Rural tourism conference being held in Fallon

FALLON " Leaders of Nevada's rural tourism industry are gathering at a conference this week to share ideas about ways to survive the sour economy, including sustaining special events and utilizing Native American history to lure visitors to their towns.

The Nevada Commission on Tourism's 19th annual Rural Roundup begins at the Churchill County Museum on Wednesday with a gunslinging demonstration and contest hosted by the Cowboy Fast Draw Association.

It will include an awards banquet Thursday night and closes with a tour of the Fallon Naval Air Station on Friday.

Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, who chairs the commission, said it is the only agency in Nevada that promotes the state's attractions worldwide.

"Tourism helps to sustain rural economies," Krolicki said. "NCOT's Rural Grants Program provides essential funding that enables Nevada's communities to market their tourism economy in ways they couldn't otherwise afford."

Sherry Rupert, executive director of the Nevada Indian Commission, will give the luncheon address Thursday about the potential for promoting Native American tourism in rural parts of the state. She said Nevada's tribes possess a rich history and culture that many tourists find fascinating.

Other speakers will include Joseph Michelli, author of "The Starbucks Experience: Five Principles for Turning Ordinary into Extraordinary." He intends to offer tips for providing impressive experiences that keep customers coming back.

Rick Gray, executive director of the Fallon Convention and Tourism Authority, and Jill Rowland-Lagan, CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, plan to address ways to sustain special events that attract tourists.

NCOT spokeswoman Chris Crystal said others will conduct sessions on improving writing skills, working with elected officials, launching effective e-mail campaigns, using arts to promote tourism, building an online presence with social media, deciding which trade shows to attend and knowing how to identify a community's intrinsic qualities and put them to work attracting visitors.