Day one of my SEMA trip was filled with luck, good friends and a sweet hotel.

I rolled out of Denver about 4:30 am and arrived in Las Vegas about 3:00 pm.  Before checking in the hotel I stopped at the show.  I wanted to get my Press Pass before the rush in the morning.  Parking is a nightmare.  While trying to get some information a nice, female, security guard said I could leave my car parked back by the dock area while I ran in and picked up my badge.  She agreed to keep an eye on the Mini.  I think she wanted me to leave her the keys so she could take it for a spin.

Weaving in about of shuttle buses I made my way to the Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  Suddenly my phone rings.  It’s Matt Adir from Master-Pull.  Matt and I spent a few days in Moab wheeling a few year ago. After that Matt and I have kept in touch via Facebook.  It being my first SEMA I had a ton of questions and Matt agreed to help.  We chatted while he showed me where to pick up my Press Pass.  There is no way I would found it by myself.  Hey thanks Matt.  So with Press Pass in hand I got my car and headed to the hotel.

Another special thanks goes out to the Grandview at Las Vegas.  This hotel is amazing.  It’s very hard to find a non-casino hotel in Vegas these days.  The Grandview hooked us up with three nights.  You’ll need to be a member of a vacation club to get in.  If you are, choose the Grandview at Las Vegas next time you’re here.  The rooms have recently been remolded and are stunning.  Here are a few photos.