The Las Vegas Convention Center has finished a major renovation, adding new technology and easier access as the city prepares for the Hard Rock Las Vegas opening in 2027 and continues to draw large-scale meetings and trade shows.
The Las Vegas Convention Center has wrapped up a significant renovation, adding new technology and infrastructure aimed at making events run more smoothly for visitors. Among the most noticeable changes is a new station for the Vegas Loop transportation system, which now makes it easier for attendees to get around the large venue. The Vegas Loop started as a 1.7-mile tunnel with three stations in 2021 and has since grown to 14 stations, connecting the convention center to resorts on and near the Strip, according to a CNBC report.
Rebecca DeLuca, Vice President of Destination Sales for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, has helped shape how the city attracts and serves major events. Her path from Cleveland, Ohio, to Las Vegas highlights the value of industry connections and experience. Early in her career, DeLuca planned a 4,000-person trade show, which sparked her interest in large-scale events. She has since become a key figure in the city’s convention business.
What’s new at the convention center
The latest renovation brings better accessibility and updated technology to one of the world’s busiest event venues. The new Vegas Loop station stands out, letting attendees move quickly between different parts of the convention center and the Strip. DeLuca says these changes are meant to save time and steps for visitors, keeping the convention experience efficient for both organizers and guests.
Since opening, the Vegas Loop has carried more than 4 million passengers and is currently The Boring Company’s only public passenger transit system. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that the system now has 14 stations, with expansion along Paradise Road set to open soon. New stops are expected at 4744 Paradise Road, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, and the former Gordon Biersch site. LVCVA president and CEO Steve Hill said the first tunnel on Paradise Road should open within weeks, with hopes for completion by the end of the month or in October. The expansion is also expected to eventually reach Harry Reid International Airport, though there is no set completion date. In August 2026, Clark County approved 19 more stations, bringing the planned network to 123 stations and 68 miles of tunnels at full build-out, as detailed in a Las Vegas Review-Journal update.
These upgrades are part of Las Vegas’s ongoing investment in infrastructure to support its role as a global leader in meetings and events. The convention center’s improvements are expected to draw even more major trade shows and conferences, helping the city stay competitive.
Upcoming developments on the Strip
The Hard Rock Las Vegas is set to open in 2027, bringing a new luxury hotel to the Strip. DeLuca points to this project as another sign of how Las Vegas is adapting to the needs of event organizers and visitors. The new hotel is expected to offer large, visually striking spaces, adding to the city’s capacity for big gatherings.
The city’s transformation goes beyond the convention center and new resorts. Las Vegas’s hospitality sector continues to change, with recent restaurant closures and openings shifting the local dining and entertainment scene. For example, as reported earlier, Smoke and Fire BBQ recently closed after six years, showing how the city’s offerings are always evolving.
Leadership and industry impact
DeLuca’s influence extends beyond her work at the LVCVA. Her involvement with Meeting Professionals International has given her a platform to develop and test leadership skills, which she brings back to her role in Las Vegas’s convention strategy. As a member of the MPI Board of Directors, she continues to help shape the industry’s direction.
For event organizers and attendees, these changes mean more options, better logistics, and a city that continues to invest in new ideas. With upgraded facilities, expanded transportation, and new resorts on the way, Las Vegas is positioned to keep its lead in the convention and meetings sector. The city’s ongoing investment in infrastructure and talent helps ensure it remains a top choice for major events, and DeLuca’s career shows the opportunities available for those ready to take them.
