jake_carpenter
Member
Jake Carpenter,
for dvxuser.com
The tagline for the NAB Show in Las Vegas is "Where Content Comes to life", and there is certainly no shortage of content or life, with around 1,500 exhibitors and upwards of 100,000 attendees. With so much to see, navigating your way around the crowds of people can be a daunting and exhausting task. The 2011 convention will be my third show, and I've put together a list of tips that might be helpful in preparing for the expo floor.
You will be walking, a lot. The Las Vegas Convention Center is huge (more than 3 million sq. ft) and the NAB Show and exposition uses most of it. Comfortable shoes are a must, and if you’re coming for the entire week, bring a backup pair. Wear comfortable clothing, but don't go super casual, NAB is a meeting of professionals and the attitude is definitely business oriented. If you're planning on picking up brochures, sales literature, or anything else, be sure to bring something to carry it in. If you're attending one of the conferences and not just the expo, you may get a messenger bag as part of your conference registration (I’m not sure of the specifics on this, but when I attended the 2009 Government/Military Conference I received a nice little messenger bag preloaded with a bunch of marketing material).
One of the most indispensable items I keep in my messenger bag is a reusable water bottle. Even if you're used to the Las Vegas heat, the walking, talking, and schmoozing can really dehydrate you. There are places to buy beverages of all types (beer included) if you forget your water bottle or want a little variety and you aren't opposed to paying out the nose for it. Everything in sin city seems to be expensive, and the dining options at the convention center are certainly no exception to the rule. While there are several places to eat at the convention center, I've found that the restaurant in South Lower or the food truck between South and Central is the best bang for the buck.
With so much to see, managing your time at NAB can be the toughest part of your trip. The key to seeing what you need to see and avoiding burnout is good prior planning. Before you get to the show, sit down with the exhibitor list and make a "Must See" list, noting where each exhibitor is located so you can plan your route. The exhibitor list and map can be found on the nabshow.com website under the "Exhibitors" heading. When you're at the expo, refer to your list often and check off items as you see them. I like to take a map of the convention center and cross off areas as I leave them, and note exhibitors that I'd like to go back to if I have time. It is important to schedule breaks and to take them, you won't have a good experience if you're exhausted.
If you do get tired, take advantage of the complimentary buses and save yourself a walk, or sit in on one of the many demonstrations or shows to recharge. Speaking of recharging, let’s talk cell phones. With a hundred thousand people in close proximity, reception can be sketchy, and I've found data service to be non-existent at times. In the past I've been able to find WiFi hotspots, but even those can be unreliable at times.
To recap: Comfy shoes, lots of water, and have a plan.
for dvxuser.com
The tagline for the NAB Show in Las Vegas is "Where Content Comes to life", and there is certainly no shortage of content or life, with around 1,500 exhibitors and upwards of 100,000 attendees. With so much to see, navigating your way around the crowds of people can be a daunting and exhausting task. The 2011 convention will be my third show, and I've put together a list of tips that might be helpful in preparing for the expo floor.
You will be walking, a lot. The Las Vegas Convention Center is huge (more than 3 million sq. ft) and the NAB Show and exposition uses most of it. Comfortable shoes are a must, and if you’re coming for the entire week, bring a backup pair. Wear comfortable clothing, but don't go super casual, NAB is a meeting of professionals and the attitude is definitely business oriented. If you're planning on picking up brochures, sales literature, or anything else, be sure to bring something to carry it in. If you're attending one of the conferences and not just the expo, you may get a messenger bag as part of your conference registration (I’m not sure of the specifics on this, but when I attended the 2009 Government/Military Conference I received a nice little messenger bag preloaded with a bunch of marketing material).
One of the most indispensable items I keep in my messenger bag is a reusable water bottle. Even if you're used to the Las Vegas heat, the walking, talking, and schmoozing can really dehydrate you. There are places to buy beverages of all types (beer included) if you forget your water bottle or want a little variety and you aren't opposed to paying out the nose for it. Everything in sin city seems to be expensive, and the dining options at the convention center are certainly no exception to the rule. While there are several places to eat at the convention center, I've found that the restaurant in South Lower or the food truck between South and Central is the best bang for the buck.
With so much to see, managing your time at NAB can be the toughest part of your trip. The key to seeing what you need to see and avoiding burnout is good prior planning. Before you get to the show, sit down with the exhibitor list and make a "Must See" list, noting where each exhibitor is located so you can plan your route. The exhibitor list and map can be found on the nabshow.com website under the "Exhibitors" heading. When you're at the expo, refer to your list often and check off items as you see them. I like to take a map of the convention center and cross off areas as I leave them, and note exhibitors that I'd like to go back to if I have time. It is important to schedule breaks and to take them, you won't have a good experience if you're exhausted.
If you do get tired, take advantage of the complimentary buses and save yourself a walk, or sit in on one of the many demonstrations or shows to recharge. Speaking of recharging, let’s talk cell phones. With a hundred thousand people in close proximity, reception can be sketchy, and I've found data service to be non-existent at times. In the past I've been able to find WiFi hotspots, but even those can be unreliable at times.
To recap: Comfy shoes, lots of water, and have a plan.