Following are some last-minute additions and things you should know about the AIA National Convention and Design Expo in Las Vegas, May 19–21.

Rise and shine!
This year’s convention promises to be the biggest and best ever, and it’s off to an early start. The Thursday, May 19, Opening General Session, beginning promptly at 8:15 a.m., debuts the world premiere of the movie com*mun*i*ty, the provocative documentary produced exclusively for this convention. Everyone is welcome, but you must be registered for the convention; be sure to leave yourself enough time to register before show time, because you won’t want to miss a minute. And, remember, it takes 10–15 minutes to walk through the Mandalay Bay Convention Center.

Just hop on the bus, Gus
And set yourself free from the worries of driving on the Strip. Attendee badges are required for all tour, special event, and shuttle buses. For special event and tours, please have your tickets or invitation with you as you board the bus.

Shuttle Buses: Regular service operates between the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, MGM Grand, and Monte Carlo for all convention badge holders. Shuttle bus schedules will be posted in the Mandalay Bay South Convention Center, in the lobbies of the MGM Grand and Monte Carlo hotels, and in your convention program. Mandalay Bay shuttle buses depart from the parking area located near the Shark Reef, from MGM Grand Garden Lower Level, and the Monte Carlo from the Tour Bus Area. Signs will be posted in the hotels to direct attendees to these departure areas. Remember to allocate 10–15 minutes to walk through the Mandalay Bay convention center to the shuttle bus area near the Shark Reef.

Professional and guest tours: Unless noted otherwise, tours depart and return to the Mandalay Bay shuttle bus parking area located near the Shark Reef. Please arrive at the Mandalay Bay Tour Departure area 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time. During peak periods, the staging area may be busy with a number of tours, the shuttle bus, and special events. Remember to swipe your badge at the departure desk before boarding the bus.

Host Chapter Party: Bus service will transport guests from all three shuttle hotels—Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, and Monte Carlo—directly to Caesar’s Palace on Friday, May 20. The Host Chapter Party is located at the Caesar’s Palace Pool Area. The first bus will leave each hotel at 7:00 p.m. and do continuous loops until all guests arrive at Caesar’s Palace. The last buses will depart Caesar’s Palace at 11:00 p.m.

Due to popular demand . . .
Although the live session “A Conversation with Steve Wynn and Tony Marnell” is sold out, you can now sign up to watch the presentation on giant screens at the Wynn Las Vegas as part of a real-time simulcast presentation, Thursday, May 19, 6:45–7:45 p.m. Be among the first to experience the latest in Las Vegas resort hotels and see the minds behind it. Watch Las Vegas legend Steve Wynn and developer Tony Marnell of Marnell Corrao in the new signature resort, Wynn Las Vegas, as they discuss the future of Las Vegas and the concept of communities. Then enjoy the many dining and entertainment options at the Wynn Las Vegas. Buses will begin departing at 5:15 p.m., from the Mandalay Bay. (The reception runs from 6:00–6:45 p.m., the simulcast program, 6:45–7:45 p.m. Hurry and sign up, the simulcast is limited to 400 people. And, although the event is free, registration and a ticket are required. Visit the convention Web site to register for event E55.

A word about security
Here are a few helpful hints from the Transportation Security Administration that will make your trip to Las Vegas a bit easier. Of course, be sure to leave yourself enough time to get through security and to your departure gate.

Before the airport:

• When packing your suitcases, do not over-pack, do not pack dense items, and do not lock your bags unless they are TSA-approved locks. (If you have any questions regarding TSA travel policies or restrictions, visit their Web site.
• Do not pack or bring prohibited items, such as matches or lighters, to the airport. For the full list, visit the TSA Web site.
• Place valuables—such as jewelry, cash, laptop computers, and cash—in carry-on baggage only.
• Avoid wearing metal, or be sure to take off belts, watches, jewelry, etc., that might set-off the metal detector.
• Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
• Do not pack wrapped gifts or bring them to the checkpoint. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons. (Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure.)
• Label your laptop with a business card or other identifying information.

At the airport:

• Keep available your airline boarding pass and government-issued photo ID until you exit the security checkpoint.
• Place the following items in your carry-on baggage prior to entering the screening checkpoint: Mobile phones, keys, loose change, money clips, PDAs, large amounts of jewelry, metal hair decorations, and large belt buckles.
• Take your laptop and video cameras with cassettes out of their cases.
• Take off your outer coat and any jackets.

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