LVL UP Expo: The Complete Guide
Video gaming conventions are great events where gamers and enthusiasts can gather and play new games, check out new releases, and meet like-minded people.
These conventions also provide game developers, producers, hardware manufacturers, distributors, and vendors with a platform to showcase their latest products.
The Level Up Expo (normally known by the acronym LVL UP Expo) is one of the top gaming conventions that draw vast numbers of gamers and non-gamers from around the world.
Attendees can freely explore the best of esports, comics, anime, and technology, bringing home unique experiences and offerings they will treasure for a long time.
Do you want to know more about this unique multi-genre level up convention? This guide delves into this expo in detail, including its history, importance, benefits, and more.
Let’s dive in!
What Is the LVL UP Expo?
The LVL UP Expo is a leading non-profit gaming and anime convention that covers esports, anime, comics, and tech. It is held every year in Las Vegas.
This global dynamic platform blends competitive gaming, with a competitive video game tournament booth, competitive video games, esports tournaments, and virtual reality, inclusive community-building, and inspired artistry over three days and nights.
The LVL UP Expo brings diverse communities together to celebrate gaming, entertainment, and fandom. It invites people from different backgrounds to inspire creativity, passion, and a competitive spirit in a unique and fun arena.
Tens of thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors attend the expo every year to discover and showcase rare and unique offerings in the gaming, design, and comics space.
This annual three-day event features all kinds of video games, computer games, and gaming consoles in the exhibit hall area. Attendees include avid gamers, cosplay enthusiasts, and fans of gaming, anime, and design from all over the globe.
The convention also hosts special guests, including well-known voice actors, performers, Twitch stars, inspirational speakers, and more.
The expo also features other exciting activities, like voice actor panels, autograph sessions, concerts, live performances, gaming tournaments, and panel discussions.
Attendees can also watch or participate in cosplay lip-sync battles, masquerades, K-pop dance battles, artist alleys, pro wrestling, fashion shows, workshops, and retro tournaments.
History of the LVL UP Expo
The LVL UP Expo was first held in 2013 at the Henderson Convention Center in Henderson, Nevada. It had an attendance of more than 1,000. The next four years saw the expo being held at the Cashman Center in Las Vegas, NV.
Since 2018, the show has been held annually at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV.
Today, the convention is more popular than ever. It regularly boasts tens of thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors.
In 2023, it will celebrate its 10-year anniversary and is set to be even bigger and better in scale.
Who Is the LVL UP Expo For?
The LVL UP Expo is for anyone interested in gaming, cosplay, comics, anime, design, and tech.
Gamers, cosplayers, and fans from all over the world flock to this event to discover the latest and greatest in these fields and find inspiration.
International game designers, developers, programmers, producers, hardware manufacturers, and vendors also attend this show to present their new offerings to an audience of thousands.
Why Should I Attend the LVL UP Expo?
The LVL UP Expo is an action-packed event with dozens of fun activities for attendees to enjoy.
Here are some key highlights of this trade convention:
Gaming Events and Tournaments
The expo has a wide array of casual and competitive gaming events that cater to all levels of gamers.
First-time players and professionals alike can enjoy playing free-for-all games or battle it out with the toughest competitors in intense competitive matches that go on all weekend long.
You can choose to take part in various gaming tournaments like console tournaments and PC gaming tournaments.
You can also join the retro tournaments from Retro World Series, which feature top traditional sports games from the 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit, and 64-bit gaming eras.
They offer a unique opportunity to enjoy serious gameplay or even simply relive childhood memories and have fun.
The new Las Vegas Super Major, Double Down, is coming to the 2023 expo. This smash-focused global Super Major features tournaments for Melee and Ultimate, along with many side events. You can win over $20K in guaranteed prizes at this upcoming event.
So, make sure to complete your Double Down registration here.
Attendees who only want to watch live matches and cheer on gamers can head to the Console, PC, and Retro Stages for an edge-of-the-seat spectacle.
Official esports commentators will ensure that you enjoy a one-of-a-kind esports gaming experience live.
Cosplay Contest
The expo also holds a Cosplay Contest where local and international cosplayers and fans can come together and compete in costumed skits.
The skits in this competitive event cover different genres and themes, such as comedy and dramatic fighting scenes.
Participants get a fantastic opportunity to present their elaborate costumes and skits to a vast audience and a panel of judges.
There’s also a lip sync cosplay contest called Lip Sync for Your Cosplay that attendees can participate in. This high-energy dance battle competition provides an arena where cosplayers can showcase lip-sync skills along with their costumes.
ANX K-Pop Battles
The ANX K-Pop Battles offer a fun platform for K-pop fans to showcase their favorite dance moves.
These dance-cover battles pit new and current season teams against each other. So, get ready for high-powered dance performances that will blow your mind.
Side Quest
If you love scavenger hunts, you can take part in Side Quest. Quest Ninjas hand out free, interactive tasks that you can complete at your leisure throughout the weekend.
You can also score exclusive ribbons and pins upon successfully completing all the tasks.
Pre-Event and Post-Event Parties
Hop on the complimentary shuttle for attendees (age 21 and older) and let your hair down at the show’s kick-off party. It is hosted by the production team, before the doors of the expo open on the first day.
And the fun does not stop even after the show ends. After the Exhibit Hall closes on the last day, the party keeps going at the LVL UP Expo’s legendary after-party.
These parties are high on energy and allow attendees to let themselves loose and have fun.
They feature popular local DJs, a full stage with LED screens, and a massive dance floor. You can mingle with gamers, cosplayers, and fellow nerd culture enthusiasts here.
So, make sure you turn up at these parties and revel the night away.
Pro Wrestling
The pro wrestling events at the LVL UP Expo feature national wrestling legends that throw around catchy phrases and jaw-dropping moves that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
These live shows will make you want to stand up and cheer for your favorite wrestlers.
The wrestling events were launched at the expo about five years ago, as the organizers wanted to showcase one of their favorite fandoms. These events are incredibly popular and have continued to be featured every year since.
Panel Participation
Ever wanted to become a panelist? You can at the LVL UP Expo! As a panelist, you get to take part in the event’s programming and experience it firsthand.
You can choose to participate in different kinds of panels, depending on the niche you have expertise. There are many different workshops, industry events, and entertainment-geared events you can sign up for.
Volunteering
You can also volunteer at the LVL UP Expo. As a volunteer, you can experience what goes on behind the scenes and help ensure a smooth event.
Meet Special Guests
The expo offers a unique chance to meet your favorite pro gamers, cosplayers, comic book illustrators, Twitch streamers, YouTube stars, and more. You can get autographs from these special guests and sit through panels with them.
You can meet Steve Downes, the iconic voice behind Halo Infinite’s super Spartan cyber-soldier Master Chief Petty Officer John-117.
Other special guests include Zach Aguilar, Bryce Papenbrook, Abby Trott, Aleks Le, Erica Lindbeck, Roger Craig Smith, and Brandon Rogers.
Collectibles
We can’t leave out buying collectibles at the convention. Fans wait all year for this show to shop until they drop.
The carefully curated exhibit hall features exclusive, highly sought-after collectibles that you will surely want to get your hands on.
You can also check out the Artist Alley for one-of-a-kind fan-made merchandise that you can only get at this expo.
Why Should I Exhibit at the LVL UP Expo?
The expo offers excellent benefits for exhibitors. You can network with industry leaders, grow your customer base, and draw inspiration from fellow exhibitors. You also get to check out a wide range of gaming and entertainment events and tournaments.
Specific exhibitor benefits include the following:
Launch and Sell Collectibles
You can launch and promote your latest games, technologies, merchandise, and other products at your convention exhibit.
You can also make big product announcements and gauge and grow demand for your offerings.
Some products you can showcase here include video games, computer games, gaming consoles, comics, art, tech products, and more.
Connect With Peers
This event is an annual showcase for gaming designers, developers, programmers, producers, artists, and business leaders. All leading and upcoming industry giants attend this event.
Attending the event and being an exhibitor is an excellent opportunity to network and connect with your peers and idols and expand your knowledge, network, and business.
Choose From Various Booth Options
You can choose from different types of booths, such as exhibitor booths, indie game developer booths, and artist alley booths. You can also get a complimentary booth if you sign up for the community option.
Once you get a booth, there are many ways to attract more booth traffic, such as great trade show displays, product giveaways, fun booth games, and other marketing tactics.
Receive Booth Awards and Recognition
The show automatically enters all exhibitors into its Booth Awards and Recognition Program.
The expo awards exhibitors with the best booth displays according to the following criteria:
- Overall appeal
- Creativity
- Product display
- Booth cleanliness
You can receive one of three recognition awards to exhibitors, including a $200 credit towards booth purchase at the LVL UP Expo 2024 and an assured Exhibitor Booth for 2024.
The convention will also give a shout-out to your brand’s booth on its website and social media platforms.
When and Where Is the LVL UP Expo?
The next edition of the LVL UP Expo will be held from February 17 to 19, 2023. The event venue is the South Hall on the First Floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center at 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109.
When registering, you can choose from one-day badges, weekend passes, a Squad Pack (four 3-day badges), and VIP badges.
Accommodation Guide
Are you planning to attend the 2023 edition of the LVL UP Expo? Here is a list of the best hotels near the Las Vegas Convention Center for your stay during the three days of the expo.
Here are some of our top hotel recommendations:
- Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel
- Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
- Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino
- Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
- The LINQ Hotel + Experience
- Las Vegas Marriott
- Courtyard by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center
- Residence Inn by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Las Vegas Convention Center
- Hampton Inn and Suites Las Vegas Convention Center
- Hilton Grand Vacations Club Paradise Las Vegas
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Convention Center Las Vegas
Conclusion
Video game conventions like the LVL UP Expo are odes to gaming, tech, and design. It attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, making it one of the biggest events in the industry.
If this expo is on your wishlist and you plan to put up an exhibit for your brand, you will need top-notch trade show materials and supplies for a successful show experience.
American Image provides an extensive selection of trade show booths, eye-catching graphics, trade show logistics assistance, and other supplies for exhibitors.
Our prices are very exhibitor-friendly, so you can be sure to find whatever you need within your budget. Explore our vast collection of products and services on our website, or get in touch with us to learn more.
