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The Ultimate Guide to Attending Las Vegas Conventions

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Home > The Ultimate Guide to Attending Las Vegas Conventions

Las Vegas is a hub for hundreds of conventions each year offering a wide variety of events, from technology and gaming to healthcare and entertainment. Attendees can network with industry leaders, learn about new trends, and explore innovative products. The city’s vibrant atmosphere and world-class amenities make it an ideal destination for both business and leisure travelers.

If you’re one of the millions of attendees at one of these conventions, this guide is for you. We’re going to go over everything you need to know to make sure you have the best experience possible. From tips on navigating the convention center to the best places to eat and stay, we’ll help you make the most of your time in Las Vegas. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned pro, this guide has something for everyone.

Major Convention Centers & Event Venues

Let’s start off our guide by looking at the most common convention centers and event venues in Las Vegas. It’s important to know which center your convention is taking place at so you can plan accordingly.

Las Vegas Convention Center

Starting with the biggest of all of the major venues near the Strip, the Las Vegas Convention Center is a massive complex that hosts some of the largest trade shows and conventions in the world. With over 2.5 million square feet of exhibit space, it’s a hub for some of the biggest conventions in the city.

Caesars Forum

Next is Caesar’s Forum, which is located right in the middle of the Strip. With over 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and easy access to the rest of the Strip, this venue is typically used for business meetings and expos.

The Venetian Expo

The Venetian Expo offers a unique blend of luxury and functionality, with over 350 meeting rooms across four floors and a variety of unique venues. While not as large as the Las Vegas Convention Center or Caesars Forum, it provides a more upscale environment, making it ideal for high-end events.

Mandalay Bay Convention Center

Last but not least, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center is another popular venue, located at the southern end of the Strip and offering 2.1 million square feet of space. It hosts a variety of events, from trade shows to corporate meetings. Its proximity to Mandalay Bay Resort makes it a very convenient choice for attendees.

What Conventions are in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas hosts over 20,000 meetings, events, and conventions a year, including some of the largest and most well-known events in the country. While we have an article highlighting some of the most exciting annual conventions, we want to share some of the most popular here too.

One of the biggest events is the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which attracts tech enthusiasts from around the world. Another popular convention is the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, focusing on media and entertainment. For automotive professionals, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show is a must-attend event.

Convention Tips & Tricks

Now that you know a bit more about the convention centers and conventions in Las Vegas, we want to share some tips to make your experience even better.

Keep the Time of Year and Weather in Mind

Las Vegas is an amazing destination any time of year, but it’s important to keep the weather in mind when planning your trip. The summer months can reach up to 115ºF, so it’s helpful to bring light clothing like shorts and t-shirts. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen if you plan to explore the city during any off time. Staying hydrated in the heat is very important, so you should bring a water bottle if needed.

If you’re visiting in the winter months bring a warm jacket and layers, as temperatures can drop significantly, especially in the evenings. No matter what time of year, we recommend bringing a good pair of walking shoes as you’ll be doing plenty of walking around.

Pack Small Snacks

One of our best tips for saving money we can give you is to pack some snacks and drinks to keep you energized throughout the day. Convention centers often have limited snack options, and they can be quite expensive. Bringing your own snacks ensures you stay nourished without overspending. Granola bars, nuts, and chips are great options to keep in your bag.

Familiarize Yourself with the Layout

Taking a look at the venue you’re going to be visiting in advance is incredibly helpful as it allows you to plan ahead and avoid getting lost. Knowing the layout can also help you identify key locations, such as restrooms and transportation pick-ups.

External shot of Fontainebleau Las Vegas at dusk.

Best Places to Stay

Now that you know more about the most common conventions and venues, let’s take a look at the best hotels in the area. Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, there are plenty of choices below to suit your needs.

Hotels Near Vegas Convention Centers

Budget to luxury recommendations:

Tips for Booking

Booking early for major conventions is crucial to secure the best rates and availability. Many hotels offer discounts for early reservations, especially during peak convention seasons. Additionally, consider checking for package deals that may include transportation or dining options to maximize your savings.

Another way to save on your hotel is looking into any convention rates or group codes that have been provided by your event. This might require contacting the event organizer or checking their website for details depending on the size of the event. These rates are often lower than standard rates and can save you a significant amount. Additionally, booking as a group may also provide further discounts or perks, such as complimentary breakfast or room upgrades.

Our last tip is to take a look at signing up for a players card. A players card can offer a variety of benefits, especially if your convention is being held at a casino hotel. These cards often provide discounts on room rates, meals, and entertainment within the property. Additionally, you can earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for future stays, dining, or other services.

Transportation During the Convention

Now that we’ve taken a look at venues and hotels, let’s take a look at your transportation options during your convention.

From The Airport

There’s a few transportation options that you can take from the Las Vegas airport. You can choose from taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, or airport shuttles that provide direct service to various hotels. Additionally, car rental services are available for those who prefer to drive themselves.

Getting Around the City

Once you’re at your hotel, your transportation options open up significantly. You can take advantage of the Strip’s monorail system, which connects major hotels and attractions, or use the city bus system. Additionally, many hotels offer complimentary shuttle or driver transportation to popular destinations, making it easy to explore the city without a car.

We particularly enjoy the monorail since it has a station directly at the Las Vegas Convention Center, making it an incredibly convenient choice. Below we have attached a map of the monorail so you can plan your route accordingly.

One newer transportation option that we cannot recommend enough is the Vegas Loop, which is an underground loop that connects to some of the nearby hotels to quickly get around the convention center area. The Vegas Loop uses self-driving Tesla vehicles to transport passengers between stops. If you’re traveling between the concourses of the convention center, the Loop is completely free to use! For transportation to hotels, you have the option of a one-way ticket or day pass for a small fee.

French Toast with berries, butter, and syrup at The Henry in The Cosmopolitan

Where to Eat Near Convention Centers

When you’re attending a convention in Las Vegas, the events tend to take up most of your day, leaving little time to explore the large amount of dining options across the city. However, there are plenty of great restaurants near the convention centers where you can grab a quick bite or enjoy a leisurely meal.

Quick Bites & Cafes

Siegel’s Bagelmania – 252 Convention Center Dr., Las Vegas NV
Promenade Food Hall at Fontainebleau
Urth Caffe at Wynn Las Vegas

Sit-Down Restaurants

Peppermill and Fireside Lounge
Washing Potato at Fontainebleau
Edge Steakhouse at Westgate Las Vegas

Late-Night Eats

Grand Lux Cafe at The Palazzo
Tacos El Gordo – 3041 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas NV
The Henry at The Cosmopolitan

Picture of the Highroller lit up in pink at dusk. Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrah's. and The LINQ are visible in the backgrounf.

Things to do Near Las Vegas Convention Center

When you find yourself with some free time away from the convention center, the Strip offers a wide range of activities and shows to enjoy. Below are some of our top picks for activities just a short trip away from the convention center.