Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts International, honored with Nevada Division of Tourism’s Inaugural Battle Born Legacy Award
LAS VEGAS, NV – The Nevada Division of Tourism will honor Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts International CEO and President as its first-ever recipient of the Battle Born Legacy award at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism: Hospitality the Nevada Way on Oct. 30 at the Rio Hotel & Casino. The award honors a leader in the hospitality industry.
“It’s an absolute honor to recognize Bill in this way,” said Rafael Villanueva, CEO, Travel Nevada. “Travel Nevada’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all Nevadans, and Bill’s leadership and vision falls right in line with what we work to accomplish every day for the state of Nevada.”
Hornbuckle started his career in Las Vegas as a room service attendant and busboy at the Jockey Club and grew his skills through a range of roles across the city. He has served in leadership positions at Caesars Palace, Golden Nugget, Treasure Island, and The Mirage. He’s been with MGM Resorts for more than two decades, holding several senior leadership positions, including leading the company’s domestic and international expansion efforts. As CEO, he oversees all aspects of MGM Resorts’ strategy, operations, and hospitality and gaming development projects.
In addition to his storied career with MGM Resorts International, Hornbuckle has been a steadfast supporter of Nevada’s tourism industry. Throughout his career, he has held numerous leadership roles aimed at bolstering tourism and economic growth across the state. He served as president of the Laughlin Chamber of Commerce, chaired the Nevada Hotel/Motel Association, was a member of the Nevada Governor’s Council on Tourism and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) Board of Directors.
His efforts extended to expanding Las Vegas’ entertainment landscape, where he played a key role in bringing professional sports to the city. As a board member of T-Mobile Arena, Hornbuckle helped secure Las Vegas’ first professional sports team—the Vegas Golden Knights—and was instrumental in attracting both the Raiders and the Aces to the city, further cementing Las Vegas’ position as a premier destination.
As Chair of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, Hornbuckle lends his expertise by advising the Secretary of Commerce on policies and programs that impact the industry, while also offering guidance on current and emerging issues to help shape its future.
Hornbuckle will be honored on Oct. 30 at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, the Nevada Division of Tourism’s (Travel Nevada) premier event for travel professionals to connect and learn the latest resources and insights in one place. More information regarding purchasing a table or tickets to the dinner can be found at https://nvgovcon.com.
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Travel Nevada (the Nevada Division of Tourism) is part of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. It is responsible for promoting and marketing Nevada as a travel destination. Operating within a performance-based budget structure, Travel Nevada is funded solely by a percentage of lodging tax paid by overnight guests throughout the state. For more, visit TravelNevada.biz.
