Las Vegas Chosen as One of Four Cities for 2016 Presidential Debates
September 29, 2015
With Las Vegas being chosen as one of four cities to host a presidential debate during the 2016 election season, any question on whether it’s a city where serious business gets done should be off the table, according to Chris Meyer, vice president of Global Business Sales at the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.
“It takes away all possible argument of shows coming to Vegas,” Meyer said, an issue the city has grappled with, particularly in the government sector.
He added, “We’ll have both presidential candidates here and leadership from both of the parties.”
The Commission on Presidential Debates chose Las Vegas to host the Oct. 19 debate, just weeks away from Election Day, at the Thomas & Mack Center on the University of Nevada Las Vegas Campus.
“It’s the most widely watched (in the series) of debates,” Meyer said. In fact, he added, it’s seen worldwide, with people tuning in to see who might be the next president of the United States.
Along with the 800 delegates in the room, there will also be a massive press contingent covering the debate.
In 2012 in Denver, there were 3,500 media, but Meyer said this debate likely will attract more since there is not an incumbent running.
“We are excited that Las Vegas has been chosen to host a presidential debate and we look forward to showcasing our destination,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the LVCVA.
He added, “Las Vegas is the No. 1 convention city in North America for 21 consecutive years because we know how to get business done, and we are confident that our experience and commitment to customer service will make this event a great success.”
The LVCVA partnered with UNLV to host a debate and the city was chosen from 16 sites that were under consideration.
Las Vegas previously has hosted primary debates, presidential speeches, and been long considered for political conventions by both parties.
As an early caucus state, Nevada has played a key role in the election process already this year, and hosting a presidential debate will continue to increase the global visibility of both Las Vegas and the state.
Meyer said the investment was significant, $4 million, to being the debate to town, but the estimated economic impact just from the event is $6 million, “So, we’re already up,” he added.
The debate also can generate at least $50 million in publicity for UNLV and Las Vegas, according to data from 2012 presidential debate sites.
“We’re going to make sure to evangelize this, so it helps the industry in general,” Meyer said. “Las Vegas is a serious place to do business.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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