There are plenty of convention destinations where your significant other would be wise to say thanks, but no thanks to an invitation to tag along—Las Vegas is most definitely not one of those places. If anything, the one doing the tagging along typically winds up getting the better deal. You’ll be busy doing the professional growth and networking thing; they’ll be off pampering themselves at a world-class spa or exploring an outlet mall that’s so top-notch, people fly in from all over the world with extra luggage to shop there.
So, if you’re coming to town as a couple, know that a great time—both apart and together—is a cinch. Both scheduled convention days end with plenty of time to relax, dine together, and even see a show in the evening. Here’s how a typical convention day could work for both of you.
Your show
The PDR Expo is the only trade event focused solely on the rapidly growing Paintless Dent Repair industry. This is your premier annual opportunity for a complete immersion experience with your peers. Improve your repair skills with experienced technicians as your teachers, learn how to grow your business, discover the latest tools and gear, and then watch the most elite techs in the field compete in live competitions.
Their day
Start things off slow with some of the city’s best coffee and breakfast at Vesta Coffee Roasters in the Arts District, not far from the Rio, and on the way to where you’re headed this morning. This is one of those places busy locals would love to linger on a weekday (Saturdays are considerably busier). From here, you’re the shortest of Uber rides from one of the city’s premier shopping destinations, the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets—a gold mine of 180 or so premier labels, from Burberry and Tory Burch to Kate Spade, Michael Kors, and Calvin Klein, where you’ll actually find real deals up to 65 percent below retail. Inevitably, you’ll need to reward yourself with a proper lunch for having saved so much on a new fall wardrobe. Splurge on a ride to the Strip and choose something fashionable, like The Bedford by Martha Stewart at Paris Las Vegas, where you start with espresso martinis and maybe drink your lunch, because they’re that good (they make fresh espresso for every order).
Keep it together long enough to decide how to spend your afternoon—being mid-Strip like this puts you within a short stroll of the stellar QUA Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace, one of the most immersive (literally) hangs in town. There’s also the 2 pm showing of The Wizard of Oz at Sphere to consider, an immersive 75-minute, 4D reimagining of the 1939 classic. Or, perhaps after a loop or three around the High Roller observation wheel at the LINQ Promenade just because you’re worth it, you could cab it back to the Rio and ride out the rest of your day enjoying the upgraded pool scene on property—with three acres of space to spread out in, there’s room for everyone.
An evening together
Both evenings of PDR Expo, attendees have plenty of time to enjoy dinner and a show with their plus-ones. Take full advantage of the Rio’s proximity to Caesars Palace, where Peter Luger’s 100% USDA prime beef is dry-aged in-house, and a century-plus of tradition is a favorite of high-rollers and those of us who would like to be someday. Here, you’re just across the property from one of the Strip’s most beloved shows, Absinthe, a raunchy, funny, busted-up circus extravaganza with late-late shows on Fridays and Saturdays—no rush at dinner. Next door, Bellagio beckons and so does a blowout dinner at Carbone Riviera, the hotel’s most talked-about recent addition, followed by one of its classic treasures — an evening of surreal, theatric aqua-acrobatics at “O” by Cirque du Soleil.
As a plus one in Las Vegas, you’re not just along for the ride—you’re designing your own getaway while PDR Expo powers your partner’s career. Between spa time, serious shopping, and only-in-Vegas experiences, tagging along means you both head home feeling like you scored: they come back inspired and better connected, and you come back with stories, selfies, and maybe an extra carry-on.
