\n Posted on: January 5, 2026, 08:34h.\u00a0\n <\/p>\n
\n Last updated on: January 5, 2026, 08:34h.\n <\/p>\n
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<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nThe Las Vegas Convention Center\u2019s Central Hall reopened Monday, Jan. 5, after a sweeping $600 million, eight\u2011year renovation. Leaders from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and CES (formerly the Consumer Electronics Show) cut the ceremonial ribbon one day before the opening of CES 2026, Las Vegas\u2019 largest annual convention.<\/p>\n The project modernizes the convention center\u2019s three oldest halls (Central, North and South) so they match the look, feel and amenities of the $1 billion West Hall, which debuted in 2021.<\/p>\n The centerpieces of the renovation are a glass curtain wall that floods the Central Hall\u2019s lobby with natural light, three giant video screens, and a new climate\u2011controlled interior concourse. Linking the North and South halls for the first time, this enables navigating the entire convention center without ever stepping outdoors.<\/p>\n Additional upgrades include a redesigned South Hall entrance on the east side, improved signage and wayfinding, expanded food and beverage options, energy\u2011efficient lighting, water\u2011saving systems, and new administrative offices and boardroom facilities.<\/p>\n \u201cThis milestone signals the next leap for trade shows in Las Vegas, delivering a world-class convention center experience that reflects the scale and ambition of our city,\u201d Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA, said during the ceremony. \u201cIt\u2019s fitting to share this moment with CES, the world\u2019s most influential technology show and our long-standing partner.\u201d<\/p>\n The renovation was first conceived roughly two decades ago but stalled during the Great Recession. Work restarted in 2023 and continued with the Central Hall largely open, closing only for the final two months before completion.<\/p>\n CES 2026 will be the first convention to avail itself of the convention center\u2019s full 2.5 million square feet of indoor exhibit space \u2014 a figure beaten in the US only by Chicago\u2019s McCormick Place at 2.67 million square feet.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Beyond the Convention Center, CES \u2014 first held in Las Vegas in 1978 \u2014 will again spill into 13 additional Las Vegas venues, continuing its citywide footprint. Running Tuesday, Jan. 6 through Friday, Jan. 9, the convention expects attendance similar to last year\u2019s approximately 142,000 visitors, more than 40% of whom travel from outside the US.<\/p>\n According to the LVCVA, airlines added more than 360 flights, including service from nine countries, to accommodate the influx at Harry Reid International Airport.<\/p>\n The 8% tourism decline Las Vegas suffered in 2025 didn\u2019t hit conventions nearly as hard: total convention attendance finished the year at around 5.9 million, only about 1% below 2024 levels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/lvcva-858x572.jpg\")
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What\u2019s New is Old<\/h2>\n
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