WHAT:

Even though the Safari Club International convention isn’t being held in Reno this year the organization is continuing the annual tradition of the “Feed the Hungry Feast.” The Eldorado Hotel Casino will once again prepare the game donated by Safari Club International members for a special wild game feed at the Reno Events Center on Tuesday, January 31 to benefit the needy.

WHO:

Eldorado Hotel Casino in partnership with The Salvation Army and Safari Club International members.

WHEN:

Tuesday, January 31 from 5 – 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Reno Events Center

400 North Center Street  Reno, NV 89501

DETAILS:

Safari Club International created the wild game feed as part of their Sportsmen Against Hunger movement, which has prepared and served tens of millions of meals since it was created in 1989. This year the Eldorado is making enough food to feed approximately 2,500 people in the Reno-Sparks community. Those that need a hot meal are invited to the Reno Events Center.

The schedule for the four-day, 16-game, NBA Development League Showcase, which features all 16 teams competing between Jan. 9-12, is released. The eighth annual event, hosted this season by the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, will take place at the Reno Events Center in Reno, Nev., home of the NBA D-League’s Reno Bighorns. NBA TV will air 12 Showcase games — eight of them live (see full schedule attached).

Action tips off Monday, Jan. 9, when forward Antoine Walker and the Idaho Stampede takes on Erie BayHawks and recently acquired guard Donald Sloan at 10 a.m. PT, and features three more contests that day, with games scheduled to tip off at 12:45 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The schedules for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday also include four games each, and follow the same tip off times as Monday’s slate.

The NBA D-League Showcase welcomes general managers, player personnel staff, and scouts from each of the 30 NBA teams who will be in attendance to evaluate the league’s talent. Conceived prior to the 2004-05 season, the NBA D-League Showcase provides an opportunity for NBA D-League players and coaches to perform in front of NBA general managers, player personnel executives and scouts over four consecutive days at one location. The 2012 event will feature each NBA D-League team competing in two games each over four days.

* One of these two games will be shown on NBA TV on Jan. 10 (11.a.m. ET)
+ One of these two games will be shown on NBA TV on Jan. 11 (11.a.m. ET)
# One of these two games will be shown on NBA TV on Jan. 12 (11 a.m. ET)
^ One of these two games will be shown on NBA TV on Jan. 13 (1 p.m. ET)

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster sales locations, by phone  at 800-745-3000, or the website www.ticketmaster.com/event/17004758DD0B5EAF, Silver Legacy Box Office and the Reno Events Center Box Office.

For more information please visit: http://www.nba.com/dleague

Reno Tahoe’s past two weekends at SnowBomb Ski Fest in Santa Clara and San Fransisco were unforgettably entertaining. Between giving contest winners trips to Reno among many other cool giveaways, to dressing attendees in our favorite swag (including the orange stickers), we can excitedly say that ski season 2011/12 cannot arrive soon enough.

To continue to win trips, tickets, and treats, stay in the know with the upcoming season and ski fests by following us on Facebook!

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) will host the eighth annual NBA Development League Showcase at the Reno Events Center, NBA D-League President Dan Reed announced yesterday at the South Reno Athletic Club. Reed was joined at the press conference by Reno Bighorns owner Herb Santos, Jr. and Interim President & CEO of the RSCVA, Joe Kelley. The 2012 Showcase, which will feature all 16 NBA D-League teams, will run from Jan. 9-12.

“We are excited to partner with the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority to bring the 2012 NBA D-League Showcase to the city of Reno,” said Reed. “Reno will become the center of the basketball world for four days in January, as all 30 NBA teams are expected to attend what has become the premier in-season destination to scout basketball’s top prospects.”

Conceived prior to the 2004-05 season, the NBA D-League Showcase provides an opportunity for NBA D-League players and coaches to perform in front of NBA general managers, player personnel executives and scouts over four consecutive days at one location. The 2012 event will feature each NBA D-League team competing in two games each over four days.

“Being awarded the 2012 NBA D-League Showcase is an awesome honor,” said Santos, Jr., who is part of a local ownership group, Bighorns Basketball, LLC, which includes, Stephen Adams and Jeffrey Adams, that purchased the team over the summer, giving the Bighorns local ownership for the first time in their three-year history. “We will have all 16 D-League teams in Reno at one time, along with numerous representatives from the NBA front office and scouts and executives from every NBA team.”

“Hosting the NBA Development League Showcase presents a number of opportunities for Reno Tahoe. Our locals, and visitors, will have the privilege of watching great athletes, many of whom they will soon see on NBA teams,” said Joe Kelley, Interim President & CEO of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority. “It also gives the community a forum to prove that this destination can produce successful professional sporting events. We couldn’t be more excited about the Showcase coming to area.” The 2012 NBA D-League Showcase is estimated to generate direct, local economic impact in excess of $1 million.

As the NBA D-League’s local franchise, the Bighorns are coming off a highly successful 2010-11 campaign in which they won a franchise-best 34 games and captured their first Western Conference championship. Their 2011-12 season tips off on the road on Friday, Nov. 25, when the team visits the Bakersfield Jam. The team will return to Reno to host its first home game of the season against Bakersfield at the Reno Events Center on Friday, Dec. 2.

Twenty-three percent of players on 2010-11 NBA end-of-season rosters had NBA D-League experience, many of whom participated in an NBA D-League Showcase since its inception in 2005.  During its seven-year history, more than 30 NBA D-League players have earned GATORADE Call-Ups from the NBA D-League to the NBA during or after the NBA D-League Showcase; while an even larger number benefited from the exposure afforded them at the NBA D-League Showcase.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster (sales locations, by phone at 800-745-3000 or the website  www.ticketmaster.com/event/17004758DD0B5EAF, Silver Legacy Box Office and the Reno Events Center Box Office beginning at 10:00am on Wednesday, November 2nd.

Our team of Convention Superstars are thrilled to be at the National Indian Education Association 42nd Annual Convention and Tradeshow in Albuquerque!

Stop by booth 409 to spin our wheel for a chance to win a FREE trip to Reno! Plus, we are giving away pine nuts and fresh sage hand-picked from the hills surrounding Reno. Post pictures or comments on our Facebook page for additional entries!

Join the conversation to stay in the know, view pictures from this year’s convention and WIN!

Facebook – Reno Tahoe USA

Twitter – @RenoTahoe #NIEA

Flip through this online gallery for information and breathtaking images of our native tribes.

Peter is coming to Reno.

The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) is pleased to announce the HelmsBriscoe Annual Business Conference 2012 will be held in Reno Tahoe USA! Celebrating the organization’s 20 years as the global leader in meeting procurement, more than 1,800 HelmsBriscoe Associates and Partners will meet in Northern Nevada for the event.

“It’s been a great 20 years thanks to the dedication of our Associates and Partners,” said Peter Shelly, HelmsBriscoe’s Executive Vice President and Annual Business Conference Chairperson. “We’re looking forward to a great event, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have our 20th Anniversary ABC in such a culturally rich and geographically diverse region like Reno Tahoe.”

In 2010, HelmsBriscoe generated $675 million in gross bookings, representing 25,000 events and 3.86 million room nights worldwide. The company has more than 1,200 Associates in more than 50 countries, and prides itself on finding the best possible options to fit its clients’ budget, size and entertainment needs. In its 20 year history, the company has grown to be the largest site selection meeting planning organization globally.

“The RSCVA is very excited to be a part of this event,” said John Leinen, RSCVA VP of Convention & Tourism Sales. “The destination team has a great relationship with HelmsBriscoe and its Associates, and this is a phenomenal opportunity to showcase Reno Tahoe’s beauty, amenities and meetings facilities to an important and influential group business resource. Through hosting this most important industry event, RSCVA is looking to generate additional, incremental business for the destination and to build effective relations with the HelmsBriscoe Associates.

The 2012 HelmsBriscoe ABC will be held from January 25-27. Hotel headquarters include John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino Resort, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino.

Would you like to get up close and personal so you could have a conversation with your favorite author, artist or editor … and at the same time get some fresh air and stretch your legs a bit? Well that’s what Stroll With the Stars is all about.

Every morning at 9 a.m. we’ll take a nice stroll … and we stress, stroll. This is not a heart-pounding aerobic exercise, or a military forced march; it’s a nice morning stroll. This has been described by some of the participants as a “Strolling Kaffeeklatsch” (but unlike a Kaffeeklatsch you won’t need to stand in line to sign up, and there’s no limit to how many can attend).

Strollers at Anticipation

We’ll have some of your favorite convention guests strolling along. Ever wish you could get some one-on-one time? Maybe ask Cory Doctorow where he gets his ideas, or ask John Picacio about technique, or ask Ellen Datlow or Lou Anders how they make their selections? They, and many other “Stars” have come out to Stroll with us: John Joseph Adams, Lou Anders, Peter Atwood, David Brin, Lauren Beukes, Paul Cornell, Ellen Datlow, Cory Doctorow, Scott Edelman, Felix Gilman, Joe & Gay Haldeman, Mary Robinette Kowal, Jay Lake, Farah Mendlesohn, Larry Niven, John Picacio, Lawrence M. Schoen, Stephen H. Segal, Ann VanderMeer, Kaaron Warren and Frank Wu have all strolled along with us.

Strollers at Denvention

Strolling in Reno

We’ll meet each morning at 9 a.m. in Walgreen’s parking lot; returning each morning to the Convention Center before before 10 a.m. (Walgreen’s is on Virginia Street, between the Peppermill and the Atlantis, closer to the Atlantis).

If you don’t know Stu Segal, just look for the man with the STROLL! t-shirt and bullhorn. And a reminder to all you folks who live at sea level, on the East Coast, the West Coast, or where ever – Reno is 4,500 feet ABOVE sea level. This means your body reacts differently, and sweats differently, and you need to keep yourself well-hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.

Strolling with the Stars also has its own Facebook page. If you’re on Facebook yourself, you can use this page to see who’s planning to join the Stroll or let your friends know you plan to be there yourself.

We’re delighted by the great line-up of guests who will be strolling with us in Reno – GoH’s, Special Guests, Hugo Winners, Nebula Winners, Authors, Artists and Editors:

WEDNESDAY 9 a.m.

PRACTICE LAP – No special guests, just me, strolling around to get the lay of the land. If anyone wants to join me I’ll be at the meeting spot at 9 a.m.

THURSDAY 9 a.m.

Guest of Honor – Boris Vallejo
Special Guest – Bill Willingham
Julie Bell
Lauren Beukes
Ellen Datlow
Cory Doctorow
Dr. Lawrence M. Schoen

FRIDAY 9 a.m.

Special Guest – Bill Willingham
Scott Edelman
Joe Haldeman
Gay Haldeman
Beth Meacham
Toni Weisskopf

SATURDAY 9 a.m.

Special Guest – Bill Willingham
Lou Anders
Paul Cornell
Lev Grossman
James Patrick Kelly
Farah Mendlesohn
John Picacio

SUNDAY 9 a.m.

Kate Baker
Tanglwyst de Holloway
Deanna Hoak
Mary Robinette Kowal
Dr. Lawrence M. Schoen
Stephen H. Segal
Sheila Williams
Connie Willis

For more information on the 69th World Science Fiction Convention visit http://www.renovationsf.org.

The World Science Fiction Convention is gearing up for a week filled with book discussions, art exhibits, a Masquerade and many more activities that are far out of this world. The group thought there was no better way to kick-off their 69th WorldCon than hosting a FREE book signing event for the Reno Tahoe community! In order to give the public an opportunity to meet some of their favorite authors at no cost, the group has made arrangements with the Washoe County Library – Sierra View for a book signing event on Wednesday, August 17.

For more updates on events and information on Reno Tahoe and Renovation please visit www.VisitRenoTahoe.com, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter @renotahoe and @renotahoemtgs.

Vietnam Veterans of America will hold its 15^th biennial National Convention August 17-20 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino in Reno, Nevada. Some eight hundred delegates from VVA chapters across the country are expected to join hundreds of other Vietnam veterans and guests in Reno. The delegates will set the organization’s course for the next two years, hear from an array of speakers, attend information sessions, and take part in special events. That includes the Awards Banquet, which honors Vietnam veterans and others in the arts, on Saturday evening, August 20.

“We have come a long way since our humble beginnings in 1978,” VVA President John Rowan said. “VVA today is a highly effective force on the national, state and local levels, acting on behalf of Vietnam veterans, their families, and all veterans. We’re proud of our accomplishments over the last 33 years, and we’ll celebrate the past as we work for the future in Reno.”

Richard Pimentel, the disabled Vietnam veteran who is one of the nation’s foremost disability rights advocates, will give the Keynote Speech at the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday morning, August 17. Other special guests scheduled to take part in the Convention include Vietnam veteran Homer Hickam, the author of the acclaimed memoir Rocket Boys and many other books, and the actress, comedienne, and singer Vicki Lawrence, who entertained the troops in Vietnam. Hickam and Lawrence will receive VVA Excellence in the Arts Awards at the Convention’s culminating event, the Saturday Night Awards Banquet.

For more information visit http://www.vva.org/

Reno Tahoe takes pride in being a stress-free destination. We like to use the ten minute rule – you can get anywhere in Reno within ten minutes.  Making sure you can navigate our town quickly and easily is one of our top priorities, and we use that same dedication with getting you here.

You love numbers, we love giving them.

• Named 2^nd most efficient airport in North America by the Air Transport Research Society
• Average fare is 12.6% less than the national average
• Out of the top 100 commercial airports in the United States, 79 had a higher average airfare than Reno-Tahoe International, according to the Bureau of Transportation.

• Every day at RTIA:
  • Approximately 10,500 Passengers arrive/depart
  • Approximately 15,300 Commercial Airline seats arrive/depart 
  • Approximately 140 Commercial Airline arrivals/departures take place at RTIA
  • Approximately 310,000 pounds of Cargo arrive/depart

• There are currently:
  • 140 daily flights to and from RTIA
  • 17 non-stop destinations
  • 32 same plane one-stop destinations

How do they do it?

Reno Tahoe International’s efficiency is due to the structure of its revenue streams. With 70 percent of revenues derived from non-airline sources, this financial set-up keeps our landing fees low, and your wallets full. Reno Tahoe International is less dependent upon airlines for revenue during these challenging times for the airline industry than other leading airports.

What’s new?

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport just completed a 22-month construction program that has resulted in a faster and more efficient travel experience in the ticket lobby. Blending the latest high-tech security screening with a new baggage check-in system, an entirely new ticket lobby will connect all of the airport’s airline ticket counters to the new system. With our efficient short lines, you’ll take off on cloud nine.