MGM Resorts Wraps Up 2018 With Completion of Major Expansions

October 17, 2018

MGM Resorts International continues to introduce more options for meeting planners to enhance group events within one of the world’s premier meetings destinations – Las Vegas. With convention center expansions able to accommodate client growth and attract new business; collaborative, innovative meeting spaces to inspire the mind; and spectacular new dining destinations, MGM Resorts continues to lead the way in “meeting” expectations for groups of all sizes.

*Images and additional information located on MGM Resorts Newsroom

Some of the exciting new developments, updates and top reasons to meet with MGM Resorts destinations:

Reinventing Meetings & Growing Group Business in Las Vegas

Following recent expansions at Mandalay Bay and ARIA Convention Center, MGM Resorts continues to prove its commitment to the meetings industry with growth at MGM Grand and Park MGM, totaling approximately 900,000 square feet of additional meeting space. When all expansions are completed by the end of 2018, MGM Resorts will have 4 million square feet of meeting and convention space, more than any other company in Las Vegas. All this space, along with premier resort accommodations, restaurants, shows and more along the Las Vegas Strip, provides meeting planners numerous possibilities, within one portfolio.  

MGM Grand Conference Center Expansion Opening in December 2018

After breaking ground in June 2017 on an expansion of its award-winning conference center, MGM Grand has stayed on schedule and on budget, ready to welcome its first groups in December 2018.  The $130 million project is adding 250,000 square feet for a total of more than 850,000 square feet when complete, connecting seamlessly with the existing space on all three levels, and will include a 5,500-square-foot outdoor courtyard. Stay Well Meetings, the industry’s first-ever wellness meetings experience that launched at MGM Grand, also is expanding its footprint. Demonstrating the demand for a new way to conduct business, Stay Well Meetings feature amenities and programs that offer the kinds of healthy, productive and creative work environments that many clients are actively seeking.

Park MGM Debuts Ideation Studio, Completes 77,000-Square Foot Meeting Space Expansion in November 2018

Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, Park MGM offers groups a boutique experience on a resort scale with innovative, non-traditional spaces, an outdoor terrace and flexible design within the 77,000 square feet of conference space. Park MGM recently introduced Las Vegas’ first Executive Meeting Center (Madison Meeting Center) in July 2018 and is launching the Ideation Studio in November 2018 – high-touch, high-tech meeting venues designed to maximize productivity for small groups.  Additionally, Park MGM includes an installation of Stay Well Rooms and Meetings, the most comprehensive wellness room and meeting experiences. Park MGM fills an unmet need in Las Vegas for small groups, while also offering the ability to host up to 5,000 attendees in the customizable Park Theater.

ARIA Adds Outdoor Meeting Space with Ironwood Terrace, the Final Piece of 200,000-Square-Foot Expansion

Ironwood Terrace, an 8,000-square-foot outdoor space connecting ARIA’s East and West Convention Centers, overlooks the pool complex and mountains. An ideal location for breakfast, lunch, dinner or receptions, the terrace can accommodate an intimate event for 30 or a large reception for up to 800 guests.

vcsPRAsset_1946046_156392_feb92f6b-b6bc-4d5f-be15-86dc02426996_0 ARIA’s Ironwood Terrace

 Stay Well Meetings Expands to The Mirage

After a successful launch last year of 121 Stay Well guest rooms at The Mirage, the resort is doubling down with the addition of Stay Well Meetings.  Calypso Court, which includes 7 meeting rooms ranging from 900 to 4,680 square feet, will be converted to the Stay Well concept, healthy environments that promote high-performance meetings by increasing attendees’ energy, focus and productivity through evidence-based elements. Opening the end of 2018, the 15,000-square-foot area along with a 3,300-square-foot foyer can accommodate groups of 15 to 350 for meetings and events.  The Mirage joins sister properties – MGM Grand and Park MGM – in offering Stay Well Rooms and Meetings.

Lounging Around at ARIA & Vdara

Adding to its distinct collection of elegant Five Diamond amenities, ARIA recently debuted its Resort Club Lounge and Concierge Lounge, creating comfortable,  elegant environments to work, relax or socialize. The Resort Club Lounge, accessible to guests staying in  a Resort Club room, provides a host of amenities including a daily social hour with complimentary wine and champagne, gourmet bites, pre-arrival concierge, business services and high-floor accommodations. Business travelers can gather to prepare for an upcoming meeting or sit back and toast to a successful day. ARIA’s Concierge Lounge – available to all ARIA guests – creates a highly personalized experience dedicated to one-on-one assistance from the resort’s concierge team.

Opening in December 2018 and available to all Vdara guests, Vdara Club Lounge is a private sanctuary where guests can stop in prior to a morning meeting or to enjoy wine and cheese during the afternoon social hour.  Services include pre-arrival concierge, priority check-in, collaborative work spaces and food and beverages provided throughout the day. 

Elevated New Group Dining Options

Spago at Bellagio – Wolfgang Puck’s legendary Spago, recognized for redefining the Las Vegas dining scene, is now open at Bellagio. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the spectacular Fountains of Bellagio, Spago features a main dining room, two private dining rooms and a patio for al fresco dining. The restaurant can accommodate groups of 20 up to 250.

CATCH LAS VEGAS at ARIA – The go-to dining destination for celebrities from Hollywood to New York City, will officially make its mark on the Las Vegas Strip in late October. Known for attracting A-listers from around the world, the restaurant’s debut will bring epic renditions of opulent seafood, sushi & steak with a something-for-everyone dining experience.  The elevated, interactive atmosphere will transition from early evening to prime-time dinner, late night and special events. With multiple, distinct spaces for groups to choose from including three private dining rooms and a large, private lounge, CATCH can host from 12 up to 800 guests. CATCH will begin taking group bookings on Oct. 29, 2018.

vcsPRAsset_1946046_156393_4ae0eda8-fce2-4099-9b63-d8203f67d620_0     vcsPRAsset_1946046_156394_32b7289e-7a61-40c7-a353-234f9f8db023_0

                    

Spago at Bellagio                                                                    CATCH LAS VEGAS at ARIA

 

MGM Resorts Fifth Annual Recipe Showdown Heating Up for December 11 Finals

Open to meeting planners, travel professionals and leisure partners, the competition was designed by MGM Resorts to showcase clients’ culinary talents and their favorite family recipes.  This year the six regional winners, all the way from LA to New York, will face off on December 11 in Las Vegas to compete for prizes and bragging rights. All finalists and the top three contestants from each city will have their recipes featured in the annual Recipe Showdown Cookbook.  Maria Garcia with BCD Travel in Chicago turned her family’s Pozole Rojo into an award-winning dish when she took first place in last year’s MGM Resorts Recipe Showdown in Las Vegas.

2017 MGM Resorts Recipe Showdown Finalists & Judges

Winning Dish – Maria Garcia’s Pozole Rojo

Surprise Guest & Celebrity Chef Masaharu Morimoto with Maria Garcia 

More to come in 2019. To stay up with all the latest company news, visit the MGM Resorts Newsroom.  

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