CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 Las Vegas Travel & Vehicle Rental Guide

TL;DR: CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is March 3–7, 2026 in Las Vegas. Plan early for flights and hotels, as 130,000+ attendees are expected. Fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), just ~3.5 miles from the Las Vegas Convention Center. Use the airport’s rental car center for van, truck, or SUV rentals, or take advantage of shuttles, monorail, and rideshares. Stay near the convention center or on the Strip, and enjoy Vegas’ world-class dining, entertainment (like the new Sphere show), and iconic attractions during your trip.

Traveling to Las Vegas for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026

CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 is North America’s largest construction trade show, taking place March 3–7, 2026 in Las Vegas. Held every three years, the expo draws massive crowds over 139,000 attendees came in 2023 so travel and lodging will be in high demand. Both attendees and exhibitors should plan travel early, booking flights and accommodations well in advance.

Nearest Airport: Nearly all visitors will fly into Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) Las Vegas’s main airport (formerly McCarran). It’s conveniently located just about 3.5 miles from the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) (approximately a 15-minute drive). LAS offers extensive flight options, with 1,100+ flights daily and direct service from nearly 160 cities, making it easy to reach from almost anywhere. Once you land, you’re only a short ride away from the Strip and convention venues.

Airport Access and Vehicle Rentals (Van/Truck/SUV)

For maximum flexibility in Las Vegas, especially if you’re traveling with a team or equipment, consider renting a vehicle. Harry Reid International Airport’s Rental Car Center is a one-stop hub housing 10 major rental companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, etc.) about 3 miles south of the terminals. A free shuttle bus runs 24/7 from the airport terminals to this Rental Car Center, departing every 5–7 minutes. The facility is open 24/7 and designed to get you on the road quickly.

Vehicle Options: All the standard car classes are available, but during a big trade show you might specifically need a van, pickup truck, or SUV. These larger vehicles are ideal for exhibitors hauling booth materials or groups of attendees traveling together. Agencies like Enterprise, Alamo, and Hertz offer passenger vans, cargo vans, and SUVs but be sure to reserve early. CONEXPO will bring a surge of demand, so book your van or truck rental well in advance to secure availability (and better rates).

Driving in Vegas: If you rent a vehicle, driving in Las Vegas is relatively straightforward. The airport connects to downtown via the Paradise Rd. and I-15 highways, and the LVCC is just off Paradise Road, adjacent to Las Vegas Boulevard (“the Strip”). Parking at the convention center is limited during large shows, so driving directly to the event each day isn’t always the best choice unless you have an exhibitor parking permit or need to transport equipment. Many attendees instead opt to park at their hotels and use shuttles or transit to reach the venue. If you do drive to the show, plan to arrive early to find parking, or use nearby hotel parking garages (with a walk or secondary transit to the venue).

Las Vegas Convention Center Proximity & Transportation

The Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall (pictured during CES 2025) is one of the venues for major trade shows. CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), including its massive new West Hall and outdoor festival grounds. The LVCC sits just off the Strip at 3150 Paradise Rd., in the heart of the city’s resort district. Its central location means most hotels, restaurants, and attractions are within a short drive or even walking distance. For example, the convention center is roughly one block east of Las Vegas Boulevard (the Strip) and adjacent to resorts like Wynn/Encore, Resorts World, and Westgate.

Monorail: One of the most convenient ways to reach the LVCC is the Las Vegas Monorail, especially if you’re staying at a Strip hotel. The monorail has a station right at the Convention Center (boasting the “Boingo Station” at LVCC) and others along the Strip, from MGM Grand to SAHARA. Trains arrive every few minutes and bypass street traffic, getting you to the venue quickly. If your hotel is near a monorail stop (e.g. MGM Grand, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo, Harrah’s/The LINQ, Westgate, SAHARA), this can be an excellent option to avoid parking hassles. You can buy single-ride or unlimited day passes, and even mobile tickets in advance. Many CONEXPO veterans use the monorail to hop between their hotel and the convention without worrying about driving.

Vegas Loop (LVCC Loop): The Las Vegas Convention Center also features the new Vegas Loop, an underground shuttle service using Tesla vehicles. The LVCC Loop provides fast, free rides across the convention campus for attendees. It currently connects the various halls of the convention center and extends to a few nearby destinations. Public Loop stations include Resorts World, Westgate, and Encore at Wynn so if you’re staying at any of those, you can zip directly to the venue via the underground Tesla tunnels. The Loop is a fun and efficient novelty, cutting a long walk across the convention center down to a 2-minute ride.

Shuttles and Rideshares: During CONEXPO, complimentary shuttle buses are typically provided between the LVCC (and the outdoor Festival Grounds) and official partner hotels not within walking distance. If you book your hotel through the official CONEXPO housing block, you can take advantage of these free shuttles running at peak hours each day of the show. This is a convenient perk you can step out of your hotel lobby and onto a shuttle straight to the convention entrance. Check CONEXPO’s travel info for the 2026 shuttle schedule and participating hotels.

Outside of official shuttles, Las Vegas has abundant ride-hailing services (Uber/Lyft) and taxis. A rideshare or taxi from LAS airport to the convention center or Strip hotels is usually 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Note that taxis in Vegas must pick up at designated taxi stands (you can’t hail one on the street), typically outside hotel lobbies. Both Uber and Lyft operate at the airport and all around town; dedicated pickup zones at the airport terminals are well-marked. During big events, wait times for rideshares can spike during peak leave times (like right after the show ends each day), so plan accordingly or consider walking a bit away from the venue for pickup.

Public Transit: The city bus (RTC Transit) runs routes along Paradise Rd. and the Strip (the Deuce and SDX routes on Las Vegas Blvd), which can get you close to the convention center on a budget. However, buses may be slow in traffic, and with the other convenient options available (monorail, Loop, shuttles), most visitors opt for those. If you’re staying in Downtown Las Vegas, the Deuce bus from Fremont Street down the Strip is an affordable way to reach the convention area, but allocate extra travel time.

Where to Stay for CONEXPO: Hotels & Accommodations

Las Vegas boasts 100,000+ hotel rooms, but major conventions can still fill up the city. It’s wise to book your hotel early for CONEXPO 2026. When choosing where to stay, consider proximity to the convention center and transportation options:

• Adjacent Hotels: For maximum convenience, you can’t beat staying next door to the LVCC. Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton) is attached to the convention center property and even has its own monorail station, making it extremely popular among convention-goers. The Renaissance Las Vegas (a Marriott property) is another hotel just a short walk from the LVCC. These adjacent hotels let you walk to the show in minutes, but they often sell out fast for big events.
• Strip Hotels (North end): Many attendees choose to stay on the Las Vegas Strip for the full Vegas experience. The north Strip is closest to the convention center. Notably, the brand-new Fontainebleau Las Vegas (opening late 2023) is right next to the West Hall of the LVCC an easy walk to some exhibits. Resorts World Las Vegas (with its Hilton, Conrad, and Crockfords towers) is also nearby and even connected to the convention center via the Vegas Loop station. Encore at Wynn and Wynn Las Vegas are high-end options just across Las Vegas Blvd from the LVCC’s new West Hall (Encore is also linked by the Loop). These upscale resorts are within walking distance (10–15 minutes) or a very short cab ride to the venue.
• Other Strip Hotels: Even if you stay mid-Strip or south Strip, the monorail or shuttles make the commute easy. Hotels like MGM Grand, Paris Las Vegas (Horseshoe), Flamingo, Harrah’s, or SAHARA are all along the monorail line you can ride directly to the convention center station without stepping outside. Many large Strip hotels also end up on the official shuttle route (for those booked via the CONEXPO room block), so you can get a free ride each morning. Staying on the Strip gives you endless dining and entertainment at your doorstep, at the slight cost of a longer trip (15–20 minutes) to the convention.
• Downtown or Off-Strip: A smaller fraction of attendees stay in Downtown Las Vegas (around Fremont Street) or at off-Strip hotels. Downtown is about 3 miles further north; you’d likely drive or take a bus/shuttle from there. Unless you have a specific reason (or found a great deal), most CONEXPO visitors will prefer the Strip or convention center area for convenience.

No matter where you stay, try to reserve through official channels if possible CONEXPO partners with many hotels to secure blocks of rooms, often with free shuttle benefits and maybe better rates. And remember, Vegas hotels can have resort fees and strict cancellation policies during big events, so read the fine print when booking.

Exhibitor Logistics: Getting Your Gear There

For exhibitors bringing equipment or booth materials to CONEXPO, logistics are a critical part of planning. The show’s scale means you should coordinate shipments well ahead of time. Most large machinery and displays will be shipped via freight to the convention center or to an advance warehouse, per CONEXPO’s exhibitor guidelines. (The official Exhibitor Services Manual, available in 2025, will detail all shipping, drayage, and set-up procedures be sure to read it to take advantage of any free resources!)

If you’re a local or regional exhibitor with smaller displays, you might consider driving or renting a truck to bring your materials. Las Vegas is accessible via major highways (I-15 for those coming from California/Utah and I-11/US-93 from Arizona). Rental companies in town offer box trucks, cargo vans, and pickup trucks suitable for transporting booths or products. You can fly into LAS and pick up a rental truck there or rent from a local branch. Just account for parking and unloading during move-in days, the LVCC will have marshaling yards and scheduled dock times.

Once on site, consider using carts or dollies for smaller items, and label all crates clearly. Some exhibitors find it useful to rent a van for the week to run errands, restock supplies, or shuttle their staff. If you have a team, sharing a vehicle can cut costs and simplify transport for example, a 12-passenger van can move your whole crew. And whether you’re an exhibitor or attendee, carpooling or ride-sharing with colleagues is a smart way to beat the traffic and bond with your team.

Finally, budget extra time for logistics in Vegas. The sheer volume of people and shipments during CONEXPO means things may take longer. Arrive a day early if you can, to get your bearings. Check if your hotel charges for receiving packages (many Las Vegas hotels do), if you plan to ship materials to yourself. By planning thoroughly, you’ll ensure your exhibit is up and running smoothly when the show doors open.

Things to Do in Vegas During CONEXPO

After a long day of networking and exploring equipment at CONEXPO, you’ll want to enjoy Las Vegas’s incredible attractions. Fortunately, Las Vegas has it all for any convention attendee world-class dining, exhilarating entertainment, outdoor adventures, and unbeatable nightlife.

Shows & Entertainment: Las Vegas is known as the Entertainment Capital, so be sure to catch a show if you have an evening free. Options range from Cirque du Soleil productions (like O at the Bellagio or Mystère at Treasure Island) to headline concerts and comedy acts. A brand-new attraction is The MSG Sphere, an enormous high-tech dome venue featuring an immersive audio-visual show that has been wowing visitors. Checking out The Sphere Experience or a concert there could be a highlight of your trip. For something classic, you might enjoy a magic show, a celebrity residency performance, or the acrobatic marvels of Cirque there’s a show for every taste.

Iconic Sights: Even a simple stroll along The Strip is a must-do. Don’t miss the Fountains of Bellagio, which put on a dazzling water show choreographed to music every 15–30 minutes. Across the street, you can ascend the Eiffel Tower replica at Paris Las Vegas for a panoramic view. Venture down to The Venetian to enjoy its Grand Canal shops and perhaps a gondola ride, or marvel at the volcano eruption show at The Mirage (if it’s still running in 2026, given planned resort changes). If you have time for a spin, the High Roller observation wheel at LINQ offers a gentle half-hour ride in a pod with sweeping views of the city lights.

Downtown & Beyond: For a different vibe, head to Downtown Las Vegas and the Fremont Street Experience. Under a spectacular LED canopy, Fremont Street offers free nightly light shows, live music, street performers, and a taste of vintage Vegas neon. You can even go zip-lining above the crowds there. Downtown is also home to quirky attractions like the Neon Museum (a boneyard of old Vegas signs) and the Mob Museum fun stops if you’re extending your trip.

Dining & Nightlife: Las Vegas’s food scene is world-renowned. You’ll find everything from high-end gourmet restaurants by celebrity chefs to plentiful affordable eats. Consider organizing a team dinner at one of the famous buffets or a classic steakhouse. New hotspots in 2026 will include places like Mother Wolf at Fontainebleau (upscale Italian) and ¡VIVA! at Resorts World (modern Mexican), among many others. After dinner, you can unwind at a lounge or go out dancing at a mega-nightclub. There’s also a thriving craft cocktail scene and countless themed bars. Whether you choose to hit a trendy club or just relax at a casino bar for networking, Las Vegas nightlife won’t disappoint.

Outdoor Excursions: If you’re inclined to explore beyond the city, Las Vegas is surrounded by natural beauty. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is only a 30-minute drive west, offering stunning desert rock formations and hiking trails. For a longer excursion, the Hoover Dam is about 45 minutes away and can be toured (a great half-day trip). And if you’ve tacked on a vacation after the show, the Grand Canyon (West Rim) is ~2 hours’ drive or you can take a day tour by bus or helicopter. Off-roading tours, golf outings, and even skydiving are other adventures available nearby for the adrenaline-inclined.

In short, make the most of your Vegas trip. Network and learn at CONEXPO during the day, then enjoy the city’s amenities in your off hours. From the excitement of the Strip to the attractions of downtown and beyond, Las Vegas offers something for everyone ensuring your CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 experience will be both productive and unforgettable.

all image credits to conexpo-con/agg

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