President
Tim Keener has extensive experience in the development, operations and management of special events.
Tim graduated from West Virginia University with both an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in Sports Administration.
In 1988, Tim began his career in sports management in Charlotte, where he spent the next 12 years working at several companies, including Raycom Sports, GNI Sport and ESPN Regional Television. While at Raycom Sports and GNI Sports, Tim served in a variety of roles overseeing the operation and execution of numerous collegiate football and basketball events.
In 1994, Tim moved across town to ESPN Regional Television where he worked for nearly eight years in the event management and operations of various special events, including collegiate basketball, football, and golf events. Tim was also involved in the budget oversight of events for collegiate basketball and football events. During Tim’s time at ERT, he developed extensive experience in television production of special events.
While at ESPN, one of the events Tim was responsible for was the Las Vegas Showdown, a collegiate basketball event which included UNLV as the anchor team.
During this time, Tim developed a relationship with Pat Christenson and UNLV as well as the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor Authority. This relationship led to Tim being hired by Pat Christenson at Las Vegas Events.
Over the last 20 years, Tim has been responsible for the administration and operation of all company-related events pertaining to operational planning, event ticketing, sponsor fulfillment and sales and game day execution.
Tim has been involved in the planning and execution of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals, SCORE Off-Road Racing, USA Men’s Basketball Training Camp and Exhibition, NCAA Championship events including the 2008 USA Olympic Wrestling and Judo Trials and the Pac-12 Men’s Basketball Championship, among others.
For 20 years, Tim has been responsible for coordinating all aspects of the America's Party Fireworks Show, working with the pyrotechnic company, participating hotels and the local fire and police municipalities.
Tim has served as the Event Director for six FEI World Cup Finals which normally would take place every 3-5 years. This role required Tim to be involved in the development and implementation of marketing and sponsorship programs to promote ticket sales and sponsorships and oversight of the event operations for this world-class equestrian event.
Tim oversees the NCAA Championship bid process which takes place every four years and will manage the 2026 NCAA Frozen Four Hockey Finals that was awarded to LVE.
For ten years, Tim’s department managed the The Cowboy Christmas Gift Show.
Tim’s role with the NFR has allowed him to work closely with the General Manager — Production and the Thomas & Mack senior staff on many aspects of the production and operation of the event. Tim coordinates the front of house setup, shuttle bus operations, outside interactive plaza, installation of on-site branding, Cowboy Corral and Ace’s High Saloon & Exhibit. Tim’s department oversees all aspects of the event ticketing for the NFR. He also works closely with the PRCA on many aspects of the planning and execution of the NFR.
On January 1, 2023, Tim assumed the role of President of Las Vegas Events. Tim will continue to lead LVE’s operation and position the prominent role that Las Vegas Events plays in the growth of special events in Las Vegas and Clark County in the years to come.