LVCVA appoints Janis Burke to chief sports officer role

(AsiaGameHub) –   The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has revealed that Burke will oversee the strategic direction and rollout of all sports and special event programs.

US.- The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has confirmed that Janis Burke has been appointed to the role of chief sports officer. She rounds out the LVCVA’s sports and events leadership team, joining Will Hunter, vice president of events, and Jennifer Hawkins, vice president of sports business development.

Burke has contributed to events ranging from Copa America, the NCAA Men’s Final Four, the Super Bowl and the College Football Playoff to the US Women’s Open. Most recently, she held the position of chief of international sports and strategy for the Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA) based in Cincinnati, Ohio. She will continue supporting the association’s work on a volunteer basis in her role as chair of international sports and strategy.

Burke previously served as CEO of the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority. She also worked as president and CEO of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, and held senior leadership positions at Visit San Antonio, Visit Detroit, and the Hilton Corporation.

The LVCVA noted that in her capacity 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, commented: “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 visitor numbers drop in January

The LVCVA recently reported that 3.27 million travelers visited Las Vegas in January, marking a 2.2 per cent year-over-year decrease.

Overall hotel occupancy stood at 79.5 per cent, down 2.4 percentage points, while the average daily rate (ADR) reached $200, a 6.7 per cent year-over-year rise. Weekend occupancy hit 81.3 per cent, 2.5 points lower than January 2025 levels, while midweek occupancy came in at 77.5 per cent, falling 2.6 points. Las Vegas Strip occupancy was 82.9 per cent, down 2.1 points.

Convention attendance climbed 6.9 per cent year-over-year, boosted by recurring shows including CES, World of Concrete and the SHOT show, along with rotating events such as the Int’l Roofing Expo.