Convention Capital: How Las Vegas Changed the World of Business Events

When people think about Las Vegas, they have visions of the bright lights, music, roulette wheels, and entertainment that keeps hundreds of thousands of visitors coming back each year. However, behind all this, Vegas has plenty more going on. When it comes to business, it has become the epicenter for the convention world, hosting a plethora of different events.

Attracting cutting-edge technology companies, it has hosted huge expositions like CES and DEF CON. With the infrastructure to host these events, it has transformed itself into not only the capital of the gaming world but also a place where businesses can exchange ideas and innovate together.

Innovation Beyond the Convention Floor

It’s no surprise that Las Vegas is at the focal point of the convention universe as it has always strived to be at the forefront of innovation. In the gaming world, Vegas was among the first cities to introduce digital slots. Before this, machines were powered by springs and levers. The development of digital slot technology, and the influence of Las Vegas on the rest of the industry, has led to the increased ubiquity of modern online slot machines around the world. Digital production tools have allowed games to be developed more efficiently and with much greater versatility, with games such as the recent Bullion Blitz now having bonus rounds and features like Free Spins, Respins and Fixed Jackpots, that were trickier to implement on previous machines.

Innovation has propelled other industries in Vegas too. In the travel sector, the city redefined high-end travel, integrating resorts with hotels, fine dining, spas, theaters, and shopping all in one experience. This is something that has since been copied the world over. Moreover, downtown Vegas has been used to pilot self-driving vehicles, smart traffic systems, and drone delivery pilots. Plus, despite being in a desert, it is today a leader in water management and smart energy usage through innovations like LEED-certified buildings.

The Birth of a Business Center

When it comes to conventions, the city put plans in place as far back as the 1950s to draw crowds that were interested in aspects of the city other than casinos and gaming. With entertainment facilities and hotels already established on a large scale, the city was well-positioned to attract businesses, more so than other cities. In 1959, The Vegas Convention Center was built and spearheaded this initiative.

Now the city welcomes over 6 million attendees annually. The convention center received a $1 billion investment with the West Hall expansion, which has helped the city retain its place among the elite cities to host conferences or conventions.

Tech-Powered Infrastructure

Nowadays, it is the cutting-edge technology that makes the Vegas convention experience so different. This begins with check-in through automated kiosks, through to the convention itself with VR booths and smart halls equipped with 5G. With self-driving cars being integrated more and more into wider society, Las Vegas can also say it has helped catalyze this. Cars of this kind, made by Tesla, are expected to transport attendees between halls at the Convention Center Loop in the future. Venues like the Venetian Expo provide a tech-immersive environment with state-of-the-art A/V setups and capabilities for the needs of different meetings, which can host businesses no matter the industry.

Las Vegas has built a reputation beyond poker and lights. Events like the Consumer Electronics Show attract over 170,000 people, facilitating networking and product launches on a huge scale. A city of big and bold ideas, the convention sector is one perfectly fitted to it. Combining tech-enabled venues with entertainment and luxury, Las Vegas has redefined the sector and offers a stage like no other.

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Adam Regan: Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com