Terry Jicinsky, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Las Vegas Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (left) with , Rossi Ralenkotter, President/CEO, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Ralenkotte was awarded the Legacy Award from the Last Vegas Hospitaltiy Association for spearheading the destination’s remarkable growth over the course of more than three decades.

Just one week after marking 35 years of service with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Rossi Ralenkotter, President/CEO, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority was honored for his work promoting the destination by becoming the first recipient of the new Legacy Award from the Las Vegas Hospitality Association. "Rossi’s dedication and contributions to Las Vegas have set a high professional standard for our hospitality industry," said Linda Ness, president of the Las Vegas Hospitality Association. "We are very proud to honor Rossi with the inaugural Legacy Award, because he epitomizes the true spirit in which the award was established."

During his 35-year tenure, Ralenkotter has seen more than 775 million visitors contribute nearly $570 billion to the local economy. He is responsible for starting the research function at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, which is a core element of all marketing and advertising activities. He also helped transition the organization from a sales focus to a branding focus, introducing the most successful destination brand in history with the "What Happens Here Stays Here" campaign. During his tenure, Las Vegas has grown to be the No. 1 trade show destination for 13 consecutive years.

By The Numbers—The Ralenkotter Legacy: