Las Vegas was named the number one trade show destination in 2013 for the 20th consecutive year. That same year there were 39,668,221 visitors to Las Vegas, and every year there are thousands of trade shows and conventions. In fact, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority there were 22,027 trade shows in 2013. The largest show in Las Vegas is the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES). According to TSNN there were 3,290 exhibitors and 101,605 attendees in 2013. Other large trade shows held in Las Vegas include MAGIC Market Week — an apparel, accessory and footwear show drawing retailers from more than 85 countries twice a year, and SEMA — the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association event that brings industry leaders from more than 125 countries annually to Las Vegas.
Exhibiting in Las Vegas holds particular appeal for industries and exhibitors looking to boost attendance because of the "Las Vegas Effect." Attendance increases by 5-10% for shows held in Las Vegas, simply because people want an excuse to travel to Sin City. Exhibiting at a trade show in "Sin City" can be demanding and stressful however, especially for first timers. We offer some tips in this post to make the experience easier.
Here are some important things to keep in mind when preparing to exhibit in Las Vegas.
Book early. Large conventions and trade shows are a daily occurrence in Las Vegas. Although there are over 150,000 hotel rooms in the city. Being a qualified leads champ means you saving company money while exhibiting. Book hotels and flights in advance to ensure you are getting the best possible deal.
Know the Vegas Union. Installs and dismantles are conducted differently in Las Vegas. As an exhibitor you cannot touch electrical, AV equipment, or handle any freight that you cannot carry by hand in the exhibit hall. Knowing all the rules and allowing adequate time for the different union labor teams to perform their tasks will make your install and dismantle run smoothly.
Hire Local. Las Vegas is a city built on hospitality. It has giant pools of local talent consisting of models, entertainers, event planners and manual laborers. First you need to research to ensure you are working with a reputable company. You may want to ask colleagues which companies they have used in the past. Locally sourcing booth talent can save your company money, especially on travel expenses.
Take the Monorail. Using the Monorail while in Las Vegas can save time and money.
Research the area. What amenities does your hotel offer? Will you be running the booth alone? Who are your neighbors on the show floor? How far is your hotel room from the venue? Knowing the answers to these questions before arriving in Las Vegas will be extremely beneficial.
Represent your company well. Remember even though you are at a vacation destination, you are there on business and do not want to make a bad impression on your boss or your customers. So have fun — just not too much fun! If you do decide to go out, make sure you are not wearing company branded apparel, but present yourself well.
To be successful while exhibiting you must be prepared and do your research ahead of time. Apple Rock's Las Vegas office and warehouse can help reduce your workload by coordinating rentals, graphics and the best labor teams to help you shine like a real #LeadsChamp. Contact us today to discuss your next Las Vegas event.