In an effort to constantly keep the community updated about FlightSimExpo 2024 following the announcement of the imminent closure of the Tropicana, the latest information has been released by the team. It is now confirmed that the dates will remain the same, it will be hosted in Las Vegas as planned and will be held at the Rio Hotel.
Following fast negotiations, community responses, and the support of their event partners, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors’ Authority, the Rio, and the staff at Tropicana, the team was able to secure the hotel and event space in just 25 days. A remarkable achievement, even more so when you consider the Super Bowl was taking place during this same period.
The Rio Hotel has been recently renovated, with all bookings made through the FlightSimExpo booking site located in the Ipanema Tower. Since October 2023, there have been resort-wide improvements introduced, including dynamic dining experiences, fully refreshed public spaces (including the pool), and a complete renovation of more than 1,400 rooms in the Ipanema Tower. Along with more than 15 full- and quick-service restaurants including a new food hall, there are four on-property shows including Penn & Teller, WOW – The Vegas Spectacular, and Comedy Cellar.
Room rates have also been negotiated by the team, with Friday and Saturday nights costing $149, and $69 on other nights, plus taxes and fees – cheaper than the original price at the Tropicana. A link will be made available soon for you to book your accommodation.
Booking through the upcoming FlightSimExpo link will entitle you to a $25 food and beverage voucher to be used in the hotel.
Whilst the Rio isn’t located directly on the strip, it is a 5-minute cab ride away, or a 25-minute walk to the strip which will place you right outside the Bellagio and Flamingo hotels (the location of the 2018 event). This is comparable to the Tropicana, which would’ve resulted in similar journey times to the same locations.
Those Who Have Booked Tropicana
If you booked via the FlightSimExpo booking link, then a full refund for any room bookings will be issued to you shortly. It wasn’t possible to transfer rooms across due to data protection laws. In addition to the full refund, those who then book the Rio hotel will also receive a $25 complementary rideshare voucher to get you from the airport to the Rio hotel in June.
You must await communication from FlightSimExpo/Tropicana about receiving your refund in order to be entitled to the rideshare voucher. Additionally, you must have booked your accommodation through the original link provided on the FlightSimExpo website and not through your own provider to be entitled to the voucher. Should you choose to cancel your reservation with the Tropicana directly, you may not be eligible for the $25 rideshare voucher.
Those Who Have Booked Other Accommodation, Or Waiting to Book
FlightSimExpo recommends that you wait for the Rio hotel link on their official page in order to take advantage of the great room rates and be centrally located for the event. Plus you will also get your $25 food and beverage credit on your room.
If you booked non-refundable accommodation, you should reach out to the FlightSimExpo team about options available to your regarding transportation to and from the Rio.
What Developers are Exhibiting?
It’s not yet confirmed, but stay tuned for the first announcements soon. Although some developers (e.g. PMDG) have already said publically they intend on going.
And of course, FSElite will be there in full force.
In Summary
To reiterate, here are the important things you need to know.
- Will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada (United States)
- Dates remain the same June 21-23 2024
- The event will be held at the Rio Hotel
- At the time of publication, there is no need to do anything with your Tropicana room booking
- Those who previously booked through the event hotel link for the Tropicana will receive a full refund and a complimentary $25 rideshare voucher from the airport to the Rio
- All existing partnership and exhibitor agreements remain in place. The organisers will reach out to those in the next few days with further details
