(The historic El Cortez Hotel & Casino, the longest continuously operating casino in Las Vegas, recently unveiled a $20 million expansion featuring additional gaming space, a high-limit lounge, and new dining venues, blending its vintage charm with modern amenities. Image courtesy of Jasperdo/Flickr.)
SHOT Show breaks records, Caesars invests $1 billion in upgrades, and Las Vegas prepares to welcome 25 major tradeshows this month.
by Exhibit City News Staff
Las Vegas continues to build momentum in 2025 with record-breaking tradeshows, high-profile entertainment residencies, and major property investments. The SHOT Show set new attendance records, while Caesars Entertainment announced a $1 billion investment across its resorts. Meanwhile, the city is set to host 25 tradeshows in March, reinforcing its position as a global hub for business and events.
SHOT Show 2025 Breaks Records in Las Vegas
The 2025 SHOT Show, held Jan. 21–24 at The Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum, drew over 54,000 industry professionals and more than 2,850 exhibitors, making it the largest tradeshow for the shooting, hunting, and outdoor industries. The event generated an estimated $88 million in non-gaming revenue for Las Vegas, spanning 830,000 square feet of exhibit space. Highlights included an expanded Supplier Showcase, the debut of the eXtra Pavilion for emerging trends, and the 4th Annual Governors’ Forum discussing industry policies. Plans are already in motion for the 2026 show.
Las Vegas Hosts a Packed March with 25 Tradeshows
Las Vegas is set to welcome 25 major tradeshows in March, covering industries from technology and security to hospitality and retail. Here are five of the most notable events happening this month:
- Healthcare Information & Management Systems (HIMSS)
Dates: March 3–6, 2025
Location: Venetian Expo
Description: One of the largest healthcare technology conferences, HIMSS brings together nearly 27,000 attendees and 971 exhibitors to explore innovations in digital health, cybersecurity, and AI-driven medical solutions. - Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) Conference & Expo
Dates: March 11–13, 2025
Location: World of Hyatt Rio
Description: Focused on supply chain efficiency and sustainability, this event attracts 25,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors, featuring discussions on e-commerce returns, circular economy strategies, and AI-driven logistics. - National Hardware Show (NHS)
Dates: March 18–20, 2025
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
Description: A key event for the home improvement and construction industries, NHS gathers 11,000 professionals and 985 exhibitors, showcasing the latest in tools, building materials, and smart home technology. - Bar & Restaurant Expo
Dates: March 24–26, 2025
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
Description: With over 12,000 attendees and 501 exhibitors, this expo is a must-attend for hospitality professionals looking for the latest in bar trends, craft cocktails, and restaurant innovations. - ISC West – Security Solutions
Dates: March 31–April 4, 2025
Location: Venetian Expo
Description: The largest security industry tradeshow in the U.S., ISC West attracts 29,000 attendees and 750 exhibitors, featuring cutting-edge advancements in surveillance, access control, and cybersecurity.
Caesars Entertainment Invests $1 Billion in Las Vegas Revamps
Caesars Entertainment is committing nearly $1 billion to modernize its Las Vegas properties, including major renovations at Caesars Palace, Flamingo, and Paris Las Vegas. Upgrades include new high-limit gaming areas, luxury suites, and dining from celebrity chefs. The investment reflects growing sports tourism demand and Caesars’ ongoing strategy to keep its resorts competitive on the Strip.
Brightline West Advances High-Speed Rail Project to Las Vegas
Construction preparations for the Brightline West high-speed rail are underway in Rancho Cucamonga, with crews drilling to identify underground utilities near the future Rancho Station. The $12 billion project aims to connect Southern California to Las Vegas with a 218-mile route, reducing travel time to two hours. Completion is expected in 2028.
Flamingo Las Vegas Unveils New GO Pool Complex
Flamingo Las Vegas is set to open its all-new GO Pool this spring following a $20 million transformation. The revamped 1.5-acre complex will feature five pools, a 30-seat swim-up bar, and VIP cabanas, creating a modern yet nostalgic oasis. Designed by Pacific Custom Pools and MO+A, the pool blends mid-century modern aesthetics with a contemporary resort feel.
El Cortez Hotel & Casino Unveils $20 Million Expansion
The historic El Cortez Hotel & Casino celebrated its grand reopening following a $20 million expansion, adding 10,000 square feet of gaming space, a high-limit lounge, and new dining venues. Highlights include Hot Noods by Chinglish, led by Michelin-recognized Chef Po Fai Lam, and two new bars. The transformation blends vintage Vegas charm with modern amenities.
Boyd Gaming Announces Major Renovations for Three Las Vegas Properties
Boyd Gaming is investing $650 million in property upgrades, with three Las Vegas-area casinos set for significant renovations. Suncoast Hotel & Casino will undergo a full casino remodel by late 2025, while Orleans Hotel & Casino will see room refurbishments. Additionally, Joker’s Wild in Henderson will be replaced by Cadence Crossing, a new casino development set to open in 2026.
Backstreet Boys Announce Residency at Las Vegas Sphere
Backstreet Boys will become the first pop act to headline the Las Vegas Sphere with their “Into The Millennium” residency, beginning July 11, 2025. The 18-show run will bring their Millennium album and greatest hits to life using the venue’s cutting-edge immersive technology. The residency coincides with the release of Millennium 2.0, a 25th-anniversary reissue of the iconic album.
Capital One Opens High-End Lounge at Las Vegas Airport
Capital One has unveiled its newest airport lounge at Harry Reid International Airport, located in Terminal 1, Concourse D. Spanning 8,200 square feet, the lounge offers unique-to-Vegas perks like afternoon tea service, wellness drink add-ons, and sunset sparkling wine toasts. Guests can also enjoy locally sourced coffee, pastries, craft beer, and an upscale cocktail menu in a sleek, desert-inspired space.
Cirque du Soleil and The Neon Museum Partner for Unique Exhibition
Cirque du Soleil has teamed up with The Neon Museum to present Stories from Backstage: Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas, an exhibition showcasing costumes, makeup designs, and props from five of its Las Vegas productions. Open from February 10 to May 1, 2025, at City Hall’s Grand Gallery, the exhibit marks the first collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and a museum, celebrating more than three decades of its impact on Las Vegas entertainment.
Disney Is Not Buying Circus Circus
Rumors that the Walt Disney Company is purchasing Circus Circus have been circulating online, but there is no truth to them. While owner Phil Ruffin has expressed interest in selling the 102-acre property, Disney has long distanced itself from gambling ventures. Industry experts note that any buyer paying the reported $5 billion asking price would likely demolish the site for a new luxury resort.
Museum of Ice Cream Coming to Las Vegas in 2026
Las Vegas will welcome the largest Museum of Ice Cream yet when it opens at AREA15 in 2026. Spanning nearly 30,000 square feet, the attraction will feature 14 interactive exhibits, an ice cream buffet, a wedding cake chapel, and a pool filled with sprinkles. Guests can also stay in themed hotel suites, play ice cream-inspired casino games, and dine at a vintage-style supper club.
