Every year, thousands of trade shows take place in Las Vegas, Nevada. These trade shows provide companies with an incredible opportunity to make deals and learn more about their industry, but the glitz of the Las Vegas Strip can provide just as many distractions as opportunities. Making the most of a company trip to Las Vegas can present a unique challenge for trade show marketing professionals, but it can be done successfully.

The majority of trade shows and conventions take place in downtown Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Unlike most exhibit halls in the country, the Las Vegas Convention Center has very strict regulations to prevent unsafe circumstances on the show floor. Even the type of trade show lighting that can be used at the Las Vegas Convention Center is very limited due to fire restrictions put in place by the convention center management. Navigating these restrictions can be a complex process, especially for an inexperienced exhibitor.

Every company that plans to exhibit in Las Vegas should have a member of its staff carefully read the exhibitor’s handbook to get a feel for what is permitted and what is restricted. Many of the regulations are designed to prevent specific problems, and are therefore very obscure and narrowly focused. Even the smallest violation could ruin the trade show experience for a company.

The biggest challenge facing exhibitors who want to take advantage of the Las Vegas Convention Center is to avoid the distractions of the Las Vegas night life. Gambling, prostitution, and other activities unique to Las Vegas can draw booth staffers, visitors, and attendees away from their focus. It is important to keep a good balance between business and pleasure when exhibiting in Las Vegas in order to get the most from the experience.

Begin by putting restrictions on the expense accounts of your staffers. Setting defined limits can help prevent unwanted conflict as well as overspending. If the staff members are married or have children, it is often polite to provide enough funds that they can take part in the trip as well. Las Vegas trade shows could last a few weeks, and that is a long time to as your employee to be away from his or her family.

In addition to restricting the expense account for your staffers, it is a good idea to establish some ground rules regarding employee behavior. Employees should act as representatives of the company at all times, which means that drunkenness and illegal behavior should be strictly prohibited.

Generally speaking, Las Vegas trade shows are very profitable events that work well for everyone involved. It is important to be educated about the environment that faces the company so that one can make wise decisions that reflect well on the company. Sending exhibit staffers off into an unknown world can result in unexpected problems for the company.