VEGAS INC Magazine - Latest Las Vegas business news, features and commentaries about gaming, tourism, real estate and more
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/101717
J A N U A R Y 7 , 2 0 1 3 / Y O U R b u s i n e s s - t o - b u s i n e s s w e e k ly SPECIAL FOCUS WHat's coming in The new year This month, VEGAS INC looks ahead to 2013 and the intersection of business and politics. the consensus: a better 2013 for las Vegas By VEGAS INC Staff steve marcus High-tech customers: Microsoft program manager Chaitanya Sareen demonstrates the Windows 8 operating system during the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. This year's CES, the world's largest consumer technology tradeshow, starts Tuesday and runs through Friday at the Las Vegas Convention Center. With 155,000 attendees expected, it is one of the city's largest conventions. Mark your calendar A look ahead at the events and conventions that keep Las Vegas' business community alive By Richard N. Velotta senior staff writer Y ou hear it all the time in Southern Nevada: We have more happening on a good weekend here than most places have in a whole year. ¶ Thanks to Las Vegas' robust convention industry, meeting schedule and nonstop lineup of special events, calendars quickly fill up with happen- ings that keep the local economy pumping. ¶ To make sure you don't miss any, VEGAS INC compiled a calendar of some of the city's most important conventions, special events, business meetings and see NEVADA'S FUTURE, page 16 INSIDE TODAY BIG DEALS | P. 6 An overview of the most lucrative commercial real estate sales of 2012 PHONE HOME | P. 20 Columnist Bruce Spotleson looks at our love-hate relationship with cellphones THE LIST | P. 22 government happenings. see 2013 calendar, page 14 20130107_VI01_F.indd 1 A year ago, many experts forecast that the recession would loosen its grip on Las Vegas in 2012. Looking back, it did a bit, but the year left us mostly disappointed. Housing values inched up, but the foreclosure rate remained among the steepest of any state. Gaming revenues were up slightly and the tourist count neared a record level, yet the unemployment rate remained in double digits. Clearly, Las Vegas and the state did not come roaring back with the vigor many had hoped. So what to make of 2013? Will this be the year the recovery begins in earnest? What will be the biggest challenges for Las Vegas and Nevada? What are the greatest fears and brightest prospects? We like to ask these questions at the beginning of each year. This year's participants include a corporate CEO, a banker, a Realtor and a butcher. 2012 Largest Conventions, by attendees 1/3/13 2:08:38 PM