MGM Grand Breaks Ground on Conference Center and Stay Well Meetings Expansion
June 22, 2017
In response to customer demand and in pursuit of an ongoing effort to grow its group business throughout Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International has officially broken ground on an approximately $130 million expansion of the MGM Grand Conference Center.
Scheduled to be completed at the end of 2018, the project entails a 250,000 square foot expansion of the facility that will increase its footprint to more than 850,000 sq. ft.
In addition, Stay Well Meetings, a wellness meetings experience featuring amenities and programs designed to stimulate healthy, productive and creative work environments, will also grow an additional 22,000 sq. ft. and encompass the Conference Center’s entire second floor.
“The Conference Center expansion allows us to grow with the needs of our clients and drive new and expanded business to Las Vegas,” explained Ernest Stovall, vice president of sales for MGM Grand.
He continued, “The expansion of Stay Well Meetings, along with our 340 Stay Well (hotel room) accommodations, allows MGM Grand to offer a completely unique destination for groups that carries through the entire resort experience – from the board room to the guest room.”
The new 250,000 sq. ft. space at MGM Grand will seamlessly connect to the existing Conference Center on all three levels and include a new 5,500 sq. ft. outdoor courtyard available for private events; a 49,000 sq. ft. ballroom; a 32,000 sq. ft. ballroom, three junior ballrooms and 11 breakout rooms.
The resort’s unique meeting spaces include the stand-alone, 92,000 sq. ft. Marquee Ballroom and the 16,800-seat Grand Garden Arena.
The new conference space comes on the heels of meeting and convention space expansions at MGM’s sister properties, Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and ARIA Resort & Casino.
Mandalay Bay recently completed a 350,000 sq. ft. expansion that grew its convention space to more than two million sq. ft., while ARIA is currently adding 200,000 sq. ft. to its LEED-certified conference center to create more than 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting space at the resort.
ARIA’s new space is slated to open in Feb. 2018.
Upon completion of these projects, MGM Resorts International will boast a grand total of 4 million sq. ft. of premium meeting and convention space within a two-mile stretch on the Las Vegas Strip.
“The interest in Las Vegas and specifically MGM Resorts destinations has been tremendous,” said Michael Dominguez, senior vice president and chief sales officer for MGM Resorts.
He continued, “Because we deliver extraordinary events that achieve client goals, we have been able to continue cultivating loyal relationships with companies that want to grow with us. The increased demand for space compelled us to develop more robust and creative meeting options throughout our portfolio.”
Partner Voices
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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