Planning a consumer expo in Las Vegas
A public show where exhibitors sell to visitors, often with food samples and stage demos.
What it usually needs
Based on a typical consumer expo. Your size, venue, food, alcohol and entertainment change the list, so open the checklist and adjust the answers. Permits must be confirmed with the issuing agency or venue.
Fire permit with plan review
Indoor exhibits with 300 or more people need a Clark County fire permit. Larger events, or any with pyrotechnics, flame effects or open flames, submit plans: a scaled floor plan showing booths, aisles, exits and fire equipment, plus an egress analysis. Fees go by total event room size. Fire Prevention Bureau: FPPCQ@clarkcountynv.gov, 702-455-7316.
ConfirmedClark County Fire Department, usually filed with your venueAbout 8 weeks aheadClark County Fire: indoor trade shows permit guide
Special event permit
Clark County says indoor events need a special event permit, with a location agreement and a safety and security plan. Several event types also need a bond or certificate of insurance in the packet; check that your business policy covers off-site events. Submissions are by appointment (BLSpecialEvents@ClarkCountyNV.gov, 702-455-4252). Registered charities with a county Certificate of Recognition don't pay this department's permit fees.
ConfirmedClark County Temporary Events teamAbout 8 weeks aheadClark County special events FAQ
Large event gathering notification
If you expect 5,000 or more people on any day, Clark County asks for a Large Event Gathering Notification at least 10 calendar days before the event.
ConfirmedClark County Temporary Events teamAbout 2 weeks aheadClark County special events FAQ
Promoter license and music permit for live music
For special events, Clark County requires a music concert promoter license ($300 a year plus a $45 application fee) and a music concert permit ($400) or an outdoor festival permit when there is live music. Ask your venue whether its own licenses already cover entertainment in its rooms.
Not yet confirmedClark County Temporary Events teamAbout 8 weeks aheadClark County special events FAQ
Multiple vendor sale fee
Clark County charges a multiple vendor arena sale fee of $6 per vendor per day indoors or $4 outdoors, plus a $45 application fee.
ConfirmedClark County Temporary Events teamAbout 6 weeks aheadClark County special events FAQ
Business licenses for selling vendors
Anyone selling goods or services at a temporary event, vendors included, needs a business license before the event.
ConfirmedClark County Business LicenseAbout 6 weeks aheadClark County temporary events and film permits
Nevada one-time event sales tax permit
When vendors sell at your event, you apply for a one-time event permit with a vendor list at least two weeks ahead, hand each selling vendor a one-time return, collect them before vendors leave, and remit them.
Not yet confirmedNevada Department of TaxationAbout 3 weeks aheadNevada Department of Taxation one-time event guidelines
Health permits for exhibitor sampling
The Southern Nevada Health District enforces food sampling rules. At the LVCC each sampling exhibitor files the venue's approval form and needs a hand-washing station; check your venue's version.
ConfirmedSouthern Nevada Health District, through your venueAbout 4 weeks aheadLVCC Facility Guide, Feb 2026 (food and beverage pages)
SNHD event coordinator permit and vendor food permits
Every food vendor at the event needs a Southern Nevada Health District temporary food establishment permit, and an event with five or more food vendors, or any tasting event, needs an event coordinator permit. Apply at least 7 calendar days before the event; late applications pay late fees and incomplete ones can be denied. Permits are inspected on the day. EHFoodOpsAdmin@snhd.org, 702-759-1110.
ConfirmedSouthern Nevada Health DistrictAbout 3 weeks aheadSouthern Nevada Health District special events
Negotiate room block attrition
Room block contracts usually allow 10 to 20% slippage before you owe for unused rooms. Negotiate it, plus cancellation and force majeure terms, before signing.
ConfirmedHotels and your contract reviewerAbout 26 weeks aheadCAP study guide: RFPs and room block attrition
Publish a scam warning for your attendees
Big shows warn attendees and exhibitors that they don't sell attendee lists and name their only official housing vendor. Scammers target new shows too.
ConfirmedYou, on your event websiteAbout 12 weeks aheadCES customer scam notice