U.S. Convention Centers Temporarily Suspending Events
March 16, 2020
In response to the growing health crisis in the U.S., large convention centers and hotel/casino properties across the country are temporarily suspending hosting events in an effort to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus. This comes as the CDC issued guidance on March 15 discouraging any gatherings of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks.
Although this list is expected to grow in the coming days and weeks, here are some major facilities that have shuttered their event operations thus far:
Anaheim Convention Center
As of March 12, Anaheim Convention Center in California shut its doors along with all of the city’s major entertainment venues, including Disneyland, Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. According to city officials, the convention center will reschedule all events through the end of March.
“In a short amount of time, the city and our partners have stepped up and taken decisive action,” said Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu in a statement. “This is a temporary pause in the best interest of public health.”
Javits Center
Following Governor Andrew Cuomo’s March 12 announcement that gatherings of 500 people or more would be banned starting March 13 at 5 p.m., Javits Center officials announced the suspension of trade shows and events through April 30.
According to Javits Center officials, facility staff are working closely with event organizers to reschedule events for later this year and the facility will remain open for routine maintenance.
MGM Resorts International
On March 15, MGM Resorts International announced the suspension of operations of all of its Las Vegas properties effective March 17, with casino operations to close on March 16, followed by hotel operations.
These properties include MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Bellagio Hotel & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Park MGM, Excalibur Hotel & Casino, Luxor Hotel & Casino, Vdara Hotel & Spa, NoMad Hotel, Signature by MGM, Delano Las Vegas, New York-New York Hotel & Casino and The Mirage Resort & Casino.
The company will not be taking reservations for arrivals prior to May 1, according to MGM officials.
“Despite our commitment to dedicating additional resources for cleaning and promoting good health, while making difficult decisions to close certain aspects of our operations, it is now apparent that this is a public health crisis that requires major collective action if we are to slow its progression,” said MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren in a statement.
He continued, “This is a time of uncertainty across our country and the globe and we must all do our part to curtail the spread of this virus. We will plan to reopen our resorts as soon as it [is] safe to do so and we will continue to support our employees, guests, and communities in every way that we can during this period of closure.”
Two of MGM’s properties in Maryland and Massachusetts, MGM National Harbor and MGM Springfield, respectively, also shut down on March 15.
Wynn and Encore Las Vegas
Also on March 15, Wynn Resorts announced the temporary closure of its Wynn Las Vegas and Encore hotel and casinos effective March 17 at 6 p.m.
According to Wynn Resorts officials, the closure is expected to last for two weeks, at which point the company will re-evaluate the situation. Some employees will remain working during the closure to secure and maintain the resorts, they added.
In a press release, the company said that it is committed to paying all full-time Wynn and Encore employees during the closure. Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox released an internal video on March 14 promising to pay workers even if their part of the resorts closes, according to news reports.
“What our concern is is that we all get through this together,” he said.
Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Centre
Following Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s declaration on March 14 of a public health emergency in the state, Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in northwest Atlanta are temporarily closing their doors effective March 16-31.
According to Cobb Galleria officials, “As public assembly facilities, the risk of exposure to the virus [in our facilities] is higher. To our knowledge, none of our employees have tested positive for COVID-19. The safety and health of our guests, staff and volunteers is always of the utmost importance to us. Because the circumstances are changing daily, we will continue to communicate with you to keep you advised of our plans.”
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
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.
Add new comment