43rd annual Las Vegas Perspective highlights sustainability opportunities within the sports industry

LAS VEGAS — Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), in partnership with its Perspective Council sponsors, hosted the region’s largest economic development event, the 43^rd annual Las Vegas Perspective, today at The M Resort. With more than 850 registered participants, today’s event is the most attended in-person event in the organization’s history.

This year’s program highlighted the Greater Vegas region’s journey to becoming a global leader in conservation, and the innovative sustainability initiatives the region is leading. LVGEA President & CEO Tina Quigley set the stage for the event, noting it’s time the community views itself through a new perspective.

“Economic development is a competitive sport, especially within the Southwest,” said Quigley. “And much like a sports team, it’s important that we not only believe in ourselves, but share winning data showcasing how desirable the Greater Vegas region is for business and industry.”

Data released today includes the fact Nevada leads the nation in employment growth at 4.1%, there is $32.3B in development projects current underway in Greater Vegas, and 135 new residents move to Southern Nevada every day.

During the annual program, Pilar Harris, senior director of CSR and government relations for Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc., gave insight on the sustainability measures the organization is on the leading-edge of in making the F1® race in Las Vegas a sustainable event. From mechanical cooling towers, upcycled concrete during paddock construction, testing new generator technologies, implementation of a sustainable fuel program, and working with local organizations to reduce food waste, F1 is exploring all measures in which to mitigate environmental impacts as it moves into the Greater Vegas market for the coming years.

“When we think about sustainability, for us it’s about resilience,” Harris said. “The question is not just how do we create an incredible live event, but how do we build a business that can last as our world and climate continue to change? I like to describe F1 as a space program on wheels. We spend a lot of time, energy, and capital investing in the kinds of innovative technology that ultimately make their way into our everyday lives.”

Tim Leiweke, chairman & CEO of Oak View Group took the stage next for a fireside chat with Quigley revealing new details on the proposed multi-billion dollar, privately funded resort and arena project on South Las Vegas Boulevard, disclosing plans to start work as soon as 2024. Leiweke pointed to the company’s development of Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, the world’s first certified zero carbon arena, as proof the company will apply technological innovation to build the world-class venue with advanced sustainability practices in Greater Vegas.

“Sustainability is critical to us,” Leiweke said. “In Seattle, we decided to build the first carbon neutral arena ever built. We also created a new program called GOAL, that is essentially an operational version of LEED. Hundreds of live entertainment venues are all being judged on an annual basis. What did we do to operate our stadiums, arenas, and theaters sustainably this year, how was it better than last year, and here are our grades to prove we’re committed to the planet, we are committed to sustainability, and we are committed to our grandkids.”

Jeremy Aguero, principal analyst with Applied Analysis, closed Nevada’s largest economic forum event with an energetic economic analysis and forecast for the region. Not only did Aguero provide data relating to the region’s population growth, labor market, real estate, and tourism sectors, he noted the region continues to show positive change in diversification, an indicator of a more resilient economy. He also agreed with Quigley on shifting our region’s perspective.

“People view our prosperity as an accident, or circumstance,” Aguero said. “They think somehow all the good things that are happening here aren’t because of all the choices we’ve made. Our sustainability is defined not only in terms of the environment, but also in terms our economy and quality of life. Sustainability matters on a great number of levels, and I can assure you, our prosperity in this community is not somehow by accident.”

Las Vegas Perspective is the region’s go-to source for community and economic development information, analysis, and forecasting. The event and accompanying data book have become a valuable resource for a diverse group of companies and organizations, both large and small in the region.

Learn more about the event and view the speakers’ presentation slides at vegasperspective.com. A link to a recording of the event can be found here. For media interested in receiving a copy of the Perspective data book, please reach out to carolynk@lvgea.org.