G2E, the premier global gaming event presented by the American Gaming Association, just completed another successful expo in Las Vegas. It’s the perfect match of industry and venue, since Las Vegas is still the center of the gaming universe.
But Las Vegas can go far beyond just a gaming expo, especially since it has expanded its focus to include entertainment, dining, retail and sporting events. Why not match conventions to specific Vegas sectors and their unique characteristics?
Here are some ideas for pairing organizations with Las Vegas for future gatherings:
National Association for Paid Parking
We could be selected because of our rapid turnaround from decades of free parking to paid parking on the Strip and downtown. Great news for the association, still lousy news for locals (especially since association members will probably get their parking comped).
Monorail Conference of America
We’re on track to host this convention, despite the fact that we’ve never had a fully developed system (Hello Harry Reid International Airport, we’ll eventually get to you!). But, Las Vegas being Las Vegas, we could host the event on the trains themselves, complete with break-out cars, buffet lunches and of course, a mobile bar.
Celebrity Chefs International
No one has more celebrity chef restaurants than Las Vegas. On the other hand, no one has fewer celebrity chefs who actually live here. Either way, we have more than enough seats at the table to make us the ideal site.
Grecian Formula 1 Racing Federation
This is the association for senior drivers who still love the lure of the track. Now that we have Formula 1 racing for the next several years, we can schedule the senior gathering for after the final race and while the barricades are still there.
Headliner Residency Bookers Cooperative
Let’s face it, Las Vegas has more superstar residencies than any city in the world. Fans come to Las Vegas to see their favorite icons. Bookers coming to Las Vegas for a meeting will get a chance to not only see their clients perform, but see other entertainers on the Las Vegas Strip. One caveat though: no residencies for Elvis impersonators!
Key to the City Convention
We love to give out keys to the city (and the Las Vegas Strip, which is in the county). Mayors and commissioners across the United States give out keys to a variety of celebrities and luminaries. But what other city can put their names up on a marquee?
National Organization of Pharmacists
The golden age of Las Vegas would never countenance a drug store on the Strip, but we have them now, adding a non-glamorous view from some of our most glamorous resorts. Since we’re stuck with them, let’s host them. It’s a prescription for success.
National Readerboard Conference
This is natural. YESCO can be the host-sponsor and demonstrate the latest technology, including the amazing Sphere. And, for nostalgia, attendees can be transported back in time with a visit to the Neon Museum!
There’s only one association we haven’t hosted yet—the National Basketball Association (NBA). However, with The Las Vegas Aces (back-to-back WNBA champs) and maybe a future NBA team, the sky’s the limit …and a slam dunk!