Show moves from Las Vegas Convention Center to Mandalay

Monday, April 15, 2002 | 9:37 a.m.

The board of directors of the SnowSports Industries of America trade show has voted to move its 2003 show to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The SIA SnowSports Show, which draws 25,000 people to Las Vegas, plans to sign a 10-year contract with Mandalay Bay. Terms were not disclosed.

A spokesman for SIA, a McLean, Va.-based non-profit trade association representing snow and winter sports equipment companies, said the organization has met annually in Las Vegas since 1972.

Spokesman David Ingemie said the move to Mandalay Bay solves some problems for the association that began when the board voted to change its trade show dates from March to late January.

"It was difficult for them (Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority) to shoehorn us in and we needed the entire south hall to do an effective show," Ingemie said.

The 2003 show will occur Jan. 24-27 and the starting date is the last day of the four-day, 75,000-delegate National Home Builders Association show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. At about the same time, the Sands Expo Center plays host to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association Super Show, which draws 61,000 people.

LVCVA spokeswoman Erika Brandvik said the move helps accommodate more shows and the LVCVA is happy that the SIA show will stay in Las Vegas.

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