Las Vegas Delays Activating New Slogan After the Death of Kobe Bryant, His Daughter and Others

New ad ran as scheduled during Grammys

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January 27, 2020
A black and white close-up of Kobe Bryant's jersey
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is holding off on rolling out more of the new campaign.
LVCVA via Twitter
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January 27, 2020

Last week, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) revealed it was switching up its iconic slogan, “What happens here, stays here.” While R&R Partners’ principal and CEO Billy Vassiliadis wouldn’t tip the slogan, the smart money was on “What happens here, only happens here.”

On last night’s Grammy Awards, that exact slogan came to light. However, in light of the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash, the LVCVA has opted to delay any activations around the new slogan and campaign.

“We were prepared to launch the newest advertising campaign for Las Vegas during the Grammys telecast on Sunday, Jan. 26,” Steve Hill, CEO and president of the LVCVA said in a statement. “In light of today’s tragic accident that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and others on board, we are postponing any activity planned on the Las Vegas Strip until a future date. The hearts of everyone in Las Vegas are with the families and friends of those lost, with all of Los Angeles and with his fans around the world.”

Since the new ad was already placed in rotation, the LVCVA was unable to withdraw it. But, the LVCVA honored the victims of the helicopter crash on the strip and on its website.

The new spot includes Shania Twain, Christina Aguilera, UFC star Francis Ngannou. At the end of the ad, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler gets the crowd into the act with the new slogan (which was tipped off last November).

The old slogan was in use since 2003.

Doug Zanger

Doug Zanger

Doug Zanger is a senior editor, agencies at Adweek, focusing on creativity and agencies.

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