NFTGA Newsletter

February 14, 2016 by

The National Federation of Tour Guide Associations (NFTGA), of which the Las Vegas Tourist Guides Guild is a member, has published its first newsletter of 2016, and it’s an entertaining and informative read.

To read the NFTGA newsletter, click here.

This issue has a recap of the January 2016 NFTGA conference in Washington DC, and despite being caught up in a massive snowstorm, it was a worthwhile and interesting conference for attendees. LVTGG members and friends are encouraged to read the newsletter, and if you’re so inclined, consider submitting your stories or comments for future newsletters.

The LVTGG also welcomes its members and friends to submit your stories or useful information for publication on the LVTGG website. Just click here, or visit the “Have I Got a Story for You!” link in the Members Only section of the guild’s website (you must be signed in to the site to access), or email your story to webmaster@lvtgg.com with the heading “Story.”

Thanks and keep on traveling!

 

NFTGA conference members at the US Capitol, January 2016

Filed Under: 2016, Member News, NFTGA, Resources, Updates

InterpNEWS Magazine – Jan 2016 Issue

December 13, 2015 by

We would like to make our members aware of the International Heritage Interpretation Training Center & Magazine. Many LVTGG Members will find this interpretive organization and their publication interesting and worthwhile of your time. If you would like to subscribe to their magazine, see the instructions immediately below. All the following information is from them, and any requests for information about them or their programs should be directed to them and not the LVTGG:

*****

InterpNEWS (IN), the International Heritage Interpretation e-Magazine is published online and via email six times a year. IN is the most widely read of any interpretive publication, reaching over 155,000 interpreters, agencies and organizations in 38 countries.  IN is sent FREE as a service to the interpretive profession.  Check it out here:  http://www.heritageinterp.com/interpnews.html  If you would like to receive each issue as it’s published, just send your e-mail address to: jvainterp@aol.com  Also, they are always looking for articles on creative interpretive programs and services or interpretive research projects.

*****

The Jan/Feb 2016 issue has just been published and you can read or download it here, or read it and past issues online at https://issuu.com/interpnews or http://www.heritageinterp.com/interpnews.html.

In This Issue:                                                                                                                                 

– Experience and Outcome Based Interpretive Planning – Mass Customization,

Markets of One and more.. John Veverka

– Interpretive Tip: A Road Trip with a Junior Ranger J. Patrick Barry                                   

– Avoid The Awkward Close Speaking Tip 104 – Ethan Rotman                                                                            

– Interpretive Training Course in Nada, Lithuania with Focus on the Curonian Spit –

  Trans-boundary World Heritage Site, Lithuania.  J. Veverka                                                               

– “Let’s Celebrate Robert Burns Birthday” Dr. Martha Benn Macdonald                                             

– Guides Association of New York City.                                                                                              

– Interpretation in Malta – Bringing 7000 years of history to life. J. Veverka                                                     

 – From historians to artists, Oakland County Parks discovers talents of its

    1,000+ volunteers. Julee Erskine,                                                                                         

– Volunteerability at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum, UK  Trizia Wells                              

– THE DIMENSIONS OF VISITOR MOVEMENT IN MUSEUMS Stephen Bitgood   

NEW – This current issue and past 2015 Issues of InterpNEWS are now available to be read on-line at:

 

 

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The Heritage Interpretation Training Center currently has several course openings due to participants completing each course. These include:

Planning/Designing Interpretive Panels e-LIVE Course – 10 Units awarding 1.5 CEU Credits $125.00
http://www.heritageinterp.com/interpretive_panels_course.html

Interpretive Writing e-LIVE Course – 8 Units and 2 CEU Credits $200.00
http://www.heritageinterp.com/interpretive_writing_course.html

Training for Interpretive Trainers e-LIVE Course – 11 Units and 2 CEU Credits. $200.00
http://www.heritageinterp.com/training_for_interp_trainers.html 

The Interpretive Exhibit Planners Tool Box e-LIVE course – 11 Units and 2 CEU Credits. $200.00
http://www.heritageinterp.com/interpretive_exhibits_course.html

Interpretive Master Planning – e-LIVE. 13 Units, 3 CEU Credits. $275.00 http://www.heritageinterp.com/interpretive_master_planning_course.html

 

Our Course Catalog for our current 17 interpretive courses: http://www.heritageinterp.com/interpretive_training_center_course_catalogue_.html

For details on each e-LIVE course and course content you can check out the web page for each courses.  Courses can be started at any time and you can complete the course at your own pace.

___________________________

NEW Courses in the Planning Stage:

We currently have several new courses that we plan to have available by late autumn.  If you have an interest in any these let us know and we will add you to that courses mailing list:

 – Developing Interpretive Plans for Historic Homes and Gardens. (Specifically designed for small to medium historic homes/gardens with small staffs and smaller budgets, but who need an interpretive plan for writing grants, related fund-raising and for their long-term development of interpretive programs and experiences).

– An introduction to developing living history characters and personalities & delivery of living history programs/experiences. This course is being developed for the HITC and offered by Rich Pawing of History Alive. http://www.richpawling.info/WordPress/

– Interpretive Master Planning for Botanical Gardens. Having done interpretive plans for many botanical gardens, we know some of their challenges and issues, from seasonal interpretation to incorporating art into their garden experiences.  Focusing on one main interpretive theme is always a challenge, but this course helps you provoke, relate and reveal your stories in magical ways that “grow on you”.

– Developing interpretive tours and programs – a guide for museum docents and volunteers. (This is a new course designed especially for docents and volunteers and offered at a greatly reduced tuition as a thank-you for their volunteer services).

These will expand the Heritage Interpretation Training Center course offerings to 21 college level interpretive training courses by November, 2015.  More courses are planned for 2016 as well.

All Heritage Interpretive Training Center courses can also be offered as live workshops/courses presented at your site or for your organization.  Costs: $800.00/day of training plus travel costs.  Ask for details.

http://www.heritageinterp.com/interpretive_training.html

______________________________

Heritage Interpretation Training Center to provide courses for Museum Study LLC

Museum Study – is an organization whose mission is to help staff in small to medium museums and heritage sites build a better cultural institution and be a stronger member of the team that carries out the mission of their institution. To accomplish this, Museum Study provides online professional development training courses on a broad range of topics important to running a cultural institution.

JVA/Heritage Interpretation Training Center is pleased to be working with Museum Study to offer several 4-week long training courses in Heritage Interpretation, the first course being “An Introduction To Heritage Interpretation” that will be presented in November, 2015.  You can learn more about Museum Studies diversity  of Museum Management and Curation courses at their web site:  http://www.museumstudy.com/.  

HITC interpretive courses planned for 2016 include “Interpretive Writing” and “Planning Truly Interpretive Exhibits”.  Details on the Introduction to Heritage Interpretation course and other courses:  http://www.museumstudy.com/courses/course-list/.

——————–

College Credit for Heritage Interpretation Training Center Courses ?

We are currently talking with several universities in the US and in the UK to have some of our courses made available to their heritage studies/interpretation students for actual college credit.

Several of our courses are currently being used by Newcastle University in the UK as part of their distance learning program – a MS in Heritage Management degree program.

More details to come.

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New JVA Interpretation Text Books From MuseumsETC.

http://www.museumsetc.com/collections/interpretation

Our text book set on Interpretive Master Planning has been revised and updated into one new very large book.  If you do interpretive planning or teach interpretation, this is a reference based on actually “doing” interpretive planning and training for 40 years.  Check it out here:

http://www.museumsetc.com/collections/interpretation/products/interpretation

The Interpretive Trails Book – This is our new book on planning and design of interpretive trails and related trail furniture and interpretive media.  Find out more about this book here:

http://www.museumsetc.com/collections/interpretation/products/the-interpretive-trails-book  It is based on 40 years of planning/designing self-guiding interpretive trails and related trail interpretive media as part of interpretive master planning projects.  This is used as the main text book for our “Planning/Designing Self-Guiding Interpretive Trails” course: http://www.heritageinterp.com/interpretive_trails_course.html.

————————

Would love to chat with you about interpretation

Prof. John Veverka (John)

Director/Interpretive Coach

Heritage Interpretation Training Center

jvainterp@aol.com

SKYPE: jvainterp

__________________________________________________

Again, for more information about their organization, see their website at http://www.heritageinterp.com

The link for the Heritage Interpretation Training Center:

http://www.heritageinterp.com/interpretive_training_center_course_catalogue_.html

The Link for InterpNEWS – the International Heritage Interpretation e-Magazine:

http://www.heritageinterp.com/interpnews.html

Filed Under: Las Vegas Guide, Member News, Resources Tagged With: , , ,

Certified Professional Las Vegas Tour Guide Training

February 24, 2015 by

****

UPDATE: The 2015 CPTG class has ended and was a great success. Congratulations to the 9 guild members who successfully completed the program and have attained their CPTG certification!

If you are interested in taking the training class in the future, please send us a message and we will notify you when the next class is scheduled. Most likely it will be in the spring of 2016.

****

The Las Vegas Tourist Guides Guild (LVTGG), a professional association of tour guides and travel companies promoting the integrity of tour guiding in Nevada, invites Las Vegas guides and other interested persons to register for the guild’s Certified Professional Las Vegas Tour Guide (CPTG) training program which will begin March 15, 2015.

The eight session CPTG program provides in-depth focus and training on information and skills relevant to Las Vegas tour guides. Participants receive the valuable added benefit of sessions held in stimulating locations such as the Nevada State Museum Las Vegas, the Mormon Fort, and on-site in Downtown Las Vegas and the Strip, as well as a number of special guest speakers and trainers throughout the program.

Most classes will be held on consecutive Sunday afternoons, with a few exceptions for holidays and site visits. Classes are beginning Sunday, March 15, and will culminate with a final examination. Those who successfully complete the course will receive certification from the LVTGG as being a “Certified Professional Las Vegas Guide.”

Topics include:

  • Practical Guiding Skills and Information
  • Geology and Flora & Fauna
  • Native Americans, Explorers, Pioneers, and Miners
  • The genesis and evolution of Las Vegas, including:

– The Mormon Fort and Helen Stewart
– Downtown and the Railroad
– Hoover Dam, the military, and the Atomic Age
– The Strip, from its origins to today
– Matrimony, Gaming, the Mob, Corporations, and Mega-Resorts

  • Regional locations and attractions
  • Meet & Greet and Event Protocols
  • And more!

For a limited time the CPTG program is being offered for just $50 for current members of the LVTGG. This special offer is available only through March 1 has been extended! LVTGG membership is a requirement of the training program, and annual LVTGG membership is $40.

Registration and payments can be completed on the guild’s website.

For more information, please visit www.lvtgg.com/cptg, or contact the Education Chair, Jerry Perkins, at training@lvtgg.com.

The Las Vegas Tourist Guides Guild is a membership organization of tour professionals and members of the travel and tour industry who live and work in the Las Vegas area. The Guild advocates for the advancement of Las Vegas tour guides and tourism, and provides a liaison between tour guides, employers, and the community. In addition, through training and familiarization visits, the Guild strives to improve the local tour industry and ensure quality service for Las Vegas area visitors.

Filed Under: Certified Guide Training, Las Vegas Guide, Member News, Resources, Updates Tagged With: , , , , ,

LVCVA Monthly Vegas Highlights

August 13, 2013 by

Monthly Vegas Highlights from the LVCVA

Feel free to share these updates with your front line employees, friends, and neighbors. For all the latest news, follow @LVCVA & @Vegas on Twitter!

AUGUST 2013 DESTINATION UPDATES

Copa Airlines Increases Frequencies Between Las Vegas and Panama
• Service between Las Vegas, Nevada, and Panama
• Increased service beginning Dec. 13
• A second nonstop flight will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
• The third time that Copa has increased service to Las Vegas
• Copa will operate 11 weekly flights
• Annual non-gaming economic impact of $79 million

BLT Steak at Bally’s Las Vegas to Open Early 2014
• BLT Steak inside Bally’s Las Vegas to open early 2014
• Will occupy the space that is currently Bally’s Steakhouse
• New space will be expanded to 9,300 square feet with more than 250 seats
• Also included are a curving bar and lounge with 50 seats, and two private dining rooms

The Light Group Opens Kumi at Mandalay Bay
• Light Group’s third restaurant project at Mandalay Bay
• A Japanese concept
• Executive Sushi Chef Toshiyuki Motoyama, a native of Yokohama, Japan

ghostbar at Palms Casino Resort to Undergo Renovation
• 55th floor of the Ivory Tower at Palms Casino Resort
• Undergoing a sexy and sophisticated remodel designed to elevate the guest experience
• Will be dark from July 7, until mid-August
• Part of the $50 million renovation currently underway at the Palms

“Fabulous Las Vegas” Returns to Celebrate PRIDE
• MGM Resorts International Sept. 3-8
• Fourth annual LGBT celebration
• Featuring experiences and promotions Clear Channel Announces the 2013

iHeartRadio Music Festival, Sept. 20-21

• Line-up includes Justin Timberlake, Katy Perry, J. Cole, Elton John, Muse, Tiësto, Chris Brown, Keith Urban, fun., Miguel, Bruno Mars, Phoenix, Zedd, Maroon 5, Tim McGraw, Ke$ha, Thirty Seconds to Mars and Benny Benassi, plus a rare live appearance by legendary rock band Queen + Adam Lambert
• This year, the Festival adds the “iHeartRadio Music Festival Village” on Saturday afternoon
• The Festival Village will feature live performances on two stages by artists, including Miley Cyrus, The Wanted, Jason Derulo, The Band Perry, Avril Lavigne, Krewella, Cher Lloyd, twenty one pilots, Pete Tong, AWOLNATION and a special guest appearance by Ne-Yo
• The Village will also feature fan zones, games, concessions and interactive experiences

The D Las Vegas to Celebrate One-Year Anniversary with Three Days of Music
• Three concert events on the 3rd Street Stage of the Fremont Street Experience
• Uncle Kracker Sept. 26
• Stone Temple Pilots with Chester Bennington Sept. 27
• Kid Rock Sept. 28

SPI Entertainment Announced RockTellz & CockTails
• Production to debut in September
• Intimate, interactive setting
• Offers a stripped-down deconstruction of the lives and careers of some of the world’s most acclaimed musicians, including live performances of the songs that made them famous.

James Beard Foundation’s ‘Taste America’ Traveling Food Festival to Come to Las Vegas
• National traveling food festival
• Sept. 27-28 in Las Vegas
• The festival will visit 10 cities from Sept. 20 through Oct. 19
• Events include a variety of free culinary consumer events and an exclusive dining event at The Mirage Hotel & Casino

Andre’s at Monte Carlo Resort Offers Signature Cigar Lounge
• Las Vegas’ only cigar lounge connected to a Strip resort restaurant
• Second floor of Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge at Monte Carlo Resort and Casino
• A collection of more than 140 Cognacs, Armagnacs and Scotches
• Collection also includes premium cigars
• Ranked third in North America based on size

LUCKYRICE Festival Returns to The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
• A culinary festival that gives voice to Asian cultures through the lens of food and drink
• At the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Oct. 4–6
• Event highlights will include an opening ceremony, a night market, dim sum brunch and entertainment

The Shops at Crystals in Las Vegas Set to Debut Five New Stores
• Richard Mille’s second United States location
• Valentino store featuring the largest collection of products in Las Vegas
• Loro Piana boutique that will feature their coveted new “gifts” line
• RIMOWA’s new Vegas flagship boutique
• Tourbillon will expand to become the largest in Swatch Group Ltd’s portfolio
• The new shops will begin to open in summer 2013

Bellagio Continues Epicurean Epicenter Series
• Unforgettable culinary experiences, coupled with perfectly paired wines
• The remaining events for Bellagio’s 2013 Epicurean Epicenter series include: An Executive Chef’s Culinary Classroom with Bellagio Executive Chef Edmund Wong; Beer & BBQ Secrets with Bellagio Director of Wine Jason Smith; Food & Wine’s All-Star Weekend at Bellagio, Aria and MGM Grand; Louis Roederer Champagne and Le Cirque; Kistler Vineyards and MICHAEL MINA

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art in Las Vegas Extends “WARHOL OUT WEST” Exhibit
• Extension of current exhibition, “Warhol Out West,” through January 2, 2014
• “Warhol Out West” at BGFA also will add works from the iconic artist’s advertisement series Aug. 1 Additional works include “Mobil,” “Life Savers,” “Blackglama (Judy Garland)” and “Volkswagen”

Huntridge Theater Moves Forward with Revitalization
• Huntridge Revival, LLC had exceeded their initial fundraising goal of $150,000
• Funds were donated by eager supporters, including The Killers and Gold & Silver Pawn
• Community partners have collectively pledged an additional $500,000 in professional services

McCarran International Airport Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Terminal 3
• The first unit terminal to be constructed in the United States in the post-9/11 era
• 1.9 million-square-foot expansion at McCarran International Airport
• Significantly improved the travel experience for passengers and increased the airport’s capacity

Eleven-Time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani brings Pizza Rock to Las Vegas
• Tony Gemignani, 11-time World Pizza Champion
• To open later this summer
• Will feature gourmet pizzas, hand-crafted artisan cocktails and imported beer and wine list

‘VÉRONIC Voices’ Announces Extension through 2013
• Named by USA Today one of “Las Vegas’ Don’t Miss Shows,”
• Extended run through Dec. 21
• Véronic DiCaire, singing impersonations performer Circus Circus

Adventuredome to Celebrate 20th Anniversary
• The Adventuredome at Circus Circus turns 20 years young on Aug. 23
• To mark the milestone, the park will host a month-long celebration with special pricing, commemorative gifts and a birthday party in true circus style

Carmine’s Now Open Inside The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
• Famed New York Italian restaurant
• 750-seat restaurant inside The Forum Shops at Caesars
• Serves up “wow sized” portions of Southern Italian cuisine
• The restaurant’s sixth location with others in Manhattan, Atlantic City, Washington D.C. and Atlantis in the Bahamas
• Carmine’s has six private dining rooms

Celebrate Style at the First-Ever Festival of Fashion at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
• Sept. 6-7, the first-annual Festival of Fashion at The Forum Shops at Caesars
• A Celebration of fashion and a first-of-its kind shopping event with live fashion presentations, pop up and roving fashion shows, beauty bars, photo opportunities, entertainment, food, drink, oneof-a-kind in-store events, limited edition products and more

“Dancing Queen” to Open at Planet Hollywood
• Produced by David King of Spirit Productions USA
• Beginning at Planet Hollywood Hotel Casino Resort Sept. 13
• The production features ABBA’s greatest hits and the biggest disco classics of the 70’s and 80’s

AUGUST CONVENTIONS
• The World Market Center will host 50,000 attendees at the Las Vegas Summer Market July 29-Aug. 2.
• ASD Las Vegas will welcome 41,000 attendees to the Las Vegas Convention Center Aug. 4-7.
• The Nevada Police and Fire Games will host 15,000 attendees at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Aug. 13-17.
• The Sands Expo & Convention Center will host the 10,500 attendees of the Off-Price Specialist Show Aug. 15-21.
• The MAGIC Marketplace Fall Show will bring 80,000 attendees to the Las Vegas Convention Center Aug. 19-21.

AUGUST HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT
• The Flaming Lips – House of Blues – Aug. 1
• Gypsy Kings – Palms – Aug. 2
• One Direction – Mandalay Bay – Aug. 2-3
• Daryl Hall & John Oates – Hard Rock Hotel – Aug. 2-3
• The Presidents of the United States of America – Fremont Street – Aug. 3
• Bruno Mars – MGM Grand – Aug. 3
• 311 with Cypress Hill – Hard Rock Hotel – Aug. 4
• Rod Stewart – Caesars Palace – Aug. 3-4
• Celine Dion – Caesars Palace – Aug. 6-7, 10-11, 13-14, 17-18, 20-21, 24-25, 27-28, 31
• Les Misérables – The Smith Center – Aug. 7-11
• Mac Miller – House of Blues – Aug. 8
• Toni Braxton – Palms – Aug. 9
• The Wanted – The Cosmopolitan – Aug. 9
• Jonas Brothers – Mandalay Bay – Aug. 10
• Lost 80’s: A Flock of Seagulls, Wang Chung, Naked Eyes, Animotion, Bow Wow Wow, Gary Myrick and more – Mandalay Bay Beach – Aug. 10
• Coyote Country Fest (ft. Brantley Gilbert , Kip Moore, and others) – Orleans Arena – Aug. 10
• Willie Nelson & Family – The Smith Center – Aug. 13
• Chris Isaak – The Smith Center – Aug. 14
• Lyle Lovett and his Large Band – The Smith Center – Aug. 16
• Sublime with Rome – Mandalay Bay Beach – Aug. 17
• Third Eye Blind – Fremont Street – Aug. 17
• Robin Thicke with Jason Derulo – The Cosmopolitan – Aug. 17
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs – The Cosmopolitan – Aug. 19
• Rebelution & Matisyahu – The Cosmopolitan – Aug. 22
• Courtney Love – Hard Rock Hotel – Aug. 22-23
• Steely Dan – Palms – Aug. 23
• Journey – Palms – Aug. 28-29
• Brad Paisley – Mandalay Bay – Aug. 31
• Lil Wayne, T.I., & Future – MGM Grand – Aug. 31
• Puddle of Mud – Fremont Street – Aug. 31

Comedy Headliners
• Andrew Dice Clay – Hard Rock Hotel – Aug. 1-4, 14, 15, 17-18, 29-31
• Kathy Griffin – Mirage – Aug. 2
• Seth Myers – Mirage – Aug. 3
• Brad Garrett – MGM Grand – Aug. 9-11, 12-15
• David Spade – Venetian – Aug. 16-17
• Rita Rudner – The Venetian – Aug. 20
• Daniel Tosh – Mirage – Aug. 23-24
• Jay Leno – Mirage – Aug. 30
• Whoopi Goldberg – T.I. – Aug. 30
• Ron White – Mirage – Aug. 31

Sporting Events

LVCHA Futurity, Aged and Open Cutting

• South Point Arena
• Aug.16–19 & Aug. 21–27
• Cutting Horse Equestrian

WWE Smackdown
• WE Wrestliing
• Thomas & Mack Center
• Aug. 27, 7 p.m.

Tuff-N-Uff
• Mixed Martial Arts
• South Point Arena
• Aug. 30, 7 p.m.

Additional Special Events
Wheel of Fortune
• August 2-3
• Sands Expo
• Live Taping

Three Square’s Fall Las Vegas Restaurant Week
• Aug. 23-30
• Seventh year
• Dine out and support Three Square Food Bank
• Participating restaurants will feature a multi-course, prix fixe menu priced from $20.13 to $50.13

 

JULY 2013 DESTINATION UPDATES

MGM Resorts International & AEG Enter Into Definitive Joint Venture Agreement
• Joint venture to build a new arena project
• Centerpiece of a revitalization of the area between New York-New York and Monte Carlo resorts
• Populous is the architect of record and designer
• Approximately 20,000-seat indoor arena
• Ground-breaking expected summer 2014, with the grand opening projected for spring 2016
• Anticipated to cost approximately $350 million and be financed with equity contributions from each of the partners as well as privately funded third-party financing

Bally’s Las Vegas South Tower to Become All-New Jubilee Tower
• Bally’s Las Vegas has announced plans to renovate and rename its existing south tower
• Named after Jubilee!, the longest-running show in Las Vegas
• Renovations will include 756 remodeled hotel rooms and suites
• Rooms will be available for first guest arrivals late summer 2013

New Nobu Hotel Suites at Caesars Palace Welcoming Guests
• Nobu Hotel suites at Caesars Palace are now available
• 18 distinctive suites
• The Hakone, Sake and Nobu Penthouse suites can accommodate groups of five up to 45, and range in size from 1,000 to 4,350 square feet

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Makes Lake Las Vegas Debut
• Hilton Hotels & Resorts has reflagged Ravella at Lake Las Vegas as Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort
& Spa
• Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa is a Mediterranean-inspired resort just 20 miles from the Las
Vegas strip

Mandalay Bay Introduces Seascape Ballroom at Shark Reef Aquarium
• 1,675 square foot Seascape Ballroom for up to 125 guests
• Within Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Michael Mina’s PUB 1842 now Open at MGM Grand
• A casual tavern-style eatery
• Extensive selection of beers and cocktails
• Open daily for lunch, dinner and late night

Alaska Airlines Announces new Service to Las Vegas
• Alaska Airlines will begin flying nonstop between Anchorage and Las Vegas
• Service begins Dec. 19
• Flights will operate three times a week
• The new route is estimated to generate an annual non-gaming economic impact of more than $14 million

Chef Guy Fieri to Open First Las Vegas Restaurant at The Quad Resort & Casino
• Restaurateur, Chef, Author and TV host Guy Fieri
• His first Las Vegas restaurant
• To open late 2013 at the entrance of The Quad Resort & Casino

Tony Award-Winning Musical “Kinky Boots” to Kick Off National Tour at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
• Kinky Boots will open its national tour in Sept. 2014 at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
• Six-time Tony Award-winning musical
• Best Musical, Best Score (Cyndi Lauper), Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Actor (Billy Porter), Best Orchestrations (Stephen Oremus), and Best Sound Design (John Shivers)

Dinner in the Sky Breaks Ground in Las Vegas
• Construction has begun at an 8.8 acre site
• Minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip on W. Tropicana and Polaris
• Upscale dining attraction serving meals 180 feet in the air
• Scheduled to open later this summer
• Two open-air tables, seating for up to 22 guests
• The first of its kind in the U.S.

VÉRONIC Voices at Bally’s Las Vegas Opens for Limited-Engagement Run
• One-woman show, starring vocal phenomenon Véronic DiCaire
• At the Jubilee! Theater at Bally’s Las Vegas
• Through Aug. 31
• Co-produced by Celine Dion
• Véronic performs tributes to Christina Aguilera, Sheryl Crow, Billie Holiday, Susan Boyle, Whitney Houston, Katy Perry, Dolly Parton and more

Neon Museum Offers New Evening Tours
• Adjusted summer hours and brand-new evening tours
• New, colorful up-lighting has been installed throughout the Neon Boneyard

Hershey’s Chocolate World Retail Experience to be Unwrapped On Iconic Las Vegas Strip
• A retail outlet
• To open at New York-New York Hotel & Casino this winter
• Two floors brand experience for Hershey’s, Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s, Ice Breakers, Jolly Ranchers,
Twizzlers and more
• Located between the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge

Ogden’s Hops & Harvest Now Open in Tivoli Village
• Noted chef Bradley Ogden, along with partners, Chef Bryan Ogden, Tony Angotti and Bill Feather, Frank Tucker and Kelley Jones
• Ogden’s Hops & Harvest, an upscale casual pub in Summerlin’s Tivoli Village
• 180-seat loft-like, contemporary space with spacious outdoor dining

Official Lineup Announced for Life is Beautiful Festival
• Inaugural festival taking place Oct. 26 and 27
• More than 50 musical acts, 60 chefs and restaurants, special performances by Cirque du Soleil and other theatrical productions, world renowned artists and more than 25 noted speakers
• Downtown Las Vegas
• Lineup of more than 50 bands on four stages and several indoor venues
• The lineup features: The Killers, Kings of Leon, Beck, Imagine Dragons and many more

All-New Jabbawockeez Show “PRiSM” Opens at Luxor in Las Vegas
• World-famous dance crew
• Opened new show “PRiSM” at Luxor Hotel and Casino
• A celebration of imagination, “PRiSM” takes audiences on a journey of dance, music and
inspiration

B&B Burger & Beer to Open at The Venetian Las Vegas
• Mario Batali and Joe Bastanich’s new restaurant – B&B Burger & Beer
• Opening this Sept. in The Venetian Las Vegas
• A casual 120-seat interior dining room and a 100-seat patio facing Las Vegas Boulevard
• The menu will feature local ingredients, high-quality American beef, signature sides, robust salads, standout shakes, and a beer-driven beverage menu

Guided Tours Now Available to Guests at The Mob Museum
• Now offers guided tours for guests who want a narrated history of the Museum’s exhibitions
• Typically last around 90 minutes, are available daily during regular business hours
• Accommodates a maximum of eight guests

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden Celebrates Summer
• Summer display features 50 finch birds and 12 Rosey Bourkes
• Oversized sunflowers, colorful kites and a tranquil pond fill the garden
• Summer will be on display through Sept. 8

The D* Word – A Musical (*Ditched, Dumped, Divorced and Dating) to Open at LVH
• The newest show from Jeanie Linders, creator of Menopause The Musical
• To open at the LVH July 10
• 90-minute show follows four single and single-again women who sing their way through the ups and downs of relationships with the aid of friendship, martinis and mojo makeovers
• Features songs from “I Will Survive” and “Hot Stuff” to “Before He Cheats,” “Turn Me On!” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger”

McFadden’s to Open at Town Square Las Vegas
• Will open a new location at Town Square Las Vegas this month

• Irish-American fare

JULY SPECIAL EVENTS
Sporting Events
2013 NBA Summer League
• For the first time, NBA Summer League will feature a format that includes preliminary games followed by a single-elimination tournament
• Thomas & Mack Center and the COX Pavilion
• July 12-22
• Teams will play a minimum of five games
• Single-elimination tournament play begins on July 16 with championship on July 22

USA/BMX Las Vegas Grand Nationals
• South Point Arena
• Saturday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14

Monarcas Morelia vs. Luis Angel Firpo
• Soccer – Mexico vs. El Salvador
• July 13 at 8 p.m.
• Sam Boyd Stadium

Showtime Boxing
• Smith vs. Molina
• Hard Rock Hotel
• July 19 at 6 p.m.

USA Basketball
• The USA Basketball Men’s National Team
• Training camp starting July 22, ending with the USA Basketball Showcase July 25
• Thomas & Mack Center
• Feature rising NBA stars, newly minted All-Stars and members of the 2012 USA Basketball Men’s Select Team

Las Vegas Cutting Horse Association Open Cutting
• South Point Arena
• Thursday, July 25 – Sunday, July 28

Lion Fight 10
• MMA
• Yodsanklai Fairtex vs. Chike Lindsay
• Battling for Lion fight World Middleweight Championship
• July 26 at 5 p.m.
• Hard Rock Hotel

Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association “Scully Western U.S. Championship”
• South Point Arena
• Wednesday, July 31 – Saturday, August 3

 

Additional Special Events

The Venetian and The Palazzo Las Vegas Unmask Summer with Carnevale
• Three-month celebration of the summer festivals of Italy
• Through Sept. 8, 2013
• Will feature 300 experiences throughout the summer
• Guests will see special entertainment, art, fashion, games, sports, music and wine Las Vegas Philharmonic Presents an

Wheel of Fortune Live Taping
• July 27-28, 30-31
• Sands Expo
• Live taping

JULY HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT
• Matchbox Twenty & Goo Goo Dolls – Mandalay Bay – July 19
• Aaron Lewis – Santa Fe Station & Red Rock – July 19, 27
• Sister Hazel & Tonic – Fremont Street Experience – July 20
• Counting Crows – Mandalay Bay Beach – July 20
• Rod Stewart – Caesars Palace – July 20-21. 24, 27-28, 31
• EVE 6 – Fremont Street Experience – July 27
• Weezer with Hunter Hunted – The Cosmopolitan – July 27

Comedy Headliners
• Bill Cosby – T.I. – July 19
• Jay Leno – Mirage – July 19
• Kathleen Madigan – Mirage — July 20
• Sarah Silverman – Palms – July 20
• David Spade – Venetian – July 26-27
• The Wayans Brothers – Palms – July 27

JULY CONVENTIONS
• Cosmoprof North America 2013 will welcome 23,000 delegates to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino July 14-16.
• SuperZoo West 2013 at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino will welcome 12,000 attendees July 23-
25.
• The Association of Woodworking & Furnishing Suppliers will welcome 12,500 delegates to the Las Vegas Convention Center July 24-27.
• The World Market Center will host 50,000 attendees at the Las Vegas Summer Market at the World Market Center July 29-August 2.
RESEARCH
Room Count: 150,481
2012 Visitor Count: 39,700,000
# # #
For more information, you can always visit www.lvcva.com. You can also visit www.stayandplayhere.com for locals deals!

About LVCVA
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With more than 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and over 10.5 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA’s mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area.
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is the official destination marketing organization of Las Vegas, bringing visitors to Las Vegas and Clark County by promoting tourism, conventions, meetings and special events.

 

Filed Under: Member News, Resources, Updates Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Google and the Tour Guide

September 1, 2010 by

As a member of a tour guild or an association and being on their published membership list has a lot of unforeseen benefits.  The biggest benefit is the extra exposure they offer, and the marketing that comes with the association website.  Another benefit is networking of its membership, and the fact they will be more likely to call you if they can’t do the tour.

However, when you are a small or freelance business owner, you may not be comfortable advertising your personal contact information all over the Internet.  But, that is no longer a problem.

For the solution, I rely on Google and their package of marketing tools.  Tools that are designed for people who want to market on the Internet, while keeping some of their privacy.

Gmail, their popular email tool has been packaged with their Google Voice services.  Which offers you another telephone number with call forwarding, caller ID and voicemail… all for free.  Plus a whole bunch of other benefits that keeps growing by the day, just for the cost of logging on.

Gmail is the default email provider for most of the popular smart phones and comes with almost unlimited storage capabilities.  Gmail is the key to opening up a huge list of other excellent marketing tools offered by Google.

Gmail has quickly become the email address of choice for more freelance and home based business professionals.  It has excellent spam protection along with search and archive tools that keep the inbox organized.

With Gmail, you can easily set it up to forward your email to other addresses’ or have other email addresses sent to your Gmail.  The sender or the recipient doesn’t have to ever know you use Gmail.

My Google Voice number is used for specific marketing I do and is forwarded to my regular cell phone number.  When my phone rings, I see that it is the Google Voice number and I can answer or ignore it.

Ignore it or set it to go straight to voicemail.  Later I will get an email that includes the voicemail plus a text transcript of that voicemail.  It’s not perfect at voice recognition, but it is getting better and I can usually figure out what the message was intended to say.

So if you are one of those looking to market on the Internet, yet want to have a low cost way to keep your privacy, check out Gmail and Google Voice and see if that solves your problem.

Filed Under: Marketing, Resources Tagged With:

Fred Harvey – Appetite for America:

June 26, 2010 by

Before there was Xanterra, there was Fred Harvey. The man and the company. You see his name every time you enter the Grand Canyon National Park.  or pass through Siligman, Barstow or many other western towns and National Parks.

What tour guide has ever wondered who this Fred Harvey character really was and why is his name plastered all over the west??  Here is your answer and what an answer it is.

Appetite for America: How Visionary Businessman Fred Harvey Built a Railroad Hospitality Empire That Civilized the Wild West

This is an amazing book, not only about a man so few of us know anything about, but a company that really was responsible for making the western United States civilized for people to live in.

This book is part biography, part business education, part American history;  A definite “Must Read” for any tour professional who works the western united states and the National Parks. You get to see how his company shaped the world we work in and how he created and dominated an industry we belong to.

I found it to be a easy read and one that kept your interest as you watched a young immigrant get off the boat and literally start his career.  How he saw America as a land of infinite opportunities as he turned what others saw as obstacles, into business deals that made him and others very wealthy.

This is a very well researched and well written book about a man and his passion for service and desire to be the best.  You see the birth of the Harvey Houses and why theses wayside stops in the west, staffed with the iconic Harvey Girls were such a success and why he can be credited with making the west civilized as well as populated.  How the processes he developed for delivering excellent service and quality dining to a remote frontier, are the same systems used today by the leading hospitality conglomerates.

After reading this book, you will never look at the Grand Canyon, a Xanterra gift shop, the railroad, or your job as a tour professional, the same ever again.

This book does not belong on your reading shelf, it belongs in your travel bag!

Filed Under: Resources
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