7 Weeks from PRINTING United Expo: Fun Things to Do in Vegas

We're down to Lucky Number 7! PRINTING United Expo is only seven weeks away, so it's time to start planning your time spent in Las Vegas. Beyond planning for your days spent on the show floor and in the myriad educational sessions, you'll want to plan for how you will spend your time when you're away from the Convention Center. With evening activities planned Monday through Thursday as part of the AFTER DARK programming, you'll have plenty of social and networking activities to choose from.

If you're looking to do something a little different though, consider checking out some of these sites and activities in the Las Vegas area.

Iconic Old-School Las Vegas Signs on Display

If you're looking to explore Las Vegas of the days of yore, head over to The Neon Museum, which is open until Midnight. You can wander through the "boneyard" with some of the most iconic Las Vegas signs, including Stardust, La Concha, Hard Rock, and Fitzgerald's. When you go to the museum after sunset, you'll experience the signs lit and on full display. Book your tickets in advance, as it sometimes can sell out.

Iconic Stardust sign at the "Neon Boneyard."

Mind-Bending Grocery Store Exhibit

While you're in Las Vegas for PRINTING United Expo, consider checking out Omega Mart, Meow Wolf's immersive, interactive art installation. Omega Mart throws visitors into "America’s Most Exceptional Grocery Store," filled with surprises at every turn. Members from the PRINTING United Alliance team visited Omega Mart in 2022 and came away from the mind-bending and unusual grocery store experience in awe. Many of the products on display — such as "Who Told You This Was Butter?" butter-scented room spray — in the grocery store, albeit bizarre, are available for purchase. There is a full range of packaging, which is both colorful and creative, on display. It's worth checking out.

Check out the Casinos for Inspiration

If you're looking for inspiration for your next wide-format or signage opportunity, take a walk (or drive) down the Las Vegas strip to see some massive signs promoting shows and restaurants. While many of these displays are digital, it's worth a look to draw some inspiration on how signage can be creative and eye-catching. After you've done that, venture into some of the most iconic casinos and hotels to check out the signage inside.

For further inspiration, check out this article we published on the opportunity for print service providers to embrace Casino graphics.

Take in the Immersive Graphics at One of the Many Vegas Shows

Whether you're looking to get tickets for one of the many residencies in Las Vegas this September (such as Shania Twain, Wayne Newton, Donny Osmond, Adele, or Rod Stewart), or if you want something a little more artistic (such as to one of the five Cirque du Soleil shows), you're bound to see branded graphics in abundance.

Check out the Sphere

Along the same lines as the Vegas shows listed above, check out the Sphere. Although it's a music and entertainment arena in Las Vegas — and has hosted some huge acts and residencies such as U2, Phish, with the Eagles set to perform eight shows in September and October — it is also a must-see from the outside.

Planned for the week of the Expo is "The Sphere Experience," a two-part experience featuring Darren Aronofsky's Postcard from Earth.

The Sphere in Las Vegas. | Credit: Getty Images by halbergman

Get Custom-Printed M&M's

You might already know that some M&M's locations have a custom-printed M&M's experience, one of which is in Las Vegas. Head over to the 28,000-sq.-ft. M&M's store in Las Vegas to order one-of-a-kind M&M's featuring you, your loved ones, your dog, anything!

I recently went to the M&M's experience is Disney Springs for my nephew's fifth birthday. Here you can see custom-printed M&M's featuring his face, birthday wishes, and the saying "Niko is FIVE."

Finally, Snap a Picture By the Iconic Las Vegas Sign

No trip to Las Vegas would be complete without a trip to the iconic "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign. Wait in line to get an unobstructed snap of the sign, or capture a picture of it from nearby.

Credit: Getty Images by iofoto