Staying Healthy at Desert Meetings and Events

Las Vegas is an exceptional place to hold meetings and events of every kind. It has become the entertainment capital of the world offering the best in live performances, incredible food from award-winning chefs and unique shopping experiences. Thanks to the variety of top hotels in the city, residents and visitors can get a taste of New York, Paris, Venice, Egypt, Mandalay and other exotic locales without ever leaving the city limits!

Meetings in the southwest desert are incredibly unique. Visitors are often amazed at the stunning natural beauty of the desert. While there are countless positive aspects about desert meetings, visitors must adapt to the arid climate and factor in a number of things that will contribute to a healthy, happy adjustment to desert dwelling.

Las Vegas is situated at the southern tip of Nevada in the Great Basin – the western region between the Sierra Nevada and Wasatch mountain ranges. Official elevation of the city at McCarran International Airport is 2,174 feet. The Las Vegas Valley itself is comprised of nearly 600 square miles and runs from northwest to southeast and slopes downward from west to east.

While a dry heat dominates in the summer months, winters are typically mild and pleasant, though occasional high winds are common in late winter and early spring. Summer temperatures can sometimes soar as high as 120 degrees, but there is very little humidity. Las Vegas averages 320 days of sunshine per year. With an average temperature of 66.3 degrees, annual rainfall of 4.13 inches and humidity around 29 percent, the climate is perfect for meetings held throughout the year. Las Vegas’ wonderful year-round climate allows for a good deal of outdoor recreational opportunities, although special care must be taken during the hottest times of the year.

As a meeting planner, you want your meeting attendees to have the best experience possible. Providing information on how to handle the desert climate is crucial to every Las Vegas meeting and event. The following tips will help ensure that your desert meeting goes off without a hitch:

• Have a healthy respect for the sun. Las Vegas sunburns can be extremely dangerous, but they can be avoided by applying sun screen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow absorption and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
  
• It's not only hotter here than in most places, it's also drier. Drink water and protect yourself and your children from the sun when outdoors. If you wait until you're thirsty to drink, you may already be dehydrated.
  
• To avoid dehydration or heat stroke, drink plenty of fluids, such as water and juice. A gallon a day is a good start, much more if you are active and out in the heat.
  
• Take bottled water along on day trips or drives that may exceed 30 minutes and have extra drinking water in your car at all times.
  
• Avoid strenuous exercises during the hottest part of the day between noon and 4 p.m., and stay in areas that are cool, well ventilated or air-conditioned.
  
• Plan outdoor activities in the evening when the breeze is cool and the night sky is filled with breathtaking views.
  
• Paying special attention to these tips will make any meeting or event in Las Vegas a success for everyone involved.