From the introduction, you can tell that I’m not a fan of the “Happens In Vegas” commercials. What I didn’t say was why. What’s wrong with such a catchy and funny commercial built on sexual innuendo and limited lunacy? Our new football team is called “Locos.” Think about it for a second? Maybe you’ll agree without too much persuasion? Our Mayor is the Martini Manager seeking a Mob Museum. What are we actually selling in Las Vegas and why is this commercial a success? What actually happens in Vegas? I don’t think this is a question that serves our future business interests? Are we selling the mob, martinis, or maniac sex?

What Happens In Vegas has generated a lot of buzz for the city. This can be a great thing or a terrible nightmare. Tourism is dropping and we keep going back to the same old message. We are selling the “Sizzle” and leaving it to the imagination of visitors to actually taste the “Steak.” What are we selling in Las Vegas? Everything here is a fantasy. This city can be quite ugly when the glitz, glamour and make-up comes off. Unemployment is rising with little hope of finding employment with your clothes on. With nothing actually being sold other than the chance of winning someday, the sizzle is wearing off. America wants to taste the beef. The sizzle doesn’t always bring them back, but a good taste will.

Vegas is a wonderful city and a golden opportunity for expansion and growth. Our problem is “We are operating on a dinosaur paradigm.” The paradigm is PT Barnum’s famous words, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” Las Vegas has no future if we are appealing to sexual deviants, suckers, and perverted politicians. The allusion created by the “Sexual Sizzle” is wearing off. In tough economic times, people want value for their entertainment dollar, not STD’s. I don’t think all the “Sizzle” is leaving America and or the World satisfied. How many people would actually think about coming to Vegas to see a Mob museum? Damn, that’s just poor leadership. Quick America, stand in line before you can’t get a ticket to see the wall Geraldo Rivera knocked down? Give me a break!

I’m high on the future of Vegas after I’ve seen the competition. I recently visited lovely San Diego and I’ll admit they actually have tremendous service. I don’t see them as a serious threat because they charge extra for parking even if you stay in a fine hotel. That’s stealing. It’s even a bigger turnoff than losing money in a casino. San Diego is all about quality service and upgrading shamelessly. The service is outstanding so they sell their “Steak” without the “Sizzle.” What’s San Diego’s “Steak?” They have a harbor and they sell the entire city collectively. Attractions don’t compete against each other. The city is connected by a trolly system, taxi cabs, and human powered bikes. Charging for parking could be a “Green Penalty” helping people actually see this lovely city? I left San Diego with a good taste of their steak in my mouth. It was expensive, but I got what I paid for. I will do it again, but it’s just not Vegas. I love Vegas.

In closing, I could care less about San Diego’s success or failure because I don’t live there. Again, I love Vegas and I’m sick of seeing the “Sizzle” let us “Fizzle” out of business. The advertising needs to change. Flying in a group from Texas to enjoy Vegas was a bad joke or possibly a political payoff? What Happens has generated all the positive buzz it ever will. It’s time for Vegas leaders like Steve Wynn to focus on our “Steak.” What are we selling in Vegas? Garth Brooks at a good price and dinner is a great start. How about a dinner tour of the city selling our signature dish-Rodeo Ribs and Ribeyes? How about a NASCAR package that actually takes people around the track for an experience in Vegas like never before? How about actually providing customers service and a chance to eat, drink, and be merry without using a car? It’s time to rethink the Vegas Experience. Why? “Sizzle” can make a Pavlovian dog drool, but a conditioned dog may bite if you fail to deliver. What Happens In Vegas should be “Second To None.” Am I crazy to want to actually deliver something we can all be proud of? Maybe if we offer value and good taste President Obama will encourage America to visit?