Las Vegas, the world’s leading destination for conventions and trade shows, is experiencing a remarkable recovery after the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The city is expecting to host more than six million conventiongoers in 2023, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of 2019. This is thanks to the efforts of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the reopening of the economy, and the attraction of new and returning events.
LVCVA Predicts Record-Breaking Year for Conventions
The LVCVA is the official destination marketing organization of Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. Its mission is to attract visitors by promoting the city as the premier business, leisure, and entertainment destination. The LVCVA operates the Las Vegas Convention Center, the largest single-level convention center in the world, and the newly opened West Hall, which added 1.4 million square feet of exhibition space.
The LVCVA’s President and CEO, Steve Hill, said that the convention industry is vital for the city’s economy, as it generates more revenue, jobs, and tax dollars than any other sector. He said that the LVCVA is confident that Las Vegas will reach the 2019 attendance of 6.64 million by the end of 2023, and surpass eight million by 2026. He attributed this optimism to the strong demand for meetings and events, the availability of new and expanded venues, and the reputation of Las Vegas as the ultimate destination for business and pleasure.
“COVID is pretty much in our rear-view mirror and we’re back to fairly normal,” Hill said. “We have the venues and capacity to respond to all of the demand. We’re very fortunate that the city has built a platform for events and those who have come, including our professional sports teams, and the success of those events is known throughout the event world.”
Las Vegas Welcomes Back Major Events and Shows
One of the signs of the recovery of the convention industry is the return of major events and shows that were canceled or postponed due to the pandemic. Some of these include:
- CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics show, which took place in January with more than 100,000 attendees and exhibitors.
- The International Builders Show, the largest annual light construction show in the world, which returned from Orlando at the end of January with more than 60,000 attendees and exhibitors.
- CON AGG/Expo, the largest construction trade show in North America, which returned in March with more than 130,000 attendees and exhibitors.
- Global Gaming Expo, the largest gaming industry event in the world, which kicked off in October with more than 30,000 attendees and exhibitors.
- The Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, the premier event for the Native American gaming industry, which set a record attendance of more than 9,000 in March.
In addition to these, Las Vegas is also hosting new events that are expected to bring in thousands of visitors and generate millions of dollars in economic impact. Some of these include:
- Ideate Expo, a new event that showcases innovative ideas and solutions for various industries, which will take place in May with more than 10,000 attendees and exhibitors.
- GSE Expo, a new event that focuses on ground support equipment and services for the aviation industry, which will take place in September with more than 5,000 attendees and exhibitors.
- Aqua Live, a new event that features live aquatic animals and exhibits for the aquarium industry, which will take place in October with more than 10,000 attendees and exhibitors.
- HLTH, a new event that covers the latest trends and innovations in health and wellness, which will take place in October with more than 10,000 attendees and exhibitors.
Las Vegas Prepares for Unprecedented Lineup of Sports and Entertainment Events
Besides conventions and trade shows, Las Vegas is also gearing up for an unprecedented lineup of sports and entertainment events that will draw the attention of the world and boost the city’s image and economy. Some of these include:
- Formula One, the most prestigious and popular motorsport in the world, which will make its debut in Las Vegas in November with an estimated 200,000 spectators and a projected economic impact of $1.3 billion.
- Super Bowl, the most watched and celebrated sporting event in the United States, which will be held in Las Vegas for the first time in February with an estimated 150,000 visitors and a projected economic impact of $700 million.
- The Oakland A’s, the Major League Baseball team that is planning to relocate to Las Vegas and build a new $1.5 billion stadium on the site of the Tropicana Las Vegas on the Strip, which is scheduled to open in 2028.
- The Sphere, the futuristic entertainment venue that is being built by the Madison Square Garden Company and the Sands Corporation, which will feature a 360-degree LED screen, immersive sound system, and seating capacity of 17,500, which is expected to open in 2024.
“It’s a spectacular time of year to be here and we continue to bring more and more events that don’t want to leave once they come,” Hill said. “We’re the sports capital of the world and the eyes will be on Las Vegas for the next four months.”
Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps, is awake and alive again after the pandemic. The convention industry, the backbone of the city’s economy, is bouncing back stronger than ever. The city is ready to welcome back visitors from around the world and offer them the best experience possible. Las Vegas is not only what it is, but what it will be.
