Wahlberg said Las Vegas offers a "fresh" filming landscape and the potential to diversify the economy.

Former Bank of Nevada CEO John Guedry and public education advocate Amanda Morgan had a tense back-and-forth about the best ways to meet the needs of Nevada's students.

"The money finds its way through the economy," said Sony Pictures Entertainment executive Ravi Ahuja. "That's the essence of economic development. You have to believe that." 

In a 50-minute discussion at IndyFest, panelists also addressed the potential of a voter ID requirement and concerns about post-election unrest.

Steven Kull of the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland said the public finds the political discourse "frustrating."

The publisher for The Cook Political Report said at IndyFest 2024 any "October surprise" in the Presidential campaign is not relevant. Every month in the past four years has seen an October surprise.

Panelists said that an increase in interest rates, a growing population and limited land supply contributed to the rapid rise in housing prices in recent years.