The Rise of the Convention Economy represents the strategic diversification of Las Vegas from a weekend gambling destination to a global hub for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector.

The Origin

This transition began with the 1959 opening of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) by the LVCVA, a public entity created to solve the problem of low mid-week hotel occupancy. Weekends were full; weekdays were empty.

The Adelson Revolution

The sector was revolutionized in the 1990s by Sheldon Adelson, who built the Sands Expo, the first privately owned convention center attached to a casino. Adelson's model proved that business travelers drove higher room rates and catering margins than traditional gamblers.

Resort Integration

This insight influenced the design of future megaresorts like The Venetian and Mandalay Bay, which were built with massive convention spaces as core amenities, not afterthoughts.

The Modern Era

Today, events like CES anchor the city's economy, reducing reliance on gaming revenue and necessitating massive infrastructure projects like the LVCC West Hall and the Las Vegas Loop. Business travelers have become as important as gamblers.