Vegas Events

President Obama made headlines in February when he said, "You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayer’s dime." But as I blogged earlier, just yesterday he made a trip to Sin City and stayed in a 22,000-square-foot suite at Caesars Palace. Does this mean he's changing his tune? Sort of.

The Associated Press reports that, during a speech at Nellis Air Force base, Obama said, "Washington's OK, but it's nice taking some time to talk to Americans of every walk of life outside of the nation's capital. And there's nothing like a quick trip to Vegas in the middle of the week."

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman asked the president to endorse the city during his trip, the AP reported, and was satisfied with this comment.

"He didn't go as far as we wanted," Goodman said. "But no sense kicking a sleeping dog. After today, it's certainly over as far as I'm concerned."

Should Obama made more of an apology for his previous remark, which at the time Goodman said could "have ramifications which affect the industry as well as all of the citizens who live in Southern Nevada"? Maybe. But at this point, I'd agree with Goodman that essentially what's done is done.

Whether or not Obama's original comment impacted Las Vegas events, any retraction or apology at this point wouldn't do much. I'd rather look at it as a positive move that Obama visited Vegas and stayed in Caesars. His actions alone could be sufficient endorsement of a new attitude toward the city.

President Barack Obama knows how to hit up Las Vegas in style. Yesterday Obama checked into Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, where he attended a fundraiser for U.S. Sen. Harry Reid's re-election campaign and the Nevada Democratic Party. The 22,000-square-foot suite (ironically, not the hotel's presidential suite) featured four bedrooms, six bathrooms, two formal living quarters, a dining room, and a private pool on the patio.

According to E! Online, while at the hotel, Obama enjoyed a steak at the on-site Neros restaurant. He also stopped by the fitness center at Qua Baths & Spa for a morning run.

For planners who want to host an event at Caesars, reportedly Obama's favorite Vegas hotel and a frequent stop on his presidential campaign trial, you're in luck. Its classically designed meeting facilities encompass 300,000 square feet of space. Amenities include a full-service business center, state-of-the-art audio-visual capabilities, and a 24-hour dedicated in-room television channel to keep attendees updated on your event.

Caesars also features a variety of unique venues. The Colosseum, which has hosted acts such as Bette Midler and Jerry Seinfeld; the 4.5-acre Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis; and the open air Roman Plaza are all available for functions.

View more information on Caesars Palace

Memorial Day is nearly here! If you're among the many with long-weekend travel plans, you may be interested to know how they align with those of the rest of the country. According to priceline.com's 7th annual survey of the 50 most popular Memorial Day holiday destinations, the Las Vegas Strip is number one.

Here are the top 15 destinations:

1. Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity South

2. New York City, Chelsea Area

3. New York City, Times Square/Theater District

4. Boston, Copley Square/Theater District

5. Chicago, Millennium Park, Loop & Grant Park Area

6. Seattle, Downtown/Pike Place

7. Las Vegas, Strip Vicinity North

8. San Francisco, Union Square West/Nob Hill

9. New York City, Empire State Building Area

10. San Diego, Downtown & Harbor Island

11. Chicago, North Michigan Ave./River North Area

12. New York City, Midtown East

13. Austin, Downtown

14. San Diego, Coastal Area

15. San Antonio, Riverwalk

What do you think about the list? At first, I was surprised that Las Vegas was number one, but after thinking about it, it makes sense. I've heard about and seen so many great deals for flights and hotels in Sin City, it would definitely be something I'd look into for a long weekend!

The survey was based on actual booking requests made by priceline.com Name Your Own Price hotel service customers for the May 23-25 weekend. You can read the full list of destinations at Brian Ek's Priceline travel blog.

Last week, U.S. Senators Bryon Dorgan (D-N.D.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.) introduced the so-called "Travel Promotion Act of 2009" to the Senate. The legislation is designed to stimulate the U.S. economy by attracting more overseas visitors to the country.

"The international traveler provides an important boost to businesses and state and local governments nationwide, spending on average some $4,500 per person, each time they enter the U.S.," said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Taking steps to attract the international traveler will act as an important short- and long-term stimulus for our economy."

The act would establish a public-private partnership to create the first-ever U.S. promotion and communications campaign. The promotion would be paid for by private sector contributions and a $10 fee on foreign travelers from countries that do not pay for visas to enter the United States.

Industry leaders have quickly expressed their support for this legislation. U.S. Travel President and CEO Roger Dow issued a statement in which he said, "Building on more than 40 rallies that took place nationwide during [the May 12] inaugural Travel Rally Day, champions such as Senators Klobuchar and Martinez are helping our country better understand travel's unique ability to stimulate our economy in these tough financial times."

Other professionals, including Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Jay Rasulo, Chairman and CEO of Travelocity/Sabre Sam Gilliland, President and CEO of Carlson Hotels Worldwide Jay Witzel, and President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Rossi Ralenkotter, gathered  at a Senate Commerce Committee panel convened by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn) to share their thoughts on tourism and travel.

"This part of our industry has been the source of undeserved and crippling attacks in recent months," Witzel said, according to Star Tribune. "An environment has been created in America where legitimate business travel is being questioned and canceled. This translates into additional loss of jobs, taxes and travel-related revenues for an industry that is already hard-hit from the general economic recession."

Gilliland said: "Paralyzing confusion abounds in our industry and in corporations about what the Treasury Department considers 'luxury' and 'excessive' expenditures in the area of business travel. Meetings, conventions and incentive travel are proven business tools that allow companies to establish valuable relationships, solicit feedback and reward employees."

A similar legislation passed last year with bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives.

A quick update regarding Las Vegas meetings: things have yet to improve in Sin City. Despite public efforts such as Vegas Means Business, Las Vegas saw 446,588 attendees in March this year, compared to 637,755 last year, reports Tradeshow Week.

The number of conventions and meetings held this March in Las Vegas also dropped 19.6 percent. Last year at this time it saw 2,269 conventions and meetings as compared to 1,824 hosted this year.

Cinco de Mayo or the Fifth of May marks Mexico's defeat of the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.  However, it is also a great reason to indulge in a night out on the town accompanied by music, margaritas and mouth-watering Mexican cuisine.

Never ones to miss out on a good party, many restaurants, businesses and hotels thrive on commercialized holidays like Cinco de Mayo seizing the opportunity to entertain and promote their offerings.  So what special Cinco de Mayo events are taking place in your area? 

Chicago celebrates Cinco de Mayo at the Magnificent Mile Hotel offering guests the opportunity to participate in a grape crushing, to taste traditional Mexican cuisine and sip on white sangria. Tickets to the special event can be purchased for $10 at the door.  The event will take place from 4:30 pm to 7pm on May 5th.

Washington, DC joins in the Cinco de Mayo festivities at Alero, one of U Street's newest and most popular Mexican restaurants.  Alero is offering several drink specials including $3 house margaritas and Mexican beers.  Live Latin music will be available from 6 pm to 11 pm. 

Las Vegas celebrates Cinco de Mayo at the MGM Hotel's Diego restaurant.  Diego will be offering drink specials such as a Dos Equis with a tequila shot for $10, a bucket of beer for $20 and an assortment of appetizers specials.  All offers are available from 2pm until 10 pm. 

Atlanta celebrates Cinco de Mayo with the 2nd Annual Virginia Highlands Cinco de Mayo Block Party.  The event will feature authentic Mexican food, numerous beer and margarita bars, a smash the pinata contest and even a hot pepper eating contest.  Gates will open at 5pm with a $5 cover. Live music begins at 6pm and ends at 11pm.

Los Angeles celebrates Cinco de Mayo at El Puerto Escondido Restaurant.  Here, for a $25 donation, you will receive dinner and two drinks.  The party will take place from 6pm to midnight.  Music and give-a-ways are also part of the evening agenda. 

New York City celebrates Cinco de Mayo at Vinters.  Watch Chef Snow and Benson compete for the best guacamole and sangria recipes and enjoy refreshing sangria, great company and delicious food.  The event will take place from 5pm to 7pm and cost approximately $15 per person.

Regardless of your destination, there are likely some incredible deals to be taken advantage of so put on your green, white and red and go celebrate! Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Back in early April, I blogged about how the CityCenter project in Las Vegas was facing an uncertain future. Now, though, it seems the road ahead has been cleared and the project is in fact on its way to completion.

According to The Money Times, Bank of America has released a $1.8 million loan to MGM and partner Dubai World to continue financing the construction. Additionally, Dubai World dropped its lawsuit against MGM, which it originally filed in March citing that MGM breached the joint-venture pact. The partners have come to an agreement under which MGM has agreed to pay out-of-pocket for future cost overruns of CityCenter.

The news probably comes as a relief to some, as CityCenter, a mixed-use gaming, hotel, residential, retail and entertainment destination, is estimated at having over 8,500 current and 10,000 future jobs riding on it. However, the market in Las Vegas at this time certainly already struggling, so who knows how other properties on the strip feel about its completion.

The CityCenter's ARIA Resort & Casino alone will feature a 300,000-square-foot convention and meeting facility.

First the economy, now the swine flu. The meetings and travel industry has taken some rough hits over the past months. While some of it is warranted (limiting travel to Mexico), some of it was undeserved (eliminating corporate travel to so-called lavish destinations like Las Vegas). Either way, meeting planners are undoubtedly struggling to stay positive these days.

Don't use the hardships as an excuse to sit on the sidelines. In all the research I've seen and all the professional thoughts I've read, it all comes down remaining competitive. It's a proven strategy that has worked throughout history.

During the recession in the early 80s, for example, the Harvard Business Review published an article stating, "Rather than wait for business to return to normal, top executives should cash in on the opportunity that the rival companies are creating for them. The company courageous enough to stay in the fight when everyone else is playing safe can bring about a dramatic change in market position."

What's your plan for staying in the fight? I came across some interesting tips offered by CFR & Associates regarding strategies to break through in this economy. Here are a few I find particularly useful for meeting planners:

• Be passionate and excited about your business. Like Brian McGovern blogged last week, your clients and attendees expect enthusiasm. They want to be inspired to attend a meeting. A negative attitude certainly does not make for an exciting event.

• Invest in your people/employees. This really speaks to organizations holding internal events. There has been so much negative press on recognition/incentive events that planners are scared to hold them, regardless of any budget concerns. That's no way to foster a company culture that can pull through tough times.

Remember Texas Roadhouse? They hosted a big recognition event in San Francisco for all their employees in early April. They know that an investment in your people yields great returns.

• Be laser-focused on what you spend money on. If you aren't tracking your budget and implementing a meetings policy to manage your events efficiently, it's no wonder you are hesitant about your future success. If you don't know your meetings spend, you can't identify areas for cost savings, nor can you prove the ROI of your meetings to executives, stakeholders, and yourself.

• Be other-focused. When all is said and done, you can't have a meeting without attendees. It's easy to get caught up in hotel negotiations, venue sourcing, and food and beverage selection, but don't forget this critical element!

Just like you, attendees are struggling. Make it easy for them to justify registering for your event. You can do this by listening to them and providing session content and networking opportunities of value. Work with
their needs by offering volume discounts or session-only registration options.

What are your best tips for not just making it through, but actually succeeding, in today's market?

USA TODAY recently published an interesting article about meeting planners turning to second-tier cities as meeting destinations. Thanks to lower costs and less negative perception, these secondary destinations make sense for planners facing budget cuts and public scrutiny.

Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association Mark Sharp, for example, choose the Marriott Renaissance in Oklahoma City for the group's biennial convention. He also rented the city's main concert hall, and found the convention overall was 30 percent to 40 percent less expensive than its last one in Miami.

"Oklahoma City saved me from being in the red," Sharp told USA TODAY. "This part of the country is cheaper."

Not surprisingly, mid-tier meeting destinations have jumped on this trend by marketing their locations as such. Ads for the Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau promote the city as an "accessible, affordable alternative," according to Christopher Baum, marketing and sales vice president. Visit Milwaukee dedicates an entire page of its planners' website on why it offers "Big City Bang for Small-Town Price."

At the same time, many big cities have venues offering deep discounts in an attempt to prevent losing groups to smaller destinations. Mark Pond, president of Computerized Airline Sales and Marketing Association, told USA TODAY that he choose Las Vegas for the great discounts at the Monte Carlo.

Have you been looking at more second-tier locations for their inherent affordability? Or would you rather stick to big cities and take advantage of the great hotel deals and promotions going on?

Something I found interesting about this article was actually a comment on it. One reader remarked that you need to factor in other costs like travel expenses. Often times it's harder to find affordable, convenient air travel options to smaller cities. Obviously you have to look at the big picture when planning an event.

Check out the whole USA TODAY article, and don't forget, you can read more about the meeting options for all these cities at the Cvent Destination Guide.

You already know that Las Vegas saw 340 group cancellations during the first 90 days of 2009. Now Hawaii has reported 132 cancellations of meetings and incentives trips in the state so far this year and next, which equates to a loss of 87,003 room nights. This fact prompted Hawaii officials to write a letter to President Barack Obama, detailing the impact of the economy on the state's tourism activity.

According to the letter, conventions, meetings and incentive rewards (CMI) account for 442,000 visitors, which is seven percent of its total visitor arrivals. Its meeting cancellations have cost a loss in direct revenue of around $58.8 million, or an economic impact of $97.6 million in total lost output and 694 full- and part-time jobs.

Hawaii officials ask Obama to oppose any legislation that restrict companies' abilities to use CMI travel legitimately.

"There has been great concern about the adverse effects caused by the well-intentioned efforts to address the problem of corporate excess and business travel for the companies who have received emergency finding from the government. It has caused a further downturn in CMI travel, especially for Hawai’i," the letter states. "In this period of economic downturn when our government and businesses are striving to restore economic stability, the last thing we should do is implement policies or encourage behavior that jeopardizes any industry, especially one that has such a far reaching
impact on communities all across America."

You can read the entire letter at Hawaii.gov.

The Pay for Performance Act of 2009 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last Wednesday. Though the bill was sparked greatly by the backlash against the March 15 payment by AIG of $165 million in employee retention bonuses, it does have implications for the meetings and travel industry as well.

The bill gives U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner the power to "prohibit unreasonable and excessive compensation and compensation not based on performance standards." The Treasury Department would be able to provide guidance on what defines "unreasonable and excessive" for companies that have received money from its $700 billion rescue fund.

Why is this news to the meetings industry? Because of Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., specific clarification that the legislation deals with compensation, not travel, and in fact assures that any incentive that is performance based is allowed.

Rep. Shelly Berkley, D-Nev., requested a clarification from Rep. Barney on the legislation, saying, "During the past few months, legitimate business travel for meetings, events and incentive programs has dramatically decreased across the country, particularly in my district of Las Vegas. The decline is due in part to the state of our economy but also to the perception that Washington is seeking to limit these legitimate business practices...I would like to clarify with the chairman that nothing in this bill or the amendments to be offered today would discourage or limit the use of meetings, events or incentive travel organized by a company that serve legitimate business purposes."

To this, Rep. Barney replied, "Yes, this bill deals with only with compensation, not with travel. Any incentive that is performance based would be fully allowed. In general, if you sold a certain number of things, you'd win a trip, that would be allowed. Specifically, it does not deal with travel for the business, and it would allow performance based incentives for this or any other purpose."

It's no surprise that such comments have led to some organizations to champion the legislation, such as the U.S. Travel Association. It detailed the legislation under the headline "Major Win: Washington Changing Tune Toward Business Travel."

You can view the clip of Rep. Berkley's and Rep. Barney's exchange at the U.S. Travel Association.

North American hotel rates have dropped this year in destinations across the country, according to the Hotwire Hotel Rate Report. Published by Hotwire.com, the report compares hotel rates throughout the United States and Canada to determine year-over-year decline.

In the top 10 markets, some hotel rates have dropped by over 25 percent. Here's the full list:

1. Las Vegas (dropped 34 percent)
2. Phoenix (dropped 28 percent)
3. New York (dropped 28 percent)
4. Montreal (dropped 28 percent)
5. Orlando (dropped 28 percent)
6. Miami/Fort Lauderdale (dropped 27 percent)
7. Oahu (dropped 26 percent)
8. Vancouver (dropped 23 percent)
9. Toronto (dropped 23 percent)
10. San Francisco (dropped 18 percent)

The report also gives examples of a current price per night in each market. For example, you can find stay at a four-star hotel in Las Vegas for $82! Does anyone else feel like jumping on a plane right now?

Read the full report at Hotwire.com.

We've already seen that public opinion has an affect on meetings and events, specifically on an organization's decision to cancel. Now, the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE) has found that a a fear of public perception is actually raising expenses on meetings you do decide to have.

It turns out that organizations are going out of their way to host what will be taken as sensible meetings. They'll pass up on all the great deals at venues with easy access to air transportation, then spend more on venues not associated with entertainment.

The survey's 110 U.S. respondents were asked, "Would your company avoid a perceived resort location (like Las Vegas) for a corporate conference or meeting in favor of a less leisure-oriented location (even if rates were better in the resort city) to avoid any external negative perceptions?" A surprising 60 percent said "Yes."

"Paying higher rates and spending more time getting to a business location when less expensive and more easily accessible alternative locations are available will quickly deplete a corporate meetings budget, thus wasting funds that could provide someone with a job," Susan Gurley, ACTE Executive Director, said in a statement. "Not only is this bad business from the standpoint of a corporate balance sheet, but it is also bad business for the travel and hospitality industry."

Regarding site selection, 58 percent of the respondents said suitability and price were key factors. However, 38 percent also said public and media perception is a factor, too.

What will it take to address this issue? Gurley said promoting business travel management techniques and controls is the answer.

If you're looking to implement more control over your meeting spend, consider getting started with Cvent's Strategic Meetings Management solution.

The debate surrounding a convention center hotel in Dallas has stepped up a notch this week. Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert's office started to circulate a letter noting the consequences to the city if the $550 million Omni hotel, to be located adjacent to the Dallas Convention Center, is not built.

Dallas voters will determine the hotel's fate on May 9 by casting a "Yes" or "No" to Proposition 1, which asks them to prohibit the city from building the publicly-funded hotel. The proposition was put on the ballot thanks to a petition of 60,000 signatures collected by the group Citizens Against Taxpayer-Owned Hotel, a coalition of local citizens. According to the group's blog, its members foresee "immediate cuts in our public service; ongoing deficits that jeopardize the remaining services; and higher taxes on our families" if the hotel is built.

Urging voters to vote "No" on May 9, Leppert would disagree. He writes in his letter, "Dallas's potential as a convention destination city and a magnet for business development has never been more in jeopardy."

If the proposition passes, Leppert writes it "could prove devastating...to our long-term economy...to our hopes of transforming Downtown Dallas...to our hopes of becoming the world-class city we are on the verge of becoming. What will also pass us by are the thousands of jobs—and the millions of dollars of tax revenues—that such conventions and developments create."

The argument that hotel and entertainment developments will create jobs, stimulate the economy and promote tourism seems similar to the situation in Las Vegas regarding MGM's CityCenter. What do you think: would you vote Yes or No on Proposition 1?

More news out of Las Vegas this week. The MGM Mirage announced it is providing $200 million of funding to its CityCenter project to satisfy the required contributions that were due at the end of March. This payment lets MGM Mirage continue construction while seeking additional funding for the $8.7 billion project.

Located between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts, CityCenter is intended to be one of the world's largest sustainable developments and an urban resort destination. Included in the complex is ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; non-gaming luxury hotels including Vdara Hotel and Las Vegas' first Mandarin Oriental; Veer Towers, the development’s only strictly residential buildings; a $40 million Public Fine Art Program; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district.

MGM now has until the end of April to proceed with the project, one that has over 8,500 current and 10,000 future jobs riding on it, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Alan Schlottmann, a University of Nevada-Las Vegas economics professor, said that if the project shuts down, Southern Nevada's 10.1 percent jobless rate could increase by a full percentage point.

MGM hopes it won't come to this.

"MGM Mirage believes that CityCenter is of vital importance to Las Vegas and the state of Nevada," said Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage, in a statement. "We are doing our utmost to see that this project continues, keeping thousands of Nevadans employed. We will continue to make every effort to see that CityCenter is completed and becomes an even greater economic driver for the region...We continue to review with our partners all possible options to keep CityCenter fully funded and on a path to completion."

Check out the full article at the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Las Vegas has received a lot of attention recently in the world of meetings and events, and it hasn't all been good. From President Obama's unsettling comments to the 340 group cancellations, it's clear the meeting planners are hesitant when it comes to Las Vegas events. But don't write off the city just yet—you may be missing out on some good deals.

"The climate right now [means] some really good values as far as room rates," Sandy Kitrell, a senior buyer for Carlson Marketing Worldwide, told MeetingNews. "We have one client that last year held its meeting at Bally's; this year it can do it at the Wynn, instead. Room rates have come down that much along the Strip."

Attrition deals and re-addressing room rates, or re-rating, can also be taken advantage of at many Las Vegas venues.

"Because room rates have gone down so dramatically, in certain instances, [properties] are willing to revisit original contract rates and re-rate with a lower amount," Kitrell said.

Las Vegas is certainly not going to let negative press get it down. The CVA has even put into effect a Crisis Response Strategic Plan, starting with Vegas Means Business push. Time will tell if the efforts to change perception, combined with great deals, are enough to lure meetings back.

How could we forget when President Barack Obama said, "You can’t get corporate jets. You can’t go take a trip to Las Vegas or go down to the Super Bowl on the taxpayer’s dime"? Industry professionals (especially the Las Vegas CVA) certainly have not forgotten, and now it looks like the White House has not either.

In a March 12 briefing, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs responded to questions about the president's comment and attempted to clarify what he meant. Gibbs said, "Well, let's be clear about what the President said. I don't think the President said 'Don't go to Las Vegas' or 'Don't go to Hawaii' or 'Don't go to the Super Bowl'...if you've got the desire and the wherewithal to travel to any of those places, to quote a famous Southerner, Lewis Grizzard said, 'Delta is ready when you are.'"

Rather, the President's comments were made out of concern for how taxpayer money was being spent by companies, Gibbs said.

"The President believes it's important to have a strong tourism industry...he would encourage people to travel. His concern—the concern that he specifically expressed had to do with the use of taxpayer—or the use of money by institutions that have received a lot of assistance from the taxpayers."

Good to see President Obama's support for the meetings and travel industry is being reinforced.

While the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority struggles, other markets are surviving, even thriving, in the meetings market. The Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, for one, is already 25 percent ahead of where it was in 2008 for convention bookings.

Emily Boling Lynn, director of convention center sales at the CVB, told the Memphis Business Journal that there's a strong possibility of booking 100,000 room nights this year, something that's never happened before in the city. Memphis' Cook Convention Center has events booked to 2017. Conferences planned for 2009 include the National Baptist Convention and the Urban Network Music and Entertainment Summit.

However, positive meeting sales do not necessarily mean that the city's tourism and hospitality business has not taken a hit from the economy.

"Business and leisure travel have been affected to the point where both segments have been greatly reduced," John Oros, executive vice president of the CVB, told the newspaper. "Those two areas constitute 60 percent of the occupied hotel rooms in Memphis. Meetings and conventions are about 15 percent."

To read the full article, visit the Memphis Business Journal. To learn more about the city of Memphis and its opportunities for meeting planners, visit the Memphis profile at the Cvent Destination Guide.

We recently blogged about how Las Vegas has taken a hit in today's tough meetings market. Now, the city is defending itself with a new strategic plan to promote the value of in-person meetings.

As part of the Las Vegas Meetings/Convention Industry Crisis Response Strategic Plan, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority launched the Vegas Means Business website. Here, visitors can read facts about meetings in Las Vegas, access a meetings toolkit for promoting Vegas meetings, download a letter to send to Congress, and more.

"The meeting industry is one of the most vital parts of travel and tourism in Las Vegas, and the destination has committed innumerable resources to ensuring the success of these events," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, in a statement. "The perception that Las Vegas is merely a gaming and leisure destination is antiquated and uneducated. The meeting facilities in Las Vegas are among the best in the world, and the resorts represent major international companies, many of whom are publicly traded on Wall Street."

Las Vegas area meetings directly employ over 46,000 Southern Nevada workers and attract about six million visitors each year.

To read more about Vegas meetings, including the top 10 reasons to host your event in Las Vegas, visit Vegas Means Business.

Cvent will be attending MPISCC’s Annual Education Conference & Tradeshow held Wednesday, March 25 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. Held annually, MPISCC's show is expected to see over 500 industry colleagues from the meeting planning sector.

A major focus of the one-day conference is the tradeshow featuring over 150 exhibitors, ranging from desired hotels and destinations to top of the line products and services. Don't forget to visit Cvent at booth 119 during tradeshow hours from noon to 2:45 PM.

A current client of Cvent, MPISCC is the Southern California Chapter of Meeting Professionals International. Established in 1979, it currently has over 900 members from Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Las Vegas and the greater Los Angeles area. MPISCC is one of MPI’s 70 chapters worldwide.

If you would like to set up a private meeting during this tradeshow, please email Anil Punyapu, Vice President, Enterprise Sales, at apunyapu@cvent.com. For more information on Cvent, please visit www.cvent.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!