Steve Hill Replaces Rossi Ralenkotter as CEO of Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority

August 14, 2018

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors selected Steve Hill as the next Chief Executive Officer, effective Sept. 1.

Hill will be the ninth leader of the LVCVA, succeeding the retiring CEO, Rossi Ralenkotter.

“I am honored the Board of Directors selected me as CEO of the LVCVA,” Hill said. “The Authority is an integral part of the Southern Nevada economy.”

He added, “I look forward to working with our tremendous team and our mission partners to innovate, improve access to and around the destination and drive growth to keep Las Vegas the number one choice for business and leisure travelers alike.”

A Las Vegas resident for more than 30 years, Hill founded Silver State Materials in 1987 and supplied concrete and aggregates for many projects in the community.

After selling Silver State, Hill was appointed by Governor Brian Sandoval to serve as the first Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) in 2011, where he guided the development of “Moving Nevada Forward’” the plan for diversifying Nevada’s economy.

During his tenure, Hill helped create numerous programs, including Workforce Innovations for the New Nevada, the Battle Born Venture Fund, and the Knowledge Fund, which will leave a lasting impression on higher education, workforce development, and business incubation.

“As an entrepreneur, Steve Hill helped build many resorts on the Strip and as the inaugural leader of my Office of Economic Development he helped make Nevada an attractive place to build businesses, bringing some of the world’s most innovative companies to the Silver State,” said Gov. Brian Sandoval.

He added, “I know Steve will be equally successful at the LVCVA; he is the right person, at the right time to lead the organization.”

His work with GOED played an integral role in bringing business such as Tesla, Apple, Solar City, Barclaycard, Amazon, and Hyperloop One to Nevada.

Gov. Sandoval went on to appoint Hill as the Chairman of the Southern Nevada Tourism Infrastructure Committee (SNTIC), which was charged with reviewing and recommending major economic development projects to the Governor and Legislature for approval.

The SNTIC reviewed several proposals and recommended approval for both the Las Vegas Convention Center District expansion and renovation project as well as the Raiders Stadium.

Hill also was chosen as the Chair of the Las Vegas Stadium Authority which provides oversight of the construction and operation of the stadium.

He also is a member of the Southern Nevada Sporting Event Committee which will recommend a process in which to attract major new events to the destination

“Steve understands this market, literally from the ground up, and brings operational prowess that will ensure our $1.4 billion expansion will be transformational in the meetings and convention business,” Lawrence Weekly said.

He added, “We know he will continue to transform the LVCVA to ensure we remain the top convention center and destination marketing organization.”

Hill takes over the LVCVA at an exciting time for the organization as it is about to get under way on the largest infrastructure project in its history, the expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The project will add 1.4 million square feet of new space, with at least 600,000 square feet of usable exhibit space. The project will allow the destination to attract more business and allow existing clients to continue to grow their conventions.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact