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Las Vegas Conventions & Special Events: Sin City Travel Guide Series
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First Time in Las Vegas for a Convention?
No city can compete with Las Vegas conventions.
Sometimes I go to a few conferences, conventions or trade shows a week.
This lens helps me remember all the things I want to take care of, so I'm ready for whatever's on my schedule.
PHOTO: courtesy of the Las Vegas News Bureau / Las Vegas Conventions & Visitors Authority (LVCVA)
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Quick Summary of Las Vegas Conventions
What You Can Find on this Lens
- Las Vegas Conventions & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) websites and related links for special events, trade show news, and conference tips.
- Map of the Major Convention & Event Facilities.
- Directory Listings of virtually all facilities in Las Vegas.
- Details about the 3 sites that host most of the major conventions:
- Finding the Right Food during conventions.
- Road Conditions & Transportation Options during conventions.
- Safety & Emergency Care during conventions.
The Authority on Las Vegas Conventions & Special Events
What to look for. And where to find it.
The Las Vegas Conventions & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) hosts two completely different websites.For Tourists: VisitLasVegas.com.
For Event Planners & Travel Professionals: LVCVA.com Great for the average Las Vegas convention go-er and exhibitor, too.
The Convention Calendar can search for any event in the valley by keyword, date and/or venue, all the way out to 2017.
When 1 or 2 big shows come to town, consider making adjustments:
- leave an hour earlier
- carry more food bars and water.
- allow twice as much time to do things.
- bring an extra cell phone battery, make calls waiting in lines.
- plan to network more with people in line (bring more promos to hand out).
- bring 'stretching' chart to reduce muscle tightness.
- bring 'breathing exercises' notes to reduce stress.
- bring work suitable to do in car, while stuck in traffic.
=========== ALSO =>
For Las Vegas Special Events...
- Review LasVegasEvents.com, a private, non-profit organization that serves as the exclusive major special-events agency for the city. Current Schedule
For Convention/Tradeshow Industry News...
For Attendee Tips & Reminders...
- Review ShowHacks database of 400+ ideas, tips & links for attending conferences, conventions and trade shows.
Major Venues for Las Vegas Conventions & Special Events
A Visual Perspective
WARNING: This map module is kind of flaky. Drops listings now and then.
Detailed Listings of Convention & Event Facilities
PLUS: 3D Interactive Maps & Downloadable Flat Maps
Most of the events I attend are at...
For information on other sites...
For information on other sites...
- Convention Centers
- Links to LVCC, Cashman Center & Field, Mandalay Bay, Sands, Cox Pavilion, Henderson, and Thomas & Mack Center
- COMING SOON -- Steve Wynn Convention Center ??
- Steve Wynn plans to build 2 hotel towers (5,200 new rooms) and about 1.5 million square feet of convention space on land currently occupied by the Wynn Golf Club, placing it right between the Sands Convention Center and the Las Vegas Convention Center. These 3 centers alone would create more exhibit space than in all of Chicago, which is #2 (behind Vegas) in convention business. For more info:
- Wynn plans ritzy meeting complex (Las Vegas Review-Journal, May 3, 2008)
- The Strip Sense: Space battle (Las Vegas Weekly, May 1-7, 2008)
- Hotel Convention Facilities
- Links to more than 100 facilities listing addresses, phone numbers, and details about each one.
- Sam Boyd Stadium
- One company operates Sam Boyd Stadium, Thomas & Mack Center, and Cox Pavilion. These properties host: UNLV Intercollegiate Athletic events for both men and women, Professional Bull Riders, National Finals Rodeo, Arena Football's Las Vegas Gladiators, family shows, Supercross, Monster Trucks, special event concerts, festivals as well as conventions and private parties.
- World Market Center
- A showcase for the home and hospitality contract furnishings industry made up of permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits.
- Lake Las Vegas
- "Stars on the Lake" Concert Series; Art, Wine & Food Festivals; holiday celebrations. Accommodations include: Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort, and the MonteLago Village Resort.
- Las Vegas Motor Speedway
- Facilities for NASCAR, drag strip and dirt.
- MAPS
- PAGE TOP: Six 3D Interactive Maps.
Cursor over the six buttons on the left to preview the maps, and choose a part of town. Then click the appropriate button on the right to highlight all Hotels, Shows, Dining, etc.
PAGE BOTTOM: Five Standard Maps.
According to the LVCVA, these are the most up-to-date maps of downtown, the Strip properties, golf courses and more. Ready to print out. Or download a hi-res .JPG version.
Print them out. Scribble some notes. Mark 'em up like John Madden. And Doodle, doodle, doodle.
Then print a second set as your travel copy. And add your final notations. Believe me, you'll use these maps a lot.
Commercial Guidebooks for Las Vegas
Solid General Information about Las Vegas
First-time visitors to Las Vegas should pick up a local guidebook that matches their personality.
Frommer's Las Vegas 2007 (Frommer's Complete)
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $14.83 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $16.99
The Underground Guide To Las Vegas (Underground Guide to Las Vegas)
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $14.36 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $15.95
Sinning in the City: A Girls Guide to Las Vegas
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $9.95
Las Vegas Little Black Book: A Guy's Guide to the Perfect Vegas Getaway
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $9.56 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $11.95
Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC)
The Big Fish in the Biggest Pond
A 3.2-million-square-foot facility about a half mile east of the Strip, where both Convention Center Dr. and the Desert Inn (DI) Super Arterial meet Paradise Rd.
Convention Center buildings sit on the north and south sides of DI, east of Paradise Rd.
The Las Vegas Hilton is the closest hotel, located just north on the same side of Paradise Rd. It has its own extensive convention facilities. An enclosed skywalk connects LVCC with the Hilton.
The walk from the south end of LVCC to the north end of the Hilton is about 3/4 of a mile.
PARKING: Gold Lot, west side of Paradise, across from North Building. Entrance on Convention Center Dr. Cost: usually $5-$8/day/vehicle. No in/out privileges.
Lot in front of LVCC, North Bldg (east side of Paradise) often commandeered for exhibitor displays or demonstrations.
Convention Center buildings sit on the north and south sides of DI, east of Paradise Rd.
The Las Vegas Hilton is the closest hotel, located just north on the same side of Paradise Rd. It has its own extensive convention facilities. An enclosed skywalk connects LVCC with the Hilton.
The walk from the south end of LVCC to the north end of the Hilton is about 3/4 of a mile.
PARKING: Gold Lot, west side of Paradise, across from North Building. Entrance on Convention Center Dr. Cost: usually $5-$8/day/vehicle. No in/out privileges.
Lot in front of LVCC, North Bldg (east side of Paradise) often commandeered for exhibitor displays or demonstrations.
- LVCC Website for Event Planners
- Topics: Overview; General Information; Services; Policies; ADA Accessibility; Capacities and Diagrams; and a Building Users Manual. Great for answers to any generic facilities questions related to LVCC.
- On-Site Food Services by Aramark
- Download .PDF files containing the locations and menus of restaurants in the North and South Buildings.
...North Building Menus
...South Building Menus
Note: PDF files require Adobe Reader installed on your computer. FREE Download.
Sands Convention Center
My Favorite for Las Vegas Conventions
Great Perks...
...Easy and Direct Access from Koval Lane to the back entrance of the garage. (UPDATE: current construction projects tend to gridlock the sidestreets.)
...Plenty of Convenient Parking. It's always been FREE, even during the busiest weeks. WARNING: this policy can change any time.
...Lots of Options. See below.
...Easy and Direct Access from Koval Lane to the back entrance of the garage. (UPDATE: current construction projects tend to gridlock the sidestreets.)
...Plenty of Convenient Parking. It's always been FREE, even during the busiest weeks. WARNING: this policy can change any time.
...Lots of Options. See below.
- Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino
- Partial List of Options:
1) Sands Expo and Convention Center.
2) Large, luxurious suites for just about anything.
3) Canyon Ranch Spa Club and its Canyon Ranch Cafe for organic breakfast and lunch.
4) Venetian food court for a wide variety of quick and decent take-away meals.
5) World-class restaurants. Great places for end-of-day schmoozing.
6) The Grand Canal Shoppes for unique gifts to take home.
7) The Guggenheim Hermitage state-of-the-art gallery space for de-stressing and quiet inspiration.
8) Incredible entertainment like Blue Man Group, Phantom of the Opera, and impressionist Gordie Brown.
9) Madame Tussauds Wax Museum for any reason at all.
10) Gaming.
11) Tao Nightclub. Need I say more? (VIDEO: Restaurant review by Heidi Knapp Rinella)
12) Artisti Dell Arte singers, actors and musicians performing in St. Mark's Square.
13) Gondola rides on the Grand Canal after one-too-many drinks.
14) And more...All under one roof. Sweet! - Two Floor Diagrams
- 1) Casino
2) Grand Canal Shoppes - The New Palazzo: Betting Big on Conventions
- November 28, 2007 -- In late December 07, Las Vegas Sands Corp. plans to open the $2 billion Palazzo hotel tower." Like the company's Venetian hotel, The Palazzo links to the recently expanded Sands Expo and Convention Center. (Wall Street Journal)
Las Vegas Hilton and Convention Center
Tired, But OK.
Decent property. Starting to show it's age.
Convention Center still feels modern and up-to-date.
Restaurants OK. Prefer the Pizza Hut at the North Entrance. Usually not busy; quick in and out; can sit down and eat.
PARKING: Relatively small parking structure. COST: Free most of the time. They slap on a huge fee ($20-$50/vehicle/day) during big conventions to preserve enough parking spaces for hotel guests and employees. Enter structure from main driveway north of hotel off Paradise; drive all the way around in front of hotel to the North Entrance.
- UPDATE (September 25, 2007): Las Vegas Hilton posh, polished and poised -- The Hilton has 'quietly undergone $100 million of upgrades and renovations since a private equity partnership bought the property in June 2004.'
Convention Center still feels modern and up-to-date.
Restaurants OK. Prefer the Pizza Hut at the North Entrance. Usually not busy; quick in and out; can sit down and eat.
PARKING: Relatively small parking structure. COST: Free most of the time. They slap on a huge fee ($20-$50/vehicle/day) during big conventions to preserve enough parking spaces for hotel guests and employees. Enter structure from main driveway north of hotel off Paradise; drive all the way around in front of hotel to the North Entrance.
- Las Vegas Hilton
- Regular entertainment includes:
- Barry Manilow
- Star Trek Experience
- Usually a musical and a rotating roster of well-known acts.
Food at Las Vegas Conventions
Lots of Great Places. Are the Good Ones Close Enough?
My Goal: consistently high energy level over the long-term. So as much as possible, I cut out refined foods, simple sugars, caffeine, etc. as well as exposure to pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones rampant in commercial food production.
- Las Vegas Organic
- Summarizes the organic food options (Whole Foods, Wild Oats, etc.), their locations and what's available: sandwiches/wraps, pizza, beer, wine, cheese, fresh muffins, baked donuts, organic fruits & vegetables, dips, and lots more.
Otherwise... - Las Vegas Weekly's 2008 Readers Choices
- May 1-7, 2008 -- LV Weekly readers (the locals) voted for their favorite restaurants, bars, nightclubs, music venues, spas, clothing stores, etc.
- Las Vegas' finest buffets
- October 12, 2007 -- "The buffets here have become so much more sophisticated, ...It's the whole culinary landscape in Vegas that has changed. ...the buffets have been quietly working hard to shed their image as feeding troughs for the gluttonous and palate-challenged,..." (USAToday.com)
- LasVegasRestaurants.com
- Comprehensive website with decent search capability. Or use pulldown menus to select by a variety of different categories like food type, price range, neighborhood, cuisine, star rating, etc.
- Google Local Search
- 1) Click this link to access Google Local.
2) Click the 'Find Businesses' tab at top left.
3) First box: enter a keyword such as 'restaurant' or 'pizza' or 'vegan.'
4) In the second box type in the address of LVCC: 3150 PARADISE RD LAS VEGAS, NV 89109. Or the address of whatever venue you're at.
5) Click 'Search Businesses' and the first 10 options will appear along the left side of the screen. A map with corresponding markers appears on the right.
6) Click a marker to read about the business it represents. Some have reviews attached.
NOTE: Generally, the average of 5-7 reviews seems to be pretty accurate.
FREE Resources for Las Vegas Conventions
Making Each Visit Better than the Last
Great reminders to get your head back into 'Life on The Strip.'
- Las Vegas Basics
- Very complete guide for simple but important things like: etiquette, health, tipping, what to pack, visitor centers, do's and don'ts and more.
- Conventioneers Guide
- Tips for conventioneers from the same people who publish the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the major daily newspaper. Useful information: transportation options, business services, and entertaining clients. -- from: LasVegas.com
Transportation during Las Vegas Conventions
All the Ways Somebody Can Get around Las Vegas
Huge construction projects on and around The Strip usually gridlock I-15, Las Vegas Blvd. and side streets.
Other parts of the valley can be just as bad, especially during rushhour.
Check Roadwork & Related Construction: City of Las Vegas.
Check Traffic Incidents: Las Vegas Metro Police Department.
Check Traffic Report: Las Vegas Review- Journal.
Check Traffic Cameras: TrafficLand.com.
Check current conditions plus videoclips from local TV stations:
Bottom Line: Ditch the car. Opt for public transportation around The Strip.
Other parts of the valley can be just as bad, especially during rushhour.
Check Roadwork & Related Construction: City of Las Vegas.
Check Traffic Incidents: Las Vegas Metro Police Department.
Check Traffic Report: Las Vegas Review- Journal.
Check Traffic Cameras: TrafficLand.com.
Check current conditions plus videoclips from local TV stations:
- Problem Solver Traffic: KTNV-TV: ABC
- Beat the Traffic: KLAS-TV: CBS
- Fox 5 Traffic: KVVU-TV: FOX
- Real Traffic Reports: KVBC-TV: NBC
Bottom Line: Ditch the car. Opt for public transportation around The Strip.
- VisitLasVegas.com
- A really good summary of solid information about transportation options from VisitLasVegas.com. Covers: Airport Shuttle, Car Rental, Buses and Charters, Limos, Parking, Public Transportation, Taxis, Las Vegas Monorail and Walking. PLUS: links to related sites.
- GoToVegas.com
- More advice on your transportation options, but this is more from the viewpoint of: "This is how it really works." Topics covered: Airport Shuttles, Free Trams, Free Shuttles, Trolley Buses, Strip Monorail, Fremont Street, and CAT Transit.
- Las Vegas Monorail
- Includes Route Map, Station Locations, FAQ (hours of service, prices, etc.), News and more.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you see different Monorail ticket prices quoted on other sites, ignore them. These prices are the right prices. - Smaller Trams
- Diagram showing the locations of trams running between...
1) Mirage <=> Treasure Island
2) Mandalay Bay <=> Luxor <=> Excalibur - The Deuce
- The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) started running Double Decker Buses (The Deuce) up and down the Strip. Interactive Tour and Route Info tell you all you need. ...Ride upstairs; cool way to see The Strip.
- Regional Transportation Commission (RTC)
- The RTC Transit Guide provides all you need to get around downtown, The Strip and to special events.
- Segways & Mobility Scooters
- Vegas Scooters has electric-powered Segways & Mobility Scooters available for rental & tours. Unique. Green. & Fun.
- Exploring Las Vegas transportation alternatives
- September 16, 2007 -- Staff writer Beverly Beyette explores some of the less-familiar options for getting around The Strip: 3-wheel mobility scooters, 2-wheel Vespa scooters and party buses. (Los Angeles Times)
Meeting People at Las Vegas Conventions
How good are your communication skills?
Polish up people skills to get the most out of conventions, conferences and trade shows. Great resource for learning and refining the basics.
ALSO: Tips for meeting people: Showhacks.com
ALSO: Tips for meeting people: Showhacks.com
Business Etiquette for Dummies
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 07/26/2008)
List Price: $21.99
Safety during Las Vegas Conventions
Practical Advice from Law Enforcement. & More
38 million tourists per year can attract the best crooks and generate a lot of emergencies.
Invest a few minutes with the Tourist Safety Video to see just how fast a PROFESSIONAL crook can take your stuff. And Peter Greenberg's article sheds some light on the common emergencies you can easily avoid with a little preparation.
FYI...
Emergency: 911
LVMPD Non-Emergency Police Service: 311 or 702.229.3111
Tourist Safety Unit: 702.229.3204
Invest a few minutes with the Tourist Safety Video to see just how fast a PROFESSIONAL crook can take your stuff. And Peter Greenberg's article sheds some light on the common emergencies you can easily avoid with a little preparation.
FYI...
Emergency: 911
LVMPD Non-Emergency Police Service: 311 or 702.229.3111
Tourist Safety Unit: 702.229.3204
- Tourist Safety Video
- Hosted by magician Lance Burton. Features a Pick pocket. Room burgler. And a bag snatch on the main street. A real eye-opener.
- A List of Safety Tips
- These are the oldest mistakes, tricks and scams in the book. But people continue to think it can't happen to them. Brush up on your street smarts, just to be sure you're not the next victim.
- Paramedics' guide to surviving Las Vegas
- October 12, 2007 -- Travel editor Peter Greenberg rides along with LV paramedics and describes the unique challenges of handling 200,000 tourists on a regular basis. (TodayShow.com & MSNBC.com)
Your Turn
Tell Us about Your Las Vegas Convention Experiences
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|
Saints11
Great Lens, thanks for the info. Posted July 04, 2007 |
Sin City Travel Guide Series
What Happens Here, Stays Here. So Make It Awesome !!!
Too many websites about Las Vegas. Even I get overwhelmed.
Instead, focus on the 20% that delivers 80% of the WOW !!
Instead, focus on the 20% that delivers 80% of the WOW !!
- 8 Idiot-Proof Ways to Screw Up Your Trip to Las Vegas
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- Your Virgin Las Vegas Vacation
- First time in Las Vegas? 2 strategies to help you find your way in Sin City.
- Las Vegas Shopping Ecstasy
- People generally want deals or luxury. Here's my suggestions for both.
- Las Vegas Outdoor Activities
- Everything from great golf courses to the most-extreme sports.
- Las Vegas Organic Food
- Watching your weight? Food allergies? Craving wholesome food? Las Vegas has lots of choices.
- Las Vegas Conventions & Special Events
- My checklist for attending conventions, conferences and trade shows in Las Vegas.
- BONUS: How to Look a Lot Stupid at Conferences, Conventions & Trade Shows
- Top 10 tips for attending conferences, conventions and trade shows in Las Vegas (or anywhere). (Selected from more than 400 tips, ideas & links at ShowHacks.com.)
- Custom Search
- Search the contents of all lenses in the Sin City Travel Guide Series and the Sin City Rolodex Series.
A Few Closing Remarks about FirstTimeInLasVegas.com
I provide the information on these pages for educational purposes only. Read more.
FirstTimeInLasVegas.com, related Squidoo pages and ShowHacks.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License.
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Vegas-80-20
I'm a publisher living in Las Vegas. I attend a lot of conventions and trade shows here.
I also love the city. And everything it has to offer.
Here's what I'd do.
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I also love the city. And everything it has to offer.
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What's here
- Quick Summary of Las Vegas Conventions
- The Authority on Las Vegas Conventions & Special Events
- Major Venues for Las Vegas Conventions & Special Events
- Detailed Listings of Convention & Event Facilities
- Commercial Guidebooks for Las Vegas
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