Pahrump Nevada
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Pahrump Nevada will play host to the 2013 Rural Roundup. Now is the time to foster networking relationships and engage in educational opportunities that will guide you in strengthening Nevada’s rural tourism. Register today and join us April 17-19, 2013, at the Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino. Enter your email below to stay up-to-date with all the Rural Roundup happenings.

   

CONFERENCE AGENDA

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Wednesday, April 17

12:00 PM - 5:30 PM     Registration

Location: Events Center Foyer


1:00 PM

Optional Activity A: 9 Holes of Golf
Location: Mountain Falls Golf Club
Meet at the Club House for assignments.
Click here to register.
Sponsored By: Mountain Falls Golf Club


2:00 PM

Optional Activity B: Sips and Slots
Location: Pahrump Valley Winery, Sanders Family Winery, Pahrump Nugget
Board motor coach from Pahrump Nugget main entrance


2:00 PM

Optional Activity C: Tour and Road Racing
Location: Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club
Board motor coach from Pahrump Nugget main entrance


6:00 PM

Welcome Reception - Beach-Band-BBQ-Boating
Location: Lakeside Casino & RV Park
Board motor coaches from Pahrump Nugget main entrance
Sponsored By: The Town of Pahrump


Thursday, April 18

7:30 AM - 5:00 PM     Registration

Location: Events Center Foyer


7:30 AM

Continental Breakfast
Location: Events Center Foyer


8:30 AM

Welcome and General Session
Location: Events Center 1-2-3
Build, Attract and Engage: Growing Online Communities
PRESENTED BY: Crystal Henrickson
View Presentation >

Sponsored By: Certified Folder Display Service


9:40 AM

Refreshment Break and Sponsor Exhibits
Location: Events Center Foyer
Sponsored By: THS-Visuals Motion Pictures


10:00 AM     CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Sponsored By: RUF Strategic Solutions


Motorcycle and Bicycle Tourism in Rural Nevada
Location: Events Center 1
PRESENTED BY: Carl Ribaudo, Bill Story

13 Ways to Refresh Your Event
Location: Events Center 2
PRESENTED BY: Deny Dotson

The European Visitor and Rural Nevada
Location: Events Center 3
PRESENTED BY: Zelie Breval
View Presentation >
, Inga Dockendorf
View Presentation >

11:00 AM     REPEAT OF CONCURRENT SESSIONS


12:15 PM

Luncheon
Location: Nugget Bowling Center
Program TBD
Sponsored By: Reno Tahoe USA


2:00 PM     CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Sponsored By: RUF Strategic Solutions


Brand USA and Rural Nevada
Location: Events Center 1
PRESENTED BY: Lisa Schwartz

Canadian Snowbirds
Location: Events Center 2
PRESENTED BY: Jason Tansem

Turning A Lead Into Business
Location: Events Center 3
PRESENTED BY: Susan Redding


3:00 PM     REPEAT OF CONCURRENT SESSIONS


3:50 PM

Refreshment Break and Sponsor Exhibits
Location: Events Center Foyer
Sponsored By: THS-Visuals Motion Pictures


4:15 PM

General Session
Location: Events Center 1-2-3
Taking Advantage of Your Nevada Commission on Tourism
PRESENTED BY: Peter Barton
View Presentation >
, Bethany Drysdale, Janet Geary, David Lusvardi
Sponsored By: Bureau of Land Management - Nevada Office


6:00 PM

Wine Tasting
Location: Events Center Foyer
Sponsored By: Pahrump Valley Winery, Sanders Family Winery


7:00 PM

VolunTourism Awards Dinner
Location: Events Center 1-2-3
Sponsored By: White Pine County Tourism and Recreation Board, Cline Cellars


Friday, April 19

8:30 AM

Breakfast Buffet Presentation
Location: Events Center 1-2-3
The Nevada State Brand and You!
PRESENTED BY: Claudia Vecchio
Sponsored By: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority




CONFERENCE HOTELS

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Pahrump Nugget Hotel & Casino  (Host Hotel)

Welcome to the Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino, AAA's only 3 Diamond rated hotel in Pahrump. Our 69 all newly remodeled guest rooms provide amazing luxury and comfort at reasonable prices. Enjoy wireless internet in our smoking and non-smoking rooms. We have plasma TVs in every room where you can enjoy Pay-Per-View movies as well as 43 cable channels and our very own local channel. We also provide room snack and beverage amenities for your convenience.

681 S. Highway 160
Pahrump, Nevada 89048
866.751.6500
The group room rate is $68.00 per night plus tax
Online Reservations - Promotional Code RRUP


Best Western Pahrump Station

Welcome to the BEST WESTERN Pahrump Station where guests will find friendly customer service, superior amenities and convenient access to key attractions for an unbeatable price. Situated in "The heart of the New Old West" of Nevada, this Pahrump hotel boasts 90 well-appointed guest rooms each featuring cable satellite television and high-speed Internet access. Begin the day with a complimentary full deluxe continental breakfast, before taking advantage of other hotel amenities such as two outdoor swimming pools, two hot tubs, a full-service business center and an onsite restaurant. Pets are welcome with restrictions.

1101 S. Highway 160
Pahrump, Nevada 89048
775.727.5100
The room rate is $77.00 per night plus tax
EMAIL: 29078@hotel.bestwestern.com - attention Sherrie


Preferred RV Resort  (across the street from the Nugget)

Rental Cabins feature a separate bedroom with Eurotop mattresses, a full kitchen with fridge, stove, oven and microwave. Pet and non-pet units available. All units include sleeper sofa in living room. All cabins include an assortment of dishware and cooking pans, as well as linens. Cable TV is provided but there are no phones in the rooms. The resort is located in the heart of downtown, right next to the Gold Town and Pahrump Nugget Casinos. You'll enjoy easy walking to dining, shopping and casino gaming. Preferred RV features a spacious heated pool (covered with an inflatable dome), an indoor spa, billiards, and exercise room.

1801 Crawford Way
Pahrump, Nevada 89048
775.727.4414 or 800.445.7840
Cabin rate is $68.00 per night plus tax
Call and mention you are attending Rural Roundup


Wine Ridge RV Resort

With two gorgeous pools, two piping hot spas, a new fitness center, a billiard room with two pro nine foot tables, and relaxing fire pits with stunning sunset views of the Spring Mountains, the Cottages at Wine Ridge offer the most comfortable and relaxing lodging experience in Pahrump.

3810 Winery Road
Pahrump, Nevada 89048
775.751.7805
The cottage rental rate is $70.00 per night plus tax
Call and mention "Rural Roundup" to guarantee rate



TRANSPORTATION

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From the Las Vegas Area:

Regular shuttle service is not available from Las Vegas to Pahrump. Driving: Take I-15 South to the Blue Diamond exit (Hwy 160) and turn right. Approximately 50 miles to Pahrump.

Rural Roundup Highway 95 FAM

A motor coach will depart for Pahrump on April 16th with pick-ups planned for Reno, Carson City, and Tonopah. The motor coach will overnight in Tonopah. The next morning the bus will depart for Pahrump arriving at approximately noon. The cost will be $100.00 per person, which includes your accommodations in Tonopah, a box lunch on the way to Tonopah on Tuesday, dinner Tuesday evening, and a box lunch on the way back Friday. Seats are limited and can be reserved on a first come, first served basis. For more information contact Christian Passink at (775)687-0643.

Reserve

To reserve a seat, click the "reserve" button to download and mail our form with a check. The deadline to make reservations for the bus will be April 5th.


Itinerary

Tuesday, April 16

9:45 board motor coach at Grand Sierra Resort – south portico
10:00 depart for Carson City
10:40 board motor coach at NCOT headquarters rear parking lot
11:00 depart for Hawthorne
1:15 tour Hawthorne Ordnance Museum
1:45 depart for Tonopah
3:15 arrive in Tonopah and check in to hotel
3:45 tour Tonopah Historic Mining Park
6:00 depart for dinner
8:00 return to hotel
Overnight at the Mizpah Hotel

Wednesday, April 17

7:00 breakfast on your own & check-out
8:00 depart for Beatty
(may add additional passengers originating from Tonopah area)
9:45 stop at Death Valley Nut & Candy Company
10:00 depart for Rhyolite and Goldwell Open Air Museum
10:30 depart for Pahrump
12:00 arrive Pahrump – check in to Pahrump Nugget Hotel or Best Western Pahrump Station. Lunch on your own (see Rural Roundup agenda for optional afternoon activities)

Friday, April 19

10:30 depart for Tonopah
1:00 arrive Tonopah – passenger drop off if applicable
1:15 depart for Carson City
5:00 arrive Carson City – passenger drop off
5:10 depart for Reno
5:40 arrive Reno Grand Sierra Resort – passenger drop off



SPEAKERS

Crystal Henrickson
View Presentation >

Crystal is driven, devoted and truly passionate to causes and companies that crank her creative wheels and stir her heart. She's someone who dives into projects head first, walks through walls, and believes there is always an opportunity to improve, learn and develop. In her most recent role at Yelp.com, she drove the launch, growth and presence of Yelp Canada by first building, and then leading a dynamic marketing, sponsorship and community management team. Her professional experiences include National Marketing + Community Management Director, Yelp.com; Community Manager, Yelp.com; The Marketing Girl, Self Employed; Business Development + Territory Manager, Collega for Aveda; and Promotional + Sales, Sleeman Brewery.

Carl Ribaudo

With more than 20 years of experience in the travel and tourism industries, Carl Ribaudo leads his firm with the hands-on knowledge of a seasoned professional. Focused specifically on marketing analysis and competitive strategy development, he blends a highly skilled background with an acute awareness of current trends to develop effective solutions for his clients. Carl is a strategic thinker that always looks to deliver unique solutions for his clients. Carl is a thought leader and innovator in the tourism industry introducing such concepts as the use of business modeling to focus bureau based performance, the introduction of passion based marketing strategies and the concept of destination authenticity (how destinations can maintain their uniqueness in the face of standardization). He also completed the first ever Rural Tourism Strategic Marketing Plan and Sustainable Tourism Plan for the California Travel and Tourism Commission. His distinction in the marketing arena has resulted in frequent appearances as a guest speaker for travel symposia, commissions on tourism, and city councils in the western states. His most recent presentation, Why Travel Matters and how your organization can respond to remain competitive, was delivered at the 10th Annual Strategic Marketing Group Tourism Conference held in South Lake Tahoe and reflects his thinking on the tourism industry's changed dynamics. Carl has served clients ranging from ski resorts to casinos... from lodging properties to visitors' bureaus... from advertising agencies to retail stores. In each case, he designs strategies to help develop competitive advantage and deliver the client's marketing strategies and message with maximum impact. In addition to his work with businesses and government, Carl served as an adjunct faculty member at Sierra Nevada College, Lake Tahoe, where he taught courses in marketing and advertising. He has also taught a seminar on tourism marketing at the University of Nevada, Reno, and has written white papers on subjects that include "Marketing Strategies for Mature Destinations," "Company Branding," "Game Theory and Your Marketing Efforts," "Marketing Niches as a Strategic Tool," and "Using a Business Model for Your Destination." An active participant in the community both professionally and personally, Carl is the former Chairman of the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce overseeing the merger of two area chambers. Carl also served as a member of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Pathway 2007 Forum Board charged with shaping the next 20 year environmental plan for Lake Tahoe. Carl obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University at Northridge. He received his Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) from San Francisco State University Graduate School of Business. He enjoys golf, riding his BMW motorcycle on two lane roads, trap shooting and baseball, especially anything to do with his childhood team, the New York Yankees. He is a member of the American Motorcycle Association and the Capital City Gun Club of Carson City.


Deny Dotson

Deny Dotson joined the Virginia City Tourism Commission in 2011 as the director of Storey County's new Fair and Recreation Board. Prior to joining the VCTC, Dotson worked for Storey County as the Director of Community Services for four years where he managed all of Virginia City's special events from development to implementation as well as the Parks and Recreation Department, website management and served as the county's Public Information Officer and liaison to all of Storey County's non-profit organizations. Prior to that, Dotson was a Sales/Account Manager for Anheuser Busch, Earthgrains and Sara Lee. Throughout his 20 plus years in the baking industry, he has had the fortune of being involved in several national marketing and advertising campaigns, new product and market introductions and account management including several regional and national customers. He credits this extensive sales and marketing experience for establishing the foundation for his current position with Storey County and the visitor's bureau. Dotson has lived in Nevada for 14 years. He served as a Storey County School Board Trustee for eight years. In addition, he continues to sit on the Storey County Nevada Department of Wildlife Advisory and Historic Fourth Ward School Board(s). He also continues to coach basketball in Virginia City which he has done for 10 years including leading the Muckers to a state title in 2005.

Inga Dockendorf
View Presentation >

Inga has several years experience in destination marketing & sales, on the agency-side and on governmental office-side. After her studies in business administration with major strategic tourism management and minor in marketing, she started a traineeship at Kaus Media Services, a full service marketing & PR agency specialized in tourism and was taking over the position as Marketing & Sales Manager. Before joining AVIAREPS Tourism, Inga looked after Marketing & PR at the General Consulate of Egypt, Tourism Department. She was responsible for all B2B and B2C marketing campaigns, organization of events and elaboration of the marketing and PR strategy. Inga joined AVIAREPS Tourism in July 2012 and since then represents the NCOT in the German speaking markets.


Bill Story

Bill Story is currently the Manager of Bicycle and Pedestrian Programs within Nevada Department of Transportation's (NDOT) Multi-Modal Planning Division. He has worked as a bicycle and pedestrian planner for over 8 years. Prior to working for NDOT Bill spent 13 years as a scientist with the State's Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP), where he specialized in assessment, mitigation, and reclamation of abandoned mined lands. While working in rural Nevada Bill developed an appreciation of Nevada's history and what our unique communities can offer. A long time bicyclist, Bill has participated in cycling events throughout the United States as well as many self-contained, long distance cycle-tours. He served for 8 years as a gubernatorial appointee, for Governors Miller and Guinn, on the Nevada Bicycle Advisory Board. He also served as their Chairman. Bill originally came to Nevada in 1982 to attend the Mackey School of Mines where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from the University of NV-Reno. Bill lives in Lyon County with his wife Sheila and their 3 children: Mikayla, Hayden and Parker.

Zelie Breval
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Zélie has a Masters in Tourism & Leisure Management from the Business School of Normandy and the University of Brighton (UK). She worked for the French Tourist Bureau in Australia and New Zealand. She was in charge of the Public Relations as well as the organization of various events. She also worked for different local and departmental tourism organizations in Normandy. Zélie joined AVIAREPS France in June 2011. She is in charge of the Marketing and Public Relations for the Nevada Commission on Tourism.


Lisa Schwartz

For 25 years, Lisa Schwartz owned a media company specializing in travel publications. Lisa's team at Media West worked with AAA, Better Homes and Gardens, Coastal Living, Good Housekeeping and Reader’s Digest. In 2006, Lisa teamed with John DeLeva to create and publish the original Discover America – USA Travel Guide. Over a five year period, they published 5.5 million magazines, in six languages, and distributed them in 26 countries. Today, Lisa is a Global Marketing Executive for Sarasota, Florida-based Miles, the innovative, award-winning company known for web design, content strategy, print, digital and social marketing solutions. Miles was selected by Brand USA as their official publisher, and is charged with creating, implementing and selling Brand USA-owned print and digital programs to the travel industry, including a worldwide inspiration visitors’ guide. Lisa is a native of Seattle, Washington, and a graduate of the University of Washington, School of Business. She has three sons, and presently resides - with her two youngest sons, her husband Lee, cat Freckles and Golden Retriever Miracle, in Bellevue, Washington.

Jason Tansem

Jason Tansem is the President and Publisher of Snowbirds & RV Travelers Magazine. From British Columbia Canada, he has a wealth of knowledge in the Canadian Snowbird Market. His publication is focussed and targeted on bringing Snowbirds from Western Canada to sunny destinations along the West Coast of the USA and Mexico. SRT (Snowbirds & RV Travelers) is part of his parent company "SunCruiser Media" that also publishes six other niche magazine titles that are all tourism focused. Jason is 36 years old and has two young children, Callie (9) and Seth (7).


Susan Redding

A nineteen-year veteran of Hyatt Hotels, Susan Redding joined Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe from Hyatt Westlake Plaza in Thousand Oaks, California in April 2009. As Senior Sales Manager -- Business Travel, Redding's remarkable tenure allowed her to thrive, and she succeeded in developing rewarding, long-lasting and personal relationships between the Hotel and the largest companies in the Conejo Valley. With corporate clients making up 80% of the mix, the relationships Redding fostered were invaluable. During her time in Westlake, Redding was named a Hyatt Master nine different times, as well as Manager of the Year twice. Her efforts were also recognized company-wide, as she was nominated for Business Travel Manager of the Year by Hyatt Hotels on five separate occasions. Susan has trained and been a mentor to countless managers through the years, and the skills and values she teaches are ones that stand the test of time. "Susan's success," remarks Fred Findlen, General Manager, "Is truly a testament to her genuine concern for her clients' needs and her ability to connect with these clients on both a personal and professional level." Prior to joining Hyatt, Susan worked in the travel industry for over 14 years, where her career catered to both the high end leisure traveler and the corporate travel markets. With her youngest son off to college, Redding was able to realize her dreams and move to Lake Tahoe, where she enjoys the fresh mountain air, and the majestic surroundings of all that Lake Tahoe has to offer.

David Lusvardi

David Lusvardi is the Sales Manager for the US and Canada with the Nevada Commission on Tourism. He promotes travel to our state by working with tour and travel professionals who book individuals and groups to Nevada from within the United States and inbound from Canada. He attends various trade shows and events to generate business and sustain interest in traveling to our area. David has worked in the hospitality and tourism industry for over 30 years. He started his career working as a tour guide and becoming Director of Operations for Educational Field Studies. He has worked in Convention Sales at Town & Country Hotel in San Diego, Convention Sales at Riviera Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and as Manger of Leisure & Corporate Sales at Hilton Grand Vacations in Las Vegas.


Peter Barton
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Peter Barton serves as the Administrator for the Nevada Division of Museums and History, overseeing the development, operations and programs of Nevada's seven state-sponsored museums. A graduate of the State University of New York with a degree in American history, Peter has spent 35 years managing museums and historical organizations as well as designing museum exhibit experiences for museums across the United States. For his efforts in developing engaging museum experiences he is a shared recipient of three internationally recognized Awards of Merit from the Themed Entertainment Association (THEA). In addition to his professional work, Barton serves on the Preserve Nevada Board, is a member of the Carson City Cultural Commission, having recently completed three years as chairman, and serves as support staff to the Nevada Sesquicentennial Commission.

Bethany Drysdale

Bethany Drysdale joined the Nevada Commission on Tourism in 2005 and is the director of public relations for the Nevada Commission on Tourism. She works with domestic and international media to tell the story of Nevada, the things that make it a fascinating and unforgettable place to visit. Ms. Drysdale has a bachelor of arts degree in English and dual minors in journalism and psychology. She began her career in journalism working as Features Editor for the Auburn Journal, a daily newspaper in Auburn, Calif. When she moved to Nevada, she worked for RKPR Inc., a public relations agency in Reno that represents a variety of tourism clients. In 2010, Ms. Drysdale received the Mark Curtis Sr. Professional of the Year award from the Public Relations of America, Sierra Nevada Chapter. She lives in Dayton, Nev., with her husband and two daughters.


Claudia Vecchio

Claudia Vecchio brings more than 20 years in marketing to her post as the Director of the Nevada Department Tourism and Cultural Affairs. During her career, she served as State Tourism Director for the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism where she reimaged the brand, introduced experiential marketing and launched social networking on behalf of the statewide travel industry. Claudia also helped bring life to a fledgling brand as Vice President of Marketing/Communications for the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau. Claudia’s experience also includes managing domestic and international launch campaigns for a number of major consumer brands and acting as an economic development marketing consultant for states and communities. Claudia served on the national boards for the Council of State Tourism Directors and the Public Relations Society of America’s Tourism section and has been active in the American Marketing Association, Travel and Tourism Research Association and Meeting Professionals International.

Janet Geary

Janet is the Publisher of Nevada Magazine and has been in the publishing business for the past 30 years. She's lived in Nevada all her life and loves to travel.