Rossi Ralenkotter, who spent 45 years working for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority, passed away today after a 16-year battle with cancer, according to the Nevada Independent. He was 78 years old.
Ralenkotter began his career with the LVCVA in 1973 as a research analyst. His rise through ranks included serving as executive vice president and senior vice president of marketing before becoming the president and CEO in 2004. He led the organization for 14 years before retiring.
The iconic Las Vegas advertising campaign "What Happens Here, Stays Here" was launched in 2003 under his leadership. Ralenkotter is also credited with transforming Las Vegas into one of the nation's top meetings destinations.
According to the Las Vegas Sun, he persuaded major events such as CES to relocate their conventions to the city. In 2010, he outlined his vision for expanding the Las Vegas Convention Center, which currently is in the works. Ralenkotter was inducted into the U.S Travel Association's Hall of Leaders in 2014.
He retired in 2018 when an investigation was underway into the misuse of Southwest Airlines gift cards.
/Discover-Quiz-Kansas-City-Mo..jpg?tr=w-360%2Ch-240%2Cfo-auto "Discover Quiz: Kansas City, Mo.")
