FROM ITS SASSY origins in gaming and feathery entertainment, Las Vegas has evolved into a world-class meeting destination with an emphasis on luxury. What was most striking on a recent trip was the number of upscale arts and entertainment choices, including the rotating exhibitions at Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, multiple Cirque du Soleil productions, and the original masterpieces enveloping diners at Renoir in The Mirage.

For fine dining options, some of the resort's most highly touted restaurants, including Bellagio's Le Cirque and Picasso, are dinner-only establishments that welcome groups for private luncheons and late afternoon receptions. For an extra-special evening, the Chef's Table at MGM Grand Conference Center offers a behind-the-scenes look at food preparation, with customized tasting menus.

Las Vegas rivals Madonna when it comes to mastering the art of reinvention. Treasure Island, which is now popularly known as “TI”, has jettisoned its pirate theme and décor and dedicated itself to the adult audience. Bellagio has recently invested in enhancing its guest rooms' décor and technology, and its new Spa Tower, opened in December, features 60,000 square feet of meeting space. The Venetian has unveiled 150,000 square feet of additional meeting space,

It seems almost guaranteed there'll be a new place to play golf each time you bring a group back. Las Vegas mogul Steve Wynn's glossy new resort, set to open next spring, will feature an 18-hole Tom Fazio — designed golf course. Farther off the Strip, everyone is talking about golf at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, with its 36 holes.

Meeting attendees will appreciate the 25 new SpeedCheck kiosks located inside McCarran International Airport. Six more kiosks are at the Las Vegas Convention Center, making it the only convention center in the United States able to offer attendees a boarding pass before they arrive at the airport.
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