Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1356169
B M & T ••• March/April 2021 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 15 C E N T E R O F AT T E N T I O N LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) is one of the most visitor friendly facilities in the world - a 4.6 million-sq. ft. facility conveniently located just off the Las Vegas Strip. Operated by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the convention center is well known among industry professionals for its versatility. In addi- tion to approximately 2.5 million sq. ft. of exhibit space, 225 meeting rooms (more than 390,000 sq. ft.) handle seating capac- ities ranging from 20 to 2,500. Two grand lobby and registration areas, one located in the West Hall, and the other in Central Hall (more than 260,000 sq. ft.) efficiently link existing exhibit halls with new exhibit and meeting rooms, and allow simultane- ous setup, breakdown and exhibiting of multiple events. Not resting on its laurels, the Las Vegas Convention Center has completed a major expansion and transportation project, and recently acquired the Las Vegas Monorail. The West Hall expansion is a vital investment by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) to help solidify their position as the country's No. 1 trade show destination. The West Hall Expansion includes the latest technology as well as 1.4 million additional sq. ft., including 600,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, 150,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a 14,000-sq. ft. outdoor ter- race with views of the Las Vegas Strip. Additionally, the LVCC has completed the development of the Convention Center Loop, the first-of its kind, all elec- tric underground transportation system by Elon Musk. The Convention Center Loop was designed to serve as an inno- vative, fun and quick transportation solution to move thou- sands of convention attendees throughout the more than 200-acre campus with the potential for expansion in the near future to ease congestion throughout the Las Vegas resort corridor. The Convention Center Loop includes three passenger stations connecting existing convention space with the convention center's new West Hall. The system will allow convention attendees to be whisked across the sprawl- ing campus in just over one minute, free of charge, in all- electric Tesla vehicles. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LVCC has instituted comprehensive wellness protocols with plans for both Attendees & Exhibitors and Show Organizers, making it clear that the safety of visitors is a top priority. Setting such a strong example did not go unnoticed. The Las Vegas Convention Center was awarded the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR facility accreditation by ISSA, the world's leading trade association for the cleaning industry. Considered the gold standard for safe facilities, the GBAC program was designed to control the risks associated with infectious agents, including the virus responsible for COVID-19. The LVCC was the first facility in Nevada to receive the accreditation. The LVCVA also developed the Vegas Smart citywide campaign, aimed at reminding visitors to remain smart and responsible while in the destination by wearing mandatory masks in public, keeping appropriate social distance, washing and sanitizing hands frequently and more. Similarly, the Meet Smart, Vegas Smart campaign encourages business travelers to take the precautions that will help them stay healthy while in the destination. Proactive health and well- being measures are just one of the many good reasons meet- ing planners and attendees continue to choose Las Vegas. In addition, the destination offers 150,000 hotels rooms at many price points, 320 days of sunshine, easy access to the airport plus world-class dining and accommodations. For more information, contact the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority at (702) 892-0711 or VegasMeans- Business.com. Rendering of LVCC Underground Station Access Las Vegas Convention Center