I’ve been coming to Las Vegas every January for the Consumer Electronics Show for several years now and each time I learn just a couple more lessons about how to make the adventure a little more manageable. It’s always overwhelming and we rarely get enough sleep while here, but there are a few things you can do to minimize the stress.
Create a Plan of Attack
Scheduling appointments and managing logistics are important, but you also have to remember to stick to the plans that you create. Research what you need to know ahead of time and load up those maps on your smartphone. You can likely expect that there will be delays and things won’t always happen as they should, though. Roll with the punches, get back on track, and stick to your game plan. Also recognize that you’ll always be in a time crunch and you may have a very difficult time keeping up with what your regular duties may have been outside of the trade show.
Be Aware of Transportation Options
Getting up and down the Las Vegas Strip to attend meetings (and parties) is a major part of attending a trade show in this town. I’ve discussed Las Vegas transportation before, but there are a couple more options I’d like to add. There are free hotel shuttles during CES to select locations. That’s convenient, but it’s also remarkably busy. A pretty cost-effective solution is The Deuce and its corresponding express bus service. It’s only $7 for a 24-hour pass. Keep in mind that Deuce (a double decker bus) does not stop directly in front of the Las Vegas Convention Centre, but the express bus does.
Get Some Sleep
They call it Sin City for a reason and you’ll be presented with plenty of options for nightlife. You want to have fun, even if you are attending a trade show for work, but don’t forget to get some quality shut-eye too. Otherwise, you’ll regret it the day after and make the trade show even more exhausting.
Have you attended a major trade show like CES? Do you have any other tips for attendees?
I have attended some educational trade shows, including the FETC in Orlando. It is just about across the street from SeaWorld and a short trip to Universal and Disney.
So, creating your plan and working your plan is extremely important. Another tip, from my 2nd trip to FETC, don’t take family.
There are several IT (consumer)shows happening here annually. Although not as big CES, the attendances and show floor areas are increasing every year.
My modus operandi has always been to take the public transport (not that I have an alternative), and to go on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowd, and to “go in for the kill” if there’s something I plan to buy, I would have done the product research prior to the show.
Despite the huge crowd, I’ve seen parents pushing prams with crying baby inside jolting with the “human traffic jam”!
You could not be more correct. Being in Vegas for a conference can be highly draining and unproductive if you get caught up in the glitz of things. It is important to make a plan and stick to it, and your right planning or knowing transportation options is key. IT can be easy to get distracted there, but you need to make sure you get plenty of sleep.
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WordPress.org.