(Las Vegas Convention Center Cowboy Christmas Photo)
Las Vegas Convention Center board examines impact of Grand Prix, $600 million renovations, global travel efforts to boost convention
By Ray Smith, Exhibition City News
When it comes to making a living as a limo driver in Las Vegas, the National Rodeo Finals revolves around the Las Vegas Grand Prix, according to a spokesperson at the December LVCVA board meeting.
“Frankly, we made money on the NFR,” the Bell Transportation limousine driver boasted during his three minutes of public comment. Instead, he lost $2,000 in earnings from last year’s F1 race.
He is not alone. Drivers say the Grand Prix around the Las Vegas Strip causes thousands of taxi, shuttle, Uber and Lyft drivers to experience more disruption than any other event of the year, including New Year’s Eve.
While tourism officials lauded the success of the Las Vegas Grand Prix in its second year, praising the social media influencers contracted by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for generating 1.2 billion impressions, public comments were far less positive. No congratulations were expressed.
City Planner Cyrus Hojjaty cited the plight of small businesses such as Ferraro’s Restaurant and traffic congestion caused by construction on the 3.8-mile road. His proposal: widen the Flamingo Road bridge over Koval Lane from two lanes to four. “It’s pretty tough on drivers,” he told the board.
LVCVA Chief Marketing Officer Kate Wik calls the Grand Prix one of those “marquis events” that can serve as a marketing platform to attract visitors to Las Vegas year-round. She said the Sphere became a “poster child” for the competition, with dazzling LED displays playing on televisions.
Wik ran a short video highlighting more than 100 race-related events and activities, including free music and DJ concerts at the Las Vegas Grand Prix Fan Experience. “We are thinking about how to optimize this year’s event and prepare for future events,” she said.
Utility Service Agreement
The board authorized CEO Steve Hill to execute a revenue agreement with the Las Vegas Convention Center utility service provider. Annual revenue is estimated at $10 million.
Hill explained that the LVCVA charges a 17 percent installation and removal fee to provide environmental, lighting and security services to show organizers.
The LVCVA allows licensed contractors to provide electrical services, plumbing services and compressed air services for meetings and trade shows held at convention centers. Displays work contracts signed directly by customers and exhibitors with contractors.
Contractors currently working on the LVCC include Convention Technical Services; Adren Electrical Exhibition Services; Freeman Expo; and Global Experience Specialists.
conference center furniture
The board approved a $1.7 million agreement with Create Spaces to provide furnishings for the LVCC North and Center Hall lobby and the third floor administrative offices in the Center Hall.
The new furniture is part of a $600 million LVCC renovation project previously approved by the board. Miller & Ham Project Development Company requested to create space for furniture. LVCVA staff, authorized under the Local Government Procurement Act, established interoperability agreements with cooperative procurement organizations NASPO ValuePoint and OMNIA Partners to obtain lower prices from certain suppliers to reduce procurement costs.
United Airlines tickets
The board approved about $35,265 in past spending that exceeded the CEO’s signature authorization and approved $300,000 in future United Airlines spending on employee airfare.
The Convention Bureau’s sales, marketing and special events staff travel nationally and internationally to industry trade shows, conferences and other events to achieve the agency’s business goals. These events increase brand awareness, generate sales leads, and build relationships with key partners and customers.
Reed Exhibitions Payment
The board of directors approved a payment of US$18,093 to Reed Exhibitions. During the contract period, which ends in November, LVCVA employees participated in the World Travel Market (WTM), which brings together the international leisure travel community during its world trade show, and IBTM, a leading global conference, incentive travel, Conferences and travel events. Convention and Exhibition (MICE) industry.
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