Speed Meeting

Lisa Plummer -- Tradeshow Week, 5/15/2008 2:52:00 PM

There’s no shortage of off-site special event venues in Las Vegas, but tradeshow organizers, exhibit managers and others planning events here face high expectations from attendees in a city with so many entertainment options. The latest way to wow them is with speed: at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The multi-purpose, off-Strip venue provides an exhilarating alternative to dark nightclubs and multiple Cirque de Soleil shows.

Although the 10-year old, 1,000-acre racing facility is best known for motor sports events – the semiannual NASCAR races draw up to 300,000 people – most of the LVMS’ 1,200 yearly events aren’t open to the public, according to Ricky May, vice president of sales and marketing. Automotive and motorcycle companies regularly use the facility’s three race tracks, nine courses and six garages for new product demos and testing, car model introductions, dealer training and television commercial shoots.

In the last five years, however, May said, he’s seen an increase in interest from corporate groups wanting to host events while in town for conventions and meetings. 



T-Mobile, Goodyear, ViewSonic and Panasonic have not only hosted events and banquet functions there, but also rented tracks or garages for demonstrations or trainings while in town for shows. The facility has done events during Intl. Wireless Communications Expo, SEMA Show, Photo Marketing Assn. Intl. Annual Convention & Trade Show, Intl. CES and CONEXPO-CON/AGG. Repeat business from clients at these shows is growing, May added.

Two activities that are popular with corporate groups are the Richard Petty Driving Experience and Mario Andretti Racing School, which give guests the rare opportunity drive a race car around the main track. The two companies offer the activities to clients, taking up more than 300 available time slots per year. 

“Driving a race car isn’t necessarily something you’d get to do in your hometown,” May said. “Anyone can do it, and it has universal appeal.”

For indoor events, the LVMS has a three-story media center with a flexible, 6,000 square foot meeting space, conference room, dining room and media space. The top-floor blackjack club is a divisible, 4,600 sq. ft. banquet space with a view of the main track that can seat 240 people. The facility also offers complete food and beverage services, as well as bus transportation to and from the Strip.

“Our primary goal is to bring something different for people coming to town for tradeshows,” May added. “We’re … a unique, unexpected, fun opportunity.”