Event planner's guide to... Las Vegas

Las Vegas has been down on its luck recently, thanks in part to the recession, but also because of the recent domestic fallout from bonus payments and executive hospitality. Even President Obama has weighed in. Asked about bailout-funded banks' corporate expenditure, he replied: "You can't take a trip to Las Vegas or go to the Super Bowl on the taxpayer's dime." His words, coupled with the economy, sparked 340 event cancellations in three months, depriving the city of an estimated £91m in non-gambling expenditure, with Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo among the big names to cancel.

But what applies to the US taxpayer's dime needn't apply to the UK planner's penny, and now, despite the dollar's relative strength against the pound, there are deals to be had. The city's C&I infrastructure is incomparable; it boasts three of America's ten largest conference venues and its hotel resorts host more than 22,000 meetings, conventions and incentives each year. Last year these numbers included UK corporates BT Global Services, which brought 3,000 sales staff from across the globe together for a conference at the MGM Grand in June 2008, and Budweiser, which took its top sales reps to the Monte Carlo Resort for a three-night incentive in October.

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Mice account director Nicola Chater says: "There are some great hotel deals to be negotiated and the quality of venues, service, food and entertainment are second to none. Groups can fly direct, yet this vibrant city is still a relatively untapped market for UK C&I business."

But, according to Bellagio senior vice-president sales and marketing Fletch Brunelle, the five-star, MGM Mirage-owned property has only hosted around ten UK C&I corporate groups since January. He too feels that UK planners have the ball in their court. "With direct air lift to Las Vegas from the UK, we believe there is great opportunity to develop this market further," he says.

Getting there: Virgin Atlantic flies direct from Gatwick daily, while budget airline Thomas Cook operates two direct flights a week from Manchester during the summer months. McCarran International Airport is conveniently located just one mile from Las Vegas Boulevard and just under four from the Las Vegas Convention Centre.

Where to stay: With more than 140,000 rooms, groups can choose to stay on or away from the famous strip. Hotels range from the outrageous to the understated, and not all have a gambling focus.

For delegates who want to be at the heart of the casino district, Las Vegas Boulevard offers stalwarts such as The Venetian - an-all suite resort with 185,806m2 of meeting space, and hotel, retail and casino complex the Palazzo. The Wynn boasts the city's only 18-hole golf course, while the Bellagio has three ballrooms, 18,580m2 of event space and dancing fountains that perform every 15 minutes from 8pm until midnight.

The Palms, synonymous with Playboy and parties, opened a third tower in 2008, Palms Place, as a non-gambling accommodation alternative, while the 3,300-room Mandalay Bay resort added the Eye Candy bar lounge within its casino last year. From this month, Mandalay Bay will be staging TheLion King, which is expected to run for three years. Attached to Mandalay Bay is the boutique and stylish The Hotel, a non-gaming property for delegates who wish to be on the strip but away from the sound of the slots.

Preferred Hotels and Resorts has two member properties away from the bright lights. The nearest of the two, Green Valley Ranch, offers 6,038m2 of meeting space and 490 rooms, including 80 suites. Its spa has 22 treatment rooms and the relaxed hotel grounds include an amphitheatre for special events, an Opium terrace for Champagne receptions and a private pool area with capacity for 200. "We have the infrastructure to do business just six miles from the strip and ten minutes from the airport," says Preferred Hotels and Resorts national sales manager Nancy MacDonald.

Preferred Hotels and Resorts' second property is 15 miles from the strip in Red Rock Canyon. "It is ideal for groups that want to see all Vegas has to offer," she adds.

Incentive ideas: Itineraries in Las Vegas can include horse-riding, hiking and mountain-biking against an array of stunning backdrops. Top of the list of these, is the Grand Canyon, which can be accessed via road or air using helicopter charter companies such as Maverick, situated by the Welcome to Las Vegas neon road sign. It operates 34 helicopters, with five flights an hour to the canyon. The company also offers 15-minute night flights over the Las Vegas strip, a wine tour flight to a winery over Red Rock Canyon, and bespoke charter flights for groups that require total exclusivity. For delegates who wish to keep their feet on the ground, the Pole Position Raceway offers team building in the form of the fastest go-karts in America. A plethora of stage shows are also available including Cher at Caesars Palace or Blue Man Group at The Venetian.

Meeting venues: Las Vegas's three largest conference venues are the 157,935m2 Mandalay Bay Convention Centre on the south strip, a 167,225m2 Sands Expo and Convention Centre adjacent to The Venetian, and the 213,676m2 Las Vegas Convention Centre. MGM Mirage, parent company of nine Vegas properties, is developing the City Center project - a multi-use scheme next to the Bellagio, due to open in November. It will include Aria, a 3,000-room casino resort with a 27,870m2 convention and meeting facility, two condominiums and a Mandarin hotel. "The project will help grow the overall appeal of Las Vegas internationally, which will benefit all resorts," says Bellagio's Brunelle.

Places to party: Las Vegas has attracted many of the world's top chefs and nightclub brands. Restaurant options range from all-you-can-eat buffets to fine dining. Celebrated US chef Kerry Simon has his signature venture, Simon at Palms Place, while the creators of TAO Asian Bistro have brought the renowned New York nightclub and restaurant to the Venetian and included lavish decor, with waterfalls and a 20-foot hand-carved Buddha floating above an infinity pool, complete with Japanese carp.

DIRECTORY: LAS VEGAS
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Contact: Nicola Chater, 020 89982667
Email: nicolachater@hillsbalfoursynergy.com
Web: www.visitlasvegas.co.uk