Speaking with EDM Maniac, Koco Nikki shares her journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, where she has forged a path as a leader in the nightlife and hospitality industries. A double alumna of UNLV, Nikki’s career spans roles with TAO Group, Virgin Hotel, and large-scale Insomniac festivals. As co-founder of Elation Events, she helped shape the underground electronic music scene while prioritizing safety and inclusivity.
Today, as a Lecturer at UNLV and a key figure at Zouk Group, Nikki is not only advancing her own career but actively mentoring the next generation of people in the industry, pushing for a more inclusive, collaborative, and empowering future for all in nightlife and hospitality.
Maniac Magazine: Give us a rundown of your personal background, your career, and the key moments along the way.
Nikki: I’m originally from Los Angeles. I moved to Vegas a little over a decade ago, initially to escape the high cost of living and heavy traffic. But it seems like they both followed me here! I am a double alumna of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Hospitality Management and Administration.
Music and hospitality have always played a significant role in my life, as they create meaningful relationships and experiences. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work across various areas in the nightlife and entertainment industry. I worked for TAO Group in VIP promotions and marketing, and later joined the team at Virgin Hotel, working artist relations for a beach club. I am also fortunate to have and still work large-scale Insomniac festivals, such as Dreamstate and EDC.
One of my achievements is that in 2018-2019, I co-founded and co-owned Elation Events, a start-up live music events company. We created, marketed, and produced multiple live music events, starting with trance, then added Hardstyle and Techno/House to the mix. Our events averaged between 400 and 600 people per show the first year, and we produced close to 20 shows. I also created a partnership with Insomniac Events to bring “Dreamstate” branded shows to off-strip locations, resulting in a thriving underground live music culture.
Currently, as my big-girl job, I serve as a Lecturer in the Food and Beverage and Events department within the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at UNLV. During the weekends, I continue my passion and involvement in hospitality and guest experience with Zouk Group in Resorts World Las Vegas, managing VIP hospitality and curating memorable experiences for my guests.
Maniac Magazine: Your career in the nightlife industry is inspiring. What were some of the most significant turning points that helped you break through?
Nikki: Working in the nightlife and entertainment industry has definitely been an exciting journey. With each passing year, I find myself reflecting on the challenges I faced and the growth that has followed. Of course, there have been challenges, but each one pushed me to become more resilient and more passionate about what I do. And for that, I am deeply grateful. I have also been fortunate to have had mentors, managers, and colleagues who believed in me and opened doors along the way. Their support played a significant role in helping me get to where I am today.
Maniac Magazine: How have you navigated the challenges of a male-dominated industry, and what steps have you taken to ensure women’s voices and perspectives are represented?
I had to learn to be assertive and set boundaries. Nowadays, when I see a female entering the industry, I make it not only a point to uplift them by offering help and advice, but also to push them towards opportunities that may arise. Creating a safer, more inclusive environment has also become a top priority for me. The nightlife industry has carried a stigma of harassment and unsafe conditions, and it’s time we actively work to change that stereotype.
Maniac Magazine: For women aiming for leadership positions in industries that aren’t always diverse, what advice would you give to help overcome obstacles and build a solid support system?
Nikki: The journey is not going to be easy. Know your worth and stay resilient. There will be moments when your contributions will go unnoticed, and you will feel overlooked. But don’t let that shake your confidence. Be compassionate and speak up for those around you, regardless of their role. There will be others that still feel shy and are intimidated to stand up for themselves. Above all, keep your integrity and be real. In an industry full of distractions and noise, staying grounded in your values and ethics, and being genuine will set you apart.
Maniac Magazine: The Las Vegas nightlife scene has seen a lot of change over the years. How do you see women contributing to this transformation, and what do you think the future holds for women leaders in the scene?
Nikki: Las Vegas is welcoming different facets of entertainment, in addition to nightlife in the city: sporting events, concerts, etc. As more women step into high-level leadership roles, they are shaking the male-dominated industry. I foresee women becoming trendsetters, reshaping the culture towards being more inclusive and creating safe yet memorable experiences.
Maniac Magazine: Looking back at your journey, what achievements are you most proud of, especially in terms of paving the way for women in the nightlife and hospitality industries?
Nikki: I still look back proudly on my time with Elation Events—we were focused on creating unforgettable experiences for the underground electronic music scene in Las Vegas. Our events had prioritized safety, inclusivity, and community, offering not only memorable moments but also meaningful growth opportunities for those eager to learn about live music event coordination.
Today, I am grateful to have a voice as a university-level Lecturer. My goal is to positively shape the next generation of industry leaders, encouraging them to lead with integrity and respect for their community.
Maniac Magazine: Looking ahead, how do you hope to empower or mentor the next generation of women in nightlife? What changes would you like to see in the industry as more women step into leadership roles?
Nikki: I absolutely feel mentorship plays an important role in anyone’s career. I hope to be the kind of mentor I once needed: someone who not only listens and offers guidance, but someone who, without ego, connects emerging young women with opportunities that will support their career growth.
The Las Vegas nightlife is surreal and iconic, but it is also ready for an evolution. I would love to see more women step into executive leadership roles, such as VP of Entertainment or Director of Operations, not only leading with intention but also shaping future strategy and operations. I hope the nightlife industry becomes more collaborative than competitive and more inventive than corporate.
