In 1971, and again in 1989, the city approved plans to expand the convention center. Today, the Las Vegas Convention Center is one of the biggest business meeting centers in the world. Hosting concerts, public speakers, business conventions, and rodeos, this center rarely stays vacant for a weekend. It currently has more than three million square feet and offers rooms and banquet facilities for private business meetings and receptions.
Currently, the Las Vegas Convention Center has one hundred and forty-four meeting rooms. These rooms can be expanded in size through the use of moving walls. The rooms may be rented individually or in groups for companies that are interested in hosting a business conference or workshop at the facility. Wireless Internet, telephones, and state-of-the-art electronic media items may be reserved for business meetings. A Fed Ex shipping office is also on site at the center to make shipping and receiving last minute business documents as convenient as possible for convention guests.
In addition to offering a large range of meeting rooms with premium electronic equipment and Internet access, the Las Vegas Convention Center also has full-service kitchens that are available for food trade display shows. Starbucks and cafes are also available within the interior of the convention center to provide guests with ample amounts of sandwiches, coffee, and refreshments.
The Center is commonly used for outdoor exhibits and offers one of the largest structured outdoor exhibition spaces in the country. Car shows, display shows, and trade shows are commonly hosted at the center due to its ability to host events that require large display and audience space. One of the most unique features the center has to offer is a baseball stadium for outdoor events. The stadium offers premium seating and is capable of holding tens of thousands of people for outdoor events.
Things to Do
Las Vegas Indoor Skydiving
Located directly on Convention Center Drive, is Vegas Indoor Skydiving. This is one of the most unique attractions in the area for those that are looking for something thrilling to experience during their stay. Vegas Indoor Skydiving is open daily and offers single flight sessions, repeat flights, five flights, and family blocks that your entire family can experience together. Those who have always wanted to experience skydiving, but have never had the opportunity, can come to Vegas Indoor Skydiving for a safer experience that gives you the same overall feeling as jumping out of a plane. Float on air throughout the padded room for an opportunity of a lifetime.
Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat is one of the only attractions in Las Vegas that brings wildlife to the city. Located directly on the Las Vegas Strip, this wild attraction is surrounded by lush palm trees that give the feeling of a tropical oasis. Within 2.5 million gallons of water, are a wide variety of bottlenose dolphins that call the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitatat their home. Other wildlife located for viewing here includes tigers, leopards, and panthers.
Vegas Balloon Rides
There's no better place to enjoy that hot air balloon ride that you've always dreamed about taking than in the heart of Las Vegas, Nevada. The Sunrise Balloon Ride meets 30 minutes before sunrise each day. Here, guests will meet their pilot, flight crew and be briefed about the flight and what they can expect. Hot air balloon rides may be canceled due to weather. In your gondola at 1000 feet in the air, you will see the Las Vegas strip like you've never seen before, enjoy a champagne toast, light appetizers and a thrilling adventure that you will never forget.
Wild West Horseback Adventures
Get in touch with your outdoorsy side and enjoy a horseback ride starting right at your hotel. Tour highlights include complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off, a 1 hour trail ride, lunch or dinner, photo opportunities and much more.
Richard Petty Driving Experience
If you're looking to enjoy a thrilling experience of a lifetime, the Richard Petty Driving Experience is a great choice. Ride shotgun in a two-seat stock car that is driven by a professional racer. Exceed speeds of 160 MPH on a real Nascar track.
Getting Around
Walking
Walking can work for short trips in Las Vegas, but remember that it is hot here nearly every day of the year. Walking from the Las Vegas Convention Center should be limited to short trips to nearby hotels and restaurants. Always bring a bottle of water along to help fight dehydration.
Monorail
This is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to get around from the Las Vegas Convention Center. The Las Vegas Monorail runs between the Strip and the Convention Center. It lets passengers off on the backside of the hotels along the Strip. It is a good method of transportation most of the day, but it gets extremely crowded during the early evening when the many conventions in town all let out at around the same time. It is better for visitors to seek alternate forms of transportation from the Convention Center during these rush hours.
Bus
The Las Vegas bus service is called Citizens Area Transit. It is a fairly inexpensive and efficient method of transportation from the Convention Center. The bus drivers will not make change for passengers, but there are ticket vending machines around town that accept credit and debit cards. The buses from the Convention Center will take passengers to any area of Las Vegas they need to go, but it may require a transfer to get to some areas of town.
Taxicabs
The fastest way to get around town is definitely by taxi cab. There will always be a line of cabs waiting to take passengers from the Las Vegas Convention Center. The cabs can be very economical for passengers that are traveling in groups. Those traveling along should try to make friends with other convention attendees to help split the costs of their taxi fares.
The only time that it may be tough to find a taxi at the Convention Center is when the crush of the crowds getting out of the conventions during the early evenings overwhelms the cab drivers. It is always a good idea to leave the convention a little early or stay a little late to try and avoid the worst of the crowds.
Driving a Car
This option should be avoided if at all possible. The parking options are very limited around the Las Vegas Convention Center. Once the spaces fill up in the morning, it can be next to impossible to find a parking space the rest of the day.
Notable Events
Annual Ho'olaule'a Pacific Islands Festival
Head into Henderson's historic Water Street District in Las Vegas to celebrate the heritage of the Pacific Islands. Whether you are of Hawaiian descent or simply would like to join in the festivities, the Ho'olaule'a Pacific Islands Festival offers lots for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Taste the delicious authentic island cuisine, shop through street vendors, view Hawaiian performances such as Hula dancing, and much more. This special event is free to the general public.
Rocky Mountain Gun Show
Held at the South Point Casino Hotel and Spa is the annual Rocky Mountain Gun Show. Gun enthusiasts from around the world visit this special event to see the latest and greatest weaponry that is available on the market. From handguns and small pistols to automatic assault rifles, there are a wide variety of guns to be seen at the Rocky Mountain Gun Show. Bring your own licensed weapons to put on display and purchase from vendors that are present at the event. Check out the latest technology, designs and so much more from manufacturers that you have come to know and love.
Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival
The Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival special event is held in Silver Bowl Park in Las Vegas, Nevada. Costumed knights, ladies, wenches, and royalty call Silver Bowl Park their home during this medieval kingdom reenactment event. With over 50 unique shows from performers each day, jousting tournaments, artisan demonstrations and more, there is plenty for all ages to enjoy at the festival. Shop for hand-made goods, dine on authentic renaissance-inspired food, enjoy live concerts, and so much more.
Motor Trend International Auto Show
Head to the Las Vegas Convention Center for the annual Motor Trend International Auto Show. Automotive enthusiasts will find plenty to see and do at this special event including presentations of new model vehicles and family-friendly activities. Look at the latest and greatest cars that are hitting the market at a dealership near you soon.
Country Christmas
Ring in the holiday season by visiting the Country Christmas event held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. Cherish the memories made this holiday with fine gifts that you may find at the Country Christmas show. From classic tree ornaments and stockings to the latest gadgets and gizmos, you'll find a little something that each family member will appreciate.
Sports and Recreation
Golf
Get whisked away to a tropical paradise at Bali Hai Golf Course. Located right off the strip, this course has thousands of tropical plants and lavish surroundings; it's no wonder why it's recognized as one of the "Top 40 Resort Courses in America," by GolfWeek.
Other championship courses include Badlands, The Wynn Golf Club, and Shadow Creek. You won't have any trouble finding the perfect place to set up a tee time as Las Vegas' golfing experiences are infinite.
Outdoor Exhibit
Enjoy a day outdoors at Springs Preserve and discover a side of Las Vegas you haven't seen with interactive exhibits, hiking, live animal shows, trails, and botanical gardens.
Hiking
Hike This! is the ultimate experience for your hiking adventure. Located half an hour from the Las Vegas Strip, take some time to hike at the magnificent Red Rock Canyon where you can enjoy scenic areas from one of the most amazing places in the United States.
Biking
Enjoy a day of biking with Escape Adventures. This company provides mountain bike and road tours of all levels. Trails are ideal for athletic beginners and experienced riders.
Horseback Riding
Experience the real old west at Cowboy Trail Rides located at Red Rock Canyon Conservation area. Enjoy horseback riding in a stunning desert setting with well-trained horses and professional guides. Once you're back on camp, gather around for Western entertainment and barbeque dinners. Regardless of your expertise, Cowboy Trail Rides has the right horse for you to embark on your journey.
Dream Racing
Ever dream of racing a gorgeous red Ferrari down a racetrack? Dream Racing is a company that can make it happen. Enjoy five thrilling laps at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway where you can race against your friends or go solo for personal enjoyment. They give you everything you need, from fast cars and racing kits to expert guidance. Just bring your excitement and enjoy the ride of your life!
Attractions
Adventure out onto the strip to do some sightseeing or ride the zipline through Freemont Experience. If you're feeling romantic, take your sweetheart to Vegas Balloon Rides for a hot air balloon experience you will never forget. If you're feeling adventurous, take a helicopter ride at Maverick Helicopters to experience the Las Vegas valley in a whole different view.