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Best Convention Centers in the U.S. — Three Las Vegas Convention Venues Top The Wall Street Journal’s List

Three Las Vegas Convention Venues Top The Wall Street Journal’s List of Best Convention Centers in the U.S.

The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) was number one among The Wall Street Journal’s list of the 30 best convention centers in the U.S., with rankings based on the quality of the facility and the vibrancy of the surrounding city.

The Venetian Convention and Expo Center and Mandalay Bay Convention Center ranked third and seventh respectively, solidifying Las Vegas’ position as the premier tradeshow destination.

Tourism leaders commemorated the accolade today during the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority (LVCVA) Board of Directors meeting.

According to The Wall Street Journal, scores were primarily weighted on the size and quality of convention facilities, including total square footage, amount of exhibition space, the number of meeting rooms, and the proximity to a major airport. Walkability of the convention destination in addition to weather, dining, entertainment, and hotel offerings were also considered.

“We are honored that three of Las Vegas’ premier convention centers were recognized by The Wall Street Journal,”

Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA,

which owns and operates the LVCC.

“Thanks to our resorts offering unparalleled experiences, amenities, and customer service, Las Vegas has earned its reputation as the leading meetings and convention destination. As we continue to invest in the destination and improve the Convention Center experience with our $600 million renovation, we are grateful to our building customers who continue to choose Las Vegas.”

Las Vegas has been named the number one trade show destination in North America for 26 consecutive years by Trade Show News Network (TSNN), the world’s leading resource for the trade show and event industry. Its combined 15 million square feet of meeting and event space is more than any destination in North America. The destination welcomed 4.9 million convention attendees in 2022. The Wall Street Journal story highlighted the growing demand for dual-purpose trips that combine business and pleasure, with more business travelers tacking on leisure trips before or after meetings.

The 4.6 million square foot LVCC is a key component of Southern Nevada’s convention and meeting segment, hosting about one-sixth of the region’s convention attendees. The $1 billion West Hall debuted in 2021 and the renovation of the LVCC’s legacy campus kicked off earlier this year. The LVCC hosted 56 conventions in 2022 with a combined attendance of more than 840,000, accounting for $2.2 billion in direct and induced economic impact, according to data published by the LVCVA’s Research Center. So far this year, the facility has hosted 35 tradeshows with an estimated attendance of 900,000.

The Wall Street Journal accolade comes as Las Vegas prepares to usher in an unprecedented line up of tradeshows and marquee sporting events from October through February that will garner worldwide attention. The roster includes the SEMA Show, an automobile show that anticipates 160,000 attendees, the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, Pac-12 football, National Finals Rodeo, the NBA’s first in-season tournament, Las Vegas Bowl, New Year’s Eve, CES, World of Concrete, and Super Bowl LVIII.

To learn more about the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, visit LVCVA.com and www.vegasmeansbusiness.com.

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AFM, Vegas Bound Gets Early Sign-Ups! From A24, LionsGate, Voltage, StudioCanal, Neon, Pathe

American Film Market (AFM)Vegas Bound Gets Early Sign-Ups! From A24, LionsGate, Voltage, StudioCanal, Neon, Pathe

The American Film Market ® (AFM®) announces the current lineup of participating Exhibitors for its upcoming 45th edition, scheduled for November 5-10, 2024.

This year marks a significant milestone as the American Film Market relocates to the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas for the first time.

With American Film Market is still four months away, Exhibitor registrations are surging, with early sign-ups far surpassing previous years. Currently, 145 sales, production, and distribution companies, along with international trade organizations, film commissions, and national umbrella stands from 25 countries have secured spaces in The Palms’ Fantasy Tower, AFM’s designated hub.

The ongoing influx of Exhibitor commitments establishes serious momentum for the Las Vegas show and indicates that AFM 2024 will exceed recent participation levels.

Exhibitors to date include major international companies and organizations such as v, Telepool GmbH, The Match Factory, Trust Nordisk, Unifrance, The Veterans, Vision Films, Inc., Voltage Pictures, WestEnd Films, WME Independent, and XYZ Films, among many others.

Buyer and Attendee participation is also running strong since registration opened in mid-June, with participants from 45 countries already registered. Organizers estimate total participation to come from more than 80 countries.

Early commitments from Exhibitors and Buyers underscores the event’s global significance and returning confidence in the business.  The convenience of hosting all participants and Market activities in a single location, including AFM Screenings at The Palms’ Brenden Theatres and The AFM Sessions, also is welcomed by Exhibitors and Buyers alike.

AFM 2024 will be a landmark event for global content, offering unparalleled opportunities for discovering the newest independent film and TV productions and projects and an energetic and efficient environment for business transactions, networking, knowledge sharing, and educational opportunities. Further details about AFM Exhibitors and the comprehensive event schedule, conferences and speakers will be announced in the coming weeks and months.

For the Current List of AFM Exhibitors, visit: americanfilmmarket.com/exhibitor-list-2024

For More Information on AFM and to Register, visit: americanfilmmarket.com.

About the American Film Market® (AFM®)

The AFM is where the global film and television business comes to life every November. The only independently produced international sales market, hundreds of finance, production, sales and distribution companies and thousands of professionals from every segment of the industry, convene at AFM for six days of discovery, development, deal making, networking, marketplace discussions and world-class conferences. The AFM is produced by the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®) and serves as the annual fundraiser for the association.  

About the Independent Film & Television Alliance® (IFTA®)
IFTA is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution, and sales companies. The organization represents the independent sector before governments and international bodies and provides significant entertainment industry services to independent companies around the world.

About Palms Casino Resort

Palms Casino Resort is a trailblazer as the first Las Vegas resort fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. With 766 hotel rooms and suites across two towers, Palms offers a dynamic mix of bars and restaurants including the acclaimed steakhouse Scotch 80 Prime, the popular A.Y.C.E Buffet, and celebrity chef-driven eateries including Mabel’s BBQ by Chef Michael Symon and sky-high dining at Vetri Cucina from Chef Marc Vetri. Home to live entertainment venues, and unique lifestyle experiences within a redesigned 95,000-square-foot casino, amenities include free valet and self-parking, The Pearl (a 2,500-seat concert theater), Ghostbar Rooftop Lounge, The Spa & Salon, the Brenden Theatre 14-screen cinema, over 190,000 square feet of meeting space, and nearly 600 units at Palms Place condominiums. Sammy’s Island at Palms Pool, named after rock legend Sammy Hagar, offers island fun and laid-back vibes. Palms features innovative suites like the Hardwood Suite for basketball fans, the Kingpin Suite for bowling enthusiasts, and many more theme suites. The Sky Villa suites, with masterful artwork and private pools & terraces, with breathtaking views of the Strip provide unmatched luxury for unforgettable experiences. Located just west of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road, Palms Casino Resort is owned by The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (SMGHA), an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. For more details, visit palms.com or the Palms Press Room.

Nén Danang Awarded 2024 MICHELIN Green Star for Sustainability

Nén Danang Awarded 2024 MICHELIN Green Star for Sustainability

At the prestigious MICHELIN Awards Ceremony held at the InterContinental Hotel Saigon, a notable achievement was celebrated within the realm of sustainable gastronomy: Nén Danang, a pioneer in Vietnam’s fine dining scene, was honored with the 2024 MICHELIN Green Star for Excellence in Sustainability. As the first Vietnamese restaurant in the world to be recognized, as well as the first in Vietnam, this accolade underscores Nén’s commitment to innovative and environmentally conscious practices that set a benchmark for the industry.

The Michelin Green Star, a prestigious annual award, celebrates restaurants leading the industry in sustainability. Highlighting establishments that uphold rigorous ethical and environmental standards, this accolade recognizes those who collaborate with sustainable producers and suppliers to minimize waste and reduce or eliminate plastics and other non-recyclable materials. To date, only 540 restaurants worldwide have earned this honor, offering dining experiences that not only exemplify culinary excellence but also demonstrate exceptional eco-friendly practices. These restaurants serve as beacons of inspiration for both enthusiastic foodies and the broader hospitality industry.

Nén Danang, under the visionary leadership of Chef Summer Le and her partner Leon Le, has been instrumental in redefining what it means to dine sustainably. With a culinary philosophy deeply rooted in the principles of ethical and environmental stewardship, Nén sources 99% of its ingredients locally, including from its own farms, thereby supporting Vietnam’s local economies and artisans while minimizing environmental impact. This approach not only ensures the freshest ingredients but also fosters a strong connection with the community and the natural world.

The restaurant’s Sto:ry Menus exemplify this ethos, merging rich Vietnamese traditions with inventive dining experiences. Each dish is a celebration of nature and a narrative of culture, crafted to offer a multi-sensory delight that evokes emotions ranging from joy to nostalgia. Notably, their Sto:ry Menu #5 is a zero-waste venture that transforms everyday ingredients, such as eggshells into noodles, showcasing an innovative approach to sustainability.

The core of Nén’s culinary identity lies in its commitment to ‘Conscious Vietnamese cuisine.’ The restaurant’s ethos—origin, aesthetic, intention, balance, emotion, and presence—guides its culinary choices. Each aspect, from the sourcing of ingredients to the final presentation, is thoughtfully curated to enhance the dining experience, making every meal an event of conscious consumption and enjoyment.

Nén’s unique approach to cuisine also reflects in its name, derived from a humble but flavorful ingredient found in Central Vietnam’s kitchens. This reflects the restaurant’s philosophy: finding potential in the overlooked and elevating it to something extraordinary. It’s about transforming simplicity into splendor, turning each meal into an exploration of the hidden depths of Vietnamese culinary traditions.

Located next to Nén Farm in Da Nang, the restaurant serves as the flagship for a brand that is deeply invested in research and sustainability. Despite challenges like a temporary closure during the Covid-19 pandemic, Nén Danang reopened in 2023 with renewed vigor and a continued focus on its sustainable mission. This commitment culminated in receiving Vietnam’s first and only MICHELIN Green Star in 2024, a testament to its leadership in promoting a sustainable and ethically aware dining culture.

Through Nén Danang, diners are invited not just to eat, but to experience stories through flavors, where each dish serves as a dialogue between the chef and the earth, a narrative that continues to inspire both food enthusiasts and culinary peers around the world.

 

Global Art lovers take notice as Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City

Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City

For the past 60 years, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has epitomised the essence of French art de vivre across the globe. As 2024 heralds its Diamond Jubilee, commemorated with a series of exclusive events at Sofitel properties worldwide, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, the paragon of French hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City, proudly inaugurated an extraordinary celebration of art.

From Left- Betty Qiffe Pallard, Consul General Daniël Stork of the Netherlands to Vietnam, Nykky Do and Milena Padula- Spouse of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam / photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

On the evening of June 21st, the Sofitel Saigon Plaza was the scene of a glittering event, marking the launch of a collaboration with the internationally renowned French Pop Artist, Jérôme Peschard.

French Pop Artist Jérôme Peschard Portrait / photo courtesy of Stephane Thierry

French Pop Artist Jérôme Peschard Portrait / photo courtesy of Stephane Thierry

The hotel’s lobby served as an elegant backdrop for an array of Peschard’s stunning oil paintings on recycled corrugated metal, showcasing his inspiration from French Indochina.

From Left- Tracie May, Milena Padula- Wife of Consul General of Italy to Vietnam, Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel Manager Alistair Minty, Lindsay Nutley, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam Sarah Hooper, Simon Pugh and Michael Hooper // photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

The event attracted an illustrious group of attendees, including Mrs. Sarah Hooper, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam; Mr. Daniël Stork, Consul General of the Netherlands to Vietnam; Mrs. Milena Padula, spouse of Italian Consul General Enrico Padula; and Mrs. Lê Hạnh, CEO of TVHub Vietnam. Distinguished guests also included Michelin Starred Chef/Owner Peter Cong Franklin of Ănăn Saigon, totalling one hundred and thirty of Ho Chi Minh’s leading tastemakers.

photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

Guests enjoyed a selection of exquisite canapés, fine wines, and champagne while admiring Peschard’s captivating works. Adding to the allure, music by DJ Edge Pamute filled the space, and trendsetters Tracie May and Nykky Domodelled custom-embroidered Áo Dài, the national costume of Vietnam, designed by Peschard and couturière Giao Basson. A pop-up retail store showcasing Peschard’s merchandise collection also opened to the public, featuring a curated selection of home decor, limited edition numbered and artist-signed lacquer replicas of paintings, and an array of gift items. Both the boutique and the art exhibit will grace the Sofitel Saigon Plaza throughout the summer, concluding in early September.

photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

This premier event highlighted the vibrant intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, celebrating a unique fusion that will enchant visitors throughout the season, encapsulating Sofitel Hotel and Resort’s world of prestige and luxury.

photos courtesy of Nick Middleton for the Sofitel Saigon Plaza.

“I’m deeply grateful to Sofitel Saigon Plaza for granting me such a fantastic platform to showcase my art. Although I am French, my heart is Vietnamese, and I’m thrilled to share my homage to Vietnam with their guests and visitors during the 60th Anniversary celebration of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts.” – Jérôme Peschard

“Marking 60 years of exceptional hospitality, we take pride in being a part of a legacy that consistently sets the standard for excellence in Asia, providing a unique experience for all modern travellers to explore Ho Chi Minh City through a French-inspired perspective.” – Mario Mendis, GM, Sofitel Saigon Plaza

ABOUT SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA:

Sofitel Saigon Plaza harmonises the sophistication of French art de vivre with the vibrancy of local Vietnamese culture, delivering a luxury hospitality experience enriched by genuine heartfelt service. Conveniently located in a tranquil enclave on Le Duan Boulevard, Sofitel Saigon Plaza places you in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s business, cultural, and shopping district. The hotel boasts 286 rooms and suites adorned with refined décor and deluxe amenities, a fitness centre featuring advanced exercise equipment, and an outdoor swimming pool with breathtaking city views. Sofitel Saigon Plaza also features five dining establishments serving local and French cuisine, seven polished meeting rooms, and an opulent ballroom equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the ideal destination for business, leisure, meetings, and gatherings.

ABOUT JÉRÔME PESCHARD:

Dubbed the “Gauguin of Vietnam,” Jérôme Peschard is a self-taught artist whose work reflects a life richly lived and creatively charged. His art bridges the past with the present, blending East and West, while drawing profound inspiration from his adopted home of Vietnam. Characterised by the use of oil on rusted corrugated iron sheets salvaged from local construction sites, his pieces reflect the very essence of Saigon – its history, development, people, culture, and vibrant spirit. Peschard’s unique fusion of Western pop art with Asian influences, inspired by comic book legend Jack Kirby and modern art icons like Basquiat and Warhol, continues to evolve as he explores new themes in his storytelling. In the dynamic energy of Vietnam, Peschard not only found his place in the world, but also his distinctive artistic identity.

About the Author
Joe Wehinger (nicknamed Joe Winger) has written for over 20 years about the business of lifestyle and entertainment. Joe is an entertainment producer, media entrepreneur, public speaker, and C-level consultant who owns businesses in entertainment, lifestyle, tourism and publishing. He is an award-winning filmmaker, published author, member of the Directors Guild of America, International Food Travel Wine Authors Association, WSET Level 2 Wine student, WSET Level 2 Cocktail student, member of the LA Wine Writers. Email to: Joe@FlavRReport.com