MAGIC Fashion Tradeshow Vegas: 10 Tips for Attending

I'm excited to share how to experience the largest fashion tradeshow in North America: MAGIC. I've been attending since 2015.  Magic happens twice a year, in February and August.  In the past I had to book a hotel and flight; this year it's a 15 min drive from home- yay!  If you decide to go ; here are my best 10 Tips for Attending Magic Fashion Tradeshow Las Vegas.

Magic is the world's largest fashion marketplace, made up of 12 exclusive communities exhibiting the latest in apparel, footwear, and accessories. Twice a year the retail industry assembles together to shop and check out the latest trends. This was my 3rd time to attend  MAGIC.  Every show, I'm in awe of the talented and creative people in the fashion industry.

From cutting edge luxury brands to fast fashion, MAGIC delivers brands that propel the business of fashion. Every February and August , industry professionals descend on the city of Las Vegas for the biggest fashion extravaganza you've ever seen! Wow, so much to see!

The brands at the convention center are grouped by retail groups :
 PROJECT, THE TENTS, WWDMAGIC, FNPLATFORM, SOURCING  MEN'S, POOL TRADESHOW, and a few more.

Tips for Attending Magic Fashion Trade Show

If you do choose to go, there is an application process. Most of the attendees are fashion brands/businesses and buyers in town to snag up the latest trends for their boutique or retail chain they work at.  They do allow fashion press ( which includes bloggers) to apply to get in the show.  After being approved, you can attend limitless times: registration is required though, each time.

Attending Magic is so much fun and the networking possibilities are endless.  However you do need a plan for making the most of your experience. The first time I was so overwhelmed I didn't know which way to go, show is massive!  Today I'm sharing an ultimate list of tips to help out, should you ever decide to go.

Download the Magic App

Before the show starts, make sure you get the app. You will instantly be notified during the show of all the events before they actually start.  All the maps of where the booths and classes are there too. This year was the first time I used the app, it was a game changer for sure. 

Make a Schedule

Magic goes really fast, and there are only 3 full days to get it all covered. Having a plan or a schedule is crucial. I didn't have one for shows in the past. I wondered aimlessly and didn't accomplish much. If your plan is to take classes or meet with fashion brands for collaborations, budget that time into your schedule.

There are free shuttles to and from all the major hotels to the convention center.  I failed to plan this well either. They only run for a few hours in the morning, and again in the afternoon.  Once you are registered for the show, notifications about shuttle service will come to your email.

Attend Seminars

The classes offered at MAGIC are outstanding.  All of the seminars are very informative.  I learned  many details about different facets of the the fashion industry.  The show offers education on future footwear trends( (NSRA) and fashion forecasting( trends that will be here in a year to year and  a half).

Also there is much to learn about how the entire retail industry operates. The classes are all free, take advantage of the opportunity!  In addition, fashion shows are always going on at different locations, check the app for that too.

Visit Trend Exhibits

The booths are the most exciting part of the show. There are hundreds of them, and you won't be able to see them all in 3 days. That's why you need to go back every year.  Most of the same brands show up, but every show new ones are added.  

Wear Comfortable Shoes

When packing for MAGIC, pack stylish but also pack comfortable shoes. If you don't, I promise your feet will be on fire! I see some of the models and attendees walking around in tall heels, not a good choice for this show. There is literally blocks and blocks to be covered, your feet will thank you later. I brought cute tennis shoes and low heeled booties.

Visit the Resource Centers

Each tradeshow represented at MAGIC, has a resource center at the front of each hall.  They often give away a free tote bag with show name on it. You can also ask questions, get directions and pick up free copies of fashion publications such as Apparel News. Also located at these desks are city and tourist guides for the city of Las Vegas.

Get Free Swag

The free items you can pick up at individual booths is half the fun!  The brands giveaway tote bags too, with their logo on it.  Others may offer a free backpack, snacks, candy and some even have a glass of bubbly or mimosa waiting for you.

Take Amazing Photos

 Snap photos to your heart's content. Each tradeshow has fabulous murals up on the sides of the booth, a great opportunity to get a selfie etc. Unfortunately my cell camera isn't working the greatest for selfies, so I passed on that!

Attend Celebrity Events

At MAGIC celebrities are always in the house. Whether it be an actor, entrepreneur or celebrity stylist,  there is excitement for everyone. This world renowned tradeshow is more than a retail event.

This year the winter show had an amazing  line up of celebrities  appearances. I got to see Brad Goreski , a celebrity stylist from L.A. It was amazing to hear his journey into the fashion industry, and his stories about styling famous clientele. Ashely Tisdale was also in the house at the same booth.

The WWD Fashion booth is the place to connect, inspire and discover fashion. Follow them on Instagram to stay in the know about events at MAGIC.

If you are a fashion entrepreneur or media person, do try to make it to the show. I hope the tips were helpful. Thanks for visiting and hope you come back to my site often. More Las Vegas travel tips coming soon!

Stay stylish!