The Sands Expo and Convention Center is a large convention center. It opened in 1990 across the street from the original Sands Hotel, was the second largest convention center in the world when it opened.The Sands Expo is owned and operated by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. At its launch in 1990, it was the only privately owned and operated convention center in the United States. It is frequently used for conventions booked at the adjoining Venetian and Palazzo hotels and casinos (which are owned by the same company) and as overflow space for conventions that outgrow the Las Vegas Convention Center.ExpansionIn 2008, an expansion for the Sands Expo Center was announced. The first part would add another story to the existing building and build a new two-million square foot Expo center, built on the Sands-owned land east of the Wynn Las Vegas employee parking garage. A long pedestrian bridge will be built between the two Expos.Also, half of the existing building will be covered by a new condo tower and hotel, adding to the already large complex, which also includes The Venetian and Palazzo.There has been a new plan floated in may, 2015, to build a fill-in station on the Las Vegas Monorail.