview of Connect 2024 Spring Marketplace in Las Vegas

March 19, 2024

Are you attending Connect 2024 Spring Marketplace in Las Vegas? Considering it?

Connect Spring Marketplace is scheduled for April 2-4 at The Venetian, Las Vegas. Designed for event professionals, Connect Spring Marketplace is expected to draw more than 2,000 leaders who produce association, citywide, corporate, sports, eTourism and diversity events.

We’ve got the scoop on what you need to know before you take off for this popular desert destination for trade shows.

Speed date with suppliers. Engage in personalized 1:1 sessions with representatives from top destinations, hotels and vendors who are tailored to meet the specific needs – whether you produce a citywide event or a religious conference. Explore partnerships and solutions that align with your objectives.

Insightful conversations. Join your peers for coffee and conversations with industry luminaries, including Kara Dickerson, the former VP of strategic partnerships + conferences at CES (for citywide track only), and Michael Dominguez, president and CEO of ALHI. Gain valuable insights and perspectives from these distinguished professionals.

Exclusive networking events. Citywide hosted buyers are invited to exclusive networking events with fellow citywide planners. These gatherings will take place at captivating offsite venues such as Allegiant Stadium and TAO, providing the perfect backdrop for fostering meaningful connections and collaborations.

Be our guest. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity for a 1:1 interview with Danica Tormohlen for the Trade Show News Network podcast. This presents an exciting chance to share your insights and experiences with a wider audience.

***Connect attendees will have the opportunity to check out Ole Red, which opened in January on Las Vegas Boulevard.***

Gone country. Lace up your cowboy boots and find your hat for a downhome reception at Ole Red, a new restaurant, bar, and music venue located at the corner of Flamingo and Las Vegas Boulevard. This 4-story, 686-seat, 27,000-square-foot venue is ready to get rowdy for the networking reception from 8-10 p.m. on Tues., April 2. Pack an outfit to wear if you want to be on-theme … or not.

Education. Receive up to five CMP credits by attending a variety of sessions, including The Power of Value-Based AV Spend in Event Budgets, International Travel Trends and The Power of Event Tech to Enhance Customer Experience – to name a few. The full agenda is available here.

Wellness. Grab your walking/running shoes and rise and shine bright with an early morning 5K run/walk and networking opportunity on Wed., April 3. The Venetian also offers a 24-hour fitness center onsite. Enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the heated pools at The Venetian or The Palazzo pool decks, which are both open year-round. The recently renovated Vegas oasis includes four large pools spread across two acres.

What’s new at the Venetian. Upon arrival, attendees will notice the billion-dollar reinvestment strategy that began in 2022. Guests are now welcomed to Sala 118, an exquisite bar and lounge that embraces the spirit of Italy, a Starbucks and an expanded concierge and luggage desk — all of which debuted in December 2023. In the last year, the hotel has opened a new 15,000-square-foot lounge on The Palazzo Casino Floor, Juliet Cocktail Room, with cocktails and live entertainment, and HaSalon, a high-end Mediterranean restaurant by Chef Eyal Shani.

Get out and about. Event organizers who have not been to Las Vegas in the last year will not notice several new venues worth checking out for their own future events. For example, the Sphere, a 2.3 billion arena that opened on Sept. 29 with a 40-show tour by U2, is connected to the Venetian. There are no concerts at the venue during Connect, but the movie, Postcards from the Earth, is showing three times a day.

Interested in attending but not registered? Register here by 11:59 p.m. EST on March 22.

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!

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Partner Voices

NO WISH IS TOO BIG AT THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience. The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact. The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included: AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact

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