Non-NABber

April 14, 2009 1:10 AM

My partner always meets up with his family at the annual National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas, and next week I'm coming along. I may or may not have a ticket. What do I do while they're wandering around NAB?

I'm sure NAB will be interesting for a bit - if my fella's dad has a ticket for me - but it's not something I can totally get into for four days.

What are the big highlights of NAB?

What's the best and cheapest laptop rental agency in Vegas?

We're staying in a Motel 6 on Tropicana, because we're bringing our dogs - where can I find a good park to sit in with them?

posted by goofyfoot to Travel & Transportation (5 answers total)

I'd get on their website and see who is going to be there. At least in past years, there were always crusty old radio legends hanging around. So find a couple of people that look interesting, read up on them, and hang around and see if you can talk to them. Or just listen to them work their pitches- I heard a guy interview Bobby Ocean for about three hours, and it was fascinating.

Or look at all the cool gadgets they have. Check out the Shure exhibit and try to score some free microphones.
posted by gjc at 3:25 AM on April 14, 2009

If you don't have a ticket, but you do have access to a car (or the wherewithal to rent one) and want to get out of Vegas for a while, there is a Nevada State Park that's no more than an hours' drive out of Vegas. The Valley of Fire state park is an absolutely fascinating landscape, and would give you plenty to look at and a chance to give the dogs exercise for a bit (just bring water, it's in somewhat of a desert).
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 6:44 AM on April 14, 2009

Free NAB passes are pretty easy to come by- Most major broadcast equipment makers offer them online. Heres one from Panasonic, for example. Just fill in the info. You can also search google for "Free NAB pass". Since NAB is next week, you'll probably need to pick up the pass on site.

I go to NAB every year- it can be pretty overwhelming if you've never been. Wear comfortable shoes. If you have no interest in electronic widgets of all shapes and sizes, id suggest getting a car and heading East to the desert... check out Hoover Dam, or drive all the way to the grand canyon...
posted by taubman at 7:54 AM on April 14, 2009

Cactus Wren Park in Henderson (about 10 minutes from the Strip) has a nice dog park. Before going to any of the state/national parks I would check on what their dog policies are - most are not very dog friendly.
posted by a22lamia at 9:14 AM on April 14, 2009

I'm a fellow dog-lover and NAB spouse. I'll be looking for something to do as well. MefiMail me if interested. :-)
posted by arishaun at 2:22 PM on April 14, 2009