LAS VEGAS — It’s been six years since the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning — the Clean Show — has taken place here.
Clean ’17 takes over the “City of Lights” June 5-8 (Monday-Thursday) for its 40th anniversary.
Once again, the Las Vegas Convention Center will house the show, but this being Vegas, attendees will want to make the most of their time off the trade show floor.
American Coin-Op reached out to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) and to Clean Show management company Riddle & Associates to put together a Las Vegas “travel guide” for attendees.
FOOD
Once the day is done on the floor, Clean Show attendees will most likely want to grab a bite to eat. Of course, Vegas has something for every taste—and every budget.
The LVCVA says that new restaurants open just about every month. Eateries that have recently opened include Eggslut at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, which includes comfort food and innovative eats. These range from the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Sandwich to the Gaucho Sandwich, which includes seared Wagyu tri-tip steak, chimichurri, red onions and seasoned arugula topped with an over-medium egg in a warm brioche bun.
Another, internationally renowned MR CHOW, is now open inside Caesars Palace. The restaurant features signature dishes such as chicken satay, green prawns, handmade pulled noodles and Beijing duck.
Chef Bradley Manchester recently debuted Glutton in downtown Las Vegas. It features an eclectic menu of New American cuisine for lunch and dinner daily. Located on Carson Avenue, across 7th Street from Downtown Container Park, Glutton showcases savory meats, locally sourced produce, house-made pastas, and seafood from the Pacific Northwest.
Of course, being Vegas, buffets are big for dining. The LVCVA says The Buffet at Wynn Las Vegas debuted a new concept, elevating the traditional buffet with additional unique dishes, a more intimate atmosphere and state-of-the-art technology in both the kitchen and dining room.
Riddle says that each Clean ’17 official hotel boasts its own restaurants and food courts. Most hotels have at least one exceptional dining facility on-site.
For instance, Caesars Palace has six upscale restaurants in addition to a buffet, eight casual dining eateries and a food court. MGM Grand features 13 elite-chef restaurants, including Emeril’s and Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill.
ENTERTAINMENT
Attendees won’t be lacking for something to do once the trade show floor closes. Las Vegas is known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” so there are many concerts and shows to enjoy.
The LVCVA says that one of the newest shows on the Strip is BAZ - Star Crossed Love at the Palazzo Theatre. This new-generation cabaret is a high-energy movie-music mash-up of the world’s most iconic love stories, as imagined by famed film visionary Baz Luhrmann.
Inspired by Luhrmann’s signature take on Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby and Strictly Ballroom, LVCVA says this theatrical concert features soul-stirring and stunning performances from an ensemble cast and band.
Riddle says attendees have many concerts and shows to look forward to while attending Clean. Jennifer Lopez will be at Planet Hollywood June 7–10. David Copperfield is at MGM June 4–10. Terry Fator, winner of America’s Got Talent, does his celebrity singing impersonations and unparalleled ventriloquism at the Mirage nightly Monday–Thursday.
For spectacular productions, Cirque du Soleil offers seven shows around town, all of which are well worth seeing, according to Riddle. And the Blue Man Group has one of the best-selling shows in Las Vegas, running Monday–Sunday at the Luxor.
Or, maybe after a day on the trade show floor, attendees will be looking for a laugh. The LVCVA says there are many comedians and venues for chuckles and belly laughs.
Carrot Top, part prop comic with his 35 trunks chock-full of his latest ingenious inventions and part ringmaster of a spectacle of lights, lasers, pyrotechnics, loud music and outstanding humor, takes audiences on a wild 90-minute ride during his show at Luxor Hotel & Casino, according to the LVCVA. Comedy-magician Mac King has brought The Mac King Comedy Magic Show to the Las Vegas Strip for a historic 17-year run at Harrah’s Las Vegas.
Comedy clubs include Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana Las Vegas, and Aces of Comedy at the Mirage Hotel & Casino.
Check back Thursday for the conclusion, featuring tourist attractions and shopping.
Miss Part 1? You can read it HERE.
Day Trip Experiences
Since a trip to Las Vegas may be a rare occurrence for some Clean Show attendees, maybe they’ll come early or stay a day longer. Show management Riddle & Associates has identified several day trip options that range from seeing the sights to exhilarating adventures.
Adventurous types or nature enthusiasts will find many options near Las Vegas. Mount Charleston and Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Valley of Fire State Park and the Mojave National Preserve are just a few of the attractions close to the city lights of Vegas.
For a quick day trip, visit the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon and Death Valley.
Popular cities to visit within a few hours’ drive are Lake Tahoe, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Palm Springs.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].