I'm going to be in Vegas, but I'm not currently a BCA member.
Q1: Do I have to be a member to play the mini's?
Q2: If I do, is it too late to join for this year?
My understanding is you have to be a member to play in any of the BCAPL events, but I don't know this for sure. I don't know the deadlines for joining, but I do know it's not expensive.
I would suggest you call the office and ask. Someone there that would be happy to answer your questions:
I'm going to be in Vegas, but I'm not currently a BCA member.
Q1: Do I have to be a member to play the mini's?
Q2: If I do, is it too late to join for this year?
Q2: You have to play weeks to qualify for BCAPL Nationals so, you are too late. However, you can join the Player Member. It is one time $25 that is good for one year and you can play in Singles & Minis.