As DSE and LDI are swiftly approaching on Dec. 3-5, we’ve crafted a guide to help you make the most of your time at both shows. We consulted with the respective show directors of DSE and LDI, along with input from past attendees and exhibitors, to compile the must-see highlights from these co-located trade shows.

Highlights:

Sunday, Dec. 3:

• If you arrive on Sunday morning in Las Vegas, LDI Creative and Conference Director Ellen Lampert-Greaux recommends attending the New Technology Breakfast at 9 a.m., accessible to all attendees. This breakfast gives attendees an excellent opportunity to connect with others and provides a preview of highlights on the show floor.
• After breakfast, DSE Show Director David Drain recommends attendees take advantage of their DSE badge to explore the LDI Exhibit Hall, which opens at 11 a.m PST. Remember, the DSE badge grants access to LDI as well.
• Lampert-Greaux recommends attendees take advantage of LDI’s pro-training program, ranging from the hands-on sessions in the LDInstitute to the thought-provoking panels in the LDInnovation Conference, which includes XLIVExLDI and the new Stage & Event Management Bootcamp. These expo sessions will be available Sunday through Monday.
• At 5 p.m., join the Networking Reception sponsored by Sony, open to all DSE badge holders. The venue is the Circle Bar on the LDI show floor.

Monday, Dec. 4:

• Those arriving on this day still have a chance to attend the second New Technology Breakfast, held at 9 a.m.
• At 10:30 a.m., attend the keynote presentation by Brian Loo of Meow Wolf on the DSE show floor, titled “Step into the Extraordinary: Unconventional Innovation in Immersive Environments.”
• Throughout the day, Drain encourages attendees to take advantage of free 20-minute talks covering a range of topics from analytics and AI to redefining integrators’ role in digital signage. Jeanne Lewis of Sony suggests attendees check out the company’s educational session, “Turning AI Mystery Into AI Strategy,” to learn more about how AI (artificial intelligence) is being used in AV and digital signage devices such as screens and cameras, in content management software platforms and in control and monitoring applications.
• Both shows will feature an awards ceremony on Monday evening. As the show concludes at 5 p.m., attendees can head to the keynote stage area for the DSE Awards reception and ceremony. Alternatively, attendees can check out LDI’s awards ceremony at the Circle Bar at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 5:

• Dec. 5 marks the final day of both DSE and LDI. If you spent most of Sunday and Monday attending educational sessions and panels, be sure to dedicate Tuesday to visiting as many booths as possible. Michael Katz, a rAVe BlogSquad contributor and past attendee of DSE and LDI, even suggests doing some research beforehand to determine which exhibitors you want to engage with and let them know you will be at their booths.
• In addition to making sure they visit as many booths as possible, attendees should also dedicate Tuesday to networking if they haven’t already. As Katz explored in his DSE column last year, trade shows like DSE and LDI provide an excellent opportunity to network and build connections with industry peers. Therefore, it is paramount that attendees should keep networking in mind as one of their primary goals when attending DSE and LDI this year.

 For a Fee

Besides the opportunities included in the Expo Only attendee pass, consider adding the following items to your DSE/LDI badge for a fee:

• FlyOver Vegas (Dec. 3 at 8:15 p.m.): Experience the magic of flight through immersive technology, including a Q&A with the creators. Cost: $45.
• Lunch Session (Dec. 5 at 12 p.m.): “Empowering Women in Digital Signage: Best Career Advice I’ve Ever Received” provides a networking opportunity and insights from a panel of experts. Cost: $75.

Additional Recommendations

In your free time, explore some of the hottest digital signage installations around Las Vegas, including Sphere, Fremont Street Experience, AREA15, Illuminarium, Harmon Corner, and Arte Museum Las Vegas.

To gain free entrance onto the show floor, use code “RAVE” when you register for LDI or DSE.