View Full Version : First visit to NAB?? Advice?
2008 will be my first visit to NAB. Any advice for a NAB NEWBIE?
I'm looking forward to seeing all the expensive systems that i wont be able to afford for a while! Assimilate Scratch is high on my list, since i could possibly be able to afford a system soon (but only if i dream hard enough)!
Any advice on ths first trip?
mikkowilson
03-15-2008, 07:46 PM
This is a pretty good read to get you started: http://www.dvinfo.net/articles/buyersguide/nabtips.php
Most importantly of all; planning ahead is key to seeing what you want to properly and getting most of the show. You won't be able to see everything well if you are just wandering.
Oh, and have fun!
- Mikko
TedRR
03-15-2008, 10:29 PM
Get your "swipe card". I remember having to haul several pounds of literature. Now you swipe your card and everything gets mailed to you. Don't over swipe or you'll get more junk e-mail then you can handle!
How many days are you there for?
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Drink lots of Mountain Dew.
Don’t believe what the girls in Vegas tell you. :)
As Mikko said, plan your route and have fun!
Noel Evans
03-16-2008, 05:41 PM
Dont forget to tie your shoe laces.
Shawn Philip Nelson
03-16-2008, 10:23 PM
How many days are you going to be there? when do you arrive and when do you leave?
How many days are you going to be there? when do you arrive and when do you leave?
Arriving Sunday to leave on Thursday.
Max R. Wilson
03-17-2008, 08:41 PM
Just reserved my hotel for 13 - 17, Motel 6 $44 a night :)
mdslammer
03-27-2008, 07:20 AM
TZK,
Just remember, this town was not built on winners.... I know, I've lived here since 1958. If you're so inclined, put $21.00 in Megabucks and be done with it!
The convention is really great. Tons of equipment to check out. At times, it can be a bit overwhelming but just pace
yourself and if possible, make a list of the important companies you want to check out first and where they are located.
It will save time walking back and forth and back and forth and....
Enjoy the show and welcome to "Fabulous" Las Vegas, NV. :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)
Mark Dalzell
ZazaCast
04-04-2008, 01:38 PM
- Get up early, eat breakfast and use the free shuttle service
- Wear your most comfortable shoes
- Bring a small digital camera (for reference...or use your cell phone)
- Swipe your card for information (that way you can carry your swag!)
- Pack an extra bag to bring the swag home (as an extra carry-on)
- Drink lots of water & bring a few 'breakfast Bars'...the convention food sucks!
- Network, Network, Network! Don't be affraid to ask questions, shake hands & see demos whenever you can (I've won a bunch of free software over the years)
- Visit the NAB site and use the 'MyNAB' section to print a list of must-sees.
- Try to spend at least 3 full days at the show...you might not even be able to see it all in that amount of time. 1 day for the must-see, 2 days for the rest of the show.
- Get rest at night, as tempting as it might be... you're there for a reason.
- Stay away from the girls (they're all over-priced anyway..LOL)
I used to be a manufacturers rep and had to work this show...been attending every year since 1992. There is not a bigger or better show for seeing all the new stuff, getting a pulse as to where the industry is going, networking & making new connections...and just having fun!
Go...have fun...see as much as you can!
Safe Travels,
Zaza
J Michael
04-04-2008, 03:51 PM
Never kiss a hooker on the mouth.
BobDiaz
04-04-2008, 09:53 PM
Rule #1, Don't take every paper or catalog hanged to you unless you really want it. (No joke, but if you take everything someone shoves on you, you'll be carrying 90 pounds of junk you don't want.)
Rule #2, Make a list of things you want to see. There are so many booths, you will run of of time and still not see it all.
Rule #3, Wear good walking shoes. You will walk several miles each day.
Rule #4, Bring a bottle of water. The air is day and you are not likely to drink enough water. The price of soda and food is WAY out of line, some people bring a small backpack for food, water, and a place to store things they pick up.
Rule #5, Have fun and enjoy it...
Maybe my next Podcast should be tips for NAB.
Bob Diaz
BobDiaz
04-07-2008, 12:36 AM
2008 will be my first visit to NAB. Any advice for a NAB NEWBIE?
I'm looking forward to seeing all the expensive systems that i wont be able to afford for a while! Assimilate Scratch is high on my list, since i could possibly be able to afford a system soon (but only if i dream hard enough)!
Any advice on ths first trip?
You may want to check out my latest Podcast on "Trade Shows". I've broken form the normal Technical Talk and decided to do a light hearted or light humor look at trade shows. Mixed in with the funny stories is some real advice about dealing with the Super Large or MEGA Trade Show.
http://web.mac.com/bobdiaz/Site/Podcast/Podcast.html
Sincerely,
Bob Diaz
zebra451
04-08-2008, 12:57 PM
I'm going to NAB for the first time and I signed up for the FCPUG SuperMeet.
How do I find out about more parties like this?
TheMacB
04-08-2008, 02:50 PM
My advice: The Wild Wild West Gambling Hall and Hotel sounds like an awesome place to stay but its not. Because having a 24-hour BBQ pit is not worth a 45 minute walk to the convention center.
Barry_Green
04-08-2008, 03:16 PM
Ugh -- the Wild West, unless it's been SUBSTANTIALLY renovated recently, would not factor on my "Top 100" places to stay in Vegas! :)
If you're gonna stay that far away, look at the Orleans instead, or anyplace that's on the NAB bus route.
JConnors
04-08-2008, 03:32 PM
If you're gonna stay that far away, look at the Orleans instead, or anyplace that's on the NAB bus route.
Also, if you do stay off of the strip, don't make the mistake of thinking it's a ten minute walk to it, cos it's not, I learnt that the first time when I stayed at the Orleans, 45 minutes later......
Barry_Green
04-08-2008, 03:46 PM
Yeah, don't even think of walking. Especially because it can easily hit 110 degrees or more in April.
The only way to go is to ride the NAB buses. Can't even do the monorail anymore, last time I was there the line was so preposterously massive...
capt chuck
04-08-2008, 03:51 PM
Also, if you do stay off of the strip, don't make the mistake of thinking it's a ten minute walk to it, cos it's not, I learnt that the first time when I stayed at the Orleans, 45 minutes later......
If you are on the strip, there is a good bus system... for a few dollars you can get a pass that is good for 24 hours. That way if you are down by the far end of the strip you can use the bus to shorten (not eliminate) the walk. The hotel signs are so big in Vegas that it makes it seem that you are much closer than you are. Kind of the opposite of "objects in the mirror are closer than they appear".
Here is my question, I know that the food in the convention center will be... well convention center food. Are there any good alternatives near the center or do you need to get clear back to the strip before the "edibility index" goes up?
mikkowilson
04-09-2008, 02:46 AM
Rule #1, Don't take every paper or catalog hanged to you unless you really want it. (No joke, but if you take everything someone shoves on you, you'll be carrying 90 pounds of junk you don't want.)
Amen!
- Mikko
TedRR
04-09-2008, 09:51 AM
Here's another tip.
While getting in the back of the line for a cab, I said frick this.
I inquired if anyone was going to my Casino. I got about 5 people and I got one of those limo's to take us to the Casino for about 6-7 bucks each. My time was more valuable then waiting 45 minutes or more to save a couple extra dollars.
Plus it's nice to avoid the smelly cab. Although I do enjoy chatting with SOME of the cabbies.
JConnors
04-09-2008, 02:20 PM
Here is my question, I know that the food in the convention center will be... well convention center food. Are there any good alternatives near the center or do you need to get clear back to the strip before the "edibility index" goes up?
I've always just eaten at the convention center. I don't think there is too much around their in terms of food, I think there is a 711 behind the LVCC and that is about it.
Here's a question, how far is the Grand Canyon/Hoover Damn from Vegas?
capt chuck
04-09-2008, 03:17 PM
Here's a question, how far is the Grand Canyon/Hoover Damn from Vegas?
It's about a 45minute drive to Hoover Damn and it's a pretty amazing piece of engineering. Besides the option of driving yourself, there are a number of tours that go up there daily.
The grand canyon is about a 5 to 6 hour drive, an amazing place to visit, but really too far for a day trip.
JConnors
04-09-2008, 03:28 PM
I got to setup our booth on Sunday morning but afterwords I'm thinking of heading to the Hoover Damn to check it out, 45min isn't much of a drive. Any idea what is cost to see?
Max R. Wilson
04-11-2008, 12:37 PM
I got to setup our booth on Sunday morning but afterwords I'm thinking of heading to the Hoover Damn to check it out, 45min isn't much of a drive. Any idea what is cost to see?
Its free to drive across and on the other side there is free parking and then you can walk across if you want.
Its a pretty amazing thing to see.