New Convention Business Coming to Las Vegas This Year

LAS VEGAS -The Las Vegas economy is expected to receive a multi-million dollar boost this year thanks to the addition of new convention business and the return of several rotating shows. A total of 12 new and rotating conventions and trade shows consisting of more than 10,000 delegates are scheduled in 2015. Combined, the shows will draw an estimated 242,000 attendees generating nearly $315 million in local non-gaming economic impact. Nine of these shows will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s annual conference (November 14-17) and Magic: The Gathering Tournament (May 28-31) are both scheduled to take place in Las Vegas for the very first time this year. These two new shows are expected to bring an estimated 35,000 attendees generating $46 million in local non-gaming economic impact.

“Whether this is a show’s first time here or it’s been a while, Las Vegas is always an excellent choice for group business,” said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA.) “Over the past few years, we’ve seen exciting developments in Las Vegas with new resorts, attractions and restaurants opening. Add in top-notch customer service and nearly 11 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space and it’s easy to see why Las Vegas continues to be a global leader for business travel.”

The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) returns November 17-19 with an expected 25,000 attendees and a non-gaming economic impact of $33 million. NBAA is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their business more efficient, productive and successful.
Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI) also rotates back to Las Vegas September 28-30 bringing an estimated 43,000 attendees and a non-gaming economic impact of $56.5 million dollars. NBAA and PMMI were both last in Las Vegas in 2013.
The other rotating shows include:
• Redken Laboratories: January 25-27, Mandalay Bay Convention Center
• Ace Hardware Corporation: March 18-20, LVCC
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: March 23-28, Venetian/Sands EXPO
• International Sign Association: April 8-11, Mandalay Bay Convention Center
• Waste Expo: June 2-4, LVCC
• Association of Woodworking & Furnishings Suppliers: July 22-25, LVCC
• International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA): October 21-23, LVCC
• Power-Gen International: December- 8-10, LVCC
With more than 22,000 meetings and conventions held annually in Las Vegas, the convention industry is crucial to Southern Nevada’s economy, supporting more than 61,000 jobs in the area and contributing more than $7.4 billion to the local economy. For a record 20 consecutive years, Trade Show News Network has named Las Vegas the No.1 trade show destination in North America, hosting 53 of the 250 largest trade shows in 2013. For a full list of meetings conventions and trade shows, visit www.VegasMeansBusiness.com.