Domestic, international buyers offer business-building opportunities at 2013 Governor’s Conference

For the first time in Las Vegas, the 2013 Governor’s Conference on Tourism includes a robust business-building opportunity for Nevada tourism entities. The Nevada Marketplace will bring 41 domestic and international buyers for one-one-one meetings with conference attendees. The buyers represent travel agencies, tour operators, airlines and wholesalers from key international markets including China, South Korea and Japan.

“The informational and networking opportunities at the Governor’s Conference are instrumental in keeping our travel industry competitive,” said. Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki’s “Tourism is the state’s primary industry, generating $58 billion in spending in 2012; we want to safeguard this industry and to help it continue its upward trajectory.”

Attendees also heard from a stellar lineup of internationally renowned speakers, including noted author and consumer insights expert James A. Taylor; brand and destination marketing guru Duane Knapp; generational marketing pioneer Chuck Underwood; and global tourism safety consultant Peter Tarlow.

The conference offered general sessions and several concurrent sessions. Of particular interest was Focus on Asia panel — Lt. Gov. Krolicki moderated a panel discussing how to maximize opportunities in the Asian market. Panelists are NCOT Deputy Director of Tourism Larry Friedman; Karen Chen, NCOT representative in China; Amy Lee, NCOT representative in South Korea; Kyoko Okabe, the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority representative in Japan; Ruth Kim of the LVCVA; and Andrew Edelfsen of U.S Commercial Services.

“By focusing on the most relevant topics in tourism today, we hope to provide Nevada’s tourism professionals with the tools they need to develop innovative marketing platforms,” Claudia Vecchio, director of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, said.

Indian Voices welcomed the opportunity to network and build relationships with the attendees in order to further assist with the establishment and growth of tourism in San Diego and Southern California . Meeting Sherry Repurt, Indian Commission Executive Director of was a wonderful experience. 

Another highlight was meeting and sharing information with Cory Brooks of the Blue Man Group who encouraged networking and staying in touch.