Las Vegas Tradeshow Tips Page

Here are some suggestions based on attending and/or exhibiting at numerous LV tradeshows:

	WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!	.	REST!
	Go with a plan. Most trade shows are huge events. Think about what you want to accomplish at the show before you get there. Don't just go to "walk the floor".		It's easy to lose your badge in the standard holder the show provides. Pick up an exhibitor giveaway holder that "encases" the badge. Keep your business cards in there as well.
	Get the Show Guide as soon as possible. I like to get it early and plan my days. The show web site can also be a great resource.		If you get stuck in a long cab line, ask people ahead of you where they are going. Perhaps someone will share a cab.
	If you have contacts at major vendors, call them as soon as possible. Find out if meetings can be arranged. Also, ask if they are hosting receptions or parties and if you can be invited.		If two or more people are going to the show together, you might invest in some short range two-way radios. These have become a popular way for groups to stay in touch.
	Wear casual, comfortable clothes if possible. Check the weather forecast before you leave. The show floor is usually warm and the evenings are normally cool. Pack and dress accordingly.		Cab/Bus lines are the longest before the show opens and after it closes. Consider going to and from the show at alternative times to avoid the lines.
	You are in the Desert! Drink plenty of water. Don't get dehydrated. Bring a bottle of water with you each day. Remember to get the "Sport Cap" type. In addition, exhibitors occasionally offer these as "giveaways."		If you need to travel between extreme points on the Las Vegas strip (from the MGM Grand to Downtown Las Vegas, for example), consider using the I-15 instead. It runs parallel to Las Vegas Blvd and can save valuable time - especially if you are late for a meeting.
	Try to avoid carrying excess promotional material on the show floor. Take only what you feel is most important. Ask the vendor to mail (or e-mail) anything else. Consider shipping the most important material from the show via FEDEX or what ever carrier the show is using. Bring your customer number or pre-printed forms from your carrier with you.		If your not bringing a PC, but still need to check your email or surf the web, check out the CyberStop Internet Cafe & Business Center. It's located in the Hawaiian Marketplace, 3743 Las Vegas Blvd. It's open from 7:30AM - 2:30AM everyday. Be sure and tell them BizTrip.com sent you! Check your email from anywhere via Mail2Web.com.
	Don't like filling out those booth giveaway entry forms? Use your computer to pre-print your name and address on some peel and stick labels (Avery or other) and bring them with you. Another option: spend a little more and get a self-inking stamp. A stamp is also easier to carry.	.	Prices for goods and services along the Las Vegas strip can be high. If you need a department store, supermarket, pharmacy or dry cleaners, consider going to Maryland Parkway. While this is a few miles off the main strip, it caters to the locals, which means prices will be reasonable.
	The best Free evening show is The Fremont Street Experience! Located in Downtown Las Vegas - every cab driver knows where it is. You can find more free shows at these hotels: Caesars Palace, Treasure Island and the Aladdin.	.	Depending on the cell plan you have, consider using your cell phone to make calls (even local calls) from your hotel room. Most of the larger hotels charge $1.00 for a local call. Many even charge for toll-free calls.
	Driving to the Sands Conv Ctr? Valet at the TI instead of hassling with the parking at the Venetian. Take the pedestrian bridge to the Venetian and walk through the casino to the Convention Center.		Going to a show at the Las Vegas Conv Ctr? If your hotel is near a LV Monorail station, consider this instead of driving, taking a cab or shuttle bus. The Monorail station drops you at Desert Inn and Paradise. It's a short walk to the LVCC.
.	The biggest buffet - The Carnival World Buffet at The Rio Hotel! You won't believe your eyes.	.	Party, Party, Party! Look for after hours party lists for your show.