Hi, Web. I used to go to MAGIC twice each year. If this is your first time there, you won't believe how big it is. And if your store is small, you may have to fight to get your orders in with the best exhibitors. . . they really do get packed with buyers.
Make sure you get there for the opening night concert. Always a top name artist and a great show. Plenty of fashion shows throughout the event. . .a nice way to rest your feet. . . . honestly, you will walk for miles and miles.
If you are a buyer, check the buzz early. The best buyers are great at knowing what to buy. . .so those names will be red hot throughout the event. . . and will probably be your best sellers when you get back to your store.
As for Vegas. . .
Mandalay Bay has the finest swimming pools. . .and is considered to be the "best". . . . and the top several floors are actually run by the Four Seasons. . .providing the very finest service in Vegas.
Bellagio spent a kings ransom on their art that hangs in their massive hallways. Don't miss seeing this hotel if you can help it.
The Venetian is likewise charming, with the gondola rides and cafes. . .there are shopping malls attached to the Venetia, Caesers, Ballys and others.
If you are on a budget, you might try staying at the Stratosphere. . . very nice full service hotel/casino at a good price. . .with shuttle busses leaving regularly to MAGIC. . . .[most every hotel has these]. . This is the tower with the amusement park at the top. . . not for the faint of heart!
Speaking of price, the cheapest meals are at Binions Horseshoe and the Loosest slots, tables, etc. are anywhere inside the Fremont St. Experience. . which is downtown. But be careful of straying too far off the strip. Crime in Vegas is considerable.
Also, the "rides" in the Luxor are quite fun. . another relatively inexpensive place to stay. And of course the Treasure Island and Maxim evening outdoor shows are fun, if you haven't seen them. New York New York and Paris are a bit too contrived for my taste. . . but others like them. . . NY NY has an outdoor roller coaster that surrounds the complex.
For a break away from casinos, there is "Dive", a submarine theme restaurant [in front of the mall]. . but for great restaurants, you really need to be in the bigger hotels. . . Mandalay Bay, Venetia, Bellagio, Maxims, Ceasers, etc. Wolfgang Puck's in the MGM Grand is fun gourmet . . .the Hotel/Casino "Rio" is often overlooked, but has a very nice buffet. . .and one of the best free shows on the strip. . . a real "Carnival" feel. . . lots of fun! There are literally hundreds of buffets in Vegas. . .all of which are relatively inexpensive.
I don't know the current stage shows. If you are going with someone, you might consider both bringing cell phones. . .it is easy to get lost at MAGIC. . .and even easier at the casinos. The place is so big, you just won't believe your eyes. You may need a whole day away from the show just to hop the hotels on the strip. Just be careful of the heat. . .expect 110 to 120 degrees throughout the day. . . seriously.
Hope that gives you some ideas. Wish I was there. I am still considered to be officially "on vacation". . . so maybe I'll slip out there sometime in the near future.
Best wishes,
Rande Is |
