LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) was number one among The Wall Street Journal’s list of the 30 best convention centers in the U.S., with rankings based on the quality of the facility and the vibrancy of the surrounding city. The Venetian Convention and Expo Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center ranked third and seventh respectively, solidifying Las Vegas’ position as the premier tradeshow destination. Tourism leaders commemorated the accolade today during the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority (LVCVA) Board of Directors meeting.
According to The Wall Street Journal, scores were primarily weighted on the size and quality of convention facilities, including total square footage, amount of exhibition space, the number of meeting rooms, and the proximity to a major airport. Walkability of the convention destination in addition to weather, dining, entertainment, and hotel offerings were also considered.
“We are honored that three of Las Vegas’ premier convention centers were recognized by The Wall Street Journal,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA, which owns and operates the LVCC. “Thanks to our resorts offering unparalleled experiences, amenities, and customer service, Las Vegas has earned its reputation as the leading meetings and convention destination. As we continue to invest in the destination and improve the Convention Center experience with our $600 million renovation, we are grateful to our building customers who continue to choose Las Vegas.”
Las Vegas has been named the number one trade show destination in North America for 26 consecutive years by Trade Show News Network (TSNN), the world's leading resource for the trade show and event industry. Its combined 15 million square feet of meeting and event space is more than any destination in North America. The destination welcomed 4.9 million convention attendees in 2022. The Wall Street Journal story highlighted the growing demand for dual-purpose trips that combine business and pleasure, with more business travelers tacking on leisure trips before or after meetings.
The 4.6 million square foot LVCC is a key component of Southern Nevada’s convention and meeting segment, hosting about one-sixth of the region’s convention attendees. The $1 billion West Hall debuted in 2021 and the renovation of the LVCC’s legacy campus kicked off earlier this year. The LVCC hosted 56 conventions in 2022 with a combined attendance of more than 840,000, accounting for $2.2 billion in direct and induced economic impact, according to data published by the LVCVA’s Research Center. So far this year, the facility has hosted 35 tradeshows with an estimated attendance of 900,000.
The Wall Street Journal accolade comes as Las Vegas prepares to usher in an unprecedented line up of tradeshows and marquee sporting events from October through February that will garner worldwide attention. The roster includes the SEMA Show, an automobile show that anticipates 160,000 attendees, the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, Pac-12 football, National Finals Rodeo, the NBA’s first in-season tournament, Las Vegas Bowl, New Year’s Eve, CES, World of Concrete, and Super Bowl LVIII.
To learn more about the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, visit LVCVA.com and www.vegasmeansbusiness.com.