Rural Tourism Pitch Competition

Travel NV and Nevada SBDC are hosting the 2nd annual Rural Tourism Pitch Competition! The weekend workshop is filled with business and industry experts presenting exciting and relevant information, and the pitch competition will award one winner with $20,000 at Rural Roundup in April.

Friday Evening 6-7:30

Making the Case for Outdoor Rec Business
Welcome/ Nevada’s Tourism Industry/ Travel Nevada Adventure Centers Overview
GALOT/Travel Nevada’s Outdoor Rec+ Branding Strategy, Growing the Outdoor Recreation Tourism Economy
The Case for the Outdoors – Data and Insight from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
Outdoor Rec as the Cornerstone of Rural Economies
Emerging opportunities in outdoor rec

Saturday 9-5 – The Nuts and Bolts of Outdoor Rec Business

Business 101
Understanding your target audience
Case Studies of Successful rural tourism outdoor rec businesses
Business Ideation/ How to build a business plan
Building your team
Unique Selling Points
Feasibility
Diversifying offerings/ expansion/ scaling
Partnerships and packages
Validation
Data Source
Financial planning and capitalization
Costs/Pricing/ Revenue
Seeking funding
Managing cash flow/ budgeting
Customer Service
Staff Training
Guest experience overview
Handling complaints
Utilizing technology/ booking systems/ ota/ GYG
Marketing and branding
What do you need to start a business in Nevada: Licensing and Incorporation

Special Considerations for Outdoor Businesses – 1-5

Leave No Trace, Stewardship and Outdoor Ethics for your business
Risk Management/ insurance for outdoor businesses
Facilitated recreation – perspectives from outdoor guides and experience-seekers
How to connect with customers – Get Your Guide
Permitting and working with federal lands managers
Accessibility and Inclusivity in the Outdoors
Leveraging Local – How to capitalize on authentic “Only-in-Nevada” experiences
Best practices in the outdoor industry

Sunday 9-12 – Preparing to Pitch

Pitch Day Overview
Rules
Intro to pitching
What’s important to share in your pitch
Compelling Storytelling
Effective Delivery/ Public Speaking
Presentation Design
Using Data to Strengthen your pitch

Amanda Elliott is a small business advisor with the Nevada SBDC and Executive Director of the Nevada Outdoor Business Coalition. She specializes in the outdoor industry, marketing, and branding. Outside of working with clients, she thrives on learning new things and taking part in professional development opportunities. Since moving to Nevada, Amanda has emphasized participating in public speaking events to further the Nevada SBDC’s mission and lift up entrepreneurs. In her personal life, she is an outdoor enthusiast and spends her time hiking and rock climbing out in Red Rock NCA.