Know Before You Go: Our Preview of Connect 2024 Spring Marketplace in Las Vegas
March 19, 2024
Are you attending Connect 2024 Spring Marketplace in Las Vegas? Considering it?
Connect Spring Marketplace is scheduled for April 2-4 at The Venetian, Las Vegas. Designed for event professionals, Connect Spring Marketplace is expected to draw more than 2,000 leaders who produce association, citywide, corporate, sports, eTourism and diversity events.
We’ve got the scoop on what you need to know before you take off for this popular desert destination for trade shows.
Speed date with suppliers. Engage in personalized 1:1 sessions with representatives from top destinations, hotels and vendors who are tailored to meet the specific needs – whether you produce a citywide event or a religious conference. Explore partnerships and solutions that align with your objectives.
Insightful conversations. Join your peers for coffee and conversations with industry luminaries, including Kara Dickerson, the former VP of strategic partnerships + conferences at CES (for citywide track only), and Michael Dominguez, president and CEO of ALHI. Gain valuable insights and perspectives from these distinguished professionals.
Exclusive networking events. Citywide hosted buyers are invited to exclusive networking events with fellow citywide planners. These gatherings will take place at captivating offsite venues such as Allegiant Stadium and TAO, providing the perfect backdrop for fostering meaningful connections and collaborations.
Be our guest. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity for a 1:1 interview with Danica Tormohlen for the Trade Show News Network podcast. This presents an exciting chance to share your insights and experiences with a wider audience.
Gone country. Lace up your cowboy boots and find your hat for a downhome reception at Ole Red, a new restaurant, bar, and music venue located at the corner of Flamingo and Las Vegas Boulevard. This 4-story, 686-seat, 27,000-square-foot venue is ready to get rowdy for the networking reception from 8-10 p.m. on Tues., April 2. Pack an outfit to wear if you want to be on-theme … or not.
Education. Receive up to five CMP credits by attending a variety of sessions, including The Power of Value-Based AV Spend in Event Budgets, International Travel Trends and The Power of Event Tech to Enhance Customer Experience – to name a few. The full agenda is available here.
Wellness. Grab your walking/running shoes and rise and shine bright with an early morning 5K run/walk and networking opportunity on Wed., April 3. The Venetian also offers a 24-hour fitness center onsite. Enjoy a refreshing swim in one of the heated pools at The Venetian or The Palazzo pool decks, which are both open year-round. The recently renovated Vegas oasis includes four large pools spread across two acres.
What’s new at the Venetian. Upon arrival, attendees will notice the billion-dollar reinvestment strategy that began in 2022. Guests are now welcomed to Sala 118, an exquisite bar and lounge that embraces the spirit of Italy, a Starbucks and an expanded concierge and luggage desk — all of which debuted in December 2023. In the last year, the hotel has opened a new 15,000-square-foot lounge on The Palazzo Casino Floor, Juliet Cocktail Room, with cocktails and live entertainment, and HaSalon, a high-end Mediterranean restaurant by Chef Eyal Shani.
Get out and about. Event organizers who have not been to Las Vegas in the last year will not notice several new venues worth checking out for their own future events. For example, the Sphere, a 2.3 billion arena that opened on Sept. 29 with a 40-show tour by U2, is connected to the Venetian. There are no concerts at the venue during Connect, but the movie, Postcards from the Earth, is showing three times a day.
Related: Destination Spotlight: What’s New & Trending in Las Vegas For Events in Q1 2024
Interested in attending but not registered? Register here by 11:59 p.m. EST on March 22.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE, listen to our latest podcast HERE and engage with us on LinkedIn!
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
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