Gaming's Impact on Tourism to Be Addressed at the NCLGS 2016 Winter Conference, January 8-10


ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwired - Dec 9, 2015) - Gaming and tourism experts will convene to discuss the impact of gaming on the tourism industry... and vice-versa, at the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (NCLGS) Winter Meeting, which takes place January 8-10 at the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek resort in Orlando, FL.

The session, titled, "Boosting Tourism: What Role Can Gaming Play?" will take place on the morning of Saturday, January 9, and will be moderated by New Jersey Senator Jim Whelan. Speakers include:

  • Jan Jones Blackhurst, Executive VP Government, Corporate Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility, Caesars Entertainment
  • Michael Goldsmith, VP of International Marketing, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority
  • Matt Levinson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Casino Control Commission
  • William J. Pascrell, III, Lobbyist, Princeton Public Affairs Group, Inc. (PPAG)
  • Lori Pennington-Gray, Ph.D., Director of Tourism Crisis Management Institute, University of Florida
  • Jeff Vasser, (former) Director General & CEO, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association

The NCLGS conference examines topical gaming issues of primary concern to legislators, and includes panel presentations that provide a variety of viewpoints. The NCLGS meetings provide a vital forum to directly address legislators on issues that industry professionals find most relevant. Registration is open to all legislators and gaming-related professionals. Click here to view the full agenda.

The meeting begins Friday with presentations from industry experts to the five gaming committees, comprised of Responsible Gaming, Pari-Mutuels, Lotteries, Casinos, and State-Federal Relations, which covers both Internet and tribal gaming issues. The remainder of the weekend will consist of the Gaming and Tourism panel, and general sessions that will address skill-based games and the daily fantasy sports debate.

Paul Steelman, CEO of the award-winning firm Steelman Partners and recognized visionary designer of global entertainment, hospitality and gaming architecture, will be the luncheon keynote speaker on Friday, January 8.

NCLGS has a block of rooms available January 7-10 at the Rosen Shingle Creek until December 17, 2015, at a discounted conference rate. You must be a registered attendee of the NCLGS Winter Meeting in order to receive the discounted conference rate. Make your reservations before December 17 as the hotel is sold out aside from our block and will release those rooms after December 17.

The NCLGS Foundation, the educational and research arm of NCLGS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, strives to educate lawmakers through scholarships to NCLGS meetings and is a source of nonpartisan data on issues of gaming legislation and regulation. For more information, please email events@spectrumstrategic.org or visit NCLGS.org.