LAS VEGAS -Summer is quickly approaching, and Las Vegas, the world's top destination for entertainment, offers nothing short of the best concerts and shows. With performances from country superstar Brad Paisley and multi-platinum rock band Journey to hosting one of the largest electronic dance music festivals in the country, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Las Vegas has something for music lovers of all genres. 

Returning to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, June 21-23, is Insomniac's 17^th Annual EDC. The iconic festival fills the 1,500-acre speedway with innovative musical acts, artists and theatrical performers and features more than 500 dance music creators from around the world, including Avicii, Above & Beyond, Armin Van Buuren, Benny Benassi, Calvin Harris, Dada Life, Krewella, La Roux, Tiesto and many more.

The Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas captivates guests with its multi-level rooftop location. The refreshing poolside venue offers an unobstructed view of the brightly lit Las Vegas Strip. This summer, the "Set Your Life to Music" concert series continues through Aug. and will take over the stage with live performances from Matt & Kim on May 30, The Offspring on June 8, Weezer on July 27 and many more.

Only at Mandalay Bay Beach Club at Mandalay Bay can concert-goers submerge their feet in the sand, wade in the surf or lounge on blankets in paradise. The Beach Concert Series at Mandalay Beach Club welcomes the recording industry's biggest names this summer such as Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion on May 25, Smash Mouth and Vertical Horizon on July 6, Sublime on Aug. 17 and more. Also heating up the 12,000-seat Mandalay Bay Events Center are massive headliners such as Ke$ha and Pitbull on June 15, One Direction on Aug. 2 and Aug. 3, Brad Paisley on Aug. 31. The legendary House of Blues Music Hall, also at Mandalay Bay, will welcome renowned entertainers with upcoming summer performances from Fall Out Boy on June 15 and Say Anything on July 9, to name a few.

The reinvention of Downtown Las Vegas has made Fremont Street Experience one of the best places for entertainment off the Strip. With multiple outdoor stages and the planet's largest big screen TV, Viva Vision, spanning the length the Fremont Street Experience, it is a one-stop-shop for music enthusiasts. Fremont's "Rock of Vegas" summer concert series will fill the streets with sounds from numerous groups, including Three Days Grace on July 4, Third Eye Blind on Aug. 17, Puddle of Mudd on Aug. 31 and many more. This summer concert series is free and open to the public.

The Pearl Concert Theater at the Palms is a state-of-the-art fully equipped venue that seats up to 2,500 people and can accommodate everything from private concerts to headliners. Musical phenomenon Billy Idol will perform May 25 with Journey taking the stage Aug. 28 and 29.

With the ability to comfortably seat up to 16,800 people, the Grand Garden Arena at MGM Grand is one of the Strip's premier sporting, concert and special event locations. The venue is known for its innovative acoustics, lighting and sound systems. This summer, musical sensations Justin Bieber on June 28, Beyonce on June 29, Bruno Mars on Aug. 3, Lil Wayne on Aug. 31 and more will mesmerize audiences.

Known as a pioneer in the music world, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino stays true to its reputation as it welcomes some of the biggest names in the entertainment business to its popular venues The Joint and SOUNDWAVES. With its commitment to remarkable sound and unforgettable live music experiences, The Joint is dubbed as the most authentic venue in Las Vegas. LL Cool J on May 24, 311 and Cypress Hill on Aug. 4 and more will commemorate summer with special performances. Additionally, SOUNDWAVES, located at Hard Rock's Paradise Beach, provides no better way for music aficionados to enjoy their favourite bands, warm weather, good friends and cool drinks. The invigorating outdoor stage will heat up with performances from Pepper on June 8 and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Stephen Marley on June 28.

The world-class The Smith Center for the Performing Arts celebrates artistic excellence, education and culture from around the world. Home to four different stages, The Smith Center welcomes everything from Broadway classics to famed entertainers. Coming to the 2,050 seat Reynolds Hall are The Tenors on June 2, musical phenomena Jewel on June 6, Green Day's AMERICAN IDIOT Broadway musical June 11-16, Willie Nelson on Aug. 13 and more.

The worlds of tattoo artistry and old-school rock ‘n' roll combine this June at The South Point Arena in the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. The inaugural Art & Ink Fest featuring Junefest offers a weekend of foot stomping rockabilly with KC & the Sunshine Band, Tommy Tutone and more. June 28 through June 30, attendees can enjoy classic cars, live music, burlesque performances, art shows, pin-up fashion, renowned tattoo artists and fare from Las Vegas' premier food trucks.

Las Vegas' largest Reggae festival, Reggae in the Desert, is billowing into the Clark County Amphitheatre June 15-16. Located in the midst of canyon rock and prickly pear façade, the outdoor amphitheatre attracts some of the Las Vegas valley's best live performances, cultural festivals, theatrical performances and community happenings. Reggae in the Desert will host some of Jamaica's most legendary performers, island-style arts and crafts, libations and cuisine of the Caribbean Islands.

Located in the Fremont East district of downtown Las Vegas, Backstage Bar & Billiards, also known as Triple B, is hailed as one of the greatest spots for rock and soul. The eclectic décor includes custom furniture by rock outfitter Anvil Cases, original print concert posters from some of the most famed concerts in the history of rock ‘n' roll and a "turntable library" covering eight memorable decades. Gracing the stage this summer is Queen of Rock Wanda Jackson, Water Tower and Steve Soto on May 26 and many more.

Sway Pool at Silverton Casino and Hotel is an all-encompassing tropical escape with lush palm trees, gorgeous cabanas and signature beverages. This summer, Las Vegas adventurers are encouraged to "Party Like It's 1999" at the Sway Pool concert series on May 18. In addition to the scenic venue, attendees can enjoy some of the best cover bands bringing tunes from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s to life. 

For more information about the many summer concerts or to book a summer getaway in Las Vegas, visit http://www.lasvegas.com/.

LAS VEGAS - The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has been awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. This is the 29^th consecutive year the LVCVA has received this honor.

The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,500 government finance professionals with offices in Chicago, IL, and Washington, D.C.

LAS VEGAS - The International Tourism Safety Association, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the Las Vegas Security Chiefs Association will host the 20^th International Tourism Safety Conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center on April 22-24.

The International Tourism Safety Conference is a gathering for safety and security officials in the travel and tourism industry focused on providing delegates with new information, trends, equipment, strategies and best practices in keeping visitors safe. The conference is expected to attract more than 200 people.

On Tuesday, April 23, the opening session at 9 a.m. will focus on the state of tourism security in the United States, which will include a discussion on the current events in Boston, Massachusetts.  The closing session on Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. will also discuss the Boston Marathon bombing and its aftermath. 

"Providing a safe and secure experience for visitors must be a top priority for any city's tourism industry," said Ray Suppe, president of International Tourism Safety Association and director of security for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "The LVCVA and Las Vegas are proud to have organized this conference for the past 20 years in order to share the latest strategies and information between others in the tourism industry to help ensure the safety of visitors in destinations and attractions here in Las Vegas and around the world."

The conference will also feature presentations addressing issues such as tourism safety tactics used in other countries, major events security, assessing risk, tourism fraud, safeguarding international and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender visitors.  Speakers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Israel Police, Australia's Tourism Safety Group, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and others will share their expertise.

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman and Sheriff Douglas C. Gillespie of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department are scheduled to address the group on Tuesday, April 23. The Sheriff will give opening remarks at 8:45 a.m. with the Mayor speaking at noon.

For more information or to register for the conference, visit http://www.touristsafety.org/.

LAS VEGAS - For the 19^th consecutive year, Las Vegas has maintained its reigning title as the top trade show destination in the country, according to Trade Show News Network's (TSNN) "2012 TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows in the United States" list.  Las Vegas hosted 53 of the largest shows, more than the next two competitors combined. 

"Las Vegas is honored to be recognized as the No. 1 trade show destination for the 19^th year in a row, and we share this achievement with our colleagues in the meetings and convention industry of Las Vegas who make this ranking possible," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  "The success of Las Vegas is a testament to our ability to provide exceptional customer service and more value for the experience than any other destination."

The coveted list by Tarsus Group represents the top 250 trade shows held in the country last year, ranked by net square footage. The 53 shows in Las Vegas encompassed 20,460,671 million square feet, or 31.2 percent of the total space for all 250 shows. The largest single show was the International CES, held in Las Vegas, at more than 1.8 million net square feet. 

"Once again, Las Vegas is the No. 1 destination of the ‘2012 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show List,'" said Rachel Wimberly, president and editor-in-chief of TSNN. "Las Vegas proves year after year the tremendous value it has to offer trade shows that are held there."

The two closest competitors hosted 47 shows combined, with Orlando hosting 27 and Chicago hosting 20.  To see the full TSNN list, visit http://www.tsnn.com/toplists-us.

Las Vegas Meetings Snapshot:

• Nearly 22,000 meetings in 2012
• 4.9 million delegates in 2012
• $6.7 billion impact to local economy
• Supports nearly 57,000 jobs

Experience Las Vegas offers guidance to anyone interested in travel to Las Vegas - from the veteran to those planning their first trip to those who dream about going.  The site features "best of" recommendations based on traveler type such as Partier, Food Lover, Vegas Newbie and others, while covering attractions, hotels, casinos, restaurants, shopping, shows, celebrity comings and goings, deals and expert tips. USA TODAY has sourced the foremost experts in Las Vegas to share their insider knowledge and exclusive access. In USA TODAY trademark fashion, content is smart, user-friendly and accessible. Experience Las Vegas features trending topics and buzz, deals and videos that share insiders' views of all things Vegas, from where to stay, what to see and what to do.    

"We are excited to launch the first of our Experience Travel themes. USA TODAY has always been a leader in providing travelers information, but now we also provide them the tools to plan, book and share their travel experience with others.  We chose Las Vegas - where nearly 40 million people visit annually - as our first theme, and are proud to partner with LasVegas.com as an exclusive booking partner for Experience Las Vegas," said John Peters, president of the USA TODAY Travel Media Group.

"We are delighted to partner with USA TODAY and allow travelers worldwide another reason to visit fabulous Las Vegas," said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  "Las Vegas offers one-of-a-kind experiences, and this partnership will provide visitors a unique tool to help them plan their upcoming trip while staying informed with the latest news and information from the destination."

USA TODAY Travel Media Group will launch additional Experience Travel themes every other month including: Cruise, Food and Wine, New York City, Caribbean, Ski, Beach, and Florida.

"This is an exciting time as the confidence in the Las Vegas brand continues to build with new projects and ongoing reinvestment," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  "The billions of dollars being invested in Las Vegas for unique experiences and world-class facilities and amenities show why Las Vegas continues to be the premier leisure and business destination."

After a record-breaking year with nearly 40 million visitors in 2012, Las Vegas is adding more options and experiences for visitors that can only be found in the Entertainment Capital of the World - from the transformative new global business district to new and revamped resorts and entertainment venues.

In March, Malaysia-based Genting Group announced a multi-billion dollar Asian-themed resort complex on the Las Vegas Strip. Resorts World Las Vegas will include 3,500 rooms, luxury dining and shopping and a half million square feet of convention space on the 87-acre site. A replica of the Great Wall of China and more than 300,000 feet of pool and water features are also planned. It is expected to open in 2016.

MGM Resorts International and AEG recently announced plans for a 20,000-seat arena to be located west of the Las Vegas Strip between New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts.  The company is also rebranding THEhotel at Mandalay Bay into Delano Las Vegas, which will open in early 2014, and renovating several of its properties, including Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, The Mirage and Bellagio.  MGM Resorts alone will spend more than $300 million in exciting new capital investments to its Las Vegas resorts in 2013.  When combined with its partners' investments, the company anticipates the investment to be more than $450 million.

Caesars Entertainment announced last month details of Gansevoort Las Vegas, a new boutique resort and casino to be located on the former site of Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon. The $185 million renovation project is a collaboration with New York-based luxury hotel brand Gansevoort Hotel Group and nightlife promoter Victor Drai featuring the 65,000 square-foot indoor/outdoor Drai's Beach Club and Nightclub. The project is scheduled to open in early 2014.

Caesars is also continuing work on its more than $500 million dining, shopping and entertainment district The LINQ, which will feature the world's largest observation wheel - the 550-foot high Las Vegas High Roller.  The company is also undergoing major projects at its other properties, including the opening of the Nobu Hotel at Caesars Palace and unveiling renovations at The Quad, formerly the Imperial Palace.

In February, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority unveiled plans for the Las Vegas Global Business District, an overarching vision for the Las Vegas Convention Center and the surrounding area. The preliminary cost for the project is $2.5 billion and will be completed in phases. It will create an international business destination by incorporating major renovations of the Las Vegas Convention Center, leveraging the World Trade Center designation and developing transportation connectivity through a centralized hub. This will be the first major expansion of the 54-year-old Las Vegas Convention Center in more than a decade. The LVCVA plans to issue up to $150 million of commercial paper to fund phase one elements.

"The Global Business District is a transformative project that will launch Las Vegas ahead of its competition and solidify our standing as an international business center," Ralenkotter said. 

In addition to these projects, several resorts are re-branding and refurbishing their properties to continue to deliver on the brand promise of the premier destination in the world.  Some major resort projects include the rebranding and reopening of the Sahara as the SLS Las Vegas in 2014 and the rebranding and reopening of the Lady Luck as the Downtown Grand later this year.  These projects join major renovations at The Venetian, Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, Golden Gate, Palms, The D Las Vegas, Riviera, The New Tropicana Las Vegas, Four Seasons and more.

In recent years, other investments have shown the confidence in the Las Vegas brand.  The $2.4 billion Terminal 3 at McCarran International Airport, the $470 million The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, the $42 million Mob Museum, and the $3 million renovation and opening of the Neon Museum show that Las Vegas does not stand still.

LAS VEGAS - The Las Vegas pool party scene is back with a splash for the 2013 summer season. Taking world-class nightlife outdoors, the world's entertainment capital is known as the epicenter for famed headlining DJs and electronic dance music (EDM) mecca rivalling top international destinations, which is the heart of Vegas dayclubs.

Pool parties host some of the world's best DJs spinning in the sun at some of the most luxurious dayclubs, including WET REPUBLIC at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Liquid Day Club & Lounge at ARIA Resort & Casino and Tao Beach at The Venetian Las Vegas. Each pool offers a slightly different experience, though all will offer an electric dance music line-up and lush, refreshing surroundings.

Touted as the original dayclub in Las Vegas, this year marks the 10^th anniversary of REHAB at Hard Rock Hotel, opening April 19. REHAB Sundays continue to be one of the hottest summer parties on the Strip, with chic cabanas, lively music and gorgeous people.

The new dayclub on the block is DAYLIGHT Beach Club at Mandalay Bay, a revolutionary open-air entertainment and nightlife destination that will premiere during Memorial Day Weekend. DAYLIGHT Beach Club transports guests from the hustle and bustle of the Strip to an upscale and chic tropical oasis. DAYLIGHT Beach Club will bring sophistication, high-energy entertainment, fine cuisine, innovative technology and world-renowned DJs to the Las Vegas desert.

WET REPUBLIC will welcome GRAMMY Award-winning Calvin Harris as he kicks off his exclusive DJ residency Sunday, April 7. The 2013 pool season will be in full force as sun-kissed patrons flock to the ultra-pool and "welcome home" the highly acclaimed artist as he launches the first date of his of his daytime residency.

XS, the sophisticated nightclub within Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, combines the alluring elements of daylife parties with the energy of the nightlife scene at Night Swim. Guests are encouraged to shed their evening attire and don their best swimwear while taking a dip in the pool and dancing under the stars at the Sunday after-dark soiree. XS returns for its fourth season on May 19 with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Afrojack as the headlining DJ.

Also at Wynn Las Vegas, Encore Beach Club will launch its spring preview with the official season grand opening taking place on Saturday, April 6, featuring a DJ set by EDM sensation David Guetta. Returning DJs who will grace the Encore Beach Club decks this season include Eric Prydz, Will.i.am, Avicii and Afrojack.

Taking its famed nightlife headliners outside, Marquee Dayclub at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers three-story bungalow lofts, poolside cabanas with infinity pools and a massive party deck. From a wealth of globally-influenced brunch items and an avant-garde retreat that joins hand-crafted cocktails with ice cream to a Las Vegas-take on the backyard concert series and even a weekly outdoor movie viewing-The Pool District at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas offers something for everyone this summer. Entertainment offerings, as well as newly-crafted menus and cocktail lists, abound with the return of Bubbles & Brunch, The Neapolitan of Las Vegas, Dive-In Movies and an expanded "Set Your Life to Music" concert lineup.    

Palms Pool at Palms Casino Resort, now open, is heating things up with the return of Las Vegas' ultimate pool party, Ditch Fridays on Friday, May 3, beginning with a star-studded line-up of performances and appearances throughout the summer. High above the award-winning Tank pool at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, guests can relax with signature cocktails while mingling with friends and family in a luxurious private cabana or daybed.

Las Vegas' most enchanting summer destination, Venus Pool Club within Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace, returns for its seventh season, Monday, April 22. As one of the best-kept secrets in town, Angel Management Group and Caesars Palace brings an alternative poolside paradise to Las Vegas perfect for sun worshipers seeking the relaxation of a European-style retreat.

For a more intimate experience, guests may lounge in style at DayDream, the Pool Club at M Resort. Kick back with a hand-crafted cocktail, relax in the hot tub or just hang out at the ice-railed bar. Head out to Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa for more than three acres relaxation with 19 irresistible private cabanas, and an island fountain. Located on our 8th floor, the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas pool deck boasts stunning views overlooking all of CityCenter. Offering a stylishly serene atmosphere, guests can indulge in two refreshing pools, two large Jacuzzis and one intimate plunge pool.

The tranquil pool at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas transports guests into another world . Set within the hotel's lushly landscaped gardens, the pool deck features an outdoor pool, two whirlpools, chaise lounges and arbours for shade. A pool bar serves up light meals, cocktails, frozen beverages and smoothies while attendants pamper guests with passed Evian spritz, fresh fruit and chilled water.

For more information about Las Vegas pool parties or to book a summer vacation, visit LasVegas.com.

While today's Las Vegas hot spots prepare to open for the summer season, the Las Vegas News Bureau reached into its archives for a glimpse at pool parties of the past. Photo and video images from the 1940s, 50s and 1960s include Jayne Mansfield, Elvis Presley and Cyd Charisse, and pools at the Sahara, Tropicana, Flamingo, New Frontier, Desert Inn, Stardust, Caesars Palace, Dunes, Thunderbird and El Rancho. Journalists and news organizations can request this archival content from the News Bureau at news@lvcva.com.

LAS VEGAS - The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) set a record in 2012 by recycling 68 percent or 3,288 tons of materials at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. The amount of items recycled is roughly the equivalent of diverting 14.5 Statues of Liberty or 651 schools buses from landfills.

"We committed to a comprehensive recycling program in 2006, and we continue to improve our systems to recycle more and more items," said Taryle Spain, director of client services for the LVCVA, operators of the LVCC and Cashman Center.  "We have made a commitment at both the convention center and Cashman Center to being environmentally-friendly facilities, and by working closely with our vendors, trade show partners and local charitable organizations, we're having great success."

The LVCVA partners with Evergreen Recycling, a subsidiary of Republic Services, to sort and recycle materials during and after trade shows in the building.  Evergreen is able to recycle materials such as carpet and padding, metals, glass, cardboard, plastic and wood that is used during trade shows at the facility. 

The 2012 rate is four percentage points higher than the 2011 recycle rate. Several adjustments helped the LVCVA to reach the new rate, including improved logistics and automation at Evergreen's recycle center and partnering with the local nonprofit Repurpose America to provide an additional option for repurposing a wide variety of materials back into the community through innovative ideas and practices. Repurpose America has used post show materials to create shading structures at local schools and provided items to the local artists for community projects, among many other sustainable and creative uses. 

"Repurpose AMERICA is working with the LVCVA and their partners to lead the way towards zero waste," said Zach Delbex, CEO of Repurpose America. "Together, we are reinvesting in our community, reducing budgets, creating new jobs and new industries while protecting the environment."

In addition to the successful recycling program, the LVCVA also utilizes environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies, energy-efficient lighting, is an Energy Star Partner, participates in the Water Sense program and is a partner in the EPA's WasteWise Program.

The Las Vegas Convention Center is one of the busiest facilities in the country hosting 55 of the top 250 largest trade shows in North America, more than the next two competitors combined, according to Trade Show News Network.

LAS VEGAS - In honor of St. Patrick's Day, the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) in partnership with Tourism Ireland have created a very special Irish welcome by turning the famous 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign green in honor of St. Patrick's weekend by replacing the normal yellow bulbs with green. As the world gears up for St. Patrick's Day, the famous Betty Willis designed 'Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas' sign turned green last night, kicking off this weekend's celebrations and Tourism Ireland's ‘Global Greening' 2013 initiative.

Irish celebrity and host of The Voice Ireland, Kathryn Thomas, flew to Las Vegas to oversee the turning on of the green lights and to get the Vegas party started. Kathryn received a great welcome in Las Vegas where she was joined by Las Vegas Host Committee Chairman & former Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, Las Vegas showgirls and local members of the Irish Diaspora who call Las Vegas home.

Kathryn commented, "I am delighted to be in Las Vegas, it is unquestionably the Entertainment capital of the World and I am very proud to be part of the first ever Greening of the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, it's shaping up to be some celebration!"

"We are pleased to partner with our friends at Tourism Ireland on their ‘Global Greening' initiative," said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the LVCVA. "Celebrating St. Patrick's Day is a longstanding American tradition, and there's no better place to celebrate than in Las Vegas."

Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland, added, "We are absolutely delighted that the famous ‘Welcome' sign in Las Vegas is joining our St. Patrick's celebrations this year. St. Patrick's Day traditionally marks the real start of the tourism season for us. Our message is that there has never been a better time to ‘Jump In' and plan a visit to Ireland."

Las Vegas is in great company this St. Patrick's Day as many landmarks and iconic sites around the world are going green in honor of St. Patrick. The Sydney Opera House, the London Eye, Selfridges in London, Niagara Falls, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Burj al Arab in Dubai and the Prince's Palace of Monaco are amongst the landmarks and iconic sites all going green. The Las Vegas Welcome sign will stay green until March 18 in honor of all things Irish.

The 'Global Greening' is a Tourism Ireland initiative which puts huge focus on Ireland around St. Patrick's Day. It gives people worldwide the opportunity to connect with Ireland or reconnect with their Irish past.

Brad Paisley will host the Third Annual ACM Fan Jam at The Orleans Arena. This live remote location gives country music lovers the ultimate fan-pass to be a part of the ACM Awards as Paisley and others take to the stage as part of the telecast. Tickets for the Fan Jam can be purchased through The Orleans Hotel and Casino.

Kicking off festivities, The ACM Party for a Cause Festival and ACM Weekend takes places April 5-6 with top country stars taking to the stage each night.

The ACM Party for a Cause Festival at Orleans Hotel and Casino features The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley and Hunter Hayes as headliners. As part of the philanthropic emphasis, the two-day outdoor music festival will benefit a variety of charities. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased through the resort.

For the seventh consecutive year, ACM Weekend returns to the Fremont Street Experience.  Headlined by Gary Allan and Jake Owen, ACM Weekend features two nights of all-star concerts that are free and open-to-the-public, beginning at 9 p.m. both nights.

Several of Las Vegas' own performers have already turned Las Vegas country. Shania Twain takes the stage at Caesars Palace April 5-6. Sing along with country half, "I'm a little country" Marie Osmond, of brother and sister duo, Donny and Marie at Flamingo Las Vegas.

Fifteen-time ACM Award-winner, Tim McGraw will tape an all-star concert special, ACM Presents: Tim McGraw's Superstar Summer Night, on Monday, April 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Area. The two-hour concert will feature performances from Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Taylor Swift and Ne-Yo. All proceeds will benefit ACM Lifting Lives and the show will be broadcast at a later date on the CBS Television Network.

Station Casinos offers Nashville Unplugged Friday, April 5. Happening inside the Rocks Lounge at Red Rock Resort, the show starts at 8 p.m. and features Brett James and Tim Nichols.

Drink specials for country fans will be offered at Coyote Ugly Bar & Dance Saloon at New York-New York Hotel & Casino. This southern-style bar will offer $35 open bar April 5-6 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. or grab a drink following the ACM Awards on Sunday with a $30 wristband.

The ACM Awards isn't the only time Las Vegas has some down home fun. Country fans can also kick up their boots at Stoney's Rockin' Country, the largest country nightclub in Las Vegas. Located in Town Square, this nightclub offers dance lessons nightly. The fun also continues at Gilley's Saloon inside Treasure Island, PBR Rock Bar at the Miracle Mile Shops and Toby Keith's I love this Bar & Grill at Harrah's Las Vegas.

Say "I Do" with a special wedding package from Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel. This themed chapel will offer a special country western wedding and vow renewal packages April 5-9 for just $499. To redeem, fans just need to mention "Vegas Goes Country."

Take a trip in the fast lane at the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway April 3-7. Drivers can suit up and drive a real NASCAR stock car on the 1.5 mile tri-oval track.

Want your picture taken with a country idol? Madame Tussauds Las Vegas offers guests the chance to "interact" with country crooner Tim McGraw and dozens of other big-name celebrities. Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is located at The Venetian and is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The 3,400-square-foot lounge is prominently located at the Convention Center's main entrance and features an open and airy floor plan. The OPEN Business Lounge is created for American Express OPEN Cardmembers and new applicants as a place to learn, recharge and connect. The OPEN Business Lounge allows guests an opportunity to take a break from their busy schedules, offering refreshments, free WiFi, computer and printer access, and seating for meetings or relaxation.

"We are committed to identifying new ways to stay competitive and maintain Las Vegas' status as the No.1 tradeshow destination in North America," said Terry Jicinsky, senior vice president of operations for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "We're excited to work with American Express to offer our convention and tradeshow delegates another amenity that helps them improve their business and tradeshow experience."

The American Express OPEN Business Lounge at the LVCC also supports local small businesses. Janitorial and floral services are provided by A1 Janitorial and Gaia Flowers, Gifts, Art.  Local artwork from the Brett Wesley Gallery is also featured in the lounge.

"There simply is nowhere else like Las Vegas - which makes it the perfect showcase for the OPEN Business Lounge," said Audrey Hendley, Senior Vice President and General Manager OPEN Acquisition. "With the incredible volume of visitors Las Vegas hosts, we know the OPEN Business Lounge will help us reach our current Cardmembers and countless prospective new members to provide them with the resources they need when they need it."

The American Express OPEN Business Lounge at the Las Vegas Convention Center is the first location in the Western United States and is open in conjunction with business to business events taking place in the Las Vegas Convention Center. 

LAS VEGAS - The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority unveiled its plans today for the Las Vegas Global Business District, an overarching vision for the Las Vegas Convention Center and the surrounding area.

Envisioned to be completed in phases, the Las Vegas Global Business District creates an international business destination by incorporating major renovations of the Las Vegas Convention Center, leveraging the World Trade Center designation and developing transportation connectivity through a centralized hub.

"I truly believe this is a transformative project.  Las Vegas is known for defining moments that change the hospitality industry, and this project will be the next defining moment," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  "This is more than a project, this is a vision that will launch Las Vegas forward ahead of the competition for decades to come."

The Las Vegas Global Business District addresses three key findings that emerged after conducting research and holding several focus groups with clients and stakeholders. The first focuses on renovating the Las Vegas Convention Center and creating a convention district campus. This includes building additional exhibit space, meeting rooms and general session space; upgrading technology; adding new food and beverage outlets; and, creating a grand concourse connector with more lobby space. Outside the convention center, plans call for outdoor public and gathering spaces and various design elements to enhance neighborhood and establish a cohesive business center district. This will be the first major expansion of the 54-year-old Las Vegas Convention Center in more than a decade.

The second area of focus creates an international business center by leveraging and expanding the World Trade Center designation. The designation provides the LVCVA with opportunities to market Las Vegas to business travelers around the globe under the World Trade Center brand.  By creating a dedicated World Trade Center facility, the LVCVA plans to expand international business opportunities and increase market share by attracting more meetings and conventions to the destination. In 2011, Las Vegas Convention Center was designated as an official World Trade Center site through an agreement between the LVCVA and the Consumer Electronics Association.

The third key element creates a centralized transportation hub that will improve connectivity in the resort corridor and improve the overall customer experience. The LVCVA is working with local transportation stakeholders to define a long-term strategy to accommodate the movement of people as Las Vegas projects to host approximately 44 million annual visitors, and as many as seven million convention delegates over the next 10 years.

Plans call for the Las Vegas Global Business District to be developed in phases over several years.  The first phase, over the next two years, will include programming and design, the development of overall budget, improvements to the current space at the Las Vegas Convention Center and land acquisition.

The LVCVA plans to issue up to $150 million of commercial paper to fund phase one elements.

For the past 18 consecutive years, Trade Show News Network has ranked Las Vegas as the No. 1 meeting and convention destination in North America.

LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas welcomed a record 39.7 million visitors in 2012, approximately a half-million more visitors than the previous high of 39.2 million set in 2007. The record visitation generated more than $40 billion in economic impact for the local economy last year.

The 2012 year-end statistics, released today by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), point to continued recovery for Las Vegas tourism with increases in all of the key core indicators.

"The record visitation is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our resort partners and every employee who works in the industry," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the LVCVA.  "Tourism is the economic leader for Southern Nevada and the entire state, so we are encouraged to see positive signs of continued growth for the industry.  With more than $2 billion of reinvestment in the destination, Las Vegas is well positioned for continued growth in 2013 and on the threshold of hosting more than 40 million visitors."

Other year-end highlights:

• Compared to 2011, visitor volume increased 2.1 percent in 2012 with approximately 800,000 more guests allowing the destination to reach 39.7 million annual visitors.

• Gradual improvement in the meetings and convention industry with 4.9 million delegates attending a convention, trade show or meeting in 2012, reflecting a 1.6 percent increase over last year. This is the highest convention attendance in four years.

• Las Vegas hosted 21,615 meetings, tradeshows or conventions in 2012, up 13.6 percent from the 2011 total of 19,029.  The 2012 total is the highest number of meetings and conventions held in Las Vegas since 2008. 

• Average citywide occupancy was up 0.6 percentage points to 84.4 percent for 2012. Las Vegas' citywide occupancy is 23 percentage points higher than the national average of 61.4 percent.  With industry-leading occupancy of 84.4 percent for its 150,481 rooms, Las Vegas fills more rooms per night on average than any destination in North America. 

• Las Vegas' average daily room rate increased $3 to $108 in 2012.

• Clark County gross gaming revenue reached $9.4 billion in 2012, a 1.9 percent increase over last year. On the Las Vegas Strip, revenues increased 2.3 percent to $6.2 billion in 2012.

Another positive indicator for Southern Nevada's tourism industry is the addition of nearly 23,000 jobs in the resort-industry since the recessionary low in November 2009.  Tourism supports 370,000 jobs, or 46 percent of all the local jobs.

Additional information regarding Las Vegas 2012 visitors will be available later this spring when the LVCVA releases its annual Visitor Profile Study, detailing visitor trends, attitudes, behaviors and spending habits while visiting the destination. 

LAS VEGAS - Love fills the air in Las Vegas this Valentine's Day weekend with experiences that'll have your special someone soaring to cloud nine. Across the destination, world-class restaurants, spas and nightlife venues will set the mood for the ultimate romantic getaway.  Sweethearts from across the country will be able to book their air and hotel packages on LasVegas.com to celebrate their love and passion for one another in one of the world's most romantic destinations.

Culinary Creations for Two

Foodies know that aphrodisiacs can spice up a meal. This year, guests will be able to treat themselves to a luxurious experience they won't forget at the Michelin three star-rated Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand. The 16-course degustation menu will surely impress any food aficionado. Top the evening off with a few dessert options from Sensi at Bellagio. The restaurant will feature a spectacular dessert tower this Valentine's Day, with three tiers of treats to choose from.

Visitors can also step inside Caesars Palace for a decadent dinner for two. Guests will find an extravagant 10-course tasting meal with signature dishes at Restaurant Guy Savoy. At Serendipity 3, chefs will be cooking up a tempting "Adam and Eve Special."

A special dinner and show package will be available for fans of Fantasy at Luxor Hotel and Casino. Available Feb. 1-28, guests can purchase the "Get a Heart On" package that includes tickets to the show and a prix fixe menu at either Tacos & Tequila or Rice & Company. Prices start at $140 per person.

Special romance-themed menus will also set the mood at LAVO inside The Palazzo, TAO at The Venetian, Public House Las Vegas at Luxor Hotel and Casino, Hussong's Cantina at Mandalay Bay, Strip House and PBR Rock Bar inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Top of the World Restaurant and McCall's Heartland Grill at the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel & Tower and The Barrymore at Royal Resort.

Guests can also boycott the day of affection with a "Love Bites" four-course prix fixe menu at Sugar Factory American Brasserie inside Paris Las Vegas. It features creamy garlic soup and dry-rubbed BBQ pork ribs served with "bleeding heart" arancini.

The Love Potion

Libations are another way to get the heart pumping during Valentine's Day weekend. Caesars Palace will feature the Cherry Drop Martini at Rao's, which is topped with delectable candy hearts. At Wynn Las Vegas a new seductive cocktail called Cupids Kiss will be available at Parasol Up and Parasol Down.

Senor Frogs located inside Treasure Island welcomes singles and lovers alike on Feb. 14 with an open bar with well vodka cocktails for ladies starting at 8 p.m. Valentine's Day revelers can also kick start their desires by visiting Rhumbar at The Mirage, where ladies will receive a special treat that includes any house cocktail with a flavored cigar.

Hyde Bellagio at Bellagio will offer complimentary wine tasting on Feb. 14. The weekly wine event, Vino Thursdays, will start at 7 p.m. followed by live music at 9 p.m. for a special Valentine's Day edition.

Those who are missing a little love in their life can visit Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The rockin' music spot will host a "Love Stinks, Let's Drink" party on Feb. 14, where partygoers are encouraged to get over their ex with anti-Valentine's Day shots and cocktails.

Love and Pamper Your Body 

Couples will be able to celebrate their love while treating their bodies and minds to relaxation at world-class spas across the Strip. Loved ones can enjoy a massage for two at Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian or indulge in a fruit and chocolate facial or chocolate-dipped strawberry pedicure.

The Spa at Encore offers the perfect retreat for sweethearts with a 105-minute treatment that includes a steam shower and massage. The luxurious and extravagant "Choco Latte Body Buff" is also available at The Spa at Wynn Las Vegas.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers a lavish couple's package called the "Diamond & Drum Sticks" massage at Reliquary Water Sanctuary & Spa. Guests can also rejuvenate with the "Cupid's Cupcake" treatment at South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, or indulge with their "Sugar & Spice - Twice as Nice" couple's treatment that includes a buttery milk bath followed by sugar scrub micro polish and organic pumpkin mud mask.

Show Your Love

Divas Las Vegas at The Quad will offer a two-for-one special this Valentine's Day. Guests will enjoy the 75-minute, over-the-top celebrity impersonation production presented by comedy icon, Frank Marino.

Blue Man Group inside the Monte Carlo will offer several Valentine's Day show packages that include specialty dinner menus at various restaurants with prices starting at $129 a person.

Explore the Exotic Side of Romance

A romantic and unique experience awaits couples at The Mirage's Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. The "Fall in Love Again Package" allows visitors to pose with a dolphin and take home a box of chocolates. This package will be available Feb. 13 - 17 for $79 per person.

Moorea Beach Club at Mandalay Bay offers couples a delightful way to heat up the chilly winter nights alongside a cozy beachside fire pit. Delighted twosomes can enjoy a s'mores package that includes all the fixings to make a romantic evening.

A thrilling way to take the love plunge is with a Flightlinez Bootleg Canyon zip line tour. Guest's hearts will skip a beat when they drop 450-feet within the first 15 seconds. Enjoy this double date for $438.

Tie Your Heart Strings Together

Las Vegas is the wedding capitol of the world and couples can make the ultimate commitment on the busiest "I Do" day of the year. Special packages are available at The Neon Museum starting at $777 and Wynn Las Vegas with "The Forever" package for $990.

"We are excited to welcome the International Builders' Show back to Las Vegas through 2016," said Chris Meyer, vice president of sales for the LVCVA.  "This shows their confidence in Las Vegas as a successful place to do business."

The NAHB International Builders' Show is the most important event of the year for the U.S. home building industry and the largest annual light construction trade show in the world.  The show attracts approximately 50,000 attendees annually and is projected to generate a non-gaming economic impact of more than $250 million for Las Vegas over the next four years.

"We are delighted to be back in Las Vegas, and with the construction industry on the mend, we expect to have a great show," said NAHB Chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. "Even better, in 2014 the International Builders' Show will be co-located with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, expanding the offerings of cutting-edge designs, technologies and products for all segments of the home-building industry."

Design and Construction Week, as the new mega-show will be billed, is expected to attract 75,000 builders, remodelers, developers, architects, designers and other industry professionals to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), where 2,000 brands will be on display Feb. 4-6, 2014.

In 2015, Design and Construction Week will expand further with the addition of SURFACES, the largest floor-covering industry event in North America for retailers, distributors, installers, designers and home builders; and the co-located StonExpo/Marmomacc Americas, the only show in North America solely focused on the natural stone industry. Shuttle buses will run between the LVCC and the Mandalay Bay Convention Center to allow approximately 25,000 additional attendees to tour all of the exhibits.

For more information, visit buildersshow.com.

LAS VEGAS - In Chinese astrology, The Year of the Snake is marked by intuition, instinct and thoughtfulness.  This February, Las Vegas resorts will prepare for the Chinese New Year, celebrating Asian culture with stunning showcases of décor, traditional Chinese cuisine and activities to commemorate The Year of the Snake. 

"Each year, visitors from around the globe make their way to Las Vegas to enjoy its internationally famous entertainment and to take part in cultural celebrations surrounding the Chinese zodiac sign," said Cathy Tull senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).  "As the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar, Las Vegas is excited to add to the traditions and celebrations, which appeal to our many international guests."

The year of the Snake installation at the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens at Bellagio features a prosperous money tree with oversized gold coins hanging from branches.  In addition, live performances of traditional folk and pop music with authentic Chinese instruments, including the erhu (二胡), ruan (阮), and pipa (琵琶) will take place on a Chinese junk boat from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The Conservatory design is inspired by Feng Shui, and will be on display through March 3.

Keeping with tradition, The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino and The Palazzo Las Vegas will host a unique Year of the Snake display Jan. 14 - Feb. 25.  Taking center stage will be a 98-foot long animated blue snake named Sophie Chow, inspired by her Italian home and Chinese New Year heritage.  There will also be a giant 38-foot cherry tree with more than 193,000 flowers, 28 custom dancing lanterns and traditional Chinese coins representing wealth displayed throughout the atrium.

For those seeking relaxation and stress release, the award-winning Forbes Five-Star spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas is celebrating three exclusive treatments available from Jan. 23 to Feb. 28. Spa attendees can chose from "Double Destiny," a two-hour ceremony for couples seeking good karma; "Destiny of the Water Serpent," a 90-minute full-body massage releasing tension and increasing circulation; or, the Chinese Zodiac manicure and pedicure, tailored to a guest's personal element for a customized hand and/or foot massage on vital energy points.

The world's first Nobu Hotel, Nobu Caesars Palace, will open its doors on Feb. 4 as the first guests arrive for the Lunar New Year celebration.  The restaurant and lounge adjacent the hotel will offer three teppanyaki tables (the first of Nobu's restaurants in the U.S), a sushi bar and a private dining area along with a large lounge and bar.  The non-gaming, boutique hotel experience paired with a marquee location in the heart of Caesars Palace will allow guests access to world-class entertainment, restaurants and shopping.

The Las Vegas Spring Festival: Chinese New Year in the Desert will host a series of Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cultural celebrations Feb. 8 - 10 throughout the Fremont Street Experience (FSE), a five-block entertainment complex located in historic downtown Las Vegas, which features Viva Vision.

• Feb. 8 - This one-of-a-kind venue will welcome the Vietnamese Tet New Year with an opening ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. with Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman and community and business leaders. The Lohan School of Shaolin Lion will usher in the Tet New Year with the blessing of the monks, a welcome by Shrine of Our Lady, and a grand opening performance, featuring Miss Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) USA contestants in traditional costumes. Various international performances will also be on showcase at the 3rd Street stage.

• Feb. 9 - The downtown entertainment complex will celebrate Korean Seol-lal with performances from the Lohan School of Shaolin, followed by a welcome hosted by the Korean-American Chamber of Commerce Las Vegas (KACCLV) and other community organizations. Entertainment will continue into the evening as the talent portion of the Miss AAPI USA is featured.

• Feb. 10 - The Lohan School of Shaolin will feature various performances throughout the day, followed by a welcome from the Las Vegas Chinese American Chamber of Commerce (LVCAC). Evening highlights will include the interview and personality portions of Miss Asia Nevada and the crowning of Miss AAPI USA.

Furthermore, in an effort to bring the largest Chinese Lunar New Year celebration in the U.S. to Downtown Las Vegas, McDonald's will host the Las Vegas Spring Festival Parade Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. The purpose of the McDonald's Las Vegas Spring Festival Parade is to bring the community together and showcase the most extravagant and colorful floats.  This celebration will commemorate the rich history and celebrate the most important holiday of the Asian community. 

This year, the resident shows are also joining in the celebration. To celebrate the eighth year of Kà by Cirque du Soleil, the dance troupe will parade through the MGM Grand on Sunday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m.  Traditional dragon and lion dances, as well as other celebratory events at various resorts, will kick-off festivities and welcome The Year of the Snake. Celebrations will include:

• Feb. 9 - Drummers and firecrackers will kick off the dragon dance at 3:30 p.m. at the Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino and Palazzo Las Vegas. The celebration will wind through the Venetian lobby, casino, Waterfall Atrium, where dancers will circle the snake display before ending at the Palazzo porte cochère.

• Feb. 10 - The traditional fan dance and distribution of red envelopes will take place at the Chloe rotunda at The Shoppes at The Palazzo beginning at 1 p.m. The performance will culminate with the distribution of 500 red envelopes, each containing a $10 gift card, chocolate gold coins, or other surprises.

• Feb. 11 - A celebratory dragon will dance throughout ARIA and Crystals at CityCenter, the high-end fashion destination, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. stopping at various retailers that have chosen to feed the hungry mystical creature with money and lettuce. Dancers will begin at ARIA as they bless the building for the coming year, and a monk will bless Crystals on the new snake-themed flower carpet.

• Feb. 12 - Firecrackers will light the way as the dragon and lion dance starts at 6 p.m. under the porte cochère at Wynn Las Vegas. Starting at the south valet entrance, the precessions will make its way through center of the Wynn into Encore Las Vegas and end at Encore's front desk.

• Feb. 12 - Traditional Chinese lions and dragons will prance through the Bellagio at 6:30 p.m. ending at the porte cochère.

• Feb. 13 - Several dragons from the Lohan School of Shaolin will dance through the lucky citrus trees adoring the casino at the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. The percussion procession and various characters will pull lettuce from ceilings as a symbol of luck for the entire year.

Sandy Lam, the multi-talented superstar will take center stage at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Feb. 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. as she sings her top hits dating back to the mid-80s.  This special performance will feature popular songs from her hit "Wildflower" album. 

In addition to stunning décor and exciting entertainment, a number of restaurants on and off the Strip will prepare specialty menus and dishes for the holiday celebration. Bellagio will host the prestigious Diaoyutai State Guesthouse Culinary festival Feb. 14 - 16 beginning at 7:30 p.m. This is only the second time in history that the Diaoyutai has hosted this event in the United States. The event consists of the culinary team of the guesthouse in Beijing, China, coming to Tuscany Kitchen at Bellagio and re-creating the experience that prestigious world leaders, VIPs and royalty have had when being hosted in the guesthouse in China.  Chef Hao Baoli and staff from Diaoyutai will prepare an exclusive multi-course dinner for lucky guests, available at $500 per person.

Monte Carlo's Dragon Noodle Co. & Sushi Bar will feature a lucky $28.88 dinner with three dishes: Gong Hei Fat Choy 恭喜發財 (braised dried oyster and black moss with oyster sauce), Ha Ha Smile 呵呵笑 (manila clam with black bean sauce), and Budda Delight 羅漢齋 (Chinese Napa, bean thread, black fungus, black moss, snow peas and Chinese mushroom).

Fleur by Hubert Keller at Mandalay Bay will offer a four-course prix-fixe menu with jumbo lump crab egg drop soup, shrimp dumpling with sweet mayo and garlic ginger soy, seared duck with hoisin plum sauce with gailan broccoli, and five spice pineapple tart with jasmine tea ice cream.

Rice & Company at Luxor Hotel and Casino will assemble a thoughtful prix-fixe menu and will debut the Great Wall roll available from Feb. 10 - Feb. 24. The four-course meal ($65 per person) offers three entrées: orange peel chicken, tossed in mild chili sauce; beef and broccoli in a garlic oyster sauce; and garlic shrimp with stir-fried Asian vegetables.

China Poblano by José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will host a Chinese New Year menu which will offer goose, duck, Phoenix shrimp, monk, XO scallop and long beans, lions head with saffron and Xinjiang uyghur lamb chops.  The menu will be available Feb. 1 - Feb. 28.

Delectable Chinese New Year menus will also be available at Beijing Noodle No. 9 at Caesars Palace, MOzen Bistro at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, Wing Lei at Wynn Las Vegas, Ping Pong Pang and Noodle Exchange at Gold Coast Hotel and Casino, and many more.

To plan your Chinese New Year's trip, visit http://www.lasvegas.com/

Photos and video of Chinese New Year events are provided by the Las Vegas News Bureau. To download: register at our Media Center at http://br.thenewsmarket.com/lvcva.

LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas, one of the world's most exciting travel locations, has launched LasVegas.com, the only official website for the destination. Owned and operated by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the ultimate Las Vegas expert, the website will offer visitors comprehensive and reliable information to aid their travel bookings. In addition to purchasing air and hotel packages, shows and more, LasVegas.com offers up-to-date insider destination information, planning tools and itineraries.

"No other destination offers the entertainment, dining and overall experience that Las Vegas offers," said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the LVCVA. "We host nearly 40 million annual visitors, with more than half of them using the internet to plan their trips. Now, LasVegas.com will provide an easy tool for our guests to research and book their ultimate Las Vegas vacation."

The official website will be supported by an all new advertising campaign. The central character, seen throughout the campaign, is your typical American male who happens to share his name with the website for one of the most famous and popular travel destinations in the world. He is Mr. Las Vegasdotcom. Shot in a faux documentary style, the ads follow Las through his daily routine as people pepper him with questions about show tickets, hotel accommodations and more. In response he refers them back to the actual website. Beyond promoting using the website for booking these activities, the campaign also educates viewers about Las Vegas' many amenities and attractions - from the well-known entertainer Celine Dion at Caesars Palace to the secret pizza restaurant at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

The new campaign's first ad debuts Jan. 7 on national and cable networks. It is also available for viewing at Facebook.com/LasVegas and YouTube.com/LasVegas.

Photos and video of Las Vegas are available at LVCVA.com/PressRoom.

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LAS VEGAS - From boots and ball gowns to running shoes and New Year's revelers, Las Vegas hosts a full calendar of special events in December, attracting as many as 275,000 visitors a night at various times of the month and generating roughly $520 million in non-gaming economic impact for the local economy.

"Las Vegas has evolved to be the premier destination for special events, and our December calendar showcases Las Vegas' vast appeal as the place to be," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "Thirty years ago, December was one of the slower periods in Las Vegas. Today, we have a variety of special events that attracts visitors, stimulates the economy and generates world-wide media coverage." 

The busy month begins early with NASCAR Champions Week, culminated with the Victory Lap Parade Thursday afternoon followed by the Awards Banquet on Friday. This is the fourth consecutive year NASCAR has taken over the Las Vegas Strip to crown the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion. 

The Zappos.com Rock ‘n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon & Half Marathon is Dec. 2. Approximately 30,000 registered runners will race down the Las Vegas Strip in front of an estimated 60,000 spectators for the world's largest nighttime running event.

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo continues to be the anchor event in early December.  For 10 days starting on Dec. 6, the top 15 cowboys in each event come to Las Vegas to compete in the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world.  The rodeo also brings along partner events such as the Downtown Hoedown featuring country artists Clay Walker and Uncle Kracker on stage at Fremont Street Experience and the annual Cowboy Christmas western gift show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. New this year is Cowboy FanFest at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This free public event features live stage performances by Academy of Country Music artists, themed food and specialty drinks, exhibitions, rodeo 101 clinics and much more for local rodeo fans.

All eyes will be on Las Vegas when more than one billion viewers are expected to tune in for the 61^st Annual Miss Universe Competition being broadcast live from Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Dec. 19.  Almost 90 contestants from around the world will land in Las Vegas to participate in various activities leading up to the live telecast.

Also taking place at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino this month is the 8^th Annual OUTMUSIC Awards presented by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Academy of Recording Arts. The biggest night in LGBT music and entertainment takes the stage Dec. 16 and celebrates the best recordings, performers and industry contribution in music each year with a message of inclusion, equality and creative achievements.

Later in the month, the 21^st MAACO Bowl Las Vegas will showcase a marquee matchup with teams from the Mountain West Conference and the Pac-12 conference. Held on Saturday, Dec. 22 at Sam Boyd Stadium, the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas is broadcast nationally and has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting games of the bowl season. The MAACO Bowl Las Vegas has sold-out six of the past seven years.

On the hardwood, five college basketball tournaments take place in Las Vegas featuring men's and women's teams from around the country. The Las Vegas Challenge comes to the Orleans Arena on Dec. 18-19.  Also at the Orleans Arena, the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic returns Dec. 22-23 featuring Virginia Tech, Colorado State, Portland, Georgia Southern, Mississippi Valley and North Florida among others.  The MGM Grand Garden Arena hosts the Vegas Holiday Hoops basketball tournament Dec. 22-23, and the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic is Dec. 18-19 at the South Point Arena.   A week later, the South Point Arena hosts the D3Hoops.com Classic Dec. 28-30.

Ringside, two major fights take place this month. The fourth showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez happens Dec. 8 at the MGM Grand Garden. Dos Santos and Cain Velasquez also battle in the MGM Grand Garden at UFC 155 on Dec. 29.

December closes out with one of the largest annual events on the calendar as Las Vegas once again hosts America's Party: Las Vegas New Year 2013, one of the top New Year's Eve celebrations in the world with a fireworks display staged from the rooftops of seven iconic resorts along the Las Vegas Strip.  This year, planning a New Year's Eve trip is even easier through http://www.lasvegas.com/.

ABOUT THE LVCVA

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With 151,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and 10.6 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA's mission centers on attracting ever increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or http://www.lasvegas.com/.

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LAS VEGAS - Las Vegas is the most electrifying destination to ring in 2013 with spectacular and stunning experiences throughout the Strip corridor and beyond. As world travelers converge on Las Vegas, the destination will play host to a series of fabulous soirees, heart-pounding nightclub parties and concerts with A-list performers. America's Party will also have one of the largest pyrotechnic firework shows in the world. Las Vegas has something to offer this New Year's for all types of holiday travelers and revelers, and everyone can book their 2013 celebration by visiting http://www.lasvegas.com/.  

The Las Vegas sky will light up as the clock strikes midnight, and celebrators ring in the New Year by watching a stunning fireworks display across the Strip. The dazzling show will be fired from the rooftops of seven resorts along the iconic boulevard: MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island (TI), Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino and the Stratosphere. The much anticipated America's Party is hosted by Las Vegas Events (LVE) and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) with the fireworks display being produced by world-renowned Fireworks by Grucci of New York.  

Music and Sports Legends Will Amaze with Headline Events

The Killers kick off an unforgettable New Year's Eve weekend at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with the multi-platinum band returning to its hometown to perform for the first time in more than three years. They take the stage on Dec. 28 and 29 at 9 p.m. inside The Chelsea Ballroom with general admission tickets starting at $86. In addition, after seven years of being away from Las Vegas, The Red Hot Chili Peppers will perform on Dec. 31 at 11 p.m. inside of The Chelsea Ballroom to ring in 2013 with a special surprise at midnight. Visitors will also be able to see the GRAMMY® award-winning band perform live on the 65-foot digital marquee facing the Strip.  General admission tickets are $150.

The Black Keys rock in the New Year with two epic shows at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with performances at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 30 and 31 with special guest Divine Fits. Tickets start at $99.

Pitbull takes over the Pearl Concert Theater inside The Palms Casino Resort on Dec. 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets to see Mr. Worldwide perform in this intimate setting start at $85, and can be purchased by visiting any Ticketmaster location.

UFC returns to the Grand Garden Arena at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino on Dec. 29 for the much anticipated rematch between Dos Santos and Cain Velasquez. Doors open at 2:45 p.m. and tickets range from $75 to $800 per person, excluding taxes and fees.  Additionally, the legendary rock band The Eagles return to the Grand Garden Arena for one night only on Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $68.25 to $210 per person, excluding taxes and fees. Across the way at The House of Blues, located inside Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, the ultimate New Year's Eve party with Gary Allan and special guest Beau and the Outfit takes place at 9 p.m. General admission tickets available for $79.50.

One of the best-selling female artists of all time, Celine Dion performs a special New Year's Eve concert at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace at 7:30 p.m. with tickets available from $55 to $250 per person.

Partygoers can rock in the New Year with Fremont Street Experience's Downtown Countdown starting at 6 p.m. with a street party featuring Buckcherry and Queensryche plus special guests Quiet Riot, Pop Evil and Otherwise.  The party lasts all night with performances from six other incredible bands, including local favorites Yellow Brick Road and Zowie Bowie as well as Jizzy Pearl, Rok of Ages, Party Rockers and Brazen.  The Downtown countdown also includes a 2012 year-in-review on the Viva Vision screen, and a midnight countdown led by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman.

To celebrate the end of 2012 the Riviera Casino & Hotel is going ‘old school' with two concerts that bring back some of the most popular songs ever performed.  The Boogie Knights will perform music by KC & The Sunshine Band, Rose Royce, The Bee Gees and many more. The party begins on Dec. 29 at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $10. Furthermore, two highly entertaining rappers from the 1980s and 90s take the stage on Dec. 30.  MC Hammer will be joined by Tone Loc as the duo performs classic chart-topping hits.  Ticket prices start at $34.99 for general admission, $49.99 for preferred seating and $69.99 for VIP seating.

The South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa will offer a variety of celebrations starting with New Year's Eve at Noon with impressionist Tom Stevens. Doors open at 11 a.m. and tickets begin at $19.  The Spazmatics will host an 80s dance party that begins at 9:30 p.m. and goes all night long.  General admission tickets start at $69 per person.  Ronnie Rose will celebrate New Year's with a Rockin' Mowtown party inside of the Sonoma Ballroom beginning at 9:30 p.m. Tickets for this throwback celebration are $39.  In addition, Frankie Avalon and Wes Winters will host a special dinner and show with a memorable champagne toast as the clock strikes midnight.  Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets begin at $179 per person.

Buffalo Bill's Resort and Casino in Primm will celebrate New Year's Eve with soul at the Blues Brothers Bash beginning at 10 p.m. with an open bar. Wristbands are $20 per person, and special room packages will be available.

Amped Up Beats Set the Stage for ONLY Vegas Nightlife Celebrations

Toast 2013 with a glass of champagne at some of the hottest clubs in the world.  Las Vegas nightlife is filled with unparalleled sensory immersion experiences, including imaginative cocktails, high-end bottle service and heart-pounding beats that create a unique soundtrack all night long. 

SHe will become the newest nightlife and dining destination on the Strip located inside the ultra-luxe Crystals in CityCenter.  As the only nightlife venue set to host its grand opening celebration on New Year's Eve, the upscale, art-deco inspired boutique hotspot will be sure to astound everyone.  

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas will host the grand re-opening of the infamous Body English nightclub on Dec. 28, just in time for an indulgent New Year's 2013 celebration.  Body English will showcase indie, electronic, rock and pop music.  The restoration of Body English follows Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's recent multi-million dollar renovation.

TAO Las Vegas at Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino will ring in the New Year with hip-hop sensation, J. Cole. LAVO Las Vegas inside Palazzo Las Vegas will play host to one of the sexiest parties on the Strip with GRAMMY® award-winning artist Brandy.  Revelers will be able to enjoy a premium open bar from 9-11 p.m. and a champagne toast at midnight.

Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas starts the New Year's Eve weekend with ATB on Dec. 28, Kaskade on Dec. 29, AVICII on Dec. 30, and Benny Benassi hosting the biggest bash on New Year's Eve. The Italian superstar will take to the turntables and draw crowds from around the globe with his infectious beats.

There's also four nights of celebration at XS, the ultra-sexy nightclub at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas. Tiesto kicks it off on Dec. 28, followed by Steve Angello with Third Party on Dec. 29. Deadmau5 takes over the celebration on Dec. 30 with AVICII playing into 2013 on New Year's Eve.  At Surrender, also located inside of Encore, will showcase an array of talents, including Scottish singer, songwriter, DJ and producer Calvin Harris performing on Dec. 29. Electric dance music (EDM) artists Skrillex will mix beats on Dec. 30 and Eric Prydz will take center stage on Dec. 31.

N9NE Group Las Vegas will throw several bashes that partygoers won't want to miss inside The Palms Casino Resort. Questlove and DJ Jazzy Jeff will get the crowd going at Moon Nightclub on Dec. 29. Kelly Rowland hosts a dynamic evening at Rain Nightclub also on Dec. 29 with the club's big bash on Dec. 31 with Travis Barker & Yelawolf acting as the New Year's Eve grand marshals. Also making its debut earlier in the month will be Scarlet, N9NE Group Las Vegas' newest and most sophisticated venue at the Palms.  Scarlet will offer an elaborate mixology program with an intimate atmosphere and a select libation menu featuring top-shelf liquors, unique infused spirits, exclusive signature cocktails and much more.

Hyde Lounge at Bellagio will celebrate its one-year anniversary and ring in the New Year with a star studded black-tie event.

Overlooking the Las Vegas Strip, Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas will host American rapper 2 Chainz on New Year's Eve.  The festivities will culminate with a midnight countdown and champagne toast.

New Year's Eve celebrators can also visit Downtown Las Vegas for some of the hottest parties off the Strip at Insert Coins, Vanguard Lounge, Downtown Cocktail Room and Commonwealth just to name a few.  Commonwealth will bring an inviting new social scene to Fremont East with a cocktail bar inspired by pre-Prohibition era design complete with its very own backroom speakeasy. A rooftop bar offers patrons an experiential setting for unforgettable live music.

Collective Zoo will transform the Sky Combat Hanger at the Henderson Executive Airport to host the ultimate black tie "The Great Gatsby" themed bash.  Partygoers will harken back to the roaring 20s where glitz and glamour ruled.

Nightlife patrons can also expect exciting New Year's Eve DJ and celebrity host announcements from Angel Management Group and The Light Group within the coming weeks.

Savor the New Year with World-Class Dining

Las Vegas is one of the culinary capitals of the world, home to a spectacular collection of celebrity chefs and more Master Sommeliers than any other place in the country. New Year's Eve is a wine connoisseur and restaurant aficionados dream come true. Many of the best restaurants and bars in the destination will feature special menus and VIP dining events. Whether chef and culinary devotees come for the scene, the entertainment, to relax or to celebrate; only Vegas can satisfy everyone's expectations and demands. 

Wynn Las Vegas will host an exclusive New Year's Eve soiree in the Lafite Ballroom starting at 9 p.m. Reserved seating for the exclusive affair is $500 per person, which includes a special holiday menu.  In addition, the evolution of Las Vegas nightlife takes an exciting culinary turn with the Dec. 28 opening of Andrea's, a unique new dining concept at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.  The restaurant debuts an alluring style of "vibe dining," combining a restaurant and nightlife experience into one environment. The addition of Andrea's will become the first Wynn Las Vegas restaurant to be fully integrated into a nightclub.  New Year's specialty menus will also be planned at Lakeside, Wing LEI, The Country Club, Mizumi and Sinatra.

Caesars Palace will be offering a variety of dining experiences for New Year's Eve, including the perfect place to countdown to midnight. Starting at 10 p.m., guests should arrive at Serendipity 3 to claim their seat at this Strip-side hotspot. Champagne and party favors are available for $50 per person. Inside, Payard is serving up their signature Grandiose for $50, which is garnished with dehydrated lemon, caviar and edible flower and gold flake.

Two-time Michelin Star recipient Gordon Ramsay will host a special five-course prix fix menu for $200 per person at his Las Vegas flagship restaurant in Paris Las Vegas, which includes his signature dish, beef wellington rossini. Visitors can also satisfy their sweet tooth by making reservations at Sugar Factory, also located inside Paris Las Vegas. Specials include a spiced apple pie cocktail, pumpkin cheesecake and a specially made four-course menu starting at $150 per person.

Inside the Luxor Hotel and Casino the party gets started at Tacos & Tequila with the ladies of FANTASY stopping by on New Year's Eve. They'll be handing out complimentary Patrón tequila shots for all partygoers at 9 p.m. Rice & Company guests will be able to enjoy the New Year sushi roll while sipping on a glass of champagne. At nearby TENDER Steak & Seafood, the restaurant is offering steak, lobster and champagne specials.

miX Lounge at THEhotel inside Mandalay Bay will offer guests a front row seat to the fireworks spectacular.  Located on the 64^th floor of THEhotel, the sexy and sophisticated restaurant and ultra-lounge will provide a pre fixe three-course menu complete with champagne, along with indoor and outdoor dining options of the incomparable fireworks display.

Social House, the Pan-Asian restaurant inside Crystals at CityCenter, will prepare an eight-course tasting menu for $125 per person from Executive Chef John Chein. Diners will enjoy the complete experience with unrivaled décor, an exuberant vibe and delightful cuisine.

Bacio located at Tropicana Las Vegas will host a New Year's prix fixe four-course menu starting at 5 p.m., served with a glass of champagne for $66. For $94, guests can dine at Biscayne Steak, Sea & Wine and enjoy a five-course prix fixe menu also starting at 5 p.m.

Downtown Las Vegas' newest eatery Park on Fremont will host its grand opening celebration on New Year's Eve.  The ultra-chic hotspot will be the perfect place to enjoy a specialty cocktail or nosh in the uniquely New York City inspired beer garden.

To Plan Your New Year's Eve Trip, visit http://www.lasvegas.com/

Photos and video of New Year's Eve events are provided by the Las Vegas News Bureau. To download: register at our Media Center at http://br.thenewsmarket.com/lvcva.

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ABOUT THE LVCVA

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center.  With 151,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and 10.6 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA's mission centers on attracting ever increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area.  For more information, go to http://www.lvcva.com/ or http://www.lasvegas.com/

LAS VEGAS - The entertainment capital of the world will be even brighter this season as Las Vegas bedazzles and transforms itself into a winter wonderland for the holidays.

The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino and The Palazzo Las Vegas welcome the second annual Winter in Venice holiday celebration. This year's festivities feature an exclusive six-week run of "Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Las Vegas, by Chip Davis," featuring beloved and iconic holiday music in The Palazzo Theatre. In addition, a schedule of memorable Italian-inspired experiences include an enchanting winter parade, whimsical tree-lighting ceremony, stunning new 3-D light projection show, an elaborate Winter in Venice fantasy scene at Palazzo's Waterfall Gardens and the return of the picturesque skating rink above The Venetian's romantic outdoor Grand Canal. To cap off the winter fete, the Venetian's Doge's Palace hosts the stunning 3-D holiday light show "Lights of Venice" every night. The dazzling display concludes with a live finale that illuminates the iconic plaza and 65-foot Christmas tree. Winter in Venice runs through Jan. 6, 2013.

Holiday-themed prix fixe menus and specials will also be offered at the following restaurants inside The Venetian and The Palazzo; Aquaknox, B&B, Bouchon, Canaletto, Canyon Ranch Café, Delmonico, FIRST Food & Bar, Grand Lux Cafe, Pinot Brasserie, Postrio, Table 10, LAVO Italian Restaurant and Valentino.  

Ring in the holiday season at Bellagio's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens, which is home to a 45-foot-tall holiday tree and a family of floral polar bears and penguins. Guests will have the perfect photo opportunity with a large floral card inside a 6-foot-tall elaborately carved frame. Visitors will also be greeted by the sounds of music with live performances by a harpist and the wondrous sight of a classic gingerbread village created by the Bellagio pastry chefs.  The Conservatory's holiday exhibition is open 24 hours per day, seven days a week and will be on display the entire month of December.

While enjoying the yuletide decor of the Bellagio, visit one of the most iconic attractions in Las Vegas, the Fountains of Bellagio. With a diverse repertoire of musical tunes, the holiday selection includes classic hits such as "Hallelujah Chorus," "Carol of the Bells," "O Holy Night," "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" and "Santa Baby." The Fountains dance for visitors every 30 minutes beginning at 3 p.m. Monday - Friday and noon on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. After 7 p.m. daily, performances are every 15 minutes until midnight.

Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert presents "A Very Terry Christmas," featuring holiday-themed performances by Terry Fator at The Mirage Hotel & Casino.  During the run of special performances, the stage is transformed into the Fator Family's "living room" in a journey featuring all of the show's loveable puppets as they come home for Christmas. "A Very Terry Christmas" will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday through Dec. 22. 

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will transform its iconic Boulevard Pool into a winter wonderland overlooking the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. Special evening programming will offer a night for everyone, including "Date Skate" Mondays, when visitors will experience a date night on ice as scenes from beloved holiday movies play on the resort's 65-foot outdoor digital marquee.  Every Wednesday, the most renowned DJs in Las Vegas will turn The Ice Rink into an outdoor club scene during  "Industry Skate on The Strip," creating a nightlife experience unlike any other.  Finally, "Throwback Thursdays" will give guests the opportunity to dig out their leg warmers and disco gear as they skate the night away to music from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. The Ice Rink will be open Nov. 30 through Jan. 20, 2013.  Hours of operation are 3-11 p.m. Monday - Friday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Holiday hours will be in effect Dec. 24 to Jan. 4 and will be 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. All-day skating access is $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for non-residents. Visitors to The Ice Rink are allowed to bring their own skates or can rent a pair for $5.

Holiday celebrators will be able to start the countdown to Christmas with a special tree lighting ceremony at the Fremont Street Experience. On Dec. 3 at 5 p.m. the holiday lights will glow for all visitors to see. A Menorah Lighting Ceremony will follow on Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. at Fremont and 4^th Street.

The holiday classics come to life at The Orleans with concerts by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Dec. 2. They'll perform "The Lost Christmas Eve," part three of the Christmas trilogy by Paul O'Neill. Concerts are set for 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall will once again transform its Mystic Falls Laser Light and Water Show into a magical holiday experience with festive lighting, decorative snowflakes, garland streams, wreath-adorned lamp posts and snow-covered trees that fill the atrium. For the first time ever, Sam's Town will present the 15-minute laser light spectacular hourly during the holiday season. The show can be seen 5-10 p.m. through Jan. 1, 2013. Cowboy Santa will appear Nov. 25 to Dec. 23 beginning at 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and at noon Saturdays and Sundays. 

Speed up to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to check out Glittering Lights, Nevada's largest drive-through Christmas light show. With more than one million lights along the 2.5-mile course, the festive holiday event is an "only Vegas" spectacular to behold. Glittering Lights is open nightly through Jan. 6, 2013. Motor through 5:30-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday.

In true holiday fashion, Believe in the Magic has returned to Fashion Show Mall. Believe in the Magic features a 35-foot Christmas tree, Fashion Show dancers, artificial snow that falls from the mall ceiling and, of course, Santa. The show is free and takes over the runway in The Great Hall (near Nordstrom) every two hours at noon through 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday.

Ethel M Chocolate Factory invites the public to explore their three-acre outdoor garden adorned with more than half a million holiday lights during the 19^th Annual Holiday Cactus Garden now open through Jan. 1, 2013. The lights sparkle from 5-10 p.m. every night with Santa stopping by at 5 p.m. every weekend.

A trip to Opportunity Village's Magical Forest will instill the holiday spirit. Wind through the holiday tree forest bedecked with whimsical decorations and more than three million lights, or hop on the Forest Express passenger train and Enchanted Carousel. Attractions are open now through Jan. 6, 2013, 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 5:30-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

The snowflakes will be falling with Snow in the Square at Town Square Park every night at 7 p.m. from now until Christmas. Each show lasts 10 minutes and is choreographed to  popular holiday music. School choirs and holiday musicals take the stage in Town Square Park every Thursday night before the flurries fall.  In additional, the largest gathering of Santas makes its way to Town Square on Dec. 1 for the Las Vegas Great Santa Run benefitting Opportunity Village. Activities include a 1-mile walk and run, 5k walk and run, kids race, live bands, tasting village and breakfast with Santa.  Town Square did not forget about everyone's favorite four-legged friends this holiday season. Holiday celebrators can bring their pets to Santa's House for a photo with OId Saint Nick and treats every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.  

Experience a green Christmas filled with fun, colorful excitement and much more in December at the annual Holiday Spectacular at the Springs Preserve. Bathed in the glow of thousands of colorful, eco-friendly LED lights, the celebration features tasty treats, holiday arts and crafts, reindeer (pony) rides and photos with Santa. Be a part of the spectacle Dec. 8-9 and 15-23, 5-9 p.m.

Lace up your ice skates to enjoy a quintessential Vegas winter experience at the MonteLago Village Resort at Lake Las Vegas. The one-of-a-kind floating ice rink is open through January and holds up to 75 skaters at a time with a picturesque back drop of The Village Lake Las Vegas. The Holiday tradition is open now through January 2013.

Santa, carolers and train rides take over Tivoli Village throughout the month of December. Kris Kringle will stop by every weekend to see who's been naughty or nice. Visitors can also jump aboard the Tivoli Express every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas for $2 per person.

Old Saint Nick is also stopping by The Resort on Mount Charleston to have lunch with his favorite children on Dec. 9. Visitors can enjoy a lunch buffet, story-telling by a North Pole elf and pictures with Santa. Special holiday packages and Christmas Eve room rates start at $150.  

Everyone will want to check out Santa putting on his scuba gear and diving into the aquarium with his elves at The Silverton Casino Hotel. Watch his underwater adventures every weekend starting Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

A trip to Las Vegas makes the best stocking stuffer. Book your holiday getaway at www.LasVegas.com.

Journalists and news organizations can access hi-resolution photos and HD video of current Las Vegas events on our media center at www.thenewsmarket.com/LVCVA.

ABOUT THE LVCVA

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With 151,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and 10.6 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA's mission centers on attracting ever increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or www.lasvegas.com.

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LAS VEGAS - Fall in Las Vegas is a marquee time for sports fans. Visitors to the destination can pack their itinerary with NCAA basketball to championship boxing or professional tennis to rodeo with a diverse line-up of almost 20 live sporting events taking place before the end of the year.

 "Las Vegas is a destination that appeals to the casual or avid sports fan," said Julian Dugas, director of sports marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). "One can literally be here for a week and experience the very best of boxing, football, tennis, golf and more. For a sports fan, Las Vegas is overtime guaranteed."

NCAA BASKETBALL

The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Runnin' Rebels open their season Nov. 12 at the Thomas & Mack against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks. UNLV is ranked 18^th in the country by the Associated Press.  

The 12th Annual Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational returns to the Orleans Arena Nov. 23-24. This year's field includes University of Arkansas, Creighton University, Arizona State, University of Wisconsin, Cornell, Florida A&M, Longwood and Presbyterian. In December, the tournament returns for the Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic 2012 Dec. 22-23. The hardwood action is set to include Virginia Tech, Bradley, Colorado State, Portland, Georgia Southern, Mississippi Valley, North Florida and California State University Bakersfield.

The South Point Arena plays host to Division I women's basketball as Arizona State University, North Carolina State University, University of Florida and the University of Northern Iowa square off for the South Point Thanksgiving Shootout Nov. 23-25. On the men's basketball front, South Point Arena will host three tournaments in December. The Great Western Shootout will take place Dec. 18-19, the Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic will be Dec. 19-21, and the D3Hoops.com Classic can be seen Dec. 28-30.

FOOTBALL

The MAACO Bowl Las Vegas returns to Sam Boyd Stadium Saturday, Dec. 22. The 21st annual MAACO Bowl Las Vegas will be televised nationally on ESPN and features the top choice from the Mountain West Conference against the fifth pick from the Pac-12 Conference. Tickets to the game are now on sale and can be purchased at http://www.lvbowl.com/.

TENNIS

KLAS' "8 News Now" will be serving up world-class professional tennis as they present the Cancer Treatment Centers of America Championships. Tennis greats Andre Agassi, Michael Chang, Jim Courier and John McEnroe will square off during this charity event Saturday, Nov. 17 at Mandalay Bay.

MOTOR SPORTS

For the fourth consecutive year, the Sprint Cup Series' NASCAR 2012 Champion's Week returns to Las Vegas Nov. 27-30. The star-studded, entertainment-filled celebration honoring the series champion and NASCAR fans will culminate with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards at Wynn Las Vegas. This year's awards will take place Friday, Nov. 30 with SPEED, Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio providing live coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

Endurocross, the off-road motorcycle race held entirely indoors, returns to the Orleans Arena Nov. 17. Incorporating various elements of off-road riding, the obstacles include boulders, rock fields, poles, sand, jumps and water sections similar to the most difficult sections found in off-road events.

GOLF

The Wendy's 3-Tour Challenge, the only professional golf competition that pits the PGA TOUR against the Champions Tour versus the LPGA in a team match play competition, will tee off at Caesars Entertainment's Rio Secco and Cascata golf courses Nov. 9-13. The tournament benefits the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

BOWLING and BOXING

South Point Bowling Center is host to the fourth annual Professional Bowlers Association World Series of Bowling through Nov. 11, with finals airing on ESPN. Admission to all sessions is free.

HBO's "Boxing After Dark" will broadcast live from Wynn Las Vegas on Nov. 10 as undefeated Vanes Martirosyan goes up against top contender Erislandy Lara in a 12-round welterweight title elimination bout.

RODEO

The 37^th annual Indian National Finals Rodeo is taking place at the South Point Equestrian  Center through Nov. 10.

The 2012 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) swaggers through the destination Dec. 6 -15 at the Thomas & Mack Center with various special events such as concerts and interactive fan experiences taking place throughout the destination. For a complete listing of NFR events, visit http://www.prorodeo.com/series_home.aspx.

MMA and UFC

Tuff-N-Uff presents FEASTIBRAWL, a pre-Thanksgiving amateur title championship, Nov. 21 at the South Point Arena.  

Fan favorites Leonard Garcia and Cody McKenzie are set to scrap in a year-end bout Dec. 29 at UFC 155 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

RUNNING

Experience the iconic Las Vegas Strip like never before at the Strip at Night marathon. Presented by Rock ‘n' Roll Marathon Series, the night run hits the streets Dec. 2 with the full marathon starting at 3 p.m. and the half marathon keeping pace at 4:30 p.m. To register, visit http://stripatnight.com/index.html.

EQUESTRIAN

The rodeo event known as heading and heeling takes over the South Point Equestrian Center for the Priefert World Series of Team Roping Dec. 9-15.

Blenheim Equisports presents The Las Vegas National at the South Point Equestrian Center Nov. 15-17. Admission is free to all events including the $32,000 Markel Insurance Jumper Classic Nov. 15, the $30,000 EQU Lifestyle Speed Classic Nov. 16 and the $50,000 Fisker Automotive World Cup Grand Prix, Nov. 17.

HOCKEY and SOCCER

Check out the hometown hockey team, the Las Vegas Wranglers at the Orleans Arena. The season starts Nov. 7 and runs through March 29, 2013.

Sharing the versatile arena, the Las Vegas Legends soccer team kicks off their season Dec. 6.

Journalists and news organizations can access hi-resolution photos and HD video of current Las Vegas events on our media center at www.thenewsmarket.com/LVCVA.

To book an upcoming trip to Las Vegas, visit http://www.lasvegas.com/.

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While inside one of the city's most historic buildings, guests of the Museum will be privy to the "Fabulous Downtown" exhibition beginning October 29 in a special room on the third floor. Access is included in the normal ticket price to The Mob Museum.

The photos, a majority of which show buildings still standing and in existence, will guide guests through the various economic shifts and population increases Las Vegas has experienced through the years. The Mob Museum, seen from its days as a federal courthouse and U.S. Post Office, is also part of the exhibition.

"The Mob Museum is an excellent venue for the News Bureau to showcase its collection of images of the neighborhood businesses in the heart of downtown in the 1950s," said Lisa Jacob, senior manager of the News Bureau, which is operated by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). "We are proud to have a dedicated presence in the Museum's gallery and to have contributed a variety of historical video and photography from our archives which are featured throughout the Museum's exhibitions and presentations."

In 1947, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce established the News Bureau to promote Las Vegas as leisure destination through photography. At first, the staff took pictures of tourists dining or getting married and then sent the photos back to the visitors' hometown papers for publication - a technique that proved fruitful in small towns across the states. It wasn't long before the News Bureau's photographers were photographing entertainers, visiting dignitaries and community events. Images were transmitted around the world, helping drive the publicity machine for Las Vegas. The LVCVA acquired the News Bureau in the early 1990s. Today, the News Bureau is an integral part of the LVCVA's marketing efforts, photographing current events and sharing its archives with the community through exhibitions. "While the current day revitalization is incredibly exciting, it is imperative we continue celebrating the city's history," said Jonathan Ullman, executive director of The Mob Museum. "This exhibition offers a unique glimpse into our past."

The 41,000-square-foot Mob Museum includes approximately 17,000 square feet of exhibition space on three floors in addition to a specialty retail store, special event areas, educational areas and office space. Admission is $19.95 for adults ages 18 and over; $13.95 for children ages 5 to 17 and students ages 18 to 23 with ID; additional pricing options are available for seniors, military, law enforcement, teachers and Nevada residents. Museum hours are Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

About The Mob Museum
The Mob Museum is a world-class destination in downtown Las Vegas dedicated to the thrilling story of organized crime and law enforcement. It presents an exciting and authentic view of the Mob's impact on Las Vegas history and its unique imprint on the world. True stories of Mob history are brought to life in a bold and contemporary style via engaging exhibits, high-tech theater presentations and iconic artifact displays. For more information, call 702-229-2734 or visit www.themobmuseum.org. Connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/themobmuseum and on Twitter: @TheMobMuseum. Awards include "Best Museum" in Nevada Magazine's 2012 Best of Nevada Readers' Survey, "Best Place to Take Tourists" in Las Vegas Weekly's 2012 Weekly Awards, a 2012 "Best of City" Award from Vegas Seven and "Uncommon Travel Gem" in AAA's Home & Away Magazine 2012 October Issue.

About the Las Vegas News Bureau
For 65 years, the Las Vegas News Bureau has captured the sights and sounds of the world's leading destination like no one else, and has played a unique role in promoting Las Vegas by documenting unforgettable images on film. Over the years, the News Bureau has amassed one of the most comprehensive photographic and video collections showcasing the history of Las Vegas.
The archive includes superstar entertainers and sports figures, world-class concerts and special events, and the ever-evolving skyline. Classic images include "Miss Atomic Bomb" and the classic "Floating Craps Game" shot at the Sands in1953, as well as video of Elvis Presley, Liberace, the Rat Pack and other Las Vegas icons. Today, the Las Vegas News Bureau plays an important role in supporting the marketing efforts of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. For more information, please visit www.lvcva.com.

The Professional Bull Riders World Finals, the sport's richest event in the world, brings the best bull riders and bulls to Las Vegas to compete for a total purse of more than $2 million, including a $1 million bonus from Ford Trucks to the 2012 PBR World Champion, who also receives the coveted World Champion buckle. This year, the event will bring an estimated 70,000 attendees and generate an estimated economic impact of $15 million in non-gaming revenue for Las Vegas.

"Nearly 20 years ago, many of the world's best bull riders came together to create something special, and we are honored to have been a partner from the very beginning," said Chairman Tom Collins of the LVCVA's Board of Directors. "The excitement and energy of Las Vegas combined with the proud heritage and rich competition of the PBR creates a winning formula for the bull riders and the fans. This one-of-a kind event features huge prize money and wild bull rides."

"So much of the PBR's storied history has taken place in Las Vegas, and our relationship with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has been special from the beginning," said PBR Chairman and CEO Jim Haworth. "We are excited to renew this partnership with the LVCVA, and this extraordinary community. Next year will be our 20th year in Las Vegas, and we look forward to continuing to make historic moments for years to come."

The PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals takes place at the Thomas &

Mack Center and consists of six rounds of competition featuring the top bull riders in the world and the best bulls. The first five rounds feature all of the riders against the toughest bulls. The scores from the five rides are combined, and the Top 15 riders advance to the Built Ford Tough Championship Round.

ABOUT THE LVCVA
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With 151,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and 10.6 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA's mission centers on attracting ever increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or www.VisitLasVegas.com

Kicking off this special day of unity at 10 a.m., the Clark County Commission and the Las Vegas City Council will present GLAAD President Herndon Graddick with a proclamation recognizing this important day at the Las Vegas sign, which will be turned purple, the color of support for Spirit Day. Following this, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Treasure Island, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Tropicana Las Vegas will also turn their resort marquees purple along the Las Vegas Strip 11 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. and then again 10 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.

The Fremont Street Experience will also go purple for Spirit Day at 10 p.m. and again at 11 p.m., lighting its famed Viva Vision canopy, which consists of more than 12 million LED lights and spans four city blocks. Organized by The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center), a meet-up for teens and young adults will take place that evening at the Fremont Street Experience.

Marquee Nightclub, located in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, will host a Spirit Day after-party with special celebrity host NHL star Sean Avery. Guests attired in purple will receive complimentary admission and open bar 9:30-11 p.m. In 2011, Avery announced his support for marriage equality and worked to secure marriage protections for same-sex couples in the state of New York.

Other Las Vegas-area participants include Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA); Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN); Golden Rainbow; Hilton Garden Inn; Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce; Las Vegas Pride; Nevada State Senator David Parks; QVegas; and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

In addition, the Human Rights Campaign has donated several hundred tee-shirts in recognition of Spirit Day, which will be distributed to LGBT youth through The Center and other ally organizations across the valley.

Spirit Day grew out of teenager Brittany McMillan's idea to call on her friends to wear purple to memorialize those who had lost their lives to bullying. With GLAAD's help, Spirit Day has since garnered widespread support from celebrities, TV news and entertainment programs, corporations, organizations, schools, local communities and landmarks. Spirit Day coincides with Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network's (GLSEN) Ally Week and National Bullying Prevention Month.

Photos and video of the listed events will be available through the Las Vegas News Bureau at www.thenewsmarket.com/LVCVA

Kicking off this special day of unity at 10 a.m., the Clark County Commission and the Las Vegas City Council will present GLAAD President Herndon Graddick with a proclamation recognizing this important day at the Las Vegas sign, which will be turned purple, the color of support for Spirit Day. Following this, Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands Corporation, Treasure Island, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and Tropicana Las Vegas will also turn their resort marquees purple along the Las Vegas Strip 11 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. and then again 10 p.m. - 10:15 p.m.

The Fremont Street Experience will also go purple for Spirit Day at 10 p.m. and again at 11 p.m., lighting its famed Viva Vision canopy, which consists of more than 12 million LED lights and spans four city blocks. Organized by The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center), a meet-up for teens and young adults will take place that evening at the Fremont Street Experience.

Marquee Nightclub, located in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, will host a Spirit Day after-party with special celebrity host NHL star Sean Avery. Guests attired in purple will receive complimentary admission and open bar 9:30-11 p.m. In 2011, Avery announced his support for marriage equality and worked to secure marriage protections for same-sex couples in the state of New York.

Other Las Vegas-area participants include Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA); Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN); Golden Rainbow; Hilton Garden Inn; Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce; Las Vegas Pride; Nevada State Senator David Parks; QVegas; and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

In addition, the Human Rights Campaign has donated several hundred tee-shirts in recognition of Spirit Day, which will be distributed to LGBT youth through The Center and other ally organizations across the valley.

Spirit Day grew out of teenager Brittany McMillan's idea to call on her friends to wear purple to memorialize those who had lost their lives to bullying. With GLAAD's help, Spirit Day has since garnered widespread support from celebrities, TV news and entertainment programs, corporations, organizations, schools, local communities and landmarks. Spirit Day coincides with Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network's (GLSEN) Ally Week and National Bullying Prevention Month.

Photos and video of the listed events will be available through the Las Vegas News Bureau at www.thenewsmarket.com/LVCVA

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association and MAGIC, one of the fashion world's most influential shows, have extended their leases at the Las Vegas Convention Center for five years and three years, respectively. Senior executives from the shows joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) Tuesday to recognize their continued partnerships.

"SEMA and MAGIC committed to Las Vegas in the early years as we were evolving into a meetings and convention destination," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the LVCVA. "We appreciate their long-standing commitment to Las Vegas and their roles in supporting thousands of local jobs and contributing hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy, which helps fund schools, roads and parks."

SEMA has been held in Las Vegas since 1977 and will continue its premiere automotive specialty product show in Las Vegas through 2017 as part of its contract extension. The show is the largest annual gathering of small business in the country, bringing in 130,000 attendees with each show.

"We are dedicated to delivering high value events to the thousands of businesses that invest in our annual trade event," said Chris Kersting, president and CEO of SEMA. "Our members have enjoyed a great deal of success as a result of their annual trade show in Las Vegas."

SEMA is expected to generate a non-gaming economic impact of more than $827 million to the Las Vegas community through the course of its new lease agreement.

Las Vegas has been hosting MAGIC since 1989. Its new lease guarantees the show - which takes place every February and August - will be in the Las Vegas Convention Center through 2015 and is projected to generate a non-gaming economic impact of more than $611 million over the next three years.

"MAGIC is about connection.  Our business is about bringing together our attendees with our exhibitors," said Tony Calanca, executive vice president of exhibitions for Advanstar, which puts on MAGIC. "Our partnership with Las Vegas allows us to provide the best place to conduct the business of fashion. We've enjoyed a long-standing relationship with Las Vegas, and are excited to renew our partnership with the LVCVA, and look forward to the next three years, and beyond."

While MAGIC was just in Las Vegas for its August show, it will be back in February. The 2012 SEMA Show will be held October 30 - November 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

With approximately 20,000 meetings and conventions held annually in Las Vegas, the convention industry is crucial to Southern Nevada's economy, supporting 58,000 jobs in the area and contributing more than $6.3 billion to the local economy.  For 18 consecutive years, Trade Show News Network has named Las Vegas the No.1 trade show destination in North America, hosting 55 of the 250 largest trade shows.

"Las Vegas is always spectacular," said Cathy Tull, senior vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). "It is why we love Halloween here. The events and experiences available for visitors for one of our favorite holidays range from creepy and unique to mysterious and spooky."

CREEPY AND UNIQUE

Eli Roth, one of Hollywood's most acclaimed horror film directors, will debut his most ambitious project to date, The GORETORIUM. The director-writer-creative force behind the "Hostel" and "Cabin Fever" movie franchises has conceived and constructed a gruesome, bloody, year-round, state-of-the art haunted attraction masterpiece complete with zombie dancers and live "feedings."  Located across the street from CityCenter and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, The GORETORIUM cost $10 million and took more than five years to concept and construct. The eerie haunt, which opened on Sept. 27, is home to the twisted, 1960s-inspired "Baby Dolls Lounge," which is not for the faint of heart.     

The infamous Fright Dome is celebrating its 10th anniversary and once again will take over The Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas. Iconic horror film producer, George A. Romero will immerse guests into a real-life zombie apocalypse in one of five intensely themed haunted houses, aptly named "Ward of the Dead." Fright Dome opened Saturday, Sept. 29 with a special appearance by Halloween icon Elvira, Mistress of the Dark and runs the entire month of October.

Other creepy and unique experiences that will leave visitors trembling include the Freakling Bros. Trilogy of Terror, which features Nevada's first and only R-rated attraction, "Gates of Hell."  Amazing Johnathan's first-ever Halloween attraction, "SCREAMont Experiment" kicks off Oct. 6. The experience includes a multi-level hotel with themed rooms and optical illusions around every corner.

THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT

For the people who believe in ghosts, goblins, and those terrifying things that go bump in the night, check out the nightlife parties starting with Bellagio's The Bank Nightclub's Haunted Hotel Ball pre-party on Oct.  26. Revelers can also stop by Halloween Masquerade Oct. 27 at Hyde Bellagio. The Palms Casino Resort and N9NE Group Las Vegas will host a wicked week of sinful parties. Starting Oct. 26, Palms will host five different exhilarating parties over four days and award more than $30,000 in cash for the best-dressed ghostly goblins and spellbinding beauties at Moon Nightclub, Rain Nightclub and ghostbar.

MTVs "Jersey Shore" cast member, Jennie "JWoww" Farley kicks off the holiday weekend at Chateau Nightclub on Oct. 27 inside Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino.  Bacardi will also throw its Howl-O-Ween Bash at miX Lounge, on the 64th floor of THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.

Kid Rock hosts Maxim magazine's "Devil's Cut" Halloween Party this year at LAVO at The Palazzo on Oct. 27.  Redfoo of LMFAO and The Party Rock Crew will celebrate at Tao Las Vegas located in The Venetian on Oct. 27 followed by the ultimate Halloween party at Marquee Nightclub inside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, hosted by KASKADE on Oct. 31. Themed "You're Not in Kansas Anymore," the bash encourages patrons to come dress in twisted "Wizard of Oz"-inspired costumes.  

This year the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino teams up with Monster Mayhem to present one of Las Vegas' most terrifying haunted attractions, Bloody English, which will transform Body English into a Victorian London themed Halloween destination beginning Oct. 12 through Oct. 31.  Visitors will also have the chance to rock out on Halloween with the legendary American hard rock band, Guns N' Roses who launch their 12-show residency Oct. 31 at The Joint inside Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

DEAD MEN TELL NO TELLS

Discover the Titanic Haunted Tour at "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition" at Luxor Las Vegas. The Titanic Haunted Tour is complimentary with the purchase of a ticket to the regular Titanic exhibit. Tours run nightly starting at 6 p.m. Oct. 21-31.

Inside Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, the life-like, wax figures will seemingly come alive during "After Dark," an interactive haunting experience inside of the museum. The three-day engagement Oct. 26-28 will be open 9 p.m. to midnight.

APPARITIONS AND INCARNATIONS

The Fremont Street Experience will be transformed into a thrilling scene that will tap into the fears of visitors.  The fourth annual OktoberFrightFest combines Oktoberfest and Halloween for a month-long street party.  Halloween revelers will be able to get their scream on as the wildly popular, nationally ranked haunted house Asylum, makes its downtown debut on Fremont Street Experience.   The downtown conversion will also include Viva Vision light and sound shows themed to "Time Warp" and "Monster Mash," the Third Annual Fall Beer Festival at Golden Nugget, three free Halloween-themed stage shows and much more.

The Las Vegas Halloween Parade returns to Downtown Las Vegas on Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. The third annual event will include spooktacular art, music, fire performances, a costume contest and much more.

Michael Boychuck's COLOR Salon inside Caesars Palace is offering Halloween packages starting at $185. Tricks and treats will be available for everyone with makeup and lash applications, hair styling, and nail buff and polish change.  Transformations begin Oct. 25.

The Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel has a special deal for visitors looking to tie the knot.  From werewolves to the Grim Reaper, this chapel is the place to surrender your fate with ghoulishly themed packages.

The Chamber Haunt at Primm Valley Casino Resorts will scare all who enter. The attraction has been voted as one of the top five scariest places on earth by Travel Channel for the past five years. Challenge The Haunt's two mazes every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout October. 

To Plan Your Halloween Adventure, visit www.visitlasvegas.com

Photos and video of Halloween events are provided by the Las Vegas News Bureau. To download: register at our Media Center at br.thenewsmarket.com/lvcva.

Fashion's Night Out is a global initiative that was created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry's economy during the recession, and bring fun back to the shopping experience. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the city of New York; however, events take place around the world, with more than 500 cities participating nationwide this year.

The Shoppes at The Palazzo will host a FNO affair featuring fashion expert, celebrity stylist and co-host of E!'s "Fashion Police," George Kotsiopoulos. The public event will take place from 6-8 p.m. near the Chloe rotunda. Notable highlights include a $1,000 shopping spree, a Q&A session with Kotsiopoulos, a selection of top fall picks from retailers at The Shoppes and a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii.

Emmy Award-winning fashion visionary Patricia Field will bring her design prowess to Crystals at CityCenter to celebrate FNO. The legendary stylist, renowned for her work with Sarah Jessica Parker in "Sex and the City" and Meryl Streep in "The Devil Wears Prada," will join top designers and local charities from 6-11 p.m. Crystals will offer unique in-store and destination-

wide experiences, feature performances from Nevada Ballet Theatre and spotlight the hottest looks with models strolling the center dressed in the latest fall fashions.

Celebrate fashion at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace during FNO with an evening full of fashion, entertainment, food, drink, one-of-a-kind in-store events, celebrity appearances, live performances and limited edition products and giveaways, including The Forum Shops shopping sprees. Or head over to the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino for special FNO sales, gifts and in-store events at many of the venue's retailers, including bebe, GUESS, BCBGMAXAZRIA and Steve Madden.

To plan your own FNO excursion to Las Vegas, visit www.visitlasvegas.com.

For photos from select FNO events, please email news@lvcva.com.

"Visitors to Las Vegas can celebrate and enjoy the best of Mexican Independence Day this year surrounded by the excitement that only Las Vegas provides," said Cathy Tull, Senior Vice President of Marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  "Guests of all nationalities will appreciate the best of Mexican tradition, cuisine and entertainment the world has to offer.  Las Vegas is a premiere international destination famous for entertainment and top-notch cultural celebrations."

A host of A-list talent performing on the Las Vegas Strip will welcome visitors during the week-long celebration:

• Latin music superstar Luis Miguel will perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Sept. 13-15.
• Legendary Flamenco guitarist Esteban performs at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 13.
• Latin jazz virtuoso and salsa king Pancho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band perform Sept. 14-15.
• World-famous Arturo Sandoval brings the Cuban-Caribbean sounds of his jazz trumpet to The Orleans Hotel and Casino on Sept. 15.
• Flamenco guitarist and entertainer Charo will perform at South Point Hotel Casino and Spa on Sept. 15.
• Undefeated Mexican boxing sensation Canelo Alvarez will come face-to-face with breakout star Josesito Lopez in "Knockout Kings" at the MGM Grand Garden Arena where they'll battle for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship on Sept. 15.
• Reigning champion Julio Caesar Chavez, Jr. will face Argentinean boxer Sergio Gabriel Martínez, former WBC & WBO middleweight champion, at the Thomas & Mack Center on Sept. 15.
• Grammy Award-winning Mexican Band Maná will perform their top hits at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sept. 16.

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will play host to various mariachi bands and folkloric dancers roaming throughout the resort during the holiday weekend.

The party will spill onto the street in Downtown Las Vegas on Sept. 15 with The Fiesta Las Vegas Latino Parade & Festival, Southern Nevada's largest Latino parade and festival.  Mexican singer Graciela Beltrán will act as the official grand marshal for the parade which begins at 10 a.m. Festivities will continue until 10 p.m. 

Authentic Mexican music will be on display at the Las Vegas International Mariachi Festival, a gathering of hundreds of the world's finest Mariachi performers who will showcase their traditional music at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Saturday, Sept. 15, at 8 p.m.  Special guests include Shaila Durcal, Vargas de Tecalitlan, the ensemble Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez and Mariachi Divas. 

Other not-to-be-missed acts performing during the Mexican Independence Day weekend include GIGANT3S national tour featuring Marc Anthony, Chayanne and Marco A. Solis at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Alejandro Fernández at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and Carlos Santana at the House of Blues.

In addition to entertainment, Las Vegas has truly redefined the culinary experience by offering world-class restaurants and more Master Sommeliers than any other destination in the world, and the most comprehensive collection of celebrity chefs.  Dining continues to evolve throughout Las Vegas, and unique offerings give visitors a chance to experience supreme Latin cuisine:

• Javier's Authentic Food de Mexico at Aria resort and Casino will open fall 2012, and will bring seafood, chicken and steak influenced by Mexico's regional specialties along with an envious collection of premium tequilas.
• Tacos & Tequila (T&T) inside of Luxor Las Vegas hosts the mariachi brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. with traditional specialties including huevos rancheros, albondigas soup, T&T's signature chilaquiles all served to the sounds of live mariachi music. T&T is home to Executive chef Saul Ortiz, originally from Mexico City.
• Hussong's Cantina at the Shoppes at Mandalay Place will create a special weekend menu to celebrate the holiday featuring caesar crispy chicken tacos with beer pairings from around Mexico.
• Yolös at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino offers traditional Mexican favorites which are fused with a global flair of international cooking from Pacific Rim, South American, and Caribbean cuisine.
• Cabo Wabo Cantina inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino presents hard rockin' dining and live music venue while combining the laid-back beach-town vibe of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip. Blending coastal Mexican and Tex Mex cuisine, the menu offers a tantalizing mix of flavorful foods.
• China Pablano under the direction of renowned chef José Andrés at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas brings Mexico and China together through unique flavors and spices.
• Carlos'n Charlie's at the Flamingo Las Vegas is a laid-back and casual setting that showcases authentic Mexican food while incorporating subtle and genuine humor
• Señor Frog's Las Vegas at Treasure Island features humor and outrageousness with traditional Mexican elements.

Signature nightlife events during the Mexican Independence Day weekend include:

• Surrender Nightclub has lined up internationally renowned electronic dance music DJ's for the holiday weekend beginning on Thursday, Sept. 13, with a "Splash Dance," a night time pool party, with R3hab. On Friday, Sept. 14, Surrender Nightclub presents Tiesto followed by Diplo on Saturday, Sept. 15.
• Crown Nightclub at The Rio hosts Latin Libido Night every Wednesday at 10 p.m. It includes live bands and the perfect opportunity to salsa.
• South Padre at Texas Station hosts La Nueva Live Mix every Thursday featuring La Nueva's Oscar "El Coyote" Ruiz along with DJ Lee and DJ Paco mixing the top Latin hits.
• The Railhead inside of Boulder Station hosts Latin Night every Friday with Noche Nortena featuring El Moreno Carrillo Y Su Banda Tierra Sagrada, delivering the best in regional Mexican music. The music flows, leading up to the show and between sets, with a DJ spinning the best Latin tunes.
• Club Tequila at Fiesta Rancho plays current contemporary Latin music every Friday night with Mundo Vacio followed by music from El Moreno Carrillo Y Su Banda Tierra Sagrada on Saturdays. On Sundays it hosts La Kalle Live Mix with Noche Celestial de los Domingos.

To plan your El Grito! weekend in Las Vegas, go to http://www.visitlasvegas.com/.

Photos from select El Grito! events will be available at www.thenewsmarket.com/LVCVA   

Replacing the old carpet is a major renovation, so fittingly, the LVCVA has chosen red carpet with a more modern look. The LVCVA has invested just over $4 million of capital improvement funds to install approximately 78,000 square yards of carpet to replace the existing carpet, the oldest of which was installed in 1990.

"It's exciting to be able to present our customers with an aesthetic improvement like new carpeting," said Terry Jicinsky, senior vice president of operations for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. "It is extremely important to keep our facility looking its best because it is home to many of the top trade shows in the country, and we welcome millions of visitors to our building every year."  

Utilizing partnerships with Republic Services and Repurpose America, the LVCVA plans to recycle and/or repurpose as much of the old carpet as possible. The heavy-duty carpet was custom designed for the Las Vegas Convention Center by the architectural firm HNTB. The entire project is expected to be complete in early December, just in time for the 2013 convention season.

The LVCVA is also planning to paint the exterior of the convention center. These aesthetic changes are deferred maintenance changes, which were put on hold during the recession. These improvements will help improve the customer experience and integrate into the convention center district improvement plan that is currently being evaluated.

The Las Vegas Convention Center hosts approximately fifty shows and more than 1.2 million visitors each year. Las Vegas was recently named Trade Show News Network's top trade show destination in North America for the eighteenth consecutive year. It hosts 55 out of the top 250 shows, which is more than its next two competitors combined.

• Americans are more connected to memories than mementos: For 82 percent of participants, their happiest life moments came from vacation experiences.
• Sabbaticals are radical for your well-being: Almost six out of 10 (59%) employed Americans believe that losing paid vacation time decreases a person's well-being.

• Las Vegas Meetings Snapshot:
• More than 19,000 meetings annually
• $6.3 billion impact to local economy
• Supports 58,000 jobs

• Visitor satisfaction remains strong; with 92 percent of visitors saying they were "very
  satisfied" with their visit and less than 1 percent reporting being "dissatisfied" with
  their trip.
• Word of mouth advertising for Las Vegas is positioned well with 91 percent of visitors
  saying that they would "definitely or probably will" recommend Las Vegas to others.
• More than half of all visitors used the Internet to plan their trip, increasing from 53
  percent to 55 percent.
• The percentage of visitors who arrived by air grew to 44 percent, up from 41 percent in
  2010 and 42 percent in 2009.
• The average Las Vegas visitor is 49 years old, is more likely to be married (77 percent), a
  college graduate (50 percent), and has a household income above $40,000 (87 percent).

They say the way to the heart is through the stomach. If so, Vegas has you covered. At Rice & Company, a Naughty and Spice roll has been added to the menu. Those looking for a more rocking Valentine's Day will enjoy live entertainment from dueling pianos, as well as barbecue and beer specials on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at Lynyrd Skynyrd BBQ and Beer inside Excalibur. Along the Strip, restaurants are setting the stage for a deliciously romantic night out. Prime Steakhouse, Olives and Le Cirque are rolling out special prix fixe menus. So is Fleur at Mandalay Bay, Sage and JG at Aria, and Diego at MGM Grand. At Wynn, The Country Club is offering an "Aphrodisiac" menu. Botero, La Cave, also at Wynn and Society Café at Encore have romantic tasting dinners for two.

Looking for a groovy kind of love? If so, check out the nightlife venues. Hyde, the new venue inside Bellagio, will have DJ 88 and DJ Savi setting the mood Valentine's night. Ice-T and Coco will be welcoming all lovers to PURE in Caesars Palace on Feb. 11. Also on the 11th, Surrender inside Encore will have Dada Life in the house and on Feb. 13, XS nightclub at Wynn will feature the artist Diplo.

To plan your St. Valentine's Day escape, visit www.VisitLasVegas.com.

With showgirls in tow, below are a few pictures of LVCVA Host Committee Chair Oscar Goodman on site: