[modhatter]

With so many conventions coming to Las Vegas, it would seem natural to want to attend some that might interest you. Do most require a business license for attendance. I remember once, a long time ago, I attended a jewelry show. It did require a business license, which I had for a retail store, and though I did not sell jewelry I did purchase the most beautiful birthstone pendant for my mother, which she has and loves to this day. I remember it cost me considerably less than it would have buying it at a retail store.

Anyone go to any of the conventions? I'd like to go to the annual electronics show. Forgot the name of it.

[aggrofish]

CES usually by the last day you'll find passes in the trash just grab one.

[von949]

Originally Posted by aggrofish

CES usually by the last day you'll find passes in the trash just grab one.

Or on Craigslist for sale for about $30-50. Last year right after the first day, so many ads were put up on Craigslist for CES show entrance passes. A buddy of mine sold his on there.

[UTES]

It's surprisingly easy to register as a participant for most of these gatherings online before the scheduled convention.


Bill

[nfapps]

Although I attend a handful of conventions in LV each year, I have not found it to be the case that they are surprisingly easy to get into. Sometimes the ones we are fully qualified for require more documentation than I believe necessary. Additionally, most of the trade shows I attend prohibit "cash and carry" meaning you cannot purchase on the spot, only write orders and most require either dollar amount or quantity minimums.

Certainly not saying all are this way and not trying to discount other advise, however that has been my experience. Some of the smaller shows may be more lax. Even buying others passes is suspect - unless they have already registered physically at the show. Many shows mail badges, however you still cannot get in unless you go to the registration booth, show personal and business ID and get that year's badge holder (a plastic sleeve that holds the badge visible to staff and vendors). Even with a badge, but without the badge holder they won't let you in until you pick up the badge holder at the registration booth (again, requiring ID). I find it hard to believe anyone with legitimate business credentials would find $50 worth selling their badge with their name to a stranger, not to say it doesn't happen.

CES is trade only, as is SEMA however SEMA generally has an outdoor area in the front parking lot of the convention center that you don't need a badge to get into. Sometimes they have displays, one year they had drifting demonstrations etc in this area that anyone could view.

[modhatter]

Well, that would make it difficult to get in if you were not legitimately connected. I understand, though there are things I would be interested in seeing. (Builder's Convention etc.) And of course the CES. Love electronics.

Originally Posted by nfapps

Although I attend a handful of conventions in LV each year, I have not found it to be the case that they are surprisingly easy to get into. Sometimes the ones we are fully qualified for require more documentation than I believe necessary. Additionally, most of the trade shows I attend prohibit "cash and carry" meaning you cannot purchase on the spot, only write orders and most require either dollar amount or quantity minimums.

Certainly not saying all are this way and not trying to discount other advise, however that has been my experience. Some of the smaller shows may be more lax. Even buying others passes is suspect - unless they have already registered physically at the show. Many shows mail badges, however you still cannot get in unless you go to the registration booth, show personal and business ID and get that year's badge holder (a plastic sleeve that holds the badge visible to staff and vendors). Even with a badge, but without the badge holder they won't let you in until you pick up the badge holder at the registration booth (again, requiring ID). I find it hard to believe anyone with legitimate business credentials would find $50 worth selling their badge with their name to a stranger, not to say it doesn't happen.

CES is trade only, as is SEMA however SEMA generally has an outdoor area in the front parking lot of the convention center that you don't need a badge to get into. Sometimes they have displays, one year they had drifting demonstrations etc in this area that anyone could view.

[dynimagelv]

MOST Conventions are MEMBER ONLY in the sponsoring organizatino altho SOME will have an open day at the end to help sell off the display stuff.....

[Buzz123]

Most of the big conventions charge big bucks for credentials to get in and you have to be a member in most cases (like NAB or NATPE for instance). But there are some that let anyone in, or at least you can buy tickets. It's been a very long time since I snuck into a convention, but it was usually by using someone else's ID tag and hoping they didn't notice the picture didn't match. Unless you're buying, or just want to see the new products in a certain field, most conventions aren't worth the bother anyway.

[MSchu]

business card(fake or otherwise) and entry fee are all that are usually needed. some conventions you need to be a registered dues paying member

[LVguy]

I got SEMA and CES pass but they are not my name and also from 2013, but was able to sneak in. I flip the badge around and go in with people in front of me, usually they just see if you have soething hanging from your neck and let you in.

however I have yet to try other conventions, I think this method should work on other conventions in LVCC? how about AVN? do they also use badge or they scan tickets? searched google but can't find image for AVN badge