After the exhibits and training sessions – and before you hit the slots – be sure to attend both the Image of the Year and Best Dressed Public Safety Awards banquets. They're a great way to catch up on the latest trends, and to meet and mingle with colleagues in a relaxed, informal setting.

If you're unfamiliar with either award, here's a recap:

The Image of the Year Awards honor North-America's top designers, suppliers and wearers of corporate identity apparel. Given out each year at the convention, the Image of the Year is the standard by which all programs are judged. Awards are highly coveted, and the program has enjoyed tremendous success throughout its three-decade existence, including extensive media exposure for honorees. Click here to enter your customers in the 2012 Image of the Year Competition.

For over 30 years, the Best Dressed Public Safety Competition has been the media's darling, with both departments and suppliers grabbing the attention of newspapers and television stations across the nation. The competition stresses the important role uniforms play in public safety work, and the contributions of those who make or sell such products. Click here to enter your customers in the 2012 Best Dressed Public Safety Competition.

Diverse Entertainment

To make the evenings more memorable, we've added a bit of fun to these events – we are in Vegas, after all.

On Saturday, come hear Tierney Elizabeth, the woman who has been billed as Lady Gaga's more talented twin. She'll perform during Saturday's Image of the Year Awards Banquet. Get a preview of her act by clicking here.

Not a little monster (what Lady Gaga calls her fans)? No worries – there's something for everyone at the 2012 convention. You can relive the folk years with a trio of performers known as Gathering Time – one member even has a connection to the uniform industry. We can't tell you how – you'll have to see for yourself. Gathering Time will provide the entertainment during the Best Dressed Public Safety Awards.

Not yet registered for the convention? You can do so by clicking here.