LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The man who helped create the iconic Las Vegas ad campaign, “What Happens Here, Stays Here” has passed away after a 16-year battle with cancer.

Rossi Ralenkotter marketed and promoted Las Vegas throughout his 45-year career at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. He also served as president and CEO when Las Vegas reached a record 42.9 million visitors in 2016.

He was part of the original group of community leaders that helped convince the National Finals Rodeo to move to Las Vegas in 1985, and persuaded the International CES trade show and other major conventions to hold their events in Las Vegas.

“Rossi Ralenkotter is a giant of the meetings and conventions world,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of the Consumer Technology Association , which owns

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