Las Vegas is set for a record-breaking year in conventions and trade shows in 2026, fueled by a $600 million renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) that will be completed in time for CES in January. According to Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the upgraded facility now matches the city’s world-class reputation, offering a brighter, more open, and modern experience for attendees and exhibitors.
The LVCC, now the second-largest convention center in the United States by exhibition space, is expected to host 1.23 million tradeshow attendees in 2026, up from 1.06 million in 2025. When combined with The Venetian Expo and Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas boasts more major convention space within a four-mile radius than any other city in the country.
The 2026 convention calendar is packed with high-profile events, both returning and new. Major shows include:
- CES, Jan. 6-9, with 140,000 expected attendees at multiple venues.
- ConExpo-Con/Agg, March 3-7, bringing 139,000 attendees.
- Automotive Aftermarket Week, Nov. 3-6, drawing 160,000 attendees across the LVCC, The Venetian Expo, and Caesars Forum.
- National Association of Broadcasters, April 19-22, with 61,100 attendees.
- SHOT Show, Jan. 20-23, hosting 61,000 people at The Venetian and Caesars Forum.
Other significant conventions and trade shows include the World of Concrete, AHR Expo, MAGIC Spring and Fall, JCK Annual Trade Show, Cisco Live, Def Con, Global Gaming Expo, FABTECH, Medical, Technology, Apparel, and Supply Chain events, among many others. New shows such as the Sweets and Snacks Expo and McDonald’s Worldwide are also on the schedule, each expecting over 15,000 attendees.
The LVCC’s modernized space is also attracting a variety of indoor sports tournaments during traditionally slower periods, further boosting hotel occupancy and local business.
Executives from Las Vegas’ top resort companies have indicated that 2026 will be a record year for group sales, conventions, and trade shows, thanks in large part to the revitalized convention infrastructure and the city’s ability to accommodate simultaneous large-scale events.
Las Vegas remains the leading convention destination in the U.S., with its unparalleled infrastructure, proximity of venues, and an upgraded LVCC that now complements the city’s status as an A-plus destination. The robust 2026 convention calendar signals a significant economic boost for Southern Nevada’s hospitality and tourism sectors.