The 90th UFI Global Congress lands on the shores on North America this November 1-4, to the oasis in the desert known as Las Vegas. This is the first time this event has been held in the US and there are some Vegas-sized things planned for delegates and sponsors.

Many of you may know me from attending UFI events around the world for the last ten years. Others may have read my UFI or Exhibition World blogs. As someone who lives in Las Vegas, I don’t work for the LVCVA (the city’s convention and visitors’ bureau). In this city of 2 million people, there are lots of things to see and do, on and off The Strip that don’t involve gambling, though that’s available too. There are plenty of great places to eat and drink.

Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing tips and facts on Las Vegas, the North American exhibition market, interviews with UFI Global Congress speakers, and more.

Las Vegas is the US capital of exhibitions and b2b events with three venues over 150,000 sq. meters and many more convention centers and meeting spaces scattered around the city. There are over 150,000 hotel rooms. Yes, that’s not a typo. We have over 150,000 hotel rooms at all price points.

Unbelievably, with that many hotel rooms available, the city does indeed, sell out! Some exhibitions held in Las Vegas average over 125,000 attendees and thousands more exhibitors. Two such trade-only exhibitions, The SEMA Show and AAPEX, take over two of the three convention centers at the same time as the UFI Congress. Good rooms in the city will sell out, sooner rather than later. They always do. Year after year.

The ARIA Resort & Casino, where the Global Congress is being held has a finite set of rooms – and it too will sell out. It’s a lovely property! That’s why, as a local, I highly recommend you register today for the Global Congress, then immediately book your hotel rooms. After that’s done, you have plenty of time to sort out airfare and other travel details.

I look forward to being your tour guide to my city!