The convention lifecycle
Every stage of a Las Vegas convention, from the first idea to planning next year. For each one: what to read, the tool that does the work, and who to hire.
Concept and feasibility
Who it's for, what it competes with, how many attendees and exhibitors to expect, and whether it pays.
Budget and financing
Revenue from booths, sponsors and tickets against venue, labor, catering, insurance and contingency.
Dates, venues and contracts
Avoid clashing with big shows, pick a venue, and read room blocks, minimums, attrition and exclusives before signing.
Licensing, legal and risk
Permits by jurisdiction, insurance, fire safety, food and alcohol approvals, entertainment tax and emergency plans.
Event design and programming
Floor plan, booths, sessions, speakers, entertainment, signage and accessibility.
Exhibitor and sponsor sales
Packages, booth reservations, deadlines and everything exhibitors need to know before they arrive.
Vendor hiring and procurement
Find vendors, collect quotes, check insurance and hire staff and talent.
Marketing and audience
Website, email, social, press and partners to fill the hall.
Read
Guide coming.
Registration and attendee prep
Invitations, RSVPs, badges, hotels, travel and accessibility requests.
Freight, move-in and installation
Advance warehouse or direct shipping, drayage, power and internet orders, rigging and booth build.
Live show operations
Check-in, security, catering, AV support, schedule changes, repairs and lead capture.
Move-out and dismantle
Empty crates back, labor scheduled, outbound freight booked and the booth taken down.
Do
Use the guides for now.
Cleanup, resale and recovery
Cleaning, haul-away, donation, resale and recycling of everything nobody ships home.
Financial closeout and reporting
Final invoices, vendor payments, sales tax, sponsor fulfillment and what the show earned.
Retention and next year
Lead follow-up, vendor ratings, what to change, and holds for the next edition.