Green Key Global, the largest international certification body evaluating sustainable hotel operations, has awarded the prestigious “5 Green Keys” rating to Vdara Hotel & Spa for its Green Key Meetings Program. Vdara is only the eighth North American resort to earn the top rating, joining other MGM Resorts International properties, including Bellagio Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and MGM Grand Las Vegas.

“Employing sustainable best practices, for us is not only the right thing to do, but also good business. The Meeting Planner community is looking to partner with meeting venues that not only offer first-class experiences, but also innovative and sustainable meeting solutions,” said Mary Giuliano, General Manager of Vdara Hotel and Spa. “We are proud to receive this designation and to be a leader in sustainable hotel operations and convention services,” Giuliano added.

Green Key Meetings is a comprehensive assessment tool for eco-friendly resorts and hotels that hold meetings of any size. The program is designed to provide Travel, Meeting and Conference Planners with a standard system that evaluates a hotel’s level of commitment to environment issues. Green Key Global’s programs have more than 2,455 participating properties and are considered the foremost “green” ranking and audit initiatives in North America.

“The process of assessing and certifying properties as large as the Las Vegas MGM resorts can be challenging; having done so and achieving the highest Green Key rating, is evidence of their commitment to operating sustainably,” said Tony Pollard, Managing Director of Green Key Global. “Through this process, MGM Resorts has demonstrated that practicing environmental stewardship need not affect the quality of an event but can, in fact, enhance its success.”

Green Key Meetings conducts on-site verification audits to validate member ratings on a level of 1 to 5 keys, with 5 being the highest ranking. Keys are awarded based on how properties perform in six conference and meeting areas: Core Areas (carbon, energy, water, waste, and air quality), Communication (information, training), Activities (purchasing, auditing, and community), People (health), Exhibitions, and Audio/Visual. Green Key Meetings properties and rankings are listed at www.greenkeyglobal.com/greenkeymeetings.asp.

Vdara Hotel & Spa is one of the nation’s leading resorts, both in its award-winning guest service, as well as its commitment to environmental responsibility. In its Meeting and Convention space, Vdara has made substantial steps in the area of sustainability, such as introducing light sensors and energy efficient lighting, and custom programs to deactivate heating, ventilation and air conditioning while spaces are not in use. The resort also offers specialty menus featuring wide selections of organic, sustainable and Fair Trade products as well as additional options for meetings to reduce water consumption.

In addition to its Green Key Meetings rating, Vdara has earned broader “green” distinctions, including:

• The U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification
• TripAdvisor’s GreenLeaders’ Platinum ranking
• A “5 Green Key” rating from Green Key Global’s original Eco-Certification Program.

For more information about Green Meetings at Vdara, please visit: http://vdara.com/meetings/green-meetings-at-vdara.aspx.

To learn more about MGM Resorts International’s environmental sustainability programs, please visit: www.mgmresorts.com/csr.

About Green Key Global
Green Key Global is a leading environmental certification body offering a suite of programs and resources designed specifically for the lodging industry. The Green Key Meetings Program ranks and certifies hotels and resorts based on their commitment to sustainable “green” meeting and conference operations. Developed by Green Key Global and MPI Foundation Canada, the Meetings program delivers relevant green meeting practices by providing specific green requirements that meeting planners expect from hotels. This partnership is a long term commitment to supporting the principles of people, planet and profit. In the United States, delivery of Green Key programs is a joint venture between the Hotel Association of Canada and LRA Worldwide, Inc. For more information, visit www.GreenKeyGlobal.com.

About Vdara Hotel & Spa
Vdara Hotel & Spa is an internationally inspired all-suite hotel and spa designed for those who love the excitement of Las Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming, smoke-free setting. The holistic spa, luxurious pool and intimate meeting space combined with a sophisticated vibe at Bar Vdara and a casual eatery and marketplace at Market Café create a warm and inviting environment within this AAA Four Diamond hotel. Located between ARIA Resort & Casino and Bellagio, Vdara offers access to all of the entertainment, gaming, shopping, dining and nightlife at CityCenter and in Las Vegas, while providing a retreat from it all. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Infinity World Development Corp, a subsidiary of Dubai World. For more information and reservations, visit vdara.com or call toll free at (866) 745-7767 or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. In addition to its 51% interest in MGM China Holdings, Limited, which owns the MGM Macau resort and casino and is in the process of developing a gaming resort in Cotai, the Company has significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 15 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has 50% investments in three other properties in Nevada and Illinois. One of those investments is CityCenter, an unprecedented urban resort destination on the Las Vegas Strip featuring its centerpiece ARIA Resort & Casino. Leveraging MGM Resorts' unmatched amenities, the M life loyalty program delivers one-of-a-kind experiences, insider privileges and personalized rewards for guests at the Company's renowned properties nationwide. Through its hospitality management subsidiary, the Company holds a growing number of development and management agreements for casino and non-casino resort projects around the world.

MGM Resorts International supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its gaming properties. The Company has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative, its community philanthropy programs and the Company's commitment to sustainable development and operations. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.

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