(The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino lights up the night just off the Las Vegas Strip, showcasing its refreshed exterior as part of an ongoing $340 million renovation that includes redesigned guest rooms, a new food hall, and reimagined event spaces. Image courtesy Rio Las Vegas.)
From NAB’s spotlight on AI to a casino revival in the Historic Westside, Las Vegas continues to evolve as a center for business, design, and development this May
Las Vegas heads into May with fresh momentum across its convention calendar, development pipeline, and civic life. From AI breakthroughs at the NAB Show to new cultural investments and landmark property upgrades, the city continues to assert itself as a destination where business and reinvention intersect. Major tradeshows, redevelopment efforts, and the passing of casino pioneer Elaine Wynn highlight a month of notable change and continuity across the Strip and beyond.
2025 NAB Show Spotlights AI, Streaming, and Content Creation
The NAB Show drew around 55,000 attendees to the Las Vegas Convention Center despite a reduced show floor due to ongoing renovations in April. More than 1,000 exhibitors, including 442 international companies, showcased tools and technologies for radio, TV, and digital content producers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) took center stage, with applications ranging from voice generation and audience data to broadcast workflows. Cloud-based systems and audio-over-IP dominated many booths, alongside increasingly affordable production gear. Sports content and streaming strategies were a key focus in educational sessions, reflecting shifting priorities across the broadcast industry.
Las Vegas Hosts Key Industry Tradeshows in May 2025
Las Vegas will host five notable tradeshows in May across a range of industries. The International Council of Shopping Centers Las Vegas (ICSC) focuses on retail real estate, drawing developers, brokers, and retailers to discuss market activity and investment opportunities. Licensing Expo brings together brand owners, manufacturers, and retailers to explore licensing partnerships in entertainment, fashion, and consumer products. LightFair International (LFI) showcases new technology and design in architectural and commercial lighting. WasteExpo covers topics in waste management, recycling, and sustainability, with exhibitors from both public and private sectors. Hospitality Design Expo (HD Expo) highlights products and trends for hotel, restaurant, and resort design. Together, these shows represent a cross-section of sectors that regularly meet in Las Vegas.
A’s to Open Ballpark Experience Center at UnCommons
The Oakland A’s will debut an Experience Center at UnCommons in Las Vegas this fall, offering fans a first look at seating options, premium experiences, and hospitality packages planned for the team’s future ballpark, scheduled to open in 2028. Created in partnership with Advent and Burke Special Projects, the interactive space will include digital tools, scaled models, and immersive exhibits. The appointment-only venue will also function as the team’s sales office and host select public events.
Las Vegas Named Top U.S. City for Business Travel
According to a survey by Booking.com, Las Vegas ranks as the number one business travel destination in the U.S., earning a business travel score of 6.86 out of 10. The city stood out for its abundance of coworking spaces, affordable accommodations, and high-volume events such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and Small Business Expo (SBE). Known for its hospitality infrastructure and global visitor appeal, Las Vegas continues to attract professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world, with many venues offering free Wi-Fi and business-friendly amenities.
$500M Harlem Nights Casino Proposal Sparks Dialogue on Las Vegas’ Historic Westside
A proposed $500 million project called Harlem Nights aims to bring new life to Las Vegas’ Historic Westside with a seven-story casino and entertainment complex. The plan includes a 10,500-square-foot gaming floor, rooftop pool, food hall, spa, upscale retail, and a 336-unit apartment building. The development is expected to generate approximately 1,000 jobs and has been framed as a cultural revival with historic ties to the legacy of the Moulin Rouge. Community members gathered April 9 to hear the proposal, which developers plan to present to City Council by June. Local reactions have been mixed, with some expressing hope that the project aligns with long-term plans like the Jackson Street Alliance and the city’s 100-Year Plan.
Rio Las Vegas Reclaims Spotlight with $340 Million Renovation
The iconic Rio Las Vegas is undergoing a $340 million transformation under Dreamscape Companies, breathing new life into the off-Strip property. Phase One of the renovation modernized all 1,500 rooms in the Ipanema Tower with bold designs inspired by Rio de Janeiro. The Masquerade Tower and former Masquerade Village are next in line for updates. New features include a reimagined pool complex, an eclectic Canteen Food Hall, a revitalized VooDoo Lounge, and refreshed meeting space. As a World of Hyatt partner, Rio also offers loyalty perks like waived resort fees on award stays and VIP check-in. With free parking and oversized suites, the “grand dame” is positioning itself as an accessible, mid-market resort with full-service appeal.
Las Vegas Hosts Five Powerhouse Trade Shows in May
Las Vegas is gearing up for a packed May with five high-profile trade shows drawing tens of thousands to the city. ICSC Las Vegas (May 18–20, LVCC) leads the month with 24,150 attendees and 825 exhibitors, spotlighting retail real estate trends. Licensing Expo (May 20–22, Mandalay Bay) follows closely, connecting 19,000 brand and IP professionals with 420 exhibitors. LightFair International (May 4–8, LVCC) brings 11,500 lighting professionals and 320 exhibitors to explore innovations in architectural and commercial lighting. The WasteExpo (May 5–8, LVCC) draws nearly 11,000 attendees and 556 exhibitors to discuss recycling, sustainability, and waste management. Rounding out the top five, Hospitality Design Expo (May 6–8, Mandalay Bay) convenes leading designers, architects, and developers, reinforcing Las Vegas’ role as a hospitality design capital. Together, these shows reinforce the city’s place at the center of large-scale business gatherings.
Elaine Wynn, Casino Industry Trailblazer and Education Advocate, Dies at 82
Elaine Wynn, co-founder of Mirage Resorts and Wynn Resorts and a prominent philanthropist in Las Vegas, has died at age 82. Known as a driving force behind the city’s luxury resort boom, Wynn was instrumental in shaping properties like The Mirage, Bellagio, and Wynn Las Vegas. She remained an influential voice in the gaming industry well after her final split from former husband and business partner Steve Wynn. Outside of hospitality, she focused her energy on public education and the arts, serving on Nevada’s State Board of Education and supporting initiatives like Communities in Schools and the campaign to create a permanent art museum in Las Vegas. Contributions in her memory can be made to LACMA to support that effort.
