LVCVA names Janis Burke as chief sports officer
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has announced that Burke will lead the strategic direction and execution of all sports and special events initiatives.
US.- The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has announced that Janis Burke has been named chief sports officer. She completes the LVCVA’s sports and events leadership team alongside Will Hunter, vice president of events, and Jennifer Hawkins, vice president of sports business development.
Burke has worked on events including Copa America, the NCAA Men’s Final Four, the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff, and the US Women’s Open. Most recently, she served as chief of international sports and strategy for the Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA) in Cincinnati, Ohio. She will continue supporting the association’s efforts as a volunteer as chair of international sports and strategy.
Burke served as CEO of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority. She also worked as president and CEO of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg and held leadership roles with Visit San Antonio, Visit Detroit, and the Hilton Corporation.
LVCVA stated that as chief sports officer, “she will oversee efforts to attract and secure high-profile professional, collegiate, youth, and amateur sporting events that drive significant economic impact across Southern Nevada.”
Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA, said: “Janis brings an extraordinary track record of leadership and achievement in sports tourism. Her expertise and vision will strengthen our ability to attract and deliver world-class events, reinforcing Las Vegas’ standing as the premier destination for the biggest moments in sports and entertainment.”
Las Vegas visits decline in January
The LVCVA recently reported that 3.27 million people visited Las Vegas in January. That’s a decline of 2.2 per cent year-over-year.
Hotel occupancy was 79.5 per cent, down 2.4 points, and the average daily rate (ADR) was $200, an increase of 6.7 per cent year-over-year. Weekend occupancy was 81.3 per cent, down 2.5 points compared to January 2025, while midweek occupancy was 77.5 per cent, down 2.6 points. Strip occupancy was 82.9 per cent, down 2.1 points.
Convention attendance increased 6.9 per cent year-over-year, aided by recurring shows including CES, World of Concrete and the SHOT show, along with in-rotation shows such as the Int’l Roofing Expo.
