AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 14, 2026
R&R Partners and MMGY Global Announce Major Merger
Las Vegas-based marketing and public relations firm R&R Partners, known worldwide for its iconic "What happens here, stays here" campaign, is merging with Kansas City-based MMGY Global. The combination creates a new global presence for both agencies, with representatives stating that the merger will enhance advocacy for Las Vegas and Nevada, especially amid a decline in international travel.
Details of the Merger
The merger agreement between R&R Partners and MMGY Global closed on September 30, with financial terms undisclosed. Despite combining under the parent company MMGY Global, both agencies will maintain their existing corporate identities, offices, and staff. R&R Partners, with a legacy spanning over five decades, has offices in Las Vegas, Reno, Salt Lake City, Washington, D.C., and Mexico City. MMGY Global brings its own extensive network and international resources to the partnership.
Vision Behind the Combination
R&R Partners CEO Michon Martin described the merger as an opportunity to diversify and build upon the unique strengths of both organizations. "R&R is an advertising agency with all the pieces that come with an advertising agency. But on top of that, what makes us special, unique, maybe a little bit weird, is we have government affairs, community affairs, [and] public affairs," Martin said. The agencies will combine their expertise in advertising, government affairs, public relations, and tourism promotion.
Key Clients and Industry Impact
R&R Partners has long-standing relationships with major clients, including the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), Brand USA, Allegiant Airlines, and Discover Puerto Rico. While not currently representing any Las Vegas Strip, Reno, or Downtown resorts for advertising or public relations, R&R has been pivotal in marketing campaigns supporting las vegas tourism and economic development. The agency has also been instrumental in bringing major events and sports teams, such as Formula One, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Athletics, to the city.
Expanded Global Presence Amid Tourism Challenges
The merger comes at a time when international travel to Las Vegas has declined — visitor numbers from abroad have been down by more than 7 percent through August, according to recent figures from Harry Reid International Airport. Martin said the expanded network will strengthen efforts to promote travel and protect Nevada's tourism industry, which relies heavily on room taxes to fund essential services like education and infrastructure.
Former R&R CEO Billy Vassiliadis, who remains chairman, commented on leveraging MMGY's worldwide network: "As Vegas has continued to evolve as a global destination, we don't have to now try to figure out who knows something about northeastern Europe. There's an office there. There's an office in Paris. So having on-the-ground intel, real-time intel, resources in those places will greatly benefit our clients."
Legislative Lobbying and Community Initiatives
R&R's government affairs division remains a crucial part of the agency, advocating for clients in the Nevada Legislature and beyond. The firm has led campaigns for projects like Allegiant Stadium, the Las Vegas Grand Prix, and bringing the A's baseball team to Nevada. R&R also participates in community efforts, such as working pro bono for Catholic Charities' Meals on Wheels, Vegas PBS, and supporting major homeless resource initiatives. Agency partner Pete Ernaut assured that the merger would expand R&R's capacities while retaining its Nevada roots: "The faces that you know won't change. If anything, the team gets bigger, but the folks you know will still be there."
Looking Ahead for Las Vegas Marketing and Tourism Promotion
With Martin at the helm and an expanded toolkit through MMGY Global, R&R Partners is poised to provide broader global advocacy for Nevada's travel industry. The agency's focus remains supporting economic development in the region and promoting Las Vegas as a premier international destination, even as the landscape for international travel and tourism promotion shifts.
Source: thenevadaindependent.com.
