It's hard to believe, but it's already that time of year again: The eighth annual Luxury Travel Expo is taking place at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week. It's the perfect way to begin the holiday season—mixing work and pleasure while exploring the wealth of new offerings that Las Vegas seems to dish up on a daily basis. And what better time could there be to rekindle old friendships and revisit the professional alliances you have formed with your colleagues and suppliers over the years? Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas

Just as surprises and gift-giving are a part of the holiday season, they are also a part of Luxury Travel Expo. The more suppliers you visit on the trade show floor this year, the better your chances are of walking away with one of the prizes so generously donated by the Passport to Prizes participants. Prizes include everything from a 30-day, 28-night trip to Turkey donated by FLO USA (booth 723), to a seven-night stay in Puerto Rico donated by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (booth 917) to three-night stays in both Antigua and St. Lucia donated by Elite Islands Resorts (booth 926). A full list of passport participants is included in the show directory and in a flyer inside your show bag.

Other highlights in the exhibit hall include two baby kangaroos in Tourism Australia's booth (623). Tourism New Zealand (booth 531) will showcase performances by Maori cultural performers and Rose Hache, travel industry attorney, will be available between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 7 in the exhibit hall (booth 178) to answer legal-related questions. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (booth 917) will be offering samples of the finest rums in the Caribbean.

Alicia Evanko, CMP

We would like to extend a special thanks to the suppliers who are so important to our show each year. Don't forget to visit the following sponsors that support us in making this the special event that it is: American Express, Celebrity Cruises, Classic Vacations, FLO USA, Greek National Tourism Organization, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, MGM Mirage, Promper, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Sol Melia Hotels and Resorts, South African Airways and Virtuoso.

And because we may not meet again through my column in these pages until next year, I'd like to wish each and every one of you the happiest of holiday seasons and thank you for your continued support of Luxury Travel Expo. I hope to see everyone again at the show next year!