At the International Baking Industry Expo, set for Oct. 6-9, the baking industry works hard and plays hard. The biggest trade show for the industry is in Las Vegas after all, and it only comes to town every three years. Baking Expo offers the opportunity to meet up with old friends and make some new ones in a city that offers everything. The wealth of restaurants, shows and attractions means there is always something to do. Whether work is getting done over the dinner table or on the show floor, there is something for everyone in Las Vegas. 

Business over dinner

Options abound when it comes to entertaining clients in Las Vegas. It is easy to get lost in the sea of restaurants that populate the city.

While there are restaurants inside the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) for when lunch time calls, it’s nice to get out of the bustle of Expo for a break. There are several alternatives nearby for dining with clients or just getting away.

Café 325 in the Las Vegas Marriott offers casual dining, while near the South entrance of LVCC in the Marriott Renaissance, attendees will find the award-winning ENVY Steakhouse. Bistro serves steaks, pasta and Continental cuisine for lunch in the Clarion Hotel and Casino, while the Barrymore in the Royal House Resort serves an American classic menu with craft beers.

Meskerem Ethiopian Restaurant & Market sits in the Somerset Shopping Center for those looking for something a little different.

A bit farther from LVCC, in the Mark I Tower, is La Scala with its white tablecloths and fine Italian dining. For a local favorite, visit Peppermill Restaurant and Lounge, and enjoy its diverse menu of salads, burgers, sandwiches and entrees.

In Las Vegas, there are plenty of restaurants for impressing current customers or potential clients over dinner and drinks. Delmonico Steakhouse in the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino is Emeril Lagasse’s interpretation of the American steakhouse. The restaurant takes its name and culinary inspiration from the Delmonico Restaurant and Bar in New Orleans so expect some Creole flavors.

Or, catch a view of a $2.3 million sculpture by South American sculptor Fernando Botero in the restaurant named for him in Wynn Las Vegas.  Botero offers panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Wynn’s pool.  Beyond the scenery, it offers a genteel atmosphere, a great wine selection and Chef Mark LoRusso’s talent in the kitchen.

For French cuisine, treat clients to Morel French Steakhouse & Bistro at The Palazzo. Morel highlights culinary gems such as an iced seafood bar, cheese and charcuterie bar, 400 varieties of French and California wines, an array of French desserts and a range of wet- and dry-aged steaks that stand out among hotel steakhouses. Inspired by the cuisines of France and Spain, Picasso at the Bellagio offers not only great food and a patio dining experience but also the chance to see some of the artist’s ceramic pieces.

Business beyond dinner

For entertaining clients after dinner, Las Vegas is the city to be in.  The Blue Man Group, Penn and Teller’s magic show and Circque du Soleil’s plethora of shows are always a good bet for entertainment. Comedians Louis Anderson, Brad Garret and George Lopez are scheduled to be in town during IBIE. For those with an interest in music, check out Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages or Elton John, who returns to Caesars Palace for his The Million Dollar Piano Show. For full information and tickets to shows,IBIE, visit www.vegas.com.

A trip to Las Vegas wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a taste of the nightlife. Mandarin Bar at Mandarin Oriental offers views of the city and a sophisticated atmosphere. Enjoy live jazz bands for Jazz Sundays from 4 to 8 p.m. The dueling pianos at The Eastside Lounge at Wynn create a lively atmosphere every night. For a large group, a bar or pub might be better. Try BB King’s Blues Club at The Mirage, Public House at Venetian or Nine Fine Irishmen at New York-New York.

Work hard, play hard

Las Vegas is more than just restaurants, shows and nightclubs. Whether taking it easy on the golf course or seeking out the ultimate thrills and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the city has more to offer.

Las Vegas and the surrounding desert offer some adventurous opportunities.  Enjoy a round of golf with clients and colleagues at Angel Park Golf Club, Las Vegas National or Las Vegas Golf Club, which are all open to the public. For a challenge on the course, visit Bear’s Best, a golf course tribute to Jack Nicklaus.

For those willing to spend the extra cash, Las Vegas also affords the opportunity to experience some real thrills. The Richard Petty Driving Experience (www.drivepetty.com) allows visitors to get behind the wheel of a 600-horsepower NASCAR Winston Cup-style stock car at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Prices range from $159 to $3,000. At the Speedway, visitors can also drive a Ferrari 430 GT around a 1.1-mile track. Five laps after training with a professional driver costs $600. For $200, ride in the passenger seat with a professional driver. For more information on booking and prices, visit www.dreamracing.com.

When it comes to entertaining, impressing and networking, Las Vegas takes the business trip to the next level with award-winning restaurants, headliner shows, professional golf courses and the ultimate in thrill-seeking.