(The STRAT’s illuminated archway welcomes visitors to the north end of the Strip, where the property recently completed a major casino renovation and launched new guest promotions. Image courtesy James Marvin Phelps via Flickr)
Industry Voices Push Back Against Confusion and Cutbacks
Las Vegas heads into August with its usual mix of spectacle and scrutiny. While tipped workers face dwindling incomes and Primm casinos scale back operations, the city’s core remains active with major residencies, evolving mobility tech, and a full tradeshow slate. SEMA has addressed concerns about Nevada’s new emissions enforcement law, confirming it won’t affect the 2025 SEMA Show, while driverless Zoox vehicles began passenger service on the Strip. Meanwhile, Kelly Clarkson resumed her Caesars Palace residency, The STRAT unveiled a casino remodel, and industry events—from artificial intelligence to regenerative medicine—fill the calendar.
SEMA Confirms Emissions Law Won’t Impact November Show
Organizers of the SEMA Show have clarified that a new Nevada emissions enforcement law will not affect the 2025 event, scheduled for November 4–7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Senate Bill 80, signed into law in June, outlines enforcement penalties for emissions tampering but does not change existing regulations or apply retroactively to exhibitors. The Specialty Equipment Market Association released a statement to dispel misinformation, affirming that the show will proceed as planned.
August Tradeshows Span AI, Pet Products, Fashion, and Regenerative Medicine
Las Vegas kicks off a busy August with Ai4 (August 11–13, MGM Grand), North America’s largest artificial intelligence industry event. More than 8,000 attendees and 250 exhibitors will gather for keynotes, panels, and product showcases across sectors including finance, healthcare, retail, and energy.
Pet industry professionals return for SuperZoo (August 13–15, Mandalay Bay), where 22,000 buyers and 1,100 exhibitors connect over grooming innovations, retail trends, and animal wellness. The event remains the largest pet retail tradeshow in North America.
Fashion buyers will hit the Strip mid-month for a trio of co-located apparel shows. OFFPRICE Show (August 17–20, Venetian Expo) draws off-price and closeout retailers seeking apparel, accessories, and home goods from 600 vendors. Nearby, WomensWear In Nevada (August 17–20, The Expo at World Market Center) will welcome 4,000 buyers and 500 exhibitors focused on missy and modern fashion.
Las Vegas Convention Center will host the largest of them all—MAGIC, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC (August 18–20)—a three-show apparel market attracting over 66,000 attendees and 4,000-plus exhibitors across men’s, women’s, and sourcing categories.
Rounding out the month, The Orthobiologic Institute (TOBI) returns to Caesars Palace (August 21–23) with its annual PRP and Regenerative Medicine Symposium, drawing global specialists in orthopedics, sports medicine, and biologic therapies.
Kelly Clarkson Kicked Off Intimate Studio Sessions Residency at Caesars Palace
Kelly Clarkson returned to Las Vegas this summer with Studio Sessions—The Las Vegas Residency, an 18-date run at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The new show blends live performance with storytelling, offering fans a behind-the-scenes look at the songs that have defined her two-decade career. Although the planned July 4 opening was canceled, Clarkson resumed performances on July 11.
Las Vegas Sports Heat Up with Full-Throttle June Schedule
Las Vegas delivered a packed stretch of events in late June, as the city’s year-round sports calendar showed no signs of slowing. The UFC’s International Fight Week brought fans to venues across the valley for UFC 317, Power Slap 13, and the UFC Hall of Fame induction, while the Aces played three home games in six days—securing key wins despite Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark sitting out due to injury. The week also featured the groundbreaking ceremony for the Athletics’ future stadium and the Vegas stop on the Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford media tour. Rounding it out, the World Table Tennis US Smash tournament brought a new sport into the spotlight at the Orleans Arena.
Buffalo Bill’s Cuts Hours as Primm’s Casino Scene Shrinks
Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino has ended 24-hour operations and will now open only during events at its Star of the Desert Arena. The shift comes amid declining traffic in Primm, where Whiskey Pete’s closed in late 2024 and the outlet mall sits nearly empty. Once seen as a low-cost alternative to Las Vegas, the border town continues to scale back as full-time casino business proves unsustainable.
Zoox Launches Fully Driverless Rides on the Las Vegas Strip
Self-driving vehicle company Zoox has begun offering free, fully autonomous rides from Resorts World, marking a major step in Las Vegas’ push toward high-tech mobility. The electric shuttles, which operate without a human driver, loop through the Strip and Frank Sinatra Drive. Riders scan a QR code on-site to access the service. Zoox also announced a new partnership with AREA15, where it will offer a dedicated pickup and drop-off service as it prepares to scale up to 100 vehicles.
Tipped Workers Hit Hard as Tourism Declines
Las Vegas hospitality workers say their tip income has dropped by more than 50 percent, despite the recent passage of a federal law exempting up to $25,000 in tips from personal income tax. With overall visitation down over 6 percent in 2025 and international arrivals falling more than 13 percent in June, Strip workers are feeling the impact. Hotel occupancy rates fell to 66.7 percent in early July, leaving servers, bellhops, and service staff struggling to offset rising living costs.
The STRAT Unveils Casino Renovation and August Promotions
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod has completed a major casino remodel, now featuring 750 machines, 44 tables, and a new High Limit Room with baccarat, roulette, and high-stakes slots. August highlights include blackjack tournaments, point multipliers, and a Labor Day kiosk game with slot play prizes up to $5,000. On August 30, one winner will drive away in a new Ford Bronco during the Ford and Fuel Frenzy event.
Zac Brown Band to Headline Sphere with Country Music Residency
Zac Brown Band will bring a six-date country music residency to the Las Vegas Sphere starting in December. The production will feature music from the band’s new album Love and Fear, as well as visuals created specifically for the Sphere’s immersive format. Frontman Zac Brown says the show will explore personal themes tied to his own life story. The residency, which extends into January 2026, marks only the second country act to perform at the high-tech venue.
