Vegas…Again?

I’m back in Vegas for the XXth time. I’ve traveled here so often that I’ve actually lost count of how many times I’ve been here. Back when I worked in PR, I’d go to Vegas at least 4-5 times a year — always for business, with the exception of one trip with Gary. I guess that’s one of the reasons why traveling to Vegas doesn’t excite me anymore. I mostly associate it with long hours, lots of work, and conferences. I also dread the smokey casinos and hallways. I’m already sneezing like crazy — my allergies can’t handle it.

This time, I’m at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for the annual Cisco user conference, Cisco Live. Over 12,000 people are descending upon Vegas to attend the show. It’s my first time to participate in Cisco Live, and I’m managing all of the Collaboration team’s activities while at the show–not a small feat! It’s going to be a busy week, and everything kicks off on Sunday.

I arrived in Vegas around 5:30 today. The flight was mostly uneventful, but I got an upgrade to first class. That always makes the flight more enjoyable. On the way to the hotel, I thought it was odd when my taxi driver began to slow the vehicle on the freeway. He turned off the a/c and the radio while the car continued to decelerate. Uh oh! He wasn’t slowing the car. The engine had died. Great.

He managed to pull the car over before it stopped completely, but we were parked precariously in a double exit lane without the benefit of a full shoulder. As cars were whizzing past us at 70 mph, the driver tried to restart the car, but it was to no avail. He turned everything off and continued his efforts. Meanwhile, I’m thinking there’s no way this car is going to start again. It was completely dead — and cars were still whizzing by, shaking the taxi as they drove past. It was also getting quite hot. Finally, the driver got on the radio trying to reach the shop and dispatch. The car wasn’t responding. It was time to send another car to pick me up — and a tow truck for the taxi.

While we were waiting, he gave it one more try…it cranked this time! It didn’t start. Another try…it cranked again and started to catch…then…nothing. Another try…this time pumping the gas. Another try and another and finally…it started! I can’t believe it came back to life after being so utterly and completely dead, but it did. Whew, what a relief!

We were back on our way while the driver complained about getting stuck with an old, faulty car. I was just happy we were moving again. I think the car was still having some problems, but it got me to the hotel, so I wasn’t going to complain!

After arriving at the hotel, I met up with a few colleagues to get checked in and get briefed on the status of our events, booth, reception, and meeting rooms. We ended the day with a late dinner and a brief walk through the shops.

Tomorrow the real work…ahem…fun…begins.

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View of the Vegas strip from my hotel room

My home for the next 6 days — pretty boring room for Vegas

The bathroom has a little more pizzaz and a TV, but still doesn’t compare to Caesar’s. My last stay there included a full size circular hot tub in the room. 🙂