Las Vegas is one the common areas to hold trade shows and conventions. There are numerous events that show up in Las Vegas every year. Many come to Las Vegas every year and are held at the same locations and offer the same service and venue. Also, many of the trade shows are open to the public and not just the company or organization members that it is being held for. Trade shows are a large part of Las Vegas and residents commonly attend trade shows and conventions in Las Vegas when they are the same as their own interests. If you are looking for trade shows to attend or know of trade shows that you want to go to, then there are some trade show websites that you will want to check out.

http://www.eventseye.com/fairs/cy1_trade-shows-las-vegas-nv.html

Here the website offers trade shows, conventions and events by the hotels that are hosting them. This site is connected to the City of Las Vegas website.

http://www.lasvegastourism.com/las_vegas_trade_shows.htm

This site breaks trade shows down by month and year. They already have listings for the coming trade shows for next year as well.

http://www.lasvegastourism.com/conventions_jan.htm

The same site as above, but a different listing of additional trade shows and conventions that will be in Las Vegas. Again, these are broken down by month and year and next years events are already listed.

http://www.biztradeshows.com/usa/lasvegas/

This is a business listing of trade shows that will be in Las Vegas. They also offer information on travel, hotels, restaurants and background information about Las Vegas.

http://www.pcap.com/lvconv.htm

This site lists past and present trade shows and conventions in Las Vegas.

http://www.allconferences.com/Search/search.php

This is a conference and trade show listing site.

All of these websites list trade shows, conventions and events for every type of job and industry. They cover the range of information needed to attend a trade show, as well as when the show will be here, the cost and how to obtain tickets. There is also information about whether the show is in Las Vegas every year or if it is a one time event. No matter what you are looking for, these websites have it covered.

Starting a new business in Las Vegas can seem like an overwhelming process, especially if your starting a business for the very first time.  In this economy especially, it’s imperative to think everything through before you start the process. I’ve compiled some articles, resources, tips and tricks that can help you through the process.

Things you will need:

• Business Plan - You will need a business plan if you are looking for investors. Your business plan should be well though out and include revenue projections.  The public library is a great place to find books to assist you.
• Marketing Plan - From the business plan should come a Marketing Plan for your new business. The Marketing Plan should includes a lot of key information that will help you lay out the plans for reaching your target marketing.
• Incorporation - You should incorporate your company to be on the up-and-up and you’ll need to to obtain a federal tax ID as well.
• Business Licenses - You will need the appropriate business licenses for the City of Las Vegas and Clark County.
• Insurance - You should have the necessary insurance coverages based on what type of business you are opening.  Contact your insurance agent and they can help.
• Legal Advice - Ideally, you should consult with an attorney to review your Agreements, any claims you are making with your products and services, and to review any copy you write for your website, including privacy information and disclaimers.
• Marketing Materials - Of course you need marketing materials to promote your business - logo, business cards, letterhead, envelopes, a website design, brochures, and PowerPoint presentations and key.
• Website - Not just any web site, you will need a professionally architected and designed web site that a reputable company should help you to strategize and build (see perkolate.com).

If you are a company that is focused on doing business in our fine city of Las Vegas, then there are great benefits to understanding your target market when marketing your business here.

A dog grooming business, for example, would not be trying to sell their services to people who own birds; they need to find effective ways to reach people who own dogs in town. Furthermore, they may find that their target market of dog owners is narrowed down to a few zip codes near their place of business.  By identifying who your target market is, you’re not just taking a “shot in the dark” with your marketing efforts.

The official definition of a “target market” is the specific group of customers that you market your products and services to. They are the customers that are most likely to be interested in your products and services. Unseasoned marketers or business owners might attempt to market to “everybody” which is a very unwise strategy to take.  Aim for your target and you will have a far more successful shot at a “bulls eye” with your marketing efforts.

Las Vegas is a metropolitan area of great extremes. There is everything from the underbelly of Sin City to conservative business people, entertainers, blue collar workers, people of many different types of religions, families, young and old.

Here are some points to consider in helping you identify and understand your target market:

• Is your target customer a man or a woman (or both)?
• What is the age range of your target customer?
• What geographic area/s do your target customers live?
• What is their income and what do they do for work?
• How does your target market thing and feel?
• What messaging and what offers will appeal to your target market?
• Create an email or written survey to find out more about your target market.
• Talk to customers, ask questions, what they like, what they don’t like?
• Keep tabs on your competitors to see how they are communicating with your target market.

For more information, visit:

• Wikipedia.org - Definition of a Target Market
• AllBusiness.com - Understanding Your Target Market
• ezinearticles.com - Copywriting Tips - Understanding Your Target Market

One of the first things you need to take care of when you are starting a new business in Las Vegas, Clark County or Nevada is to obtain the proper business licenses.

The following are helpful links to assist you in applying for business licenses:

State of Nevada
http://tax.state.nv.us/faq.htm#registration

Clark County, Nevada
http://www.accessclarkcounty.com/depts/business_license/pages/index.aspx

City of Las Vegas, Nevada
http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Apply/licenses.asp?ID=5559#5559

Obtaining business licenses for your Las Vegas company or business is a valuable credibility booster for your corporate image and it is the law after all.