Las Vegas briefs this month track major tradeshow results, August show previews, hotel investment, new attractions, and entertainment announcements. Highlights include InfoComm’s 28,132 verified attendees, JCK’s 30,000-plus professionals, a planned $150 million hotel near the convention center, Las Vegas’ No. 1 conference city ranking, and new openings at AREA15 and in the Arts District.
Tradeshows & Conventions
InfoComm Draws 28,132 Verified Attendees
InfoComm 2026 drew 28,132 verified attendees from 94 countries to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). International visitors represented 20 percent of verified attendance, while end users accounted for 37 percent. Total registration reached 35,707. Meanwhile, 807 exhibitors occupied 395,500 net square feet. Education ran June 13 to 19, while the exhibit hall opened June 17 to 19.
JCK Draws More Than 30,000 to Las Vegas
JCK 2026 brought more than 30,000 jewelry and watch industry professionals to The Venetian Expo from May 29 to June 1. The show featured more than 1,700 exhibiting brands and participants from 120 countries. In addition, the event connected buyers, manufacturers, designers, suppliers, and retailers for sourcing, education, and networking.
Upcoming Shows
Ai4 Expects More Than 12,000 Attendees
Ai4 will run August 4 to 6 at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. Organizers expect more than 12,000 artificial intelligence (AI) professionals, 1,000 speakers, and 400 exhibitors from more than 90 countries. The conference will cover AI applications across finance, healthcare, cybersecurity, manufacturing, retail, transportation, and other industries. In addition, the program includes technical training, executive sessions, workshops, and networking events.
MAGIC Returns to Las Vegas Convention Center
MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC will run August 10 to 12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The co-located events will cover fashion, footwear, accessories, manufacturing, materials, and supply chain technology. MAGIC’s February 2026 Las Vegas event drew more than 16,900 attendees and featured more than 800 brands. Meanwhile, SOURCING reported more than 8,400 attendees from over 70 countries and regions at its February edition.
SUPERZOO Brings Pet Industry to Mandalay Bay
SUPERZOO will return to Mandalay Bay Convention Center August 12 to 14, with education beginning August 11. Presented by the World Pet Association (WPA), the show expects more than 22,000 pet professionals and 1,200 exhibitors across a 350,000-square-foot show floor. In addition, organizers plan 65 educational sessions and more than 1,100 products in the New Product Showcase.
See more upcoming tradeshows on the Exhibit City News‘ Tradeshow Calendar.
Meetings & Venues
Las Vegas Tops U.S. Conference City Ranking
U.S. News & World Report ranked Las Vegas first in its inaugural 2026 to 2027 Best Conference Cities study. The ranking examined 52 destinations based on meeting space, access, affordability, safety, sustainability, and visitor appeal. In addition, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) reported more than 2.5 million convention attendees during the first four months of 2026. That figure marked a 10.1 percent increase from the same period in 2025.
Hotels & Casinos
Vanderpump Hotel Celebrates Grand Opening
The Vanderpump Hotel celebrated its grand opening June 11 at the former Cromwell property on the Las Vegas Strip. The Caesars Entertainment hotel includes 188 rooms, including 21 suites, and a 40,000-square-foot casino. Meanwhile, Soleia offers a 65,000-square-foot rooftop pool and event space. The property also includes GIADA, two Vanderpump bars, Drai’s After Hours, and a Caesars Sportsbook.
Venetian Introduces 275-Suite Milano Collection
The Venetian Resort Las Vegas introduced Milano, a collection of 275 suites at The Palazzo, on June 11. A private entrance and lounge allow guests to bypass the resort’s main arrival areas. In addition, the suites feature updated finishes and Italian-inspired designs. The resort plans to announce further guest services and in-suite experiences.
397-Room Hotel Planned Near Las Vegas Convention Center
Mortenson Development announced plans for a dual-branded AC Hotel and Residence Inn by Marriott near the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). The $150 million project at 2989 Paradise Road will add 397 rooms within walking distance of the convention campus. Plans include 237 AC Hotel rooms, 160 Residence Inn suites, meeting space, a fitness center, a coffee bar, and a rooftop pool deck. Mortenson expects to complete the hotel in summer 2028.
Entertainment
The STRAT to Host Two-Day Emo Festival
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower will host A Miracle in the Desert on October 16 and 17. The festival at Swim & Social will feature Hawthorne Heights, Chiodos, Motion City Soundtrack, letlive., Broadside, and The Haunt. In addition, the program will include an Emo Nite happy hour, a Hawthorne Heights meet-and-greet, and optional poolside packages. Performances will begin at 7 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday.
Penn & Teller Extend Rio Residency for Three Years
Rio Hotel & Casino extended Penn & Teller’s Las Vegas residency for another three years. The duo began performing at the resort in 2001 and now holds the city’s longest-running headliner distinction. As a result, the agreement will continue their magic and comedy production as the performers mark more than 25 years at the property.
Sphere Plans Rocky Horror Experience for 2027
Sphere Entertainment will create an immersive production based on The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Sphere expects to open the experience in 2027. The production will use the venue’s screen, sound, and production technology to adapt the 1975 film. In addition, it will join an attraction lineup that includes Postcard from Earth and The Wizard of Oz at Sphere.
Now You See Me Live Sets MGM Grand Premiere
Now You See Me Live will make its U.S. premiere October 15 at MGM Grand Theater. The stage production, based on the Lionsgate film series, will feature four illusionists and rotating special guests. Performances are scheduled through January 5, 2027. Previously, the production ran in Sydney, Perth, and Singapore.
Restaurants & Attractions
Lucia Opens Taco Truck at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Lucia Mexican Grill opened a stationary taco truck July 1 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. The grab-and-go concept serves tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, and plant-based options near the resort’s pool and entertainment areas. In addition, Lucia Fría opened alongside the truck with frozen yard drinks. Las Vegas-based Count’s Kustoms designed the vehicle with Mexican-inspired artwork, floral details, and a sugar skull motif.
Museum of Ice Cream Opens AREA15 Flagship
Museum of Ice Cream opened its largest location July 3 at AREA15’s Zone 2. The 30,000-square-foot attraction includes 14 themed installations, five slides, a wedding chapel, and several private celebration spaces. In addition, the property features an all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet with more than 20 flavors.
Evel Knievel Experience Opens Downtown
The Evel Knievel Experience opened June 27 in the Las Vegas Arts District. The museum features motorcycles, costumes, helmets, personal items, and interactive exhibits tied to the daredevil’s career. Displays examine major jumps, crashes, touring equipment, and Knievel’s connection to Las Vegas. In addition, guests can try a virtual reality experience that places them in Knievel’s seat.
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