Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/244474
•pg_13-27__BMT_pg3-58 1/8/14 6:35 PM Page 16 The resorts host more than 21,000 meetings, conventions and incentive programs annually, ranging in size from 10 to over 150,000 attendees. 3. Increased Attendance The attractiveness of Las Vegas generates strong attendance for meetings. On average, attendance increases 13 percent when conventions rotate into Las Vegas. Research also shows that attendees spend more time in meetings and on the trade show floor when programs are held in Las Vegas. 4. Convention Centers Space, space and more space. Las Vegas has more than 10.7 million sq. ft. of exhibit space and is home to three of the country's 10 largest convention venues: the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, a 1.7 million-sq. ft. center on the south Strip; 1.2 million-sq. ft. Sands Expo and Convention Center adjacent to The Venetian; and the 2.2 million-sq. ft. Las Vegas Convention Center. 5. Air Service There are 950 inbound and outbound flights per day and nonstop service from 130-plus U.S. and international cities. 6. Location, Location, Location McCarran International Airport is conveniently located just one mile from Las Vegas Boulevard and 3.5 miles from the Las Vegas Convention Center. More than 150,000 hotel rooms are in Las Vegas, most within a 15-minute drive from the airport. 7. Weather Las Vegas averages 320 days of sunshine per year and averages less than five inches of precipitation annually. 8. Transportation In many cases, the close proximity of Las Vegas hotels eliminates the need for transportation as delegates can walk to many destinations. When transportation is required, however, Las Vegas offers myriad options including bus, taxi, shuttles and the country's first automated monorail. 9. Dining Ranges all-you-can-eat buffets to some of the finest restaurants in the world. 10. Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority The LVCVA is the ultimate authority on Las Vegas. This team of friendly Las Vegas experts has an extensive array of tools available to assist you, including: lead distribution, attendance promotion, site inspection arrangements, familiarization tours, facility and contact information, local supplier coordination, promotion assistance, press release/press kits, visitor brochures, guides, calendar of events, conventiontrade show, planning services, registration staffing and destination research. SOURCE: http://www.vegasmeansbusiness.com/why-choose-vegas/10-reasons-to-hold-your-events-in-vegas/ The city hosted a record 39.7 million visitors in 2012 and it expects to break 40 million in 2013. There are any number of things to do: check out a show, shop, eat, or take a West Las Vegas Walking Tour. The link below takes you to a walking tour of historical West Las Vegas (McWilliams' Townsite), which was the primary African- American area of town in the early years of Las Vegas. www.lasvegas2005.org/historical/WLV_Centennial.pdf Remember:Whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! NASHVILLE, TN When most people think of Nashville, they think of the Grand Ole Opry. But, wait, there's more! Known as Music City, the minute you tune into Nashville you will realize that it isn't just where the music is played, it's where it is made. The city has a creative vitality and southern hospitality paired with accessibility and affordability that has made it a popular meeting destination. The city's billion-dollar investment in its Young girls clowning around at the Jefferson Street Jazz Festival, Nashville 16 B M & T ••• November/December 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com