As Vegas prepares to have the blogging world descend on it for the long-awaited Blog World Expo '09, I'm attempting to keep track of the ever-growing list of upcoming tweet-ups... obviously, the BEST part of any IRL social media event is actually meeting people you've been following! I'm also planning to hit the Sitscation conference (mommy blogger event) while I'm there too.

So far, here's what I'm hearing... please feel to let me know of any updates via @iizLiz. And before you "pen" in your party plans, be sure to click on the links for more info - for some you may need to RSVP or have a full access pass to Blog World to participate.

Update 10.12: Ok, there is an even BETTER list than this one now. @hup went all fancy-schmancy with this fantastic Google calendar of BWE events. Check it out!! I'm sending him my updates as I get them!

Last updated 10.14.09, 9 p.m. PDT

Wednesday, Oct 14 events

• 6-10pm: Las Vegas Tweetup, Tempo Lounge at Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, #lvtwtup
• 7-9pm: BlogWorld Tweetup, BRAND Steakhouse (lounge area) at Monte Carlo Hotel, #BlogWorldTweetup
• 7:30-9:30pm, REBlogWorld KickOff, Blue Martini Lounge, #rebw09, #BHGRealEstate

Thursday, Oct 15 events

• 5:30-8:30pm, Beer & Blog (WordCamp + BlogWorld kickoff), Bar Louie at Town Square, #bnblv (*note: @TheFrosty says a few folks will hit Pole Position, the indoor go cart speed way, after this)
• 6:30-9:30pm: Blogs with Balls VIP Event, ESPN Zone on Las Vegas Blvd, #bwblv
• 7-8:30pm: America's Got Talent Tweetup, Planet Hollywood, #AGTPH
• 8-9pm: Falls Mall Bar Tweetup, Fat Tuesdays at Planet Hollywood Miracle Mile Shops, #mallbar
• 8-11pm: BWE Techset & Blogworld After Hours Party*, The Bank Nightclub at Bellagio Hotel, #bwe09 (*note, the link goes to Facebook RSVP but can also RSVP via EventBrite.)
• 10pm, Photowalk: Blogworld & New Media Expo, meet in front of the Bellagio fountains by driveway entrance, #Blogworld09, #Photowalk, #LasVegas
• 10-10:45pm, LATISM (Latinos in Social Media) Tweetup, Bellagio Hotel (exact location TBD), #LATism

Friday, Oct 16 events

• 7-9AM, Profitable Podcast Breakfast Meetup, Peppermill (across from Stardust)
• 5:30-8pm, Zendesk Opening Night, Kokomo's Lounge at Mirage Hotel, #ZendeskON
• 7:30-9:30pm: Blogworld Opening Night Party, JET Nightclub at Mirage Hotel, #bwe09
• 8pm: Blogs with Balls Charity Poker Shootout, poker lounge at Hard Rock Hotel, #bwblv
• 9pm-1am: Blubrry After Party, Peppermill (across from Stardust), #bloglouder
• 10-11pm, Community/Political/Citizen Journalism Meetup, outside or in BLT burger at Mirage Hotel, #cjbwe 
• 10pm-2am TweetBASH, LAVO Nightclub at The Palazzo, #tweetbash

Saturday, Oct 17 events

• 6:30-8pm: Travel Blogger/Tweeter/Anythinger Drinks, Space Quest Bar at Las Vegas Hilton, #travel, #bwe09
• 7-11pm: Photowalk: BlogWorld/WordCamp, meet at Monorail station just outside the Convention Center, #photowalk
• 7:30-9:30pm: Las Vegas Hilton BBQ Tweetup, poolside at Las Vegas Hilton, #LVHiltonBBQ
• 8pm: Red Carpet Party, Tempo Lounge at Las Vegas Hilton, #bwe09
• 9-11pm: Grand Tweetup, Studio 54 in MGM Grand Hotel, #bwe09
• 10pm-2am: TechKaraoke Shenanigans, Space Quest Bar at Las Vegas Hilton, #shenanigans, #techkaraoke
• 11pm-?, SITScation Drinks/Wrap Up, LAVO Nightclub at The Palazzo, #sitscation

Other options?

NIGHTCLUBS: According to @searchguru, you can get free admission to all nightclubs in Vegas by callingl/texting Darin or Will 702-544-4368. (What? Aren't they on Twitter?) :)

CHEAP LATE-NIGHT EATS: Planet Hollywood is extending a warm welcome to #BWE09 folks... if you're craving sushi, they recommend Planet Hollywood’s Japanese restaurant, Koi for Happy Hour prices all day (1/2 off all drinks and appetizers all night) abd post-midmight a free shot, free crispy rice AND 15% off you bill. See here.

When that midnight hour crawls around and you’re craving some scrumptious sushi,  you’ll just have to make a pit stop at Sushi not your cup of tea? Hit up the Strip House and mention @chefschenk, you’ll get a free cocktail to accompany your meal!

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: How about catching one of the award-winning Cirque du Soleil Vegas shows? Through a partnership with the show's organizers, Jessica Berlin, who does social media for Cirque, is offering complimentary tickets to bloggers willing to write an honest review of one of the shows. It might be too late now but be sure to check here for details.

See you in Vega$!

(Thanks to @jboydsandiego and @reblogworld for letting me know about the additional events I'd originally missed! Feel free to add additional events in the comments section or @iizLiz-me via Twitter)

Update 10.6: Yay! Looks like the BlogWorld organizers just started compiling the "Official" Guide to BWE Parties, Tweetups and Events - hallelujah!