Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/722202
Las Vegas maintains its long-standing reputation as the leading des- tination for business travel as it is named the No. 1 trade show destina- tion for the 22nd consecutive year, according to the Trade Show News Network's (TSNN) "2015 TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows in the United States" list. Las Vegas hosted 54 of the largest shows held in the country last year. "Las Vegas consistently provides our convention clients with the most professional and productive ex perience possible, and is proud to be named the No. 1 trade show destination for the 22nd year," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "It is critical that we continue to provide the most professional and pro- ductive experience to our convention delegates. We need to continue to invest in our convention infra- structure to make sure we are always ahead of the competition." The coveted list by Trade Show News Network represents the largest 250 trade shows held in the country last year, ranked by net square footage. The Consumer Technology Association's CES 2015 show snagged the top spot with more than 2.2 million sq. ft. of exhibit space across several Las Vegas convention facilities. CES 2015 welcomed more than 3,600 exhibitors and nearly 170,000 attendees. "It's no surprise that Las Vegas, once again, was ranked the No. 1 city on the 2015 TSNN top 250 Trade Show list, with 54 of the biggest shows being hosted there," said TSNN President Rachel Wimberly. "The combination of world-class resorts, convention and meetings venues, restaurants and entertainment, to mention a few highlights, make Las Vegas a very desirable destination." Las Vegas' closest competitor was Orlando with 24 shows, followed by Chicago and New York hosting 21 shows each. To see the full TSNN list, visit http://www.tsnn.com/toplists-us. Even with more than two decades under its belt as the No. 1 trade show destination, Las Vegas works hard to maintain that ranking. The city that evolved to host people is always evolving to improve the experi- ence and ensure its top ranking. More than $7 billion in current and proposed development is on the books to add to the destination's appeal, including the T-Mobile Arena, TopGolf Las Vegas, Resorts World Las Vegas, renovation of the Julius Tower at Caesars Palace and the Monte Carlo theater, just to name a few. In addition, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is pro- gressing with its Las Vegas Convention Center District project that will expand and renovate the Las Vegas Convention Center. Las Vegas Meetings Snapshot: Nearly 22,000 meetings in 2015 5.9 million delegates in 2015 $9.3 billion impact to local economy $2.7 billion in local salaries and wages supported Supports 66,500 jobs rise on the Boardwalk between Albany Avenue and Roosevelt Place, accommodating up to 500 students and including laundry facilities, a fit- ness center, an outdoor green space courtyard and over 14,000 sq. ft. of retail space along the Boardwalk and Atlantic Avenue. "Together with Stockton University and South Jersey Industries, this is a transformative project that will help jump start redevelopment in the Tourism District," said CRDA Executive Director John Palmieri. "We are creating jobs and revitalizing the community with thousands of students and employees." South Jersey Industries will simultaneously construct a 72,000-sq. ft. corporate office building with 7,500 sq. ft. of retail space on Atlantic Avenue, as well as a seven-floor, 885-space parking garage adjacent to the housing complex. The garage will provide 600 spaces for Stockton University's campus and 200 for South Jersey Industries' employees. 11 B M & T ••• May/June 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com LAS VEGAS CONTINUES ITS STREAK AS NO. 1 TRADE SHOW DESTINATION 22 Consecutive Years at the Top