Some of my friends go to Vegas just to watch the shows. Nothing else. The golf courses are amazing, too.
I've used Vegas as a jump-off point to visit LA, Palm Springs, the Hoover Dam, and Lake Mead (fishing for stripers). Not sure if it's doable these days, but I did a once-in-a-lifetime skydive there (buddy system). And the first and only time I ever drove a Formula One go-cart was in Vegas.
Now with the family orientation, there's lots to see for free. Or you can time your trip to visit one of a bazillion events there (National Rodeo Championship, various electronics shows, blah, blah, blah). The food used to be amazing and cheap, too. I can't forget the blocks long line-ups to get the $6.95 (or less) steak and lobster tail dinner at the old Sahara.
I've seen shows about the roller coaster and drop-type ride at the top of the new tower in Vegas. I'd crap my pants if I went on it.
And I could never forget the first time I was there on my way to Palm Springs, how I passed this old woman in a black Lincoln on the side of the road. Just pulled over. No hazards. Taking a break I thought. Half an hour later the radio said they found her dead from heat stroke. Car conked out, but she left the A/C running. When the A/C conked out, that was it. Or another time coming back from LA at night, minutes after crossing over the mountains, I see the sky light up orange behind me. Radio said a tanker hit a car and exploded.
But I also gamble a lot there. To my chagrin.
Something about watching a kid and his girlfriend betting $10,000 cash on one hand of blackjack (after losing all the other bets) makes my blood boil.
Lots of memories, and none of it to do with the trade.
One last thing, don't go there without a hotel reservation if there's a big name fight going on. You will be amazed at how nice is one of the two remaining rooms in Mesquite. LOL.