Preview Las Vegas 2026, which wrapped up late last week at Wynn Las Vegas, brought together corporate, civic and hospitality leaders to take a closer look at regional business conditions and tourism performance. Hosted by the Vegas Chamber, the annual forum was a focal point for economic presentations and industry panels that assessed local growth and market trends.
Las Vegas: Cutting Through the Noise
Speakers included MGM Resorts International President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle, Boyd Gaming CEO Keith Smith, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Steve Hill and Applied Analysis Principal Jeremy Aguero, whose presentation has become a feature of the event. As expected, Aguero delivered his proprietary data presentation, blending business statistics with insights on the impacts of sports and tourism across Southern Nevada, in his usual fast-paced manner, captivating the audience.
Attendees reviewed updates on population growth, employment and regional development projects influencing business demand—factors that he demonstrated quite effectively drowned out the “noise” permeating the airwaves that stated Las Vegas was swirling the drain.
Central to the event’s overall tone was the fact that, despite a slower tourism period in 2025, both Hornbuckle and Smith expressed confidence that 2026 would mark a period of stabilization for the travel and casino sectors.
They identified Las Vegas’s diversified entertainment base and recent infrastructure projects as contributing factors in positioning the destination for recovery. Hill outlined that the city continues coordinating marketing and convention strategies through the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, underscoring efforts to maintain visitor interest amid shifting national trends. He referenced ongoing convention bookings and the continued importance of air connectivity at Harry Reid International Airport.
All agreed that long‑term fundamentals remain positive: The combination of major resort expansions, live‑event programming and the city’s established hospitality workforce was cited.
As befits the “Sports Capitol of the World,” there were top representatives from this segment, including Sandra Douglass Morgan, President of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Nikki Fargas, President of the Las Vegas Aces. Moderated by Vegas Chamber President & CEO Mary Beth Sewald, they joined a “Gamechangers” session that emphasized the city’s expanding ties to professional sports and its role in driving visitation and community engagement.
And, as no event would be complete without some discussion about artificial intelligence, Adam Schlachter from WPP Media joined Michal O’Brien from the LVCVA for an exploration of AI and emerging technologies and how they’re reshaping strategy and growth across the region.
For more information, visit visitlasvegas.com and vegaschamber.com.
