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It’s a long shot, but true: In IAAPA’s 91-year history, 2009 marks the first time the association brings the largest trade show in the attractions industry to the entertainment capital of the world.
From Nov. 16-20, IAAPA Attractions Expo 2009 will add its own bright lights to those of the unmistakable Las Vegas Strip in what promises to be a big week of business.
“IAAPA Attractions Expo is going to fit very well in Las Vegas,” says IAAPA President and CEO Charlie Bray, who’s been involved with large trade shows for more than 30 years. “If you take Las Vegas in the macro view, the city is an attraction, in and of itself—made up of all different kinds of smaller attractions. A lot of people think of Vegas as one big amusement park.”
There’s a reason why Las Vegas is the top convention city in the United States (and the most-requested new site by IAAPA members): It has so much to offer. “It is a global brand many people have not visited but have always heard of,” says IAAPA Chairman Darrell Metzger. “We’re giving them a reason to go there.”
“Las Vegas will offer our members an opportunity to see things that are certainly blue sky to our industry,” adds Bray. “Vegas presents opportunities for excellent behind-the-scenes trips, where you get to see risk management and loss prevention in a different environment. While Orlando is sometimes referred to as the unofficial capital of our industry, Las Vegas doesn’t take second slot to any city when it comes to entertainment. Our industry obviously loves Orlando, but the Expo needs variety, too.”
The two IAAPA leaders also agree taking the Expo to the West Coast makes the event more readily available to attendees from the rich industry culture in Southern California and the burgeoning Asia- Pacific markets.
“While we’ve always had good support from Asia, I think we’re going to see a larger audience from that region,” Bray says. “And I don’t think we’re going to lose anyone who’s used to coming to our show— everyone loves Vegas.”
In this special preview section, FUNWORLD provides just a slice of what’s in store for exhibitors and attendees for Expo week in Las Vegas. Read on for tips on maneuvering through the city and the new trade show floor; interviews with keynote speakers Matt Goldman of Blue Man Group and Disney’s Marty Sklar; and a peek at just a few of the educational seminars from all corners of the industry.
Viva Las Vegas!
LAX Nightclub:
 The Place to Be Thursday Night
“When you go someplace new, there’s an opportunity to try something different,” says IAAPA President and CEO Charlie Bray. This year, one of those special somethings is the IAAPA Bright Lights Party at LAX Nightclub, Thursday, Nov. 19, from 7-10 p.m.
“In Las Vegas, you have two or three of the most famous nightclubs in the world. We’ve booked ourselves into the most popular, famous, exclusive of all the clubs,” Bray says.
A haven for celebrities, LAX is one of the toughest tickets in town—but not for Expo attendees. When the Bright Lights Party wraps at 10 p.m., IAAPA guests can remain in the club the rest of the night for no additional fee.
“That’s huge, because otherwise you might not be getting in—you might stand in line every night all week and never get close to the front,” Bray says.
Visit www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo for more details; advance registration required; cost: $109. |
Vegas Tips: From Us to You
Since this is IAAPA Attractions Expo’s first trip to Las Vegas, FUNWORLD asked association members and staffers for advice about the city, especially for newbies. Here’s what they had to say:
RECREATION
• Make dinner reservations early (like, now!). Great restaurants will book quickly.
• Be sure to check out the Fountains of Bellagio at night—a Vegas must.
• For a good view of the Fountains of Bellagio, dine at Bellagio’s Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge (www.bellagio.com/restaurants/yellowtail).
• Take a trip to the top of the Eiffel Tower at the Paris hotel for a great view of the Strip.
• Visit the Mix Lounge at Mandalay Bay (cover after 9 p.m.: $20 weekdays/$ 25 weekends) for another great view of the Strip.
• If you really want to see a sold-out show, check the box office in person right before the curtain goes up—sometimes no-show seats will be available.
GETTING AROUND
• Keep a simple map of the Strip in your pocket at all times.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Strip hotels are farther away than they appear—build in at least 10 minutes to get from one casino to another on foot.
• Walking the Strip is often faster than taking a cab and fighting traffic.
• Be conscious of the pedestrian bridges—in certain spots along the Strip, you can’t just walk across a street; you have to go up and over (and typically through a casino).
• Ask the cab driver if “skipping the Strip” is a viable option—this will often save lots of time by dodging the traffic.
• When traveling from the airport to your hotel, ask the driver for the “back road” and not the highway or interstate to save money.
• Be sure to have cash on hand for taxis; they don’t take credit cards.
• Renting a car might be more hassle than it’s worth due to Strip traffic, but if you do, hotel parking garages are abundant and free— whether you’re a guest or not.
• The Monorail is an efficient way of moving around the Strip, but leave plenty of time to actually walk to the stop entrances; just walking through the hotels to the stops can take a few minutes.
• Security lines at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport can often be long and slow—don’t cut it too close!
AT THE HOTELS
• Bring $1 bills for tipping drivers, bellmen, housekeeping, etc.
• Some hotels have strict check-in times, so plan accordingly or ask ahead for early arrival.
• Just because you’re not staying in a hotel doesn’t mean you can’t visit it. They’re attractions in and of themselves, so be sure to wander through several.
For more helpful tips, visit the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority at www.lvcva.com.
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