Human trafficking is essentially modern day slavery and is not just a problem outside of Nevada. Statistics show thousands of men, women and children are trafficked in the United States each year primarily for sexual or labor exploitation. This is an ongoing problem in our industry. NHLA is hosting two seminars in January for Northern and Southern Nevada members.

Human Trafficking: Industry Awareness Training

Human Trafficking: Industry Awareness Training for Southern Nevada will take place at the Aria Training Center on January 13 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. Similar content will be presented for the Northern Nevada members on January 21 at the UNR Redfield Campus from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Expert guidance and participation

The seminars are being coordinated by Lisel Westlake, Security Training Manager at Aria and Chairperson for the 2016 NHLA Safety and Security Committee. Lisel was the recipient of the 2015 Safety and Security Professional of the Year award at the Stars of the Industry awards gala. She works with many law enforcement professionals from entities local and nationally including police departments, VICE, and Homeland Security. She has also been recognized for her involvement in the apprehension of traffickers and rescue of a victim this past year.

Trafficking networks often rely on legitimate businesses to sustain their operations and infrastructures. It is a tremendous and ongoing problem in our tourist corridors and communities throughout the state.

Improve knowledge about human trafficking

In attending one of these seminars, members will learn how to identify, handle and create partnerships and work toward eliminating human trafficking in our industry. By being educated on how to detect this problem in our hotels and communities, the industry team members can make a huge difference.