MGM Resorts International will finish their $100 million refresh to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center (MBCC) later this month.
“We consider ourselves a leader in the meetings and convention market, and we’re always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience… we were very aggressive in getting our timeline out, getting the announcement out and being able to put this refresh out there and get it complete,” Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Senior Vice President of Sales Ernest Stovall said.
Ambiance Adjustments
According to Stovall, feedback from meeting planners helped inspire updates to MBCC’s ambiance: “they’re looking for a fresh new design… the functionality of the building, it’s kept our customers loyal and kept them coming back, just the product needed a refresh to go along with it.”
Updates included remodeling MBCC’s pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, repainting its exhibit space, moving strobe lights and covering pillars. Artworks by Sarah Anne Johnson and Thandiwe Muriu were also hung in the exhibit space. Attention was paid to keep the venue aligned with, and enhance, its tropical theme during these adjustments.
“We did not want to go away from our identity… We’re known as one of the country’s premier meeting and trade show destinations with that tropical theme,” Stovall shared.
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New Technology
200 new motion detection cameras, radio-frequency identification tag locks and Cat6A ethernet cabling are also being placed throughout MBCC during this refresh. The Cat6A cables will double MBCC’s frequency of data transmission and increase speed by 9,400%.
MBCC will also offer two new types of digital signage: 11 digital walls and 20 mobile, flexible display units. Stovall explained that the signage will be “a fantastic amenity and asset,” allowing event organizers to display event or sponsor messaging, and MBCC to advertise its amenities when the signs are not in use.
The refresh’s new technology exemplifies MBCC’s commitment to sustainability as well — the digital signage will save paper that would be used for events materials, while solar panels on the MBCC roof, set to be the largest rooftop array in North America, and refillable water stations are being added too.
Fresh Experiences
Two new restaurants, Michael Mina’s Orla and Caramá from Wolfgang Puck, recently opened at Mandalay Bay, and two experiences will be introduced later this year: Swingers, a $50 million, three-floor adult mini golf course and the Bob Marley Hope Road entertainment experience.
“When you look at why people travel or attend meetings, they’re looking for flexible meeting space, [and] they’re looking for the networking opportunities… We have world-class business travelers that are here, and we want to make sure that we’re offering attractions that redefine the corporate landscape.
“What I think makes Las Vegas so unique is that we always have the ability and the manpower to be able to go from an NFL Experience [held at MBCC before the 2024 Super Bowl]… to a major trade show the following week, and that’s what’s going to continue to set us apart here. What I’m happy about is that this refresh really does keep us suited for these types of events for the future, because they understand that we’ve invested from a digital perspective, we’ve invested from a technology perspective and the ambiance is going to be there for them to be able to host these events,” Stovall said.
Reach Ernest Stovall at estovall@mandalaybay.com.
Photo Credit: MGM Resorts International
