There’s more good news coming out of Nevada for business events and for MPI’s World Education Congress (WEC) in Las Vegas this June.
Effective March 15, meetings and conventions and entertainment venues can resume with 50 percent capacity, said Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak. He also announced the state will streamline the process for submission and approval of large gatherings, a new directive aimed at helping the recovery of the meeting and event industry.
Sisolak’s announcement follows news of his decision to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to hospitality and food service workers.
“Las Vegas has been the top convention and meetings destination for many years,” Sisolak said. “We pride ourselves on providing the best facilities, the best service and, now, the safest. We’ve been cautious, but very focused on reopening Las Vegas in the safest way possible for you, our treasured customers, our valued employees and our entire community. With great confidence in the efforts made by our resorts, convention centers and meeting hosts, I say... Welcome Back! The greatest place to do business in the world is even better.”
“We’ve been cautious, but very focused on reopening Las Vegas in the safest way possible.”
The announcement allowing increased capacity to 50 percent comes one month after Sisolak eased certain COVID-19 mitigation measures that led to events of up to 250 people by March 15. The newest directive easing restrictions even further on large gatherings in the state is welcome news for a number of groups planning events and conferences in the state in the next few months, including MPI.
The association’s signature education conference, WEC, is scheduled for June 15-17 at CAESARS FORUM, and the latest news means an opportunity for increased face-to-face interaction for the hybrid event.
“We are thrilled that Las Vegas has moved to the next stage of opening, allowing 50 percent capacity,” said Annette Gregg, CMM, MBA, senior vice president, experience for MPI. “The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and Caesars Entertainment have been great partners keeping us informed of the latest guidelines and direction from its regional leaders. In addition to the decreases in COVID rates and the prevalence of vaccinations, we are confident that we will be able to hold our full WEC in-person conference as planned.”
Make Your Future WEC Vegas, June 15-17
CAESARS FORUM is a 550,000-square-foot meeting and conference facility featuring the world’s two largest pillarless ballrooms, and the adjacent Forum Plaza with 100,000 square feet of outdoor event space.
The governor’s new directive requires meeting, trade show and entertainment venues to complete and submit a Large Gathering COVID-19 Preparedness & Safety Plan Certification Form to certify through the state’s Department of Business and Industry that they will follow the state’s health and safety requirements and protocols and adhere to the prevention principles that have remained consistent: maintain safe social distancing, wear face coverings and practice good hygiene and cleaning measures.
One major trade show that also welcomed the news is World of Concrete, which will move forward with its annual international event June 8-10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, which recently expanded by 1.4 million square feet, increasing the facility size to 4.6 million square feet.
“We’re ready and eager to welcome back business travelers to Las Vegas,” said Steve Hill, LVCVA president and CEO. “We know there’s pent-up demand for the return of in-person meetings and conventions and for the Las Vegas experience.”
