The LVCC will show off its new space for the first time Jan. 8-11 to the more than 110,000 expected attendees of the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world's largest annual tradeshow for consumer technology.  According to the event's organizers, the 2002 International CES is the largest in the show's history, utilizing 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space and attendees/exhibitors representing more than 110 countries.  In 2001, CES attendees generated an estimated $155.3 million in revenue for Las Vegas.

The expansion makes it possible for the LVCC to house larger shows such as International CES more effectively, and will help attract a more diverse customer as it allows for more flexible scheduling and concurrent events.

"We asked for a building like this, Las Vegas responded and we are thrilled to be its first user," said Consumer Electronics CEO and President Gary Shapiro.  "The new building solidifies Las Vegas as the number one trade show city in the world.  We thank and congratulate all of Las Vegas and its leadership," Shapiro remarked.

The expansion increased the size of the convention center's exhibit space to a grand total of 2 million square feet and meeting space to nearly 380,000 net square feet, including 170 meeting rooms with seating capacities from 20 to 7,500.

The new South Hall expansion alone added 918,000 square feet of exhibit space and 90,000 square feet of meeting space with 51 new meeting rooms, plus 80,000 square feet of food service facilities that include a 600-seat restaurant and eight concession stands.

The LVCC invested in state-of-the-art technology for the facility, and new high-tech features are designed to conserve energy, enhance communications, facilitate exhibitor installation and maximize customer comfort.

"Despite repercussions in the convention and travel industries since Sept. 11, there is plenty of demand for meeting and convention space in Las Vegas.  In fact, bookings for the South Hall expansion already extend into 2009," said Manuel J. Cortez, president and CEO of the LVCVA.  "Tradeshows and meetings are still being used as a cost-effective means to communicate marketing messages, and Las Vegas' diverse product offerings are uniquely positioned to accommodate this market."

The recently confirmed World of Concrete contract is an example of how Las Vegas' appeal sells the destination.  Beginning in 2005, the annual World of Concrete show will be held exclusively in Las Vegas at the LVCC.  The show previously rotated between Las Vegas in odd-numbered years and Orlando and New Orleans in even-numbered years.  The decision to locate the show to a single venue was based on feedback from exhibitors and attendees who consistently expressed their satisfaction with the destination's after-hour activities, numerous restaurants and its ability to work so well with a very large citywide event.

In 2000, nearly 4 million convention and trade show delegates traveled to Las Vegas, generating more than $4.3 billion in non-gaming revenue, and helping to maintain the city's year-round average 89.1 percent occupancy rate.  When the Mandalay Bay convention center is complete in January 2003, three of the 10 largest convention facilities in the United States will be located in Las Vegas.  These are the Las Vegas Convention Center (3.2 million sq. ft.), Mandalay Bay (1.8 million sq. ft.) and The Sands Expo (1.2 million sq. ft.).

Las Vegas annually hosts the lion's share of the Tradeshow Week 200.  In 2000, 33 of the top shows were held in Las Vegas, including COMDEX (#4), International Consumer Electronics Show (#6), MAGIC Marketplace (#8), and National Association of Broadcasters (#9).

The LVCVA provides a vital service for the public by contributing to the growth of the economy throughout Southern Nevada.  The LVCVA's marketing efforts cover all of the more than 130,000 hotel and motel rooms in Southern Nevada.  The LVCVA is funded by a county room tax, and is governed by an autonomous Board of Directors.  More information on the LVCVA and Las Vegas is available online at http://www.vegasfreedom.com .  Additionally, the LVCVA created a Web site, http://www.lvspaceavailable.com , that includes floor plans and booking information for the convenience of meeting planners.

Here is an overview of the LVCC and the facts about its expansion:

• The LVCC's South Hall has been expanded by 1.3 million square feet.
• The expansion increased the size of the convention center to a grand total of 3.2 million square feet with:
• Exhibit space totaling 2 million square feet
• Meeting space totaling nearly 380,000 net square feet
• 170 meeting rooms with seating capacities from 20 to 7,500.
• The new South Hall includes:
• 918,000 square feet of exhibit space and
• 90,000 square feet of meeting space
• 51 new meeting rooms
• 80,000 square feet of food service facilities with a 600-seat restaurant and eight concession stands.
• A 109,515-square-foot grand lobby/registration area
• Las Vegas' citywide meeting and convention space now totals approximately 7.5 million square feet.
• The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will be the first to inaugurate the expansion with its Jan. 8 show.  CES is expecting 110,000 attendees at its annual exhibition.

Las Vegas Meetings & Convention Industry