Comdex to boost November convention stats

Thursday, Oct. 31, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Imagine a line of tractor trailers five miles long.

That's how many trucks of equipment it takes to set up for Comdex which runs Nov. 18-22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

It's billed as one of the largest conventions in the world with 200,000 attendees expected this year. But in spite of that figure, November isn't the always Las Vegas' biggest convention month.

In 1995, that honor went to the month of March with 376,937 conventioneers. November was close on its heels with 375,069, followed by February with 341,000.

So far this year, February is leading with 435,999 convention attendees. March had 376,937 convention visitors.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority estimates that each attendee has a $1,400 non-gaming impact.

Take Comdex 1995 for example. According to Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority statistics, last year's 200,150 attendees spent $284.2 million, not including gambling.

Visitors Authority spokesman Rob Powers said that the monthly convention statistics change from year to year because some conventions "float" to other places, returning when it's Las Vegas' turn again.

But not Comdex.

"We're not the largest convention center in the country, but we're the only place that can accommodate Comdex because of the number of hotel rooms we have. Logistically, getting ready for it is amazing," he said, adding that preparations have already begun.

In addition to Comdex, the city plays host to the Specialty Equipment Market Association, an aftermarket car parts conference expected to draw 60,000 Nov. 5-8. That show runs in tandem with the Automotive Parts/Accessories Association, which draws 40,000 during the same dates. Many attendees go to both shows.