Vegas Baby

Last week I went to Vegas for my first tradeshow of the year. I hadn't been to Vegas since June when I went for two tradeshows two weeks apart. (More on my blog Domo Does Vegas x 2.) I love Vegas, but in small doses. Two times in two weeks is too much. I've also noticed that the more I come to Vegas for work versus leisure, the less fun it becomes. Long days, a lot of walking, late dinners ... and then up again to stand all day in heels at 8am! Its exhausting.

Welcome to Las Vegas

View From My Room

I got into Vegas Wednesday evening and went straight to my hotel to check-in (the Cosmopolitan) and drop off my stuff, and then walked over to Caesars where the show would be to set-up the booth. When I walked up to our booth area and the booth canisters and other things I had sent weren't there, I momentarily panicked. Where was my shipment? An hour later (and no thanks to the show manager) I found out that the items were at the business center .. which was now closed. GREAT. That meant I had to set-up the next morning. Sigh.

Passed the Bellagio Between the Cosmo and Caesars

Tragically Sad Vegas Dinner

I headed back to my hotel and picked up Panda Express on the way home. Gross. I don't think I've had Panda in years! I didn't really have many other choices. Vegas is a strange place to be alone. I eat by myself all the time when I travel. Eating alone at a Vegas restaurant seemed too weird though, and my take-out options were limited. I brought back my food, watched some crappy TV, and was in bed by 10pm.

Domo Digged the Hotel Room

Love Getting Two Beds - One to Sleep In, One to Lay Clothes On

Cool Desk and Interactive TV

Modern Bathroom

Ummm ... Viewing Panel From the Shower?

The next morning my plan was to run over to Caesars, set-up the booth, run back, shower, get ready, and then head back over. Putting the booth up is moderately difficult manual labor and I didn't want to do it in my work clothes. When I got to the business center the next morning they were so backlogged with deliveries that they told me they couldn't give me my items for another hour ... which was when the show started. AHH! I ran back to my hotel (got in a nice 2 mile run roundtrip!), showered, changed, and accepted the fact that I'd be setting up in a dress. Sigh.

Got To Do Fake Surgery with my Booth Neighbor
(The funnel pops the implant in through an incision hole)

Smart Girls Walk in Flats, Carry Their Heels

Luckily when my booth was delivered and I started to put the framework together, the men on either side of my booth helped me out. And they say chivalry is dead! Alone the booth can take 45 minutes to an hour to assemble, but with help you can get it together in 20 minutes. Right as I put the finishing touches on our display (slipped the DVD into the player), my counterpart from Sales showed up. Go figure! The first day of the show was pretty long (8am - 7pm!!), but at least they served drinks and appetizers in the final hour.

Waiters With Appetizers - Score!

The "Shot Show" Was in Town

After the show we had a group dinner over at Prime at the Bellagio. We've eaten there the last few times we've been in Vegas and its one of the best restaurants I've ever been to. The food is incredible and so is the service. If you're looking for a nice steak restaurant next time you're in Vegas, check this place out!

Celebrity Arrival? Check Out That Luggage!

Cupcake Tower - Amazing!

Prime Steakhouse Seafood Platter - Incredible!

The second day of the show was shorter (8am - 5pm), and luckily it was also time for me to go home right after! I needed to get back to San Diego Friday night since I would be working the Carlsbad Marathon expo all day Saturday on behalf of the San Francisco Marathon. Two days pimping my product in Vegas followed by one day pimping my hometown marathon in Carlsbad? Tradeshow warrior!!

The Casinos Were All Decked Out for Chinese New Year

Chandelier Bar at the Cosmopolitan

Morning Run on the Strip

When I got to the Vegas airport I was dismayed to see that there was a "weather delay" in Phoenix and the flight was delayed. Huh? Weather delay?? Turns out one runway was closed in Phoenix for repairs so all of the flights were backed up. Um, doesn't that seem like something they would have scheduled around? Anyways, I suffered through major anxiety worrying about missing my connection in Phoenix and getting into San Diego late on Saturday, but luckily all flights in and out of Phoenix were delayed so I made my connection and got home by 10pm Friday night. Whew!

Possible Weather Delay??

Snacks Waiting When You Board - Gotta Love First Class!

The trip to Vegas was quick, tiring, and a bit fun. I will need to make sure that my next trip back there is for fun instead of work!