Mandalay Bay Convention Center

venues

Main Photo and where to sleep photo: 2015 MGM Resorts International; Taxi photo: Kamira / Shutterstock.com

Conventional Wisdom

Anchoring the south end of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center is the fifth largest exhibition center in the country thanks to a $70 million expansion that pushed the venue's total footprint past 2 million square feet. New and renovated features include a 20,000-square-foot foyer, a 70,000-square-foot ballroom, underground parking, and 900,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, which puts the venue within reach of the largest contiguous exhibition areas in the United States. The venue is rimmed by restaurants, shops, a casino, and Mandalay Bay's 120-acre resort.

WHERE TO SLEEP
Mandalay Bay has more than 3,000 guest rooms that will be remodeled as of spring 2016. The Delano and the Four Seasons hotels, both of which adjoin the property via indoor walkways, offer luxurious surrounds away from the bustling casino environment. Those on a budget can find ample economy lodging within a few blocks of the venue.

WHAT TO EAT
The Mandalay Bay complex is home to two dozen restaurants serving everything from buffets and quick bites to formal multicourse meals. Wow clients with an opulent dinner at Aureole, where "wine angels" fly up an impressive wall of wine to retrieve bottles, or dazzle groups of up to 300 VIP guests with the view and ambiance of the Foundation Room on the top floor of the hotel.

HOW TO GET THERE
McCarran International Airport is next to Mandalay Bay, but a cab ride between properties will be about $17 each way. Shared shuttles are available for less than $15 round trip (www.vegas.com). The Monorail, which runs from MGM Grand to the Las Vegas Convention Center and the northern end of The Strip, is an efficient means of travel. Traffic congestion makes driving in Las Vegas challenging.

Mandalay Bay doesn't employ unions. It is the exclusive provider of Internet, telecommunication, electrical, plumbing, audiovisual, catering, and cleaning services.

An exhibitor's full-time employees may set up and take down a display.

FedEx Corporate Services Inc. operates a business center that provides shipping and printing services at the convention center.

Mandalay Bay has a new, free Wi-Fi network throughout the convention center and resort property. Expanded bandwidth is available for a fee.

Only certified riggers are permitted to install overhead exhibit elements, and Mandalay Bay is the exclusive provider if items weigh more than 200 pounds.

The walk from the hotel to the convention center at Mandalay Bay is significant. The outdoor sidewalk (near the pool) offers a bit of a shortcut.

Reservations at the property's finer restaurants are recommended during peak dinner hours.

The Shark Reef Aquarium, Minus5 Ice Bar, and Rivea atop the Delano hotel are all unique venues within the complex to host memorable group events.