“A fortune’s won and lost on every deal, all you need is a strong heart and a nerve of steel, Viva Las Vegas!” said the King of Rock n’ Roll. While Elvis wasn’t specifically referring to the trade show circuit, he could have been. Trade shows are big business in Las Vegas, and companies that play their cards right can go home with extremely lucrative leads, deals, and connections. But it takes focus, preparation, and stamina to make the most of a trade show or convention in a city rife with distraction. Use this survival guide to get the most out of a Las Vegas trade show.

Do Your Homework

Trade shows provide materials for attendees well in advance of the start date. Smart attendees familiarize themselves with these materials well in advance. Look for networking opportunities, cost-saving early attendance options, and other discounts. It’s also a good idea to study the list of attendees. Prioritizing which trade show exhibits to visit, existing contacts to touch base with and new leads to prioritize can help maximize time.

Work Hard

It’s no secret that Sin City offers ample opportunity for people to let loose. While enjoying drinks with clients and coworkers can be valuable networking, it’s very easy to go overboard. Managers should clearly communicate with their brand ambassadors and other employees what they expect in terms of behavior, presentability, and punctuality. Despite the phrase, what happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas, and a company’s reputation is one of its most valuable assets.

Stay Close

Especially at the larger trade shows, crowds can make logistics a headache. If the trade show has a host hotel, book a room there even if it’s not the cheapest option. It’s worth the experience of staying and networking with fellow attendees. Money spent staying at the host hotel makes up for the extra travel time and cab ride expenses from staying off-site.

Whether preparing for a trade show in Las Vegas or other major convention markets, Cardinal Expo provides experienced professional guidance to help companies make the most out of trade shows. We offer exhibit rentals, event services, and more. Contact us today at 504-930-3545 for a free quote.