Las Vegas Events President Tim Keener Celebrates 25th Year with the Organization
LAS VEGAS
Today marks Tim Keener’s 25th anniversary with Las Vegas Events, where he continues to lead the organization’s operations and strengthen its role in managing world-class sporting and special events in Las Vegas and Clark County.
With nearly four decades of experience in sports and event management, Keener has built a career overseeing the planning, operations and execution of nationally and internationally recognized events. For the last 25 years, Keener has been dedicated to carrying out LVE’s mission to support and sustain special events that drive visitation and position Las Vegas as a premier event destination.
During his career at LVE, Keener has directed the operational planning and execution of many of Southern Nevada's signature events. His leadership has included oversight of event operations, ticketing, sponsor fulfillment, logistics and game-day execution for marquee events such as the National Finals Rodeo (NFR), Cowboy Christmas, FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals, SCORE Off-Road Racing, USA Men's Basketball Training Camp and Exhibition and multiple NCAA and Olympic Championship events, including the 2008 U.S. Olympic Wrestling and Judo Team Trials, 2026 NCAA Men’s Frozen Four and the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Championship.
In addition, Keener has overseen the coordination of Las Vegas' annual America's Party fireworks celebration, working closely with participating resorts, public safety agencies, and pyrotechnic partners to deliver one of the country's premier New Year's Eve celebrations.
Keener assumed the mantle of the LVE presidency on Jan. 1, 2023, after the retirement of long-time sports leader and executive Pat Christenson.
“In an era where longevity and commitment to one organization are rare, Tim has grown into one of the cornerstones of Las Vegas Events,” said LVE Chairman and Owner/CEO of Circa Las Vegas Resort & Casino, The D Las Vegas Hotel and Golden Gate Hotel & Casino Derek Stevens. “Since assuming the presidency, Tim has focused on strengthening LVE's partnerships, enhancing event operations and supporting the organization’s mission. Tim continues to be a tremendous asset to Las Vegas Events and our city as we continue to evolve as a sports and entertainment destination.”
Keener’s leadership of the NFR has been especially significant. Tim has worked closely with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, the Thomas & Mack Center, and numerous community partners to coordinate front-of-house operations, transportation, venue branding, interactive fan experiences, Cowboy Christmas, Cowboy Corral, Cowboy+ Bar and comprehensive ticketing operations, helping deliver one of the most successful annual sporting events in Las Vegas.
While Keener has spent the majority of his career in Las Vegas, he began his career in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1988, working with Raycom Sports, GNI Sports and ESPN Regional Television. During his 20 years in collegiate sports management, he managed operations and budgets for numerous football, basketball, and golf events while developing extensive expertise in television production and event management. While overseeing the Las Vegas Showdown collegiate basketball tournament for ESPN Regional Television, he established relationships with UNLV, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Christenson—connections that ultimately led him to Las Vegas Events.
