Awfs - Vegas?

[Matt Day]

I’m watching an old Wood Whisperer on Prime and he mentioned AWFS in Vegas. Got me thinking it would be a good reason to get away on a man trip and leave my wife with the kids. Or is it my kids with my wife? Either way, I haven’t been to a woodworking show before but I have read they’ve been lacking in recent years.
I do play some Texas Hold Em so there’s some fun there for me besides just Ww’ing.

Thoughts?

[Mark Bolton]

I've never heard anything lackluster about either Vegas or Atlanta.

[Jim Becker]

Matt, you can't compare the Vegas or Atlanta shows to any of the common touring "woodworking" shows...they are completely different beasts. These two big shows (alternate years) are "YUGE" and while not focused on the general woodworker, are very eye opening. You will see more stuff and more kinds of machinery, small to VERY large than you have ever imagined! You need multiple days and very comfortable shoes to see everything. Definitely worth an experience if you want to take the time and spend the money for travel. Vegas is "more family friendly" these days, but there is a cost involved for the "good stuff" for food and entertainment.

[Matt Day]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the advice.

[Jamie Buxton]

I've found AWFS very interesting. It is aimed at bigger shops than those of most of the folks on this forum, but there's still lots to see.

On the other hand, I find Las Vegas to be a weird town that makes me uncomfortable. Fundamentally the place's foundation is "fleece the marks". If you're smart you can avoid getting fleeced, but still it makes for a strange town. I'd go to AWFS at Atlanta, not Vegas.

[Dave Cav]

I've been to AWFS three or four times. It's a great place to get hands-on with machinery you might be considering. I got a widebelt sander and a 20" bandsaw there at a decent discount. I try to ignore the "Vegas" aspect. I stay at the Hilton down the street, which doesn't have a casino, and walk to the Convention center. I drive my own car (or rent one) and eat at off the strip restaurants. If you're in the education business (shop teacher or the like) you get a substantial discount on admission, and it's a good place to pick up continuing education credits.