LAS VEGAS — Meetings and events have always been the heartbeat of the Venetian Resort Las Vegas, as the resort hosts many annual and iconic trade shows and events. Now, a $188 million renovation of the resort’s Convention Center is underway, with one floor just completed and a planned staged rollout through 2026.
The renovation is in the hands of Las Vegas design firm Woogmaster Studio and was guided by feedback from the resort’s convention clients. The Venetian has taken a holistic approach to its renovation, with upscale touches including new chairs, linens and even tableware.
A 10,000-square-foot speakeasy-style lounge space is a new addition, designed for more intimate gatherings and a departure from its massive trademark convention halls. In keeping with the Venetian theme are Murano glass chandeliers, embroideries and antiques. Tech updates for trade shows include a huge digital messaging board in the main concourse, new LED lighting, audiovisual updates, faster connectivity and the ability to broadcast through a private channel directly to attendee suites.
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A first-look event last week previewed the renovation for 200 guests, led by Patrick Nichols, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Tony Yousfi, Chief Sales Officer. Attendees got a first-hand look at the level of detail and planning that went into the new space and the many innovations for future meetings.
“Meetings have always been in The Venetian’s DNA,” Nichols told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “So why now? We’ve always been the market leader in conventions, and, frankly, our space needed to be a little bit updated.
“What really brought this project to life was the feedback from our customers. This city is the most competitive meetings market in the world, but what’s different about our approach is that we’re thinking about the entire experience and investing $1.5 billion throughout the resort. So, by next year we’ll also have new suites, new culinary and new entertainment.”
In all, the renovation will touch all 4,000 suites — a massive undertaking.
Among the groups to get a look at the new space is Emergency Nursing 2024, taking place Sept. 4-7.
Reach Patrick Nichols at Patrick.Nichols@VenetianLasVegas.com
