Las Vegas has long been a popular destination for business events. It offers an unparalleled blend of professional and recreational opportunities, making it a top choice for conferences and corporate meetings. Beyond its state-of-the-art convention facilities, the city’s renowned restaurants, world-class entertainment, and unique events create an environment where business and pleasure intersect.
As you prepare for your upcoming trip to Las Vegas for Workday Rising 2024, let’s take a closer look at all the city has to offer, ensuring you make the most of your personal and professional experiences while you’re in town.
Planning Your Trip to Las Vegas
A few members of our internal team are seasoned veterans when it comes to navigating the conference landscape at Mandalay Bay and maximizing time spent in Vegas by scheduling meetings with existing clients, prospects, and colleagues ahead of time.
Here are a few key insights and tips for planning your upcoming experience in Vegas:
- Check your conference registration, travel plans, and hotel accommodations before you arrive. Schedule rides in advance or use rideshare apps to avoid cab delays.
- Consider hopping on the Las Vegas Monorail to easily move from place to place, including multiple stops on the Strip and the Vegas Loop.
- Bookmark any expert-led sessions, product demos, or keynote speeches you want to attend.
- Plan to arrive at the keynote speech early to avoid overflow space and virtual attendance.
- Schedule your post-conference meals, activities, and meetups ahead of time to avoid wait times.
Finding a Place to Meet
Looking to find the perfect place to meet up with colleagues, business partners, or prospective clients? We’ve got you covered. Check out a few of the most popular destinations around Mandalay Bay to secure the right spot for all your meetups.
For coffee
1) Hazel Coffee and Cocktails
Begin your day with a meeting over award-winning coffee and premium breakfast fare. End your day with a cocktail menu full of long-time classics and new experimental creations.
2) 3940 Coffee and Tea
Enjoy a familiar and comfortable environment featuring communal seating and welcoming furniture. Savor gourmet coffee blends, lattes, and housemade grab-and-go meals to start your day on the right foot.
3) Starbucks (a classic, of course)
Get a taste of your favorite handcrafted beverages, teas, and on-the-go treats from a familiar spot. Enjoy a quick and easy meeting spot before heading to the exhibit hall for the day.
(Bonus: The Starbucks is located in the corridor that leads from the casino to the convention center and is fairly close to the convention area, so it’s a quick and easy stop on your way to sessions or a convenient refuel station in between sessions.)
For breakfast/lunch
1) Citizens Kitchen and Bar
Find a range of favorites for breakfast and lunch, a full-service bar, and a comfortable atmosphere right in the heart of Mandalay Bay. Located in the corridor from the casino to the convention area, it’s the perfect place to stop in for a little pick-me-up before heading into your sessions for the day.
2) Della’s Kitchen
Experience the perfect option for a quick breakfast or lunch, featuring a combination of comfort food, classics, and seasonal specials in a cozy, welcoming environment.
3) Mandalay Bay Food Court
Grab a quick bite on your way into the convention area or drop in for an easy lunch between sessions or client meetings. Choose from a wide variety of favorite fast food restaurants open for service all day long.
For dinner
1) STRIPSTEAK
Savor signature cuts of beef and top-class seafood in an upscale yet receiving atmosphere located just outside of the casino floor and Convention Center at Mandalay Bay.
2) Border Grill
Experience a vibrant and spacious atmosphere perfect for soaking up the sun on the patio, sipping margaritas, or enjoying a meal full of bold flavors. Meet up for a quick lunch right outside of the convention area, or set up a time to meet for dinner and drinks when the day is over.
(Note: This is the closest bar on the way to the convention center, so it’s perfect for dropping in after a long day of sessions and meetings.)
3) Foundation Room
Enjoy everything from lounge dining to bottle service while taking in the sights and sounds of Las Vegas from the 63rd floor of Mandalay Bay. Plus, this one’s a little lesser known, so it’s perfect for the nights you want a more comfortable experience without all the hustle and bustle on the Strip.
For drinks
1) Eyecandy Bar and Lounge
Relax with a craft cocktail or get your groove on with live music and a spacious dance floor in a casual social scene located in the heart of Mandalay Bay.
2) SkyBar
Enjoy traditional cocktail favorites or exotic interpretations while experiencing views high above the Strip and a comfortable ambiance for pre-show or late-night meetings.
3) 1923 Prohibition Bar
Transport back to the 1900s with this speakeasy-style venue, perfect for post-show meetups with clients or a relaxed drink with colleagues after a day in the exhibit hall. Known for its barrel-aged bourbon cocktails and signature cigars, this is the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sessions and meetings.
Other Things to Explore for Fun
Hit the casino
Whether you’re a gambling expert or a novice, Mandalay Bay has options for everyone. And if you’re looking for a $5 blackjack table, you might want to head downtown or somewhere off the Strip. Mandalay is sure to have higher table limits with a big conference in town.
Home to over 1,200 slot machines, video poker games, and tables for Blackjack, Roulette, and Craps, you’re guaranteed to find the experience you’re looking for at the end of a long day in the exhibit hall.
Experience a show
From the outdoor pool entertainment complex to Michelob Ultra Arena and other venues like the Michael Jackson: One Theatre, finding an event to attend or a show to watch is easy at Mandalay Bay.
Just be sure to check the calendar of events before you head to Las Vegas to avoid missing out on the shows or events on your watch list.
Visit the Sphere
Perhaps the biggest attraction Vegas has to offer now, the Sphere is home to its own immersive experience and other interactive exhibits featuring artists like U2, Dead and Company, and more.
Connect with Surety Systems
Looking to connect about your business needs or learn more about Surety Systems?
Contact our Workday team attending the Workday Rising conference at rising2024@suretysystems.com to schedule a meeting or set up a time to chat.
