Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak Announces Las Vegas 100% Capacity Reopening For June 1, In Time For MPI’s WEC Vegas

Meeting Professionals International (MPI), the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide, recently received word that Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak has set a goal for full, 100% capacity reopening of the state’s convention facilities by June 1. This date comes two weeks in advance of the association’s annual North American signature event, World Education Congress (WEC) Vegas, which takes place June 15-17 at the recently-opened CAESARS FORUM in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Acknowledging the state’s anticipated full reopening, MPI advised that it will continue to carry forward the innovative and effective Duty of Care attendee safety practices debuted at their November 2020 WEC Grapevine, which brought more than 600 in-person attendees and resulted in zero attributed COVID-19 cases.

“Our state health officials are comfortable setting a goal for a full reopening to 100% capacity on June 1,” cited Governor Sisolak during a recent press conference. “A safe and responsible reopening is a path forward to bringing back conventions and getting Nevadans back to work.”

Consistent with the Duty of Care practices in plan for WEC Vegas, the governor went on to clarify that the Nevada state mask mandate will remain in place. He also urged residents to remain vigilant by wearing a mask and getting the vaccine.

“Based on conversations with local and state officials, we anticipated this announcement and remain confident with progress being made, both nationally and locally, that ensures WEC Vegas is a milestone in the business events industry’s comeback,” said Paul Van Deventer, MPI president and CEO. “Rest assured, our attendees’ safety and health remain the top priority at WEC Vegas; which is consistent with our past, present and future operational focus.”

“This is an incredible opportunity for MPI and our industry to meet the pent-up demand of a community of individuals whose entire sense of purpose was disrupted for a full calendar year,” Van Deventer added. “Imagine the excitement surrounding the first event back in 2021 while offering an experience where our attendees can make their future.”

MPI continues to collaborate with its WEC Vegas host facility, CAESARS FORUM, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority on finalizing plans for the upcoming event. Initial estimates forecast approximately 1,500 in-person attendees and an additional 1,500 digital participants.

“Southern Nevada’s tourism industry took another important step forward with Governor Sisolak’s confidence Las Vegas can safely allow full occupancy at all venues starting June 1,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of LVCVA in a statement responding to the governor’s announcement. “The wide availability and rapid administration of vaccines will allow our valued events industry to reconvene with confidence and in its entirety. Las Vegas will continue providing the gold standard for health, wellness and safety precautions for the benefit of its workforce, the community and our visitors.”

For more information on WEC Vegas, visit mpi.org/wecVegas.

To read details on the event Duty of Care, ensuring attendee safety, click here.