Venues · Rigging and LED
MGM Grand Conference Center: AV, rigging, power and permits
MGM Grand publishes an official Conference Center library with a planner guide, policies and room plans. Its rules distinguish meetings, general sessions, exhibits and exclusive services. This guide helps scope production without conflating the Conference Center with Grand Garden Arena or treating a design as approved.
1. Building and scope
MGM Grand Conference Center and Grand Garden Arena appear in materials for the same property, but are distinct spaces. The facilities guide divides the Conference Center by level and shows Marquee Ballroom, Chairman’s Ballroom and other rooms. Confirm contract, level, division and route; do not apply arena rules to the center.
2. Rooms and capacities
MGM’s chart lists dimensions, ceiling heights and capacities by room and combination. It warns that counts do not account for staging, AV, dance floor or catering. Position LED, FOH, aisles and exits on the exact configuration plan; marketing capacity does not establish floor or rigging loads.
3. AV and rigging
Version 12.25 policies call Encore the preferred AV provider and exclusive rigging provider, including truss, motors, hardware and labor. Encore AV is required for meetings and breakouts; General Sessions are excluded from that specific mandate, and outside production is allowed subject to policies. Obtain the production and vendor guidelines for the contract before assigning work.
| Service | Published rule | Open item |
|---|---|---|
| Overhead rigging | Encore exclusive | Plots and loads to review |
| Breakouts and meetings | Encore AV required | Contract scope |
| General Sessions | Exception to AV mandate | Outside production subject to rules |
| Internet | MGM exclusive | Service and network TBD |
4. Power and network
The same policies assign electrical work, portable wiring and distribution at exhibits and events to Edlen; they also describe Encore as exclusive for power equipment and services. This overlap does not identify who makes a particular connection without CSM clarification. MGM states it exclusively supplies internet, including Wi-Fi; routers and production networks require permission under the policies.
| Party | Document states | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Edlen | Event electrical distribution | Confirm scope |
| Encore | Rigging and power under policies | Resolve overlap |
| MGM / CSM | Space, plans and operations | Hotel approval |
| CCFD | Applicable plans and permits | Authority approval |
5. Plans and authority
The general service contractor prepares exhibit plans for Clark County Fire Department approval; MGM reviews outside production/decorator plans before submission. Changes require new approval. Keep the approved plan onsite and verify the applicable attendance threshold and process with the CSM, because the two PDFs phrase the threshold differently.
6. Haze, pyro and video
The policies call for haze or pyrotechnic schedules to the CSM 30 days in advance. Pyro and flame effects require a CCFD permit and fire watch when the safety system is put in test mode; the hotel cannot alter authority-approved plans. Recording, broadcasting and banners have separate conditions.
7. Loading and protection
MGM requires dock security during load-in and load-out. Obtain current dock, operating address, hours, elevator, floor protection and waste route for the exact room from the CSM; a guest page cannot establish production access. Transport routes and load ratings were not confirmed in the reviewed documents.
8. Review package
Prepare contract, rooms, level, configuration, audience/egress plan, rigging loads, electrical demand, network, cables, dock, schedule, effects and vendors. Record MGM/CSM, Encore, Edlen, organizer and CCFD responses separately and submit revisions before load-in.
Frequently asked questions
Can an outside production company run a general session?
The policies allow outside production subject to guidelines and exclude General Sessions from the specific Encore AV mandate for meetings and breakouts. Exclusive rigging and other conditions still apply; confirm the contract with the CSM.
Does Edlen or Encore connect production power?
MGM documents assign electrical tasks to Edlen while describing Encore power services. Request a written responsibility matrix from the CSM for the room, event type, distribution and actual connection before pricing or installation.
Official documentation
Reviewed October 18, 2026. Official MGM Grand sources: Meeting Planner Guide and Events & Convention Services Policies & Procedures, both version 12.25 and 18 pages; Conference Center Facilities Guide, 14 pages; Grand Conference Center page and document library. Directed review. The Encore power / Edlen electrical split needs CSM confirmation by room and service. No rigging CAD, contract or event permit obtained.