By Brad Grimes
Director of Communications, InfoComm International

[Editor’s note: As a politician might say, what follows depends on what you mean by “three.” Three is so relative. InfoComm 2016 is way more than three days. Maybe you’re there all week, in which case “three” really means, like, “five” or “six.” See what we mean? Moving target, right? Maybe “three” to you means Monday to Wednesday, or Wednesday to Friday, or Tuesday to Thursday. What follows over the next few posts is based on the latter interpretation of “three.” But if, for example, you’re a CTS Prepper, you have a slightly different interpretation of InfoComm week and “three” (prep classes start Saturday and testing starts Monday — good luck!!). Every interpretation is legit. Have fun.]

Holy smokes. It’s that time of year again. Time to plan for InfoComm, taking place this year June 4-10 in Las Vegas. So whaddya do you first? Start by scouring the Education and Show Planner online. I can’t emphasize enough that for the first time this year, you can get all-you-can-eat pricing for 90+ sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of the show (that’s three days all by themselves). It doesn’t cover everything, like the popular Tech Tours and Super Tuesday sessions, but (and imagine I’m whispering this) the new workshop and seminar package really is a steal. As someone who used to attend InfoComm in a non-InfoComm capacity, I’m impressed. It should be the first thing everyone adds to their show plan when they register.

After that, once you’ve [insert comfortable shoes joke here], it’s time to craft your InfoComm experience in the [insert joke about the desert heat, which won’t be as jokey this year thanks to the new air-conditioned tent where folks’ll be able to rest, grab a brew, and maybe a bite from the food trucks that are also new this year — without sweating!].

Some suggestions…

Tuesday, June 7

Veterans know, the exhibit floor isn’t open yet, but the Audio Demo Rooms are, starting at 11 a.m. Yes, you may be saving the Audio Demo Rooms for later in the week when your dogs are tired and you need a nice place to sit and catch up on cool new technology. But in the event you’re wondering how you can see all the exhibits AND tour every Audio Demo Room, I give you Tuesday. Take a listen now.

Beyond that, here’s how you might tackle what we call Super Tuesday (NOTE: You’ll be able to find more info on all these events when you go through your show registration):

If I’m not telling you too late (because they’re popular and sell out fast), you have two chances to tour the University of Las Vegas (T01/T02 – AV Tech Tour – University of Nevada Las Vegas), at 8:25 a.m. and 12:35 p.m. UNLV recently put in some amazing technology. “The team behind these spaces will be on hand to answer all your questions about design, integration, and maintenance.”

Alternately, you gotta sign up for a Super Tuesday session. These are daylong (8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) deep-dives and offer something for everyone. I list them here so you can act quickly during registration:

• IST01 – Future Trends (a popular choice, this year including an exploration of 4K by Gary Kayye and Pete Putman’s usual fun analysis of new tech)
• IST02 – IoT Insights (a new program about pro AV and the Internet of Things)
• IST03 – The IMCCA Unified Communications and Collaboration Workshop (always one of the hottest subjects at InfoComm shows)
• IST04 – Technology Management in Higher Education (with CCUMC)
• IST05 – Digital Signage Summit (with Invidis Consulting)
• IST06 – Project Management for Live Events (with the inimitable Andre LeJeubbe, CTS; a must for live events pros)

From there, the free fun begins. Start with the opening keynote (4 p.m.) by Stephen Dubner of Freakonomics fame. He’ll talk about how emerging technologies change the behavior of the people who use them. After your enthusiastic applause, pivot to the Opening Reception, for food, drinks, and catching up with everyone you haven’t set eyes on since InfoComm 2015. Both opening events will be in the Westgate, attached to the LVCC (Paradise Event Center North and South, respectively — jot a note to yourself).

Now that you’re warmed up, you’re ready for the next three days to begin (there’s that “three” again).

To be continued.

This blog was reprinted with permission form InfoComm International and originally appeared here.