Las Vegas Businesses Try To Connect At NFL, Super Bowl Host Committee Networking Session Wednesday
By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
The Tamale Place used to be located in Pahrump. But then the tamale shop moved to Las Vegas so it could be part of the “Business Connect” program that’s part of the NFL Super Bowl in Las Vegas.
On Wednesday night, the Tamale Place owner was among a dozen business owners waiting to chat with a representative from Allegiant Stadium, the Raiders-run stadium that is hosting Super Bowl 58 Feb. 11.
Florist Maria Munoz, owner of Eufloria Designs, would like to get work during Super Bowl week but she looked at tonight’s business networking session held at the UFC Apex building as an opportunity to “open doors” for future business.
The NFL and the Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee teamed up to put on the Business Connect program, which attracted businesses run by Black, Latino, veteran and LGBTQ owners.
“For people like me, this helps me tremendously,” said Taheera “Tie” Taylor, owner of Flower by Designs. She said cold calls and knocking on doors are far less than effective than face-to-face chats with representatives from Allegiant Airlines or Boyd Gaming.
Taylor and other business owners also got a lesson on cyber security during the Business Connect session.
“The process was like going to school,” Taylor said. She noted the benefits of networking Wednesday can extend beyond the Super Bowl.
The National Football League tries to give Super Bowl host communities more than just a football game by doing activities like business networking sessions and planting trees here in metro Las Vegas.
The businesses are not guaranteed work during Super Bowl week. But they do get a chance to have face time with contractors while forging business connections for potential work after the Super Bowl.
Hollie Cardinal, business development manager and marketing manager for AV Vegas, said these business networking sessions are as effective as the effort put in by business owners.
“It depends on how much effort you put into it,” Cardinal said. She noted her business already has a packed schedule for Super Bowl week.
