David G. Schwartz to consult with Nevada Gaming Xchange
Nevada Gaming Xchange has hired David G. Schwartz as a consultant to help the marketing and communications firm with strategic planning and corporate affairs.
Schwartz will continue in his role as the Director of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Center for Gaming Research.
The firm, co-founded by former MGM Mirage public relations executive Reggie Burton, supports the meetings and convention industry in managing negative perception.
Schwartz will create a training and certification program for Nevada Gaming Xchange that will be aimed at teaching meeting and convention sales professionals ways to increase business through social responsibility.
“I’ve known Dave for almost a decade and his expertise in gaming and hospitality will help us provide real-time marketing solutions to the industry,” Burton said.
Schwartz estimated that decreases in convention travel from meetings backlash cost Las Vegas approximately $2.1 billion in lost visitor spending in 2009. He believes about $735 million was lost because of questions of perception.
“You can’t control the economy, but you can shape the image of your resort destination and meeting,” Schwartz said. “Managing these perceptions is a necessary first step in turning the Las Vegas economy around.”
Schwartz oversees UNLV’s collection of English-language materials about gambling and has written three books on the evolution of gambling in Las Vegas, across America, and throughout the world.
