Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak is aiming for the state’s many hospitality and events venues to allow 100% capacity by June 1. The welcome news is well-timed, as Las Vegas has an increasingly full slate of events scheduled starting this summer, many of which were predicated on allowing large crowds indoors.

 “Our state health officials are comfortable setting a goal for a full reopening to 100% capacity on June 1,” said Sisolak during an April 13 press conference. “A safe and responsible reopening is a path forward to bringing back conventions and getting Nevadans back to work.”

The governor added that the state’s mask mandate would remain in effect and urged locals to adhere to health and safety regulations even as the number of vaccinated adults surge. 

Confidence is high that Las Vegas, in particular, is poised for a rapid comeback after COVID-19 forced much of the famed Strip dark last year. Last week’s announcement further encourages event organizers, venue workers and others that the industry is poised for a comeback.

"Southern Nevada’s tourism industry took another important step forward with Governor Sisolak’s confidence Las Vegas can safely allow full occupancy at all venues starting June 1,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of LVCVA in a statement. "The wide availability and rapid administration of vaccines will allow our valued events industry to reconvene with confidence and in its entirety.”

He added, “Las Vegas will continue providing the gold standard for health, wellness and safety precautions for the benefit of its workforce, the community and our visitors.”

In June, thousands of attendees will start to descend on Las Vegas for trade shows, conferences, conventions and other events. MPI is predicting that 1,500 event professionals will attend its World Education Congress at Caesars Forum June 15-17, with another 1,500 attending remotely.

Numbers at other upcoming events will vary by industry. Even a fraction of the World of Concrete’s typical numbers would drive tens of thousands to the city. Meanwhile, UFC, the mixed martial arts company, announced a sell-out crowd of more than 20,000 spectators will be in attendance at T-Mobile Arena in July.

Ahead of the resurgence, the Las Vegas CVA provided a sneak peak of the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop, the famed new transportation solution developed by Elon Musk featuring electric Tesla vehicles. The short rides shave about 20 minutes getting from venue to venue when compared to walking. It will be operational by the time World of Concrete opens, the CVA said.

Click here for more updates about the reopening Las Vegas.

Also dependent on tourism dollars, both leisure- and business-related, is the Reno-Tahoe region. The area has already announced several high-profile sporting events, including the Northern California Volleyball Association Girls Far Western National Qualifier April 17-19 and April 23-25 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The event, including 700 teams, consisting of approximately 9,000 players and an additional 8,000 coaches and family members, is the center’s first major event since the pandemic. Soon thereafter, the region will continue its love affair with volleyball via the No Dinx/NCVA Girls Power League returning, April 30 through May 2; the No Dinx/NCVA Boys Far Western Bid Tournament being held May 7 through May 9; all in addition to the No Dinx/NCVA 18’s Sierra National Qualifier, which was held at the RSCC, April 9-11. Combined, these represent more than $10.7 million in economic impact.

Also, the monthslong United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships rolls into town April 23-July 3 at the National Bowling Stadium. Further out, USA Climbing’s Youth National Championships and its inaugural Youth Climbing Festival will occur in July.

According to Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority officials, it’s just a matter of time until meetings, convention and trade shows return to Reno, as well.

“The reopening of Nevada is crucial to our state, but also to our industry; and here in Northern Nevada it has already begun,” said Charles Harris, president and CEO of the RSCVA. “With five weeks of events for Northern California Volleyball Association and more than two months of competition for the United States Bowling Congress Women’s Championships, more than 50,000 people will soon visit Reno Tahoe specifically for events.”

He added, “The research shows that demand is steadily increasing for domestic travel, as well as meetings, conventions, and trade shows, and we are already experiencing increased levels of interest throughout that segment.”

 

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