Daniel J. Rush

Daniel J. Rush
Vice President of Global Sports and Events Sales
MGM Resorts International

A 23-year veteran of hospitality and tourism, Rush is a 1993 graduate of California State University, Northridge (bachelor's in communications) and a 1994 graduate of the Harrah's Hotel College at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (bachelor's in hotel management). Rush started his career as a tour and travel sales manager at The Rivera in 1995. From there, he moved to Excalibur Resort & Casino. In 1998, Rush was recruited by MGM Grand to be the director of leisure sales, beginning his now nearly 21-year career with MGM Resorts. In 2013, Rush was asked to build and develop a sports tourism market for all MGM Resorts properties.

Over the past five years, the MGM Resorts sports tourism market has developed into a major player in this space. Relationships with NACDA, AAU, NBA, NHL, MLB, and now the NFL have helped lead the charge. In 2014, Rush was on the early booking team to bring eSports to MGM Resorts. He has also held various positions within ASAE, MPI and PCMA. He is now active with the National Association of Sports Commissions, TEAMS and Connect Sports. Rush resides in Las Vegas with his wife of 15 years Stefanie and his two kids, Rena and Benjamin.