Las Vegas Scores Record-breaking Visitor Attendance in 2012; Sees Upticks in Events Held, Convention Attendees
February 10, 2013
Coming out of one of the worst economic periods in United States’ history, Las Vegas scored its highest visitor attendance record yet in 2012, and, while convention attendance was only up 1.6 percent from the prior year, the number of meetings and conventions held in the city were up more than 13 percent, compared with 2011.
Las Vegas welcomed 39.7 million visitors in 2012, approximately 500,000 more visitors than the previous high of 39.2 million set in 2007.
The record visitation generated more than $40 billion in economic impact for the local economy last year, according to Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority officials.
"The record visitation is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our resort partners and every employee who works in the industry," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the LVCVA.
He added, "Tourism is the economic leader for Southern Nevada and the entire state, so we are encouraged to see positive signs of continued growth for the industry. With more than $2 billion of reinvestment in the destination, Las Vegas is well positioned for continued growth in 2013 and on the threshold of hosting more than 40 million visitors."
Convention attendance also saw its highest uptick in four years in 2012, with 4.9 million delegates attending a convention, trade show or meeting, reflecting a 1.6 percent increase, compared with 2011.
Las Vegas also hosted 21,615 meetings, trade shows or conventions in 2012, up 13.6 percent from the 2011 total of 19,029.
The 2012 total is the highest number of meetings and conventions held in Las Vegas since 2008.
Driving some of these positive numbers was likely the National Mining Association’s quadrennial MINExpo International, held in September at the Las Vegas Convention Center and drawing 1,890 exhibitors, also up nearly 45 percent, and attracted more than 52,000 attendees, an increase of 41 percent.
The Consumer Electronics Association’s International CES, held each year in January at several venues around Las Vegas, had its largest show in history in 2012, with 156,153 in overall attendees.
“The 2012 International CES was the largest in show history and was bursting with innovation as the world’s most important technology event,” said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, events and conferences for CEA, said at the time.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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