NAB: Good Vegas info links

[Steve Gibby]

My business was based in Las Vegas from 2002 to 2004. Having lived there, and also attended about 20 NAB conventions there over the years, here’s some useful info links to help you plan your NAB trip. See you at NAB and the RED booths!!

NAB Web Site
http://www.nab.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home

Some Las Vegas Hotel and Tourism Links
http://www.lasvegas.com/ (Specials and good search tool for all types of Las Vegas hotels, rental cars, etc.)
http://www.visitlasvegas.com/vegas/stay/hotels/index.jsp (good search tool for all types of Las Vegas hotels)

A Few Affordable Hotels
(Note: Check REDUser first to see if Jarred has arranged group rates for REDUser members at hotels. If so, I’d definitely stay where the RED Heads are!)
http://www.orleanscasino.com/ (3 blocks off Strip. Good prices &b large rooms. Drive or take shuttle to convention center)
http://www.barbarycoastcasino.com/ (affordable and on the Strip)
http://www.thecal.com/ (affordable downtown hotel. Take shuttle or car to convention center)
http://www.samstownlv.com/main.cfm (About 6 miles from convention center. Good prices and clean rooms. Take shuttle or car to convention center)
http://www.mainstreetcasino.com/display.cfm?id=1053 (downtown & affordable. Take shuttle or car to convention center)
http://www.vegas.com/resorts/sahara/index.html (Sahara Hotel & Casino. Affordable and close to Convention Center)
http://www.vegas.com/resorts/riviera/index.html (Riviera Hotel & Casino. Affordable and walking distance to Convention Center)

A few Higher Budget Hotels
http://www.venetian.com/ (Gondolas, restaurants, Sands Convention Center, on Strip)
http://www.bellagio.com/ (Spa, fountains, restaurants, on Strip)
http://www.mandalaybay.com/ (Great pool, restaurants, on Strip)

Web Search Portals for Hotels and Airfares
www.hotels.com
www.expedia.com
www.travelocity.com
www.travelzoo.com (Last minute airfares and hotel specials)
http://www.cheaptickets.com/ (Last minute airfare and hotel specials)

Interactive Las Vegas maps and standard maps
http://www.lvcva.com/vegas-maps.jsp

Las Vegas Monorail
http://www.lvmonorail.com/ (Transportation from most hotels on the Strip to the Convention Center)

Food
Food is everywhere in Las Vegas. There are affordable buffets at each hotel/casino. There are higher-end steak houses and international food all over the Strip. Food at the Convention Center is expensive. If you’re on a budget, I’d suggest that you go to one of the small markets off the Strip and simply buy snacks to put in your backpack or briefcase before going to the Convention Center. Food lines are usually long at the Convention Center food outlets.

Weather
April is usually a mild weather month in Las Vegas, with days around 75 degrees, and nights around 55 degrees. It can be windy. Layers of clothes work best, windbreakers at night, short sleeves during the day.

Parking
If you have a rental car and drive to the Convention Center, come early because the parking lot across from the Convention Center, on Paradise Road, fills up rapidly in the morning. Las Vegas police will ticket and tow you quickly. Park where it’s legal, or pay the price.

Driving
Having lived in Las Vegas, it’s my opinion that the world’s worst drivers live there! They speed, weave, are agro, etc. – it’s a full-on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride every time you drive! The taxis and shuttles are the worst drivers, so watch them closely when you’re driving. Don’t jaywalk in Las Vegas. Tons of pedestrians get killed each year. Don’t assume that anyone is going to stop for you!

Passes
Unless you specifically want to go to seminars, register for the free NAB VIP pass, which will get you into all exhibit floors. Most tech manufacturers will supply you with a VIP pass code to register on the NAB site with.

Have fun…see you there!

[Andrew Benz]

Gibby, once again, you are a great resource! Thank you for putting this together. As you know, I have not been before, so this really helps out a guy like me.

[Steve Gibby]

Glad to help Andrew! After one trip to NAB you'll have it wired and be a veteran from then on...

[Emanuel & Co]

Much appreciate.

[Steve Gibby]

I'll be glad to provide additional info on Las Vegas and the NAB experience to anyone who has questions that weren't answered in my original post. Just send me a private message and I'll get back to you when I can

Cheers!

[Joe Carney]

Here is another one, at night if you're not taking a taxi or the metro...walk/travel in groups, even on the well lit strip.
Last year watched on the local news, a guy getting beat up in one of the parking lots of the Sands.

Here's a cool tidbit, you can walk around with an open can of beer in public.

[Steve Gibby]

Las Vegas is relatively safe, but the good sense to know what's going on around you goes a long way in any city, including Vegas. In any tourist city there will be predators looking for visitors who leave themselves vulnerable and/or their property unguarded. I realize that "common sense" isn't that common, and should be re-labeled "uncommon sense", but just use the same caution you'd use in any large city or resort and you shouldn't have any problems.

[GlennChan]

BRING COMFORTABLE SHOES! And add insoles to your shoes too. :)

[Steve Gibby]

Great point Glenn. Each day there involves tons of walking around. The guys in sneakers walk around smiling, while those in dress shoes have that "These flippin shoes are killin' me" grimace. I dress really casual for NAB. I'm not there to impress anyone - just there to drool over the eye candy.

[CVB]

One other thing I learned.... get the free magazines early. You may think to yourself "Self, I think I'm going to wait until the end of the day to get those cool magazines" wrong.... they disappear fast, I missed out on $30 worth of free magazines.

[Steve Gibby]

So true Curt...

For those who haven't been to NAB, in the lobbies there are racks of trade magazines, issues that haven't even shipped yet. Cool stuff...but they go fast. If you wait until you're leaving at the end of the day, guess what, they're all gone. Curt nailed it..get 'em early in the day.

[mikkowilson]

..And speaking of magazines... In adition to comfterble shoes, bring a comfterble bag to carry all the papaers, broschures, crap, etc.. that you pick up during the day. A simple shoulder bag my leave you with a shore shoulder pretty quick.

On a related note; carry as little as possible into the tradeshow, it's a long walk and you'll be pickign up a lot of stuff. Snacks & water should be about it.

- Mikko

[Steve Gibby]

That's good advice Mikko. I usually wear a backpack, because, as you say, things get heavy by the end of the day. Carrying those give-away plastic bags full of brochures all over the show floor gets old real fast!

[Steve Gibby]

Also...taxis are way expensive. If you have to take a taxi, get some other guys to ride with you and split up the charges. Certain times of the day, especially on weekend nights, the traffic on the Strip just crawls along. If its a timed taxi meter you'll be bummed at the size of the fare. If possible, take the monorail, or have dinner somewhere and wait for the traffic to die down a bit.

[Antoine Baumann]

Hi Gibby,

when you saying: "Passes
Unless you specifically want to go to seminars, register for the free NAB VIP pass, which will get you into all exhibit floors. Most tech manufacturers will supply you with a VIP pass code to register on the NAB site with."
Do you think Red could supply this?

[Steve Gibby]

I don't know if RED will have codes for free NAB VIP passes available. Curt at CVB had some awhile back, but I think his have all been taken. Almost every major exhibitor at NAB has codes available for interested parties to do the free registration for NAB. When you get a pass code, go to the NAB web site, and follow the guidelines to register, and when asked, type in the registration code. The free NAB VIP pass is for the exhibit halls only - not for seminars, etc. If you do a Google search for "free NAB exhibit pass codes" you'll undoubtedly find several manufacturers that have them available.

[Blair S. Paulsen]

The weekend preceeding the opening of the exhibit hall(s) there is a Director of Photography workshop put on by FMC. I am planning to give it a go, anyone else tracking on this?

[Nick Shaw]

Kelly posted a Red VIP code before here:

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=181

[Antoine Baumann]

thanks Nick

BTW I am also interested by the Director of Photography workshop, but the price is not so nice.

[Jared VanLeuven]

BRING COMFORTABLE SHOES! And add insoles to your shoes too. :)

Definitely a good idea. In fact, if you haven't been "mobile" since winter kicked in, you may want to get on Ye Olde Treadmill/Clothes Racke and log a few miles in the weeks before NAB. You'll end up literally walking miles each day in the Exhibit Halls. The show truly is mindblowingly mental overload, and having some tired feet/legs/back will shorten your energy level and enjoyment. Reminds me of folks who go skiing without any body prep ... not good.

Also, don't be afraid to bring a decent camera, even a videocamera. I brought my little HC1 last year and got no guff, even saw folks walking around with Z1s, etc. Make sure you put an ID on it though, every year Sony, Panny, and others have cameras walk out the door. Last year I heard one vendor lost 2 VariCams!

[Joe Carney]

Unless you have lots of extra time on your hands, do not take one of those double decker buses going up and down the strip. I took one from the strip to my hotel in downtown Vegas, a total of 2.5 miles and it took over an hour.
I could have walked almost as fast.

[Blair S. Paulsen]

BTW I am also interested by the Director of Photography workshop, but the price is not so nice.

Anybody out there have any idea what the program / speaker roster is for the DoP workshop? For $625 I will expect some serious skill building. Here is what they are telling us so far, I notice there aren't any names attached...

Saturday, April 14
9:00AM - 10:15AM Workshop - Day I
Understanding HD Workflow for Field Production
11:45AM - 1:00PM Workshop - Day I
HD Monitoring - On Set and In the Field
2:00PM - 3:15PM Workshop - Day I
Exploring Field Production with Sony HD
3:30PM - 4:45PM Workshop - Day I
Exploring Field Production with Red Digital Cinema
5:00PM - 6:15PM Workshop - Day I
Putting Together the Perfect Camera Package

Sunday, April 15
9:00AM - 10:15AM Workshop - Day II
Steadicam Techniques for HD Production
11:45AM - 1:00PM Workshop - Day II
Exploring Field Production with Panasonic HD
2:00PM - 3:15PM Workshop - Day II
Tapeless Acquisition for HD and 2K
5:00PM - 6:15PM Workshop - Day II
The DP’s Roundtable - A Panel Discussion on the Changing Industry

The topics are compelling but the devil is in the details. Anyone know who will be presenting the Red Digital section Saturday afternoon? My concern is that it will be aimed at the uninitiated and those of us who are up on all the poo will find it remedial.

Comments...

[Scott Webster]

Anybody out there have any idea what the program / speaker roster is for the DoP workshop? For $625 I will expect some serious skill building. Here is what they are telling us so far, I notice there aren't any names attached...

Saturday, April 14
9:00AM - 10:15AM Workshop - Day I
Understanding HD Workflow for Field Production
11:45AM - 1:00PM Workshop - Day I
HD Monitoring - On Set and In the Field
2:00PM - 3:15PM Workshop - Day I
Exploring Field Production with Sony HD
3:30PM - 4:45PM Workshop - Day I
Exploring Field Production with Red Digital Cinema
5:00PM - 6:15PM Workshop - Day I
Putting Together the Perfect Camera Package

Sunday, April 15
9:00AM - 10:15AM Workshop - Day II
Steadicam Techniques for HD Production
11:45AM - 1:00PM Workshop - Day II
Exploring Field Production with Panasonic HD
2:00PM - 3:15PM Workshop - Day II
Tapeless Acquisition for HD and 2K
5:00PM - 6:15PM Workshop - Day II
The DP’s Roundtable - A Panel Discussion on the Changing Industry

The topics are compelling but the devil is in the details. Anyone know who will be presenting the Red Digital section Saturday afternoon? My concern is that it will be aimed at the uninitiated and those of us who are up on all the poo will find it remedial.

Comments...

Blair, I haven't personally attended a NAB workshop but I have had some very negative feedback from those that have. Such as, dis-organised, unprepared lecturers and lack of knowledge on the topic they are presenting.

Vet the presenters and if their credentials stand up take your chance. Personally I'd take that money and focus it on a course that caters to your exact needs rather than 2 days of 60 minute gloss overs.

Depending how long you have at NAB you're going to have plenty of time to pump the Red team for info if Red workflow is your concern.

[Finner]

Blair I have also heard very poor reviews by 2 people I know that took NAB workshops. They both told me that they wish they would of saved their money. The best workshops I have heard of is the Rockport Maine ones but they are real big $$.

From what I have heard I would suggest saving your money and buying some books with it.

[Rob Lohman]

Every time I walked into a hall with my Canon Rebel XT I was asked to show my sticker that the camera was registered (I was press last year). I don't know if you can do this as non-press, if not then they might not allow the stuff in if they can see the camera when you walk in.

Might need to stuff it in a bag when walking in/out and then pull it out when you want to take some photos / video

[Dominic Cochran]

I don't think OP mentioned priceline as a resource for cheap hotels and flights to Vegas. I go about three times a year and have always had amazing luck with the Name Your Own Price feature there.

Also, regarding the workshops at Rockport... They are definitely very good but I went about 12 years ago so I can't vouch for them currently. Although at that point in my career it was worth it just to get my hands on the best equipment available. Now, of course we can buy it for 18K... ;)

[Steve Sherrick]

Gibby, I must have missed this post before. I've been to Vegas once before for NAB but it was a few years back and everything is a bit foggy as far as details go. Anyway, I've got my travel plans booked, but wondering if you or anyone else knows much about the Palace Hotel and Casino. Not so much concerened about the accomodations, as I'm easy to please in that regard, but the travel to and from the convention is what I'm interested in. Any suggestions?

Also, I know there is talk about a get together out there, and I would certianly be up for this. I'm sure there will be official events and unofficial events and I'm up for anything. It will be good to finally meet some of you in person. You have all been a wealth of information on a variety of topics.

Steve

[Steve Gibby]

Steve,

I'm not familiar with the Palace Hotel & Casino, but I think you meant either the Palace Station Hotel & Casino, or the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino.

Palace Casinos, Inc. owns a bunch of off-Strip, affordable hotels. One of them is Palace Station. All their hotels are away from the Strip, and I believe none of them have Monorail stations, so you'd need to have a rental car if you stay at one of their hotels. They may have shuttle busses that go to the convention center though - worth checking on. Most of their hotels are not within walking distance of the convention center, but a few of them are within a long walk of the Strip/CV. Their hotels are affordable and clean. If you want to save money, have a rental car (or they have shuttle busses), and being in "partyville" on the Strip isn't important to you, their hotels may be a good choice. Link to their hotel list: http://www.stationcasinos.com/map/

Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino is owned by a different hotel group. It is located on the Strip, about 7 blocks walk from the Convention Center, so you wouldn't need a rental car. It also has a Monorail station, so if you didn't feel like walking to/from the convention center, then you could use that. Imperial Palace is one of the most affordable hotels on the Strip. I haven't stayed there, but I know others who have. Relatively clean and affordable rooms right in the middle of the action on the Strip. Link to the Imperial Palace web site: http://www.imperialpalace.com/stay.php

Tip: Keep in mind that Expedia, Travelocity, and other travel aggregators reserve hotel rooms in blocks and you may get a better rate at Las Vegas hotels by reserving through them than if you reserve directly through the hotel's own web sites.

Hope this helps...c-ya in Las Vegas!

[Steve Sherrick]

Thanks! Yeah, I went through Travelocity, got a good deal with direct flight. I will look into the travel options from Palace Station to strip/convention center.

Hope to see many of you there!

Steve