It's Vegas, baby!

In just a few short weeks, ILC will be headed west again for another fantastic rendition of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show! From Tuesday, November 5th until Friday, November 8th, you can catch ILC at BOOTH 33055 of the "Upper South Hall," where we'll be showcasing and demonstrating our line of state-of-the-art, industry-leading security solutions at the largest annual gathering of small businesses in the world!

And while you can review what BRAND NEW toys we'll be packing in our bags to fly out west with via a blog we will be publishing later this week, below, we will tackle something completely different, yet close to our hearts: FOOD, FUN, and AMENITIES.

We've been traveling to Vegas for SEMA, a few of our friend's Elvis weddings, and other business-related quests for years now. Using those years of valuable experience, we learned where you could go to see some cool stuff, have an out-of-this-world meal, and retire for the night, without being too stereotypical. Sure, casinos and bars make up a ton of what Vegas is all about, but we think we have a few other gems you can explore on your stay. 

Review our list below, and if you have any suggestions for us, make sure you stop by Booth 33055 at SEMA or reach out to us in advance.

GO ALL IN ON:

Cirque Du Soleil- The Beatles LOVE: Beatlemania is back, thanks to this world-renowned show featuring some of the top aerialists, dancers, and acrobats from around the globe. Expect vibrant costumes, characters, sets, and of course- THE soundtrack- taking you through years of the Brits biggest hits. The music director is Beatles producer George Martin's son, so you know there is something authentic happening here in both sight and sound.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden: Are you missing all of those autumn trees, flowers, and foliage you left at home, in exchange for a few days in the desert? No worries! The Bellagio has designed this gorgeous, 14,000 square foot floral playground, decorated with distinctive sights and colors of the fall for you to explore in your downtime! 

Wayne- Up Close and Personal: Did you even go to Vegas if you didn't see the legend, Wayne Newton, live? In this unique show at Caesars Palace, Wayne's not just singing the hits; he's also telling stories, doing Q&A with the audience, and much more. It should make for an entertaining and unique, yet very Vegas experience!

DINE LIKE A BOSS AT:

Kame Omakase: While it is off of the Strip a little bit, this omakase-style restaurant (featuring sushi-heavy, chef-driven tasting menus) only offers two seatings nightly, and they are always packed to the gills (pun intended). Here, you'll go on a culinary journey, not just have a meal, experiencing rare, seasonal fish selections from around the globe, because yes, even though you are in-land this far, the fish CAN be this darn tasty and fresh. 

The Underground at The Mob Museum: ILC's located just over an hour outside of Chicago, we work in the lock and security business, and have been around since the 1930s. So yes, the irony of us telling you about a mob-inspired speakeasy restaurant isn't lost on us, just so we're clear! At The Underground, you will experience Prohibition-era style craft cocktails, shareable bites, and live jazz, but only if you can provide the password of the week to enter.

Ghost Donkey: In what is the closest thing we can think of when it comes to a Vegas "Secret Spot," enter Ghost Donkey. This Mexican-inspired restaurant and bar, which features a seemingly never-ending list of mezcal and tequila, alongside insanely unique nacho combinations, is located inside the Cosmopolitan's Block 16 Urban Food Hall. Seating is limited is at this hard-to-find (hint: look for a door with a donkey illustration) hole-in-the-wall, but you should NOT miss it!

RECHARGE THOSE BATTERIES WITH:

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino: So yes, this does play into more of the whole "typical" Vegas experience, but how could you pass up on the Mandalay Bay! This historic property has been the backdrop to so many iconic photos and films for a reason. It is genuinely stunning visually, has a world-class reputation, and honestly, rooms aren't that pricey for all that they offer.

Aria Resort & Casino: For those constant travelers who would love to have all the technological comforts that you might have at home, and then some, Aria has got you covered. With bedside touch screens for temperature and lighting preferences, a sizeable LED TV, outlets for MP3 players, phones, and gaming consoles, as well as a plethora of on-premise pools, a spa, and more- choose Aria for your mid-Strip stay! 

The Cosmopolitan: Maybe best for continuing a party versus recharging your batteries, The Cosmopolitan is one of the youngest resorts in Vegas (opened in 2010), and has earned its stripes for being edgy, arty, and modern. Enjoy a unique luxury experience that feels like a home, not just a hotel room, and be surrounded by an on-premise eclectic collection of restaurants (like Ghost Donkey, mentioned above), night clubs, boutiques, and so much more.

Thanks for reading! And remember, what happens at SEMA, stays at SEMA!