Rossi Ralenkotter, the longtime tourism executive who helped define Las Vegas’ image through the “What Happens Here, Stays Here” campaign, has passed away at 78 after a 16-year battle with cancer.
Ralenkotter spent 45 years with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), including more than 14 years as president and CEO. During his tenure, Las Vegas achieved record visitation of 42.9 million in 2016 and solidified its position as the leading destination for meetings, conventions, and entertainment.
He played a central role in shaping Las Vegas’ modern tourism identity, helping attract such major events as the National Finals Rodeo in 1985 and the International CES trade show, which became cornerstones of the city’s economy. Under Ralenkotter’s leadership, Las Vegas maintained its status as North America’s No. 1 trade show destination for more than 25 years—a streak that continues today.
“Rossi Ralenkotter is a giant of the meetings and conventions world,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association. “Rossi transformed Las Vegas as the world’s leading travel and convention destination. He raised the convention industry and made Las Vegas the global focal point for both entertainment and exhibitions. He not only catalyzed Las Vegas and CES success, he made the world better.”
Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley called Ralenkotter “a Las Vegas original” who envisioned expanding the city’s convention center when few believed it possible. “He contributed greatly to the growth of the meeting and convention business—and had the vision to expand the convention center—at a time when people thought it would never work in Las Vegas. I am honored to have known him and am grateful for his service to our community,” she said.
Ralenkotter’s influence extended beyond Nevada. As chair of the U.S. Travel Association, he advanced national tourism policies and helped establish the “Connecting America Through Travel” initiative. He was inducted into the U.S. Travel Hall of Leaders in 2014, joining such industry figures as Walt Disney and J.W. Marriott, Jr.
“Rossi Ralenkotter changed the game,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. “His audacious, data-driven marketing campaigns raised the bar for destinations around the globe.”
Beyond tourism, Ralenkotter founded the Las Vegas Bowl and supported the development of local ballparks for the city’s minor league baseball teams.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, five children, and 10 grandchildren.
