Last week marked the debut of Caesars Palace’s new convention space, which adds 110,000 square feet to the existing convention center, bringing the resort’s total meeting and exhibit space to more than 300,000 square feet.
The principal features of the expansion are two 52,000-square-foot pillarless ballrooms. Each room can accommodate 5,000 guests in theater-style seating or seated at rounds for a banquet.
With ceilings that are 26 and 28 feet high, respectively, the ballrooms were designed to accommodate staging and rigging for large-scale productions. Additionally, they are broadcast-friendly, with high-tech audiovisual and data systems, as well as direct access to fiber-optic hubs and locations selected for easy satellite transmission.
Reina Herschdorfer, executive director of catering and convention services and events for Caesars Palace, noted the new addition was designed with flexibility in mind. “Both ballrooms are divisible into 26 sections and able to accommodate meetings that require lots of breakout workshops," she said. "At the same time, the ballrooms are also perfect for staging large expos and general sessions.”
Both ballrooms overlook the Garden of the Gods pool area, which is in the midst of an expansion due to be completed in September. The lower-level ballroom will offer direct access to four private pools. “If, for example, a general session ends at 5 p.m., attendees can proceed directly outside to the pool area for a reception,” said Herschdorfer.
The ballroom on the upper level, dubbed the Promenade level, has a terrace overlooking the Garden of the Gods pool complex that is suited for receptions and coffee breaks.
In addition to the ballrooms, Caesars’ convention center expansion adds grand promenade areas, a new banquet kitchen, and a dedicated docking area designed to ease load-in and load-out.
Decor in the new space mirrors that of Caesars’ existing convention area, which is decorated in a neutral palette accented by carpeting in shades of caramel, brown, and teal. The new convention space offers direct access to the existing space via a shallow, cascading staircase or a utility ramp. “When you walk into the space, you wouldn’t know it had just been added. But it will definitely change the type of business we can host here,"Herschdorfer said. " Our customers are already pleased to see we’ve added not only additional square footage, but also the flexibility they’ve been looking for.”
Pool villa suites near the new convention space are slated to be completed by mid August. These villas will also provide a setting for intimate events hosted by guests staying there.