The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority marked Global Meetings Industry Day ahead of its official May 6 celebration by organizing a meaningful charity event benefiting SafeNest, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting battered and abused women across Southern Nevada.
The event took place on April 30 at Universal Horror Unleashed, located within the famous Area 51 entertainment complex in Las Vegas. It brought together professionals from the city’s thriving meetings and events sector to give back to the local community.
During the event, Steve Hill addressed attendees, emphasizing the significance of community service within the meetings industry. He was joined by Kim Scott and Liz Ortenburger, who highlighted the positive impact of the initiative for domestic violence survivors.
Sales representatives from local hotels, resorts, and meeting venues participated by assembling care kits filled with job-readiness essentials. These kits are designed to support women transitioning into the workforce as they rebuild their lives after escaping abusive situations.
Led globally by the Events Industry Council, Global Meetings Industry Day recognizes the vital role meetings, conventions, and trade shows play in strengthening local and international economies.
In-person events continue to serve as major economic drivers by attracting business travelers who fill hotels, dine at restaurants, shop locally, and generate significant revenue for host destinations.
According to the LVCVA, Las Vegas welcomed nearly 6 million business travelers in 2025. Meetings and conventions remain critical to Southern Nevada’s tourism economy, helping fill more than 150,000 hotel rooms during weekdays when leisure travel demand is typically lower.
The convention and trade show industry contributes approximately $16 billion annually to the Las Vegas economy while supporting more than 70,000 jobs across the region, underscoring the city’s position as one of the world’s leading business events destinations.
