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A buddy and I are considering going down for the vendor hall... Its a short flight and March in our neck of the woods is still damned chilly so it would be a nice change of pace...

For those of you that go/have gone:

Where is the budget place to stay?

What else is going on that week to check out?

Any must sees while we're down there?

Average rental car cost last time?

I go pretty much every year.
Check the Harrah's casino branded properties along the Las Vegas Monorail. 3 day unlimited pass is $21 I think.
I nearly always stay at Flamingo (been there hundreds of times).
OFTEN Ballys is running pretty cheap.
Only takes about 5 min on the monorail from any hotels/casinos on the east side of LVB.
I drive from Reno, so will have to ask a buddy of mine what he pays for rental cars.
I saw TV ads that TI is $69, but is out of the way to get there.
Shop prices, tell them you are not paying their list price.
Harrahs, IP (Imperial Palace), Flamingo, Ballys, Paris and Planet Hollywood are all in a row along the monorail on the east side of LVB.
Its much easier to take the monorail that pay to park at the convention center. Parking is either 5 or 10 bucks depending on how close you are.
In my opinion its better to stay on the strip and monorail back and forth from rooms and better restaurant selection.

PETNRDX wrote:I nearly always stay at Flamingo (been there hundreds of times).

Seriously? My wife and I got stuck in that pit for one night (wasn't going to pay Caesar's $750 for a room on fight night). Never again. I've stayed in nicer motels.

256QAM wrote:A buddy and I are considering going down for the vendor hall... Its a short flight and March in our neck of the woods is still damned chilly so it would be a nice change of pace...

For those of you that go/have gone:

Where is the budget place to stay?

There are a lot of cheap places in Las Vegas, but remember, you get what you pay for. The lower the price, the more likely the carpet is infested with fleas and the sheets will have funny stains on them. There are -sometimes- some good deals at hotels on the strip, but figure on paying close to $100 a night for something you won't need to disinfect. In reality, if you are only going for the vendor hall, about 2 days is the most you'd need. There is a "Candlewood Suites" about a mile from the convention center. I've stayed there and walked to the convention center, but it really doesn't save you that much money.

256QAM wrote:What else is going on that week to check out?

Dude, it's Vegas, there is a lot to do.

256QAM wrote:Any must sees while we're down there?

Pretty much any of the newer hotels are a sight to behold. Hoover dam is a good thing to see if you've never been there. Watching the freak show on the strip can be pretty interesting.

256QAM wrote:Average rental car cost last time?

I don't know. I've been going for a few years and never felt the need to rent a car. Getting a taxi from the airport will run you $15 to $20. There is a monorail that runs the length of the strip that will save you some walking. A number of the fancier hotels are joined by enclosed walkways. Unless you really want to get out of town, figure on doing a lot of walking. Traffic on the strip makes it not worth the trouble. Taxi/monorail is your best bet.

I've been twice. Stayed at Ballys both times. Right in the middle of the strip and the monorail runs through the back of the hotel. 10 minute ride to the convention center and a 3-day pass is around $20. A lot cheaper than a taxi. Two years ago a taxi was $3.30 basic fair just to get in the car. Ballys is right in the middle of the strip so it's easy walking distance to any of the local attractions. If you want to go to Freemont St (old Vegas) you will need a cab. It cost me just over $20 because we seemed to hit every red light on the way.

I believe this is the last year for IWCE in Vegas. I heard they were considering moving to Orlando for 2015 to make it a more family friendly experience. Anyone have any concrete info on this?

Yes, be cautious of the taxis, they can do some "creative" routing. I went with my dad 2 years ago and the driver seemed to be under the impression we were just there for strippers and hookers. He seemed to want to take us by and show us all the "good" places. Awkward. Last year we had the hood on the taxi fly up while going down the road. Sure enough they charged us basic fair for the "rescue" also.

Family friendly would be nice, but Orlando makes it a long flight for me, and less likely I'd go. I'm all for moving it around, but Florida wouldn't be my choice.

IWCE is already booked for the next 3 years in the Las Vegas convention center. I wouldn't miss it. Share a shuttle from the airport for $8, and walk or monorail everywhere. Start signing up for hotel specials now. Even though the LVH is a dump, they often have $35/night during the expo.

Budget places... I recommend the business hotels near the convention center. They might cost a bit more but well worth not being on the strip and dealing with the headaches that go with it.

Ive been 10+ years...so many Ive lost track We have stayed in many of the hotels and you will get what you pay for. I would not stay in any of the "budget" hotels. Last several years it has been Harrahs to save some money. Harrahs isnt like the other higher class hotels we have been in but it is very descent for the price and have been extremely satisfied. The Monorail is a short easy walk out the back between Harrahs and Imperial and it drops you off and picks you up at the convention center. The walk to and from the monorail at the convention center is a good hike sometimes depending which hall IWCE is in. Another option is driving and get to the convention center early and you can get a good parking spot for $10. Not sure of the rental car price BUT valet is free, other than the tip (we just give a buck each time), at all the hotels so visiting some of the hotels are good to check out. You definitely want to blow some money on the buffet at the Rio. HUGE buffet that you couldnt imagine till you see it. Also, you might to check out at least one show while you are there. Hope this helps you a little.

jpu535 wrote:I believe this is the last year for IWCE in Vegas. I heard they were considering moving to Orlando for 2015 to make it a more family friendly experience. Anyone have any concrete info on this?

We have heard the rumor of changing it to Orlando several years now. I dont think it will happen anytime soon as they do have to book several years in advanced and several years together with the convention center. I think the majority like Vegas. IWCE did send out surveys a couple years ago about changing the venue. I rather have it the way it was many years ago at different city every year. Used to alternate between east US one year and west US the next.

The free exhibit hall pass registration has passed, it's $50 now.

Does Motorola offer any hands on training ? or any other radio company ?

256QAM wrote:The free exhibit hall pass registration has passed, it's $50 now.

Ask your favorite vendor rep for a free pass. I've never paid for admission. Way too easy to get in free. Save that $50 for beer.

If you're looking to save $$$ on lodging and you're a military I.D. card holder you could always stay at the inn on Nellis AFB. Rates depend on pay grade but me and a couple buds stayed there a couple years ago to save some cash and it came out to $25 or so a night. From there it's a 20 minute straight shot down LVB to the strip.

i wish i could go but i go to miami in march for WMC and thats way more fun

Exhibits Only is the cheapest at 50.00 is that where i can see all the new radios?

Yes, the exhibit floor pass will get you that.

vince7003 wrote:Exhibits Only is the cheapest at 50.00 is that where i can see all the new radios?

Don't pay for the pass get one from free from a company, all you have to do is give them your address and sign up for spam til the end of days...

Eg, Talley, Tessco, Agilent, Hytera, any of the medium size guys should work OK

Local, state and federal employees can also get in for free.

escomm wrote:

vince7003 wrote:Exhibits Only is the cheapest at 50.00 is that where i can see all the new radios?

Don't pay for the pass get one from free from a company, all you have to do is give them your address and sign up for spam til the end of days...

Eg, Talley, Tessco, Agilent, Hytera, any of the medium size guys should work OK

what company and thinks

escomm wrote:Budget places... I recommend the business hotels near the convention center. They might cost a bit more but well worth not being on the strip and dealing with the headaches that go with it.

Gold Coast.... lol

tpg

We did the hilton a couple of years ago and was a quick walk to the center. The Hilton needs (needed) a facelift in the casino/resturant areas (think 1970's Elvis era) and the rooms we got were pretty good.

We were a guest of another radio company that was put up at the Cosmopolitan, overlooking the Belagio fountains, which was very very nice.

The Pager Geek wrote:

escomm wrote:Budget places... I recommend the business hotels near the convention center. They might cost a bit more but well worth not being on the strip and dealing with the headaches that go with it.

Gold Coast.... lol

tpg

Hey that was a suite... a free suite!!

escomm wrote: Hey that was a suite... a free suite!!

It was indeed a "sweet" time...

Good times had by all...

tpg

How are the classes ? i'm thinking about going this year.

Rehashing this thread for IWCE 2015. The promo code for free exhibit hall passes is "EREG1". Just booked my flight and hotel room today.

The Mardi Gras is just down the street from the convention center. Older but decent rooms and less than $40 a night during the convention. Does have free shuttle service to and from LAS.

I am going.

firemedic4 wrote:How are the classes ? i'm thinking about going this year.

Good way to meet people.

We probably need a new thread....

I agree PETNRDX. Will open a new IWCE 2015 thread.