By Stephanie Glanzer, SVP & Chief Sales Officer MTA, MGM Resorts International
With the holiday season upon us and 2022 winding down, it’s a great time to reflect on where we’ve been this year as an industry and how far we’ve come.
After an unprecedented and challenging couple of years, I think I can speak for all of us in saying we’re excited to be back! This last year has proven the tremendous value, joy and productivity of meeting in person - and our planners and attendees wholeheartedly agree!
Most recently, we welcomed IMEX America back to Las Vegas where 12,000 professionals from 130 countries reunited for an incredible experience at Mandalay Bay. The trade show floor was more vibrant than ever, proving how resilient our industry is and how face-to-face interactions are truly irreplaceable. Seeing colleagues reunite for the first time in years, visiting the gorgeous booths throughout the venue, and watching business deals come to life in real time was reinvigorating and inspiring.
As we look ahead, we are extremely optimistic about the future of the events industry and how we will continue to reinvent ourselves. Demonstrating this confidence, we took the opportunity during IMEX to announce a $100M remodel of the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, which is already underway. The project includes a contemporary redesign of the entire facility as well as technology upgrades that will take our events to a new level. We can’t wait for you all to see it in person in 2024!
Furthermore, Las Vegas is preparing to welcome some of the most significant events it’s ever seen with the debut of Formula 1 in late 2023, and the Super Bowl the following year. Add this to the roster of incredible meetings, events and trade shows already on the books – and we are ready to rock and roll!
As we all take some time with family and friends this season, I just want to sincerely say “thank you.” Thank you for your resiliency, creativity and unwavering passion throughout all of the challenges our industry has faced and thank you for your continued support and commitment to our craft. We can’t wait to work with all of you in the coming months.
Wishing you and yours a happy, healthy and restful holiday season.
Events Industry Council