Magic. Mystery. Elegance. Whimsy... Whatever your desired ambience at your event, your choice of venue can make all the difference for setting that mood. And what could be better for everyone’s mood than inviting guests to a brand-new venue they have never laid eyes on before?

With the 2008 recession, of course, the hotel industry saw a considerable slow-down in both planning and construction of new venues. But things have been picking up speed the past few years. And 2018 just might be the year everything explodes. 

We at LSAV POWERHOUSE are stoked about the lineup of amazing new venues that are about to throw open their doors. So much so, that we have created a 2018 New Venue Cheat Sheet. Consider this your time-saving snapshot of the most important new venues opening this year. 

Ready for hot meetings in cool new spaces? Here are 2018’s top venues to short-list: 

PARK MGM // LAS VEGAS

Say “hello” to the new kid on The Strip! Conveniently located next to T Mobile Arena, The Park MGM has overtaken the old Monte Carlo hotel and casino. Doors open this Spring before new branding even appears on the sign. With 2600 guest rooms and 65,000 square feet of meeting space, this lush hotel will soon be a choice option. Expect all the usual Las Vegas accoutrements of shopping, dining and self-care. Additionally, watch for a 300–room self-contained boutique hotel called NoMad to open atop of the Park later this year. Hello, indeed!

MARIOTT MARQUIS // CHICAGO

With a name as elegant as its glass-paneled exterior, the Marriott Marquis represents everything that makes Chicago truly chic. Opened in Fall 2017, this new four-star hotel graces the Windy City’s skyline adjacent to McCormick place. Its 40 stories and 1200 rooms overlook the South Loop on one side and Lake Michigan on the other, with over 90,000 square feet of event space (including two 25,000 square foot ballrooms) and a convenient covered bridge that leads straight into McCormick Place.This is a great option for those wanting to take advantage of classic Chicago style with a fresh twist.

GAYLORD ROCKIES // DENVER

Arguably the hottest new property in the Rockies, the Gaylord Rockies resort is set to open in Aurora, Colorado, just west of downtown Denver, in late 2018. This newest property in the beloved resort collection will contain everything your guests expect at a Gaylord chain. Luxuries include a water park, salon and spa, the Gaylord’s relaxing signature waterways, restaurants, shopping and of course, a sunset-perfect view of the Rockies. Expect an alpine flair to the resort’s thematic decor, and an expansive floor plan encompassing 1500 rooms, 114 suites and 485,000 square feet of meeting space.

HYATT REGENCY // SEATTLE

The Emerald City is set to welcome newest member this spring—and this time, it’s not Dorothy or the Man Behind the Curtain. Hyatt Regency Seattle will open in Fall 2018 right in the happening heart of downtown. Event attendees at the new hotel can expect over 1200 rooms, 103,000 square feet of meeting space, of which 35,000 square feet is set to be naturally-lit, overlooking the city’s skyline. When it’s all said and done, this Class-A, LEED-certified hotel will be the largest north of San Francisco. So go ahead. Click those red heels in anticipation!

WAITERS CREEK CONVENTION CENTER // DALLAS

Howdy, y’all! Texas will give you something to wave your ten-gallon hat about when a brand-new facility opens just north of Dallas, in Allen. The Watters Creek Convention Center is set to include a 300-room Marriott Delta and 90,000 square feet of meeting space. Opening January 2019, this new event center also boasts 15 technologically-equipped meeting rooms, a 40,000-foot event center and 12,000-foot ballroom, among other amenities. Take advantage of North Texas hospitality, too, by enjoying an outdoor courtyard and private dining complete with celebrity chefs.

ROSEWOOD MIRAMAR RESORT // SANTA BARBARA

Craving a little more sand ‘n surf in an intimate setting? As the third North American property in this luxury chain, the Miramar Rosewood will open on Montecito Beach near Santa Barbara, California, in late 2018. This smaller but highly desirable event venue will include a first for Santa Barbara: guest rooms that open directly onto the beach. Expect hotel amenities like a spa, beach club, screening room and oceanside dining. Also included will be 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space for events, including 6,000 square feet of ballroom space.

MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER // MIAMI

Sometimes the best things aren’t built from scratch, just upgraded. Miami Beach Convention Center is no stranger to the event scene, but this aging venue is up for a facelift, due to be complete in late 2018. The $615 million update will result in 505,000 square feet of exhibit space, an additional 60,000 square foot ballroom, and 59,000 square feet of breakout space. Nearly a thousand additional parking spaces are also being added, as well as 12 acres of landscaped parkland. Other improvements to the complex include millions of dollars in new public art and improvements to surrounding historical buildings. 

Excited yet? Iff that’s not enough, let’s look to 2019 for one of the more anticipated new builds . . .

HYATT REGENCY // PORTLAND

Move over, Portlandia: time to rethink Oregon’s most famous city as a luxury event travel destination. To aid the reinvention comes the Hyatt Regency Portland, a 14-story hotel currently under construction at the north end of the existing Oregon Convention Center. In 2019, you can expect this hotel to throw open its doors with 32,000 square feet of meeting venues, plus all the usual amenities such as bars, restaurants, gym space and gathering areas for your attendees. Westward ho!

And that’s a wrap on our new venue report for 2018. Now all that’s left is for you to select your perfect venue.

It won’t be too hard, will it?

Magic. Playfulness. Elegance. Kitsch: whatever your desire, LSAV POWERHOUSE can help you source and outfit your perfect venue. Over 20 years in business as one of the nation’s most successful independent audiovisual and event planning companies make us the perfect partner to guide you through venue selection, A/V equipment design and every other aspect of your planning. Check out our portfolio here. Then let’s talk about your dreams and plans, so we can help you bring them to life.