(Photo by Felipe Valduga via Flickr.)
From JCK Las Vegas to Kenny Chesney at Sphere, June brings big names, bold openings, and signs of change across the Strip
From licensing deals and crypto debates to shifting tourism trends and new openings, Las Vegas heads into summer with a packed calendar and a few surprises. June brings major tradeshows, immersive entertainment at Sphere, high-profile restaurant closures, and continued signs of adjustment across the Strip as the city balances growth with caution.
Licensing Expo 2025 Draws 12,000 to Mandalay Bay
More than 12,000 industry professionals gathered at Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas, where 381 exhibitors—including first-timers like Roblox, Calm, and UFC—showcased their brands. Organized meetings peaked at 10,000, with 20 percent of attendees representing retail buyers. Licensing International shared early data from its upcoming industry report, estimating global licensing sales at $369.6 billion in 2024. Major players like BBC Studios and Mattel previewed new product lines, while IP-driven growth rebounded following industry strikes in 2023.
VP Vance Talks Crypto Strategy at Bitcoin 2025
U.S. Vice President JD Vance headlined Bitcoin 2025 at The Venetian, urging cryptocurrency supporters to get politically involved to secure the industry’s future. Speaking to a packed audience, Vance called Bitcoin a tool for financial independence and pledged continued White House support. The conference featured appearances by members of the Trump family and White House crypto adviser David Sacks. Vance also attended a political fundraiser during his visit, as the administration continues to court digital asset advocates.
Tourism and Spending Slide in April Despite Strong Convention Turnout
Las Vegas tourism continued to trend downward in April, with visitor volume dropping 5.1 percent year-over-year to just over 3.3 million, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. That brings total visitation down more than 6 percent for the year so far. Harry Reid International Airport reported 4.7 million passengers for the month, a 3.4 percent decline driven mostly by a dip in domestic travel. Strip gaming revenue fell nearly 3 percent, though Downtown saw modest gains. Convention attendance was a bright spot, jumping 14 percent to 574,000 thanks to WrestleMania and a busy tradeshow calendar. Officials called the slowdown part of a normal cycle, not a sign of broader economic trouble.
Jewelry, Housing, and Fire Safety Lead June’s Tradeshow Lineup
Las Vegas kicks off summer with a strong roster of tradeshows in June, led by several high-impact events:
JCK Las Vegas (June 6–9, The Venetian) brings together over 17,000 professionals and 1,900 exhibitors in one of the world’s largest jewelry shows. From diamonds to design technology, it’s a key stop for retailers and brands.
JOGS Las Vegas Gem & Jewelry Show (June 4–7, Tropicana) draws 37,000 attendees and 240 exhibitors focused on gemstones, silver, and wholesale offerings, appealing to both independent buyers and major retailers.
NAA Apartmentalize (June 11–13, Mandalay Bay) is the National Apartment Association’s flagship event, expecting over 11,000 housing professionals and 575 exhibitors covering property management, smart tech, and resident experience.
NFPA Conference & Expo (June 16–20, Mandalay Bay), hosted by the National Fire Protection Association, brings 8,200 attendees and 400 exhibitors together to explore codes, standards, and new tech in fire and life safety.
Fogo de Chão Coming to The Venetian in December
Fogo de Chão will open its first Strip location and second Las Vegas restaurant at The Venetian Resort in December. The 14,000-square-foot space will span two floors and feature open-fire grills, a central Market Table, and a Bar Fogo with all-day happy hour. The new location adds to the Strip’s growing list of high-end, meat-forward dining spots.
Top Gun Attraction Set for 2028 Launch at The STRAT
Paramount Global and Advent Allen Entertainment are teaming up to bring a Top Gun-themed experience to The STRAT Hotel by 2028. Plans call for flight simulators, immersive missions, and a themed bar and restaurant modeled after the “Hard Deck” from Top Gun: Maverick. The attraction will be built on a vacant lot at the property. It’s the first permanent collaboration between the two companies, with construction and pricing details still under wraps.
Fontainebleau Las Vegas Cuts Dozens of Table Game Dealers
Fontainebleau Las Vegas has laid off a number of table game dealers, with reports estimating as many as 60 workers let go. The property, which opened in late 2023 after years of delays and a $3.7 billion investment, cited ongoing operational adjustments as the reason for the cuts. The layoffs, some of which involved abrupt terminations and security escorts, sparked criticism online. Fontainebleau is also under investigation by the Nevada Gaming Control Board for possible violations of federal anti-money laundering laws. The move comes amid a broader slowdown in Strip gaming revenue and continued workforce reductions by other major operators.
Rivea to Close After Nearly a Decade at the W Las Vegas
Rivea, the French- and Italian-inspired restaurant by chef Alain Ducasse, will permanently close after dinner service on June 22. Perched atop the W Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay, Rivea opened in 2015 and is known for its panoramic Strip views. The closure leaves Benoit in New York as Ducasse’s only remaining U.S. restaurant.
‘The Wizard of Oz’ Coming to the Sphere in Immersive Format
The classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz will debut in an immersive new format at the Las Vegas Sphere on August 28. A team of visual effects artists, archivists, and producers collaborated with Warner Bros. to adapt the film for the Sphere’s 160,000-square-foot screen. The updated version enhances background details and set design using new imaging technologies, while maintaining the integrity of the original film. The project was developed with oversight from Warner Bros. and producer Jane Rosenthal, known for The Irishman and Meet the Parents.
Kenny Chesney’s Sphere Shows Run Through June
Kenny Chesney’s Sun Goes Down residency at Sphere Las Vegas continues through June 21. The country star’s set features immersive visuals, a few rotating song choices, and guest appearances like Grace Potter and Lainey Wilson. With scenes ranging from football fields to underwater landscapes, the show blends live music with Sphere’s signature wraparound media. Chesney is the first country artist to headline the venue, joining a lineup that includes U2, Phish, and Dead & Company.
