How to Enjoy Las Vegas While on a Business Trip

It’s no news that one of the most common ways to visit Las Vegas is because of  gambling. But, believe it or not, this is one of the USA’s top spots for business as well. Those who often go on business trips can either love or feel an aversion towards this city. Either way, it’s highly probable that at some point in your career you might need to attend a conference or tradeshow in Las Vegas. Meeting after meeting, business dinners and conferences, days in this desert fantasy land can be busy. However, even though you are visiting on business, it doesn’t have to mean that you can’t take a break to enjoy the city of luxurious hotels, gigantic casinos and lavish meals.

You must have heard the common saying ‘What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas’. If you are travelling to this city on business, you are probably hoping that the exact opposite happens. So, we gathered a list of things you can do, and should definitely be aware of to make the most out of your business trip to the Sin City!

Ah, the perks of being in Las Vegas on a business trip!

With 9 million square feet of convention and meeting space, this city is paradise for business trips in particular. Las Vegas offers a few thousands of available meeting rooms which are equipped to meet the needs of any type of business. The reason why people choose this place? The countless ways to entertain important clients or business associate, no matter if it’s day or night. 

When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?

If you are the one in charge of organizing the business trip, keep in mind that the best time to visit Las Vegas is from March to May and from September to November. Even though you can find a lot of travel deals throughout the year, the spring and fall seasons offer the most moderate weather conditions.

Vegas sees a rising number of visitors during winter, especially around New Year’s Eve. On the other hand, the temperatures in summer can be very high so it can be quite unpleasant if you are not simply a tourist willing to spend their day beside the pool.

Tip: Try organizing a mid-week business trip, since Las Vegas is a popular weekend getaway destination. Therefore, you will find more rooms at a lower price between Tuesday and Thursday.

Tip: Since the city is home to a variety of conventions every year, make sure you check the convention schedule to help you secure a better deal at the hotel you choose to stay in, as its business can drive up room rates.

What to do while in the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’? 

1. Relax

 Yes, it might sound as quite the opposite of entertainment, but the truth is that some people would rather use the short breaks between meetings to relax. Visit a spa, schedule a massage or sip iced coffee beside the pool. We recommend hitting one of the two Canyon Ranch Spas, one of them located in the Palazzo and the other one in the Venetian. Both places offer spa facilities like steam rooms, Finnish saunas, ‘Experiential Rains’, as well as massages and spa treatments. Who could stay indifferent to a rejuvenating break squeezed in a busy schedule? 

2. Visit ‘The Strip’

The neon-soaked Las Vegas Strip is perhaps the most famous area there. Performance venues for comedy, circus and music, a variety of enormous, flashing hotels, shops and restaurants – this stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard has it all. And while you are here, don’t miss the sight of the soaring, luxurious fountains of the Bellagio and the High Roller observation wheel.

3. Go local

If you get tired of the flashy, neon Strip, visiting the place where it all began is something you can do to spend your free time. Grab a cab and step back in time by visiting downtown Las Vegas. This area is located a few miles to the north, and it’s the historic heart of Las Vegas. It’s a fun part of the city where you can actually walk around, since it’s closed for traffic, and enjoy a vintage experience. It’s no news that Vegas is constantly evolving, and there is always something new to see and explore.

However, there are some things that haven’t changed a lot over the years in this city, and if you just take a stroll around downtown, especially on Fremont Street you will find a variety of classic stores, attractions and resorts that give you a taste of old Vegas. The street now offers the ‘Fremont Street Experience’, which has a zip line you can ride, and it’s also the home of the Neon Museum. This is the place where neon signs that are no longer used go to. While you are here, don’t miss visiting the Smith Center for the Performing Arts. This is the home to the Las Vegas Philharmonic and the Nevada Ballet Theatre. 

4. The view over The Strip is something you must experience

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel offers an amazing sightseeing view over the Las Vegas Strip. So, for a casual drink with the team, you can visit the hotel’s Mandarin Bar, which overlooks the Strip through floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

The bar offers cocktails mixed by professional baristas, a long wine menu and light snacks. Besides, the hotel offers a private room, named ‘The Edge’, which accommodates about thirty people. It’s a convenient place to bring the company together and party if you are in the mood for that.

5. Try some of Las Vegas’ amazing restaurants

• Formerly Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall and Saloon and a great business meeting spot, Giada is one of the hottest spots in town. And if you are wondering why you would want to be sure you make a reservation in advance, the answer is simple. This place offers its diners a view of the Bellagio fountains and the Caesar’s Palace.
• If you are a fan of sushi, Nobu Restaurant is the place to be. Opened in 2013, this place has quickly become one of Vegas’ must-visit spots for sushi. Besides, it’s located on the strip, so its convenient location makes it even more trendy for visitors.
• Guy Savoy is truly the finest of the French fine-dining restaurants in Las Vegas. It’s located inside Caesars Palace, and you can choose from their four diverse and carefully created menus. Course after course, enjoy your dinner all the way to the espresso.
• If you are tired of the Strip, and want to meet somewhere else for lunch, try Triple George Grill. This place is located in downtown Las Vegas. It offers a relatively quiet, pleasant atmosphere and a casual setting. Triple George Grill was opened in 2005, and it has been considered as one of the best spots in town since then.

A short guide of dos and don’ts when in Sin City 

1. Pack smart

 When on a business trip to Las Vegas, make sure you pack carefully and appropriately according to the weather conditions, and your events, of course.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and always have a bottle of water with you.

2. If you are interested in art – it’s everywhere!

If you want to spend your free time looking for art, good news, it’s really everywhere. There are sculptures by famous artists in hotel lobbies, check-in desks, and some hotels like the Bellagio and The Cosmopolitan even have their own galleries.

Tip: One particularly great spot for art is the Picasso restaurant, located inside the Bellagio. It’s filled with authentic pieces from the master, so don’t miss it if you are a fan of this master’s work. Not to forget the Chihuly ceiling at the Bellagio as well. It’s a wonderful work of art, which will most certainly catch your attention. 

3. Don’t plan on walking

Distances are much further than they appear in Las Vegas, but because the buildings are so close together, it appears as if you can get anywhere on foot. The truth is, the entire Strip is over four miles long, and it may take you at least a 20-30 minute walk to get to a different hotel than your own. So, keep in mind that you might have to account for Uber or cab costs in your business trip.

4. Don’t buy drinks in the casino

If you are in the mood to play slots, video poker or even table games on your business trip, don’t rush by purchasing cocktails at the casino bar. Simply wait until the cocktail waitress comes to you, since casinos offer free cocktails in an effort to keep you gambling.

5. Try not to use the ATMs

 When in Las Vegas, avoid withdrawing cash from their ATMs. Most of them have a standard fee of $5.99. Instead, make sure you bring enough cash on your business trip.

Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy the business mecca of the world!

Las Vegas is known as a leisure-oriented destination, but it is an important place for business events as well. It ranks as one of the top convention cities in the United States, so it’s no wonder that there are more than 9 million square feet of meeting and convention space across the town. However, even though your schedule can be packed, you should definitely use every second of your free time to experience the many great things this city has to offer. Make the most out of your business trip to Vegas and make sure you enjoy every second of it!