Reno-Tahoe

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority kicked off two major conventions with a press event Friday. Combined, The National Tour Association’s Annual Convention and the World Religious Travel Association Expo and Educational Conference bring nearly 2,500 visitors to the Reno Tahoe region.

The 2009 event marks the second time NTA has hosted its annual conference in Reno Tahoe. The group was last here in 1985.

The NTA estimates the local direct economic impact of this conference is approximately $2.9 million.

It is the WRTA’s first time in the destination. The group estimates that more than 400 members will participate in the 2009 Expo and Educational Conference.

Approximately one out of every six visitors to Washoe County comes for a meeting, convention or tradeshow, according to the RSCVA’s most recent Visitor Profile Study. Annually, meeting and convention groups economically benefit the Reno Tahoe community by spending millions of dollars locally on accommodations, dining, entertainment, gaming, retail, transportation and other items.

The press event included remarks from Ellen Oppenheim, RSCVA President and CEO (pictured), Reno Mayor Bob Cashell, Suzanne Slavitter, NTA Convention 2009 chair, Kevin Wright, president, World Religious Travel Association.

Reno Tahoe has been selected to host three significant conventions beginning in 2012.

Groups bringing their conventions to Reno are the Wild Sheep Foundation, February 2013-2015, Northern California Volleyball Association, April 2012-2017 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, July 2012.

The RSCVA estimates these three groups will generate approximately 76,615 room nights in the destination, attracting nearly 115,000 visitors between 2012 and 2017.

“Reno Tahoe is a great meeting and convention destination, offering something for everyone to enjoy,” said Ellen Oppenheim, RSCVA president and CEO. “During these challenging economic times it is significant that the RSCVA has landed these three pieces of repeat convention business. We are excited to welcome these visitors to the destination and are working very hard to create the best possible experience for them.”

The Wild Sheep Foundation has signed an agreement to bring its convention and international sporting expo, “Sheep Show,” to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center in February 2013 and ending in February of 2015. This group had previously signed an agreement to bring its convention to Reno Tahoe in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

“We are very excited to welcome the Wild Sheep Foundation to Reno for the first of six consecutive years,” Oppenheim said. “Having a group book business for this length of time is extraordinary.”

The Wild Sheep Foundation estimates its event will generate 5,000 hotel room nights annually. The organization also estimates that more than 5,000 participants will attend the show. The hotel partners for the January 30 – February 8, 2010 convention are the Silver Legacy Resort Casino and the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. The 2010 event marks the 15th time the group has visited Reno. It is the first time the group will utilize the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

“We selected Reno Tahoe because the destination is focused on hospitality and understands the conservation market,” said Gray N. Thornton, Wild Sheep Foundation president and CEO. “The combined support of the RSCVA and the many fine hotel properties makes Reno the ideal place for the Wild Sheep Foundation Convention and International Sporting Expo. We are very pleased to come home to Reno.”

The Northern California Volleyball Association (NCVA) is currently under contract for April 2011. With this new contract, NCVA will bring its Junior Volleyball Spring Tournament to Reno for six consecutive years beginning in April 2012.  Annually, the NCVA estimates that the Spring Tournament will generate more than 8,000 room nights and attract more than 15,000 participants to the destination annually.

Additionally, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) will host their national convention in Reno in July 2012. This group was previously in Reno Tahoe in 2006. The VFW organization estimates this event will generate more than 13,000 room nights and attract approximately 10,000 participants.

This announcement comes on the heels of Reno Tahoe being selected to host the 2010 USA Volleyball (USAV) Girls’ Junior National Championships. The competition will take place June 24-July 3, 2010 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. This event is expected to generate 40,000 room nights over 10 days.

The USA Volleyball Championship is a major program of USA Volleyball and currently involves 788 teams and spectators. Going into its 31st running, the 2010 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships will attract an estimated 9,500 athletes to Reno Tahoe. The tournament will crown 19 champions in age divisions ranging from 12 to18. Further, the event draws not only thousands of family and friends, but hundreds of college recruiters looking for the next top players for their programs.

The RSCVA is the primary tourism agency supporting convention and tourism business for the Reno Tahoe region.  Reno Tahoe supports unlimited possibilities from outdoor recreation to 24-hour Nevada style gaming and entertainment. For more information about Reno Tahoe call 800-FOR-RENO (800-367-7366) or visit www.VisitRenoTahoe.com.

(PHOTO: Ellen Oppenheim, RSCVA president and CEO, and Gray Thornton, President of the Wild Sheep Foundation, announce the foundation’s commitment to host the convention in Reno Tahoe for six years. Courtesy RSCVA.)

When they are not in meetings, The Reno, Sparks and Lake Tahoe communities have plenty to do for convention delegates. Following are some highlights of some of the great attractions in our community:

National Automobile Museum

More than 200 antique, vintage, classic and special interest vehicles in authentic street scenes; roam in a fun setting and enjoy four-wheeled icons, like the 1953 Corvette convertible once owned by John Wayne.

Nevada State Historical Society

Nevada’s oldest museum – artifacts here describe Nevada’s native people, first explorers, the discovery of silver and gold and the emergence of ranching and gaming industries.

Nevada Museum of Art

This is Northern Nevada’s center for the visual arts and the centerpiece of the Truckee River Arts District. The Nevada Museum of Art showcases diverse creations on four levels. Exhibits include regional artists and national shows such as “Andy Warhol’s Dream America.” Additionally, groups can use this beautiful backdrop to host opening receptions, small dinner parties or meetings.

National Bowling Stadium

Known as the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins,” the National Bowling Stadium features 80 lanes, a 10,000 GSF concourse and professional staff.  This amazing facility has hosted social events up to 2,000 guests including dinner, music and an evening of fun.

Reno Events Center

This facility is used for everything from tradeshows to rodeos and acts as Reno’s premier concert venue.  Enjoy performances from popular artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire, Journey and Rob Thomas.

Reno Livestock Event Center

Take in one of the featured equine and rodeo events or consider hosting one of your own. Many groups have used the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center for special events. We have Destination Management Companies who will help to arrange a rodeo just for you!

Shopping

The new Legends at Sparks Marina opened in August and has become a favorite of visitors. This beautifully landscaped project showcases water features, fireplaces and statues of the area’s legends.  Additionally, you will find the 248,000 GSF Scheels All Sports Store, Saks Off 5th, Nike Outlet and much more.  The Summit Sierra Mall is a beautiful lifestyles mall with featuring Dillard’s, Orvis and 70 other stores.  The Summit has redefined the art of high-end shopping.  Looking for something a little more eclectic or boutique shopping? Enjoy the Riverwalk in downtown Reno where unique shops can be found; a few steps farther and you will be on California Avenue featuring a fun mix of stores from the Kaliforia Jean Bar to Planet Blue.  These are just a few of the fun locations our guests will enjoy if shopping is what they are looking for!

Dining

In the Reno area you will find the chain restaurants you are familiar with PF Chang’s, Outback Steakhouse and Red Lobster. However, look a little closer and you will find some fun, unique and offbeat dining opportunities.  Enjoy something from the menu at the Stonehouse Cafe. El Adobe, features fantastic margaritas and traditional Mexican fare in a fun atmosphere. Francis’ Asian Bistro includes sushi and Asian Fusion meals. Dine outside for a spectacular view of Reno. The list could go on and on there are one-of-a-kind restaurants in all local casino properties and many more hidden gems around Reno.  During your convention we provide attendees with a dining guide and maps to help them easily find the tasty delights in and around the Reno area.

I am ready to help you with proposals from any of our quality properties. Please call or e-mail to discuss your RFP to tmctee@rscva.com or (775) 827-7798.

On the shore of Lake Tahoe, in the beautiful of hamlett of Incline Village, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe offers visitors a serene experience a stone’s throw from one of the most beautiful natural settings on earth.

The Hyatt is well suited for meetings of 10-350 people. From the moment your delegates arrive at Lake Tahoe they will begin to unwind, relax and be ready for education, networking, retreats or whatever else you have in store for them. Planners will enjoy the 20,000 GSF convention facilities and exclusive service available to them. The Hyatt Regency offers lakeside meeting facilities, wonderful dining venues and amazing customer service.  I hope to have the opportunity to speak with you further about all the Hyatt and Lake Tahoe have to offer for corporate, board, incentive meetings and more.

Following are some additional highlights:

• 424 deluxe guest rooms; 24 Lakeside Cottages, 32 Suites
• Great dining including Lone Eagle Grille with fantastic views of Lake Tahoe
• Complimentary self/valet parking
• Close proximity to a variety of outdoor and indoor venues
• Great oudoor venues on property

I am ready to help you with proposals from any of our quality properties. Please call or e-mail to discuss your RFP to tmctee@rscva.com or (775) 827-7798.

(This is the seventh in an occasional series profiling Reno-Tahoe properties’ meeting and convention amenities)

Not only is Reno the perfect place to hold your government meeting (or any meeting for that matter), it is also an affordable option.

We are thankful the government is more interested in return on investment and ensuring that quality meetings at an affordable location are the most important issue at hand.

Please see the attached letter authored by Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) addressing the idea that affordability and function are the two most important issues for government (and again, all) meetings. You can have a fun, exciting and attractive destination with reasonable contract conditions, affordable rates, amazing views and quality facilities.

Give us a call or send an email and let us prepare a proposals designed to meet all of your needs – tmctee@rscva.com or (775) 827-7798.

- Tanna McTee, RSCVA National Sales Manager

Reno-Tahoe announced this week it will bring a unique event to Reno in 2011 when the American International Choral Festival comes to the Sierra. In conjunction with the event, a partnership has been created with a regional arts festival. The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority is also providing marketing support (including the press event pictured here) to help make the festival a success.

More information:

This event is part of a worldwide series of choral events produced by INTERKULTUR and marks the second time the event will take place in the United States.
Based on participation at other events, INTERKULTUR anticipates the event will draw approximately 3,000 singers to the destination with half of the choirs competing representing Asia, Europe and other regions of the world.

The RSCVA estimates the festival will generate approximately 6,000 room nights.

“We are extremely pleased to have been selected as the host city for the American International Choral Festival – Reno Tahoe 2011,” said RSCVA President and CEO Ellen Oppenheim. “The event will provide Reno exposure in international markets while giving local residents another great cultural event.”

In addition to choral competitions, the event is designed to expose international visitors to the destination and its world-class amenities.  Competitions will take place at the University of Nevada, Reno campus while public concerts for local residents and visitors will take place in the downtown corridor.

The RSCVA is collaborating with Artown to host the Festival due to the rich arts and culture nature of the event. Artown’s mission is to strengthen Reno’s arts industry, foster its civic identity and enhance its national image, thereby creating a climate for the cultural and economic rebirth of the region.

Kids and young adults from all over the world poured into Reno-Tahoe for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair last month, and took home more than ribbons and kudos.

The fair, a gathering of the who’s who among young aspiring scientists, was held at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center on May 10-16, where everything from environment exhibits to homemade robots were on display, while thousands of young people, parents, teachers and chaperones all took part in the excitement. The Reno-Tahoe community welcomed the young geniuses with open arms and worked hard to make their visit memorable. Check out this video to get a sense of the excitement surrounding the event:

We eagerly anticipate the opening of the Legends at Sparks Marina on June 18.  This destination retail center adds dozens of shops and restaurants – from flagship stores to independent retailers – and another great resource for hosting Reno-Tahoe meetings.

Phase 1 of the Legends at Sparks Marina will add to the already successful operation of Scheels, the World’s Largest All Sports Store (265,000 GSF of space including an indoor Ferris Wheel).

This project is a great location for planners to create unique opening receptions, dinners, off-site functions and activities. The beautiful landscape creates a fun environment with waterfalls, plazas, firepits and history all within a 15-minute bus ride of major convention hotels.

The concept of Legends is to provide a comfortable, unique environment for shoppers; a place where people come to experience the setting and possibly pick up a few necessities while they are enjoying themselves.  Why the name “Legends” you ask? The developer has incorporated Northern Nevada legends in the design; you will find a statue of Mark Twain, sculptures depicting the area, a water feature celebrating the Pony Express, depictions of the Reno Air Races and much more.

In addition to the fun atmosphere, guests will enjoy quality shopping with more than 50 percent of the development accommodating outlet shopping (Saks Off 5th, Banana Republic, Bose, Guess, Lane Bryant, etc.) and when guests are ready to rest their feet they can enjoy a meal or their favorite cold/hot beverage – there are plenty of dining establishments to meet a variety of tastes and budgets.  Whet your whistle at the Cadillac Ranch and try your hand at pool, bowling or the electronic bull; enjoy great music and food at Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen or grab a sandwich at Subway and slip outside to watch the sunset …

In future phases the Legends at Sparks Marina will offer a 13-screen movie complex featuring IMAX, more restaurants, family activities and expanded opportunities for our region’s guests.

The dedicated sales staff at the Reno-Sparks Convention Visitors Authority is ready to help book your meeting in Reno and show you how the Legends at Sparks Marina will provide an affordable option for various elements of your event.

Please call or e-mail to discuss your meeting to rnichols@rscva.com or (775) 827-7798.

- Robyn Nichols, RSCVA National Sales Manager

Whether you are looking for a great resort experience, a place to experience it all from fine dining, gaming and nice accommodations, or the perfect location for just about any size meeting, the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno fits the bill.

The nearly 2,000-room casino-resort is a favorite among meeting planners who want to keep their large meetings under one roof. With 200,000 GSF of meeting space, movie theaters, bowling center, grand theater, driving range, virtual golf and shopping on property, guests will never have to leave. The Grand Sierra is perfect for mid-size groups requiring large room blocks and meeting space. The property in within 2 miles of the airport and situated on a parcel of land that provides outdoor exhibit space and thrill rides. This property recently underwent a $90 million dollar renovation adding new amenities and a fresh look to an already great property.

Following are some additional highlights:

• 1,993 deluxe guest rooms
• Nine unique dining establishments including Charlie Palmer Steak
• Complimentary self/valet parking
• Complimentary airport shuttle (less than 2 miles from the airport)
• Close proximity to a variety of outdoor and indoor venues
• Property offers everything from shopping to bowling
• Night club and country western dance hall

The Grand Sierra Resort offers quality, value and service for large and small convention groups; do not hesitate to consider this location when looking at Reno for your next meeting. I am ready to help you with proposals from any of our quality properties. Please call or e-mail to discuss your RFP to tmctee@rscva.com or (775) 827-7798.

(This is the sixth in an occasional series profiling Reno-Tahoe properties’ meeting and convention amenities)

- Tanna McTee, RSCVA National Sales Manager

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Meeting planning can be a little like herding cats – it’s a special calling for those individuals who have the perfect balance of patience, attention to detail … and humor.

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority has launched a new promotion that we hope will inspire meeting planners to consider Reno-Tahoe for their meetings, and get a chuckle or two in the process.

The “Meeting Planners’ Recession Survival Guide” offers meeting planners a big incentive – as much as $10,000 if we can’t meet or beat competing cities’ rental fees at our public facilities (some of the best facilities in the meetings industry, we are proud to say) – while poking fun at the sometimes “challenging” role that meeting planners play. Check out our Web site at www.PlannerSurvival.com to see some fun pictures and quips (like “Meeting planners who choose other venues are often subject to ridicule,” or “Next year, no open bar for the engineers”), along with information about Reno-Tahoe as a meetings and conventions destination.

For those of you who have already gotten turned on to Twitter (and for the rest, it’s just a matter of time), we have launched a complimentary Twitter account at Twitter.com/PlannerSurvival. Follow us and we promise to give you a laugh or two during your workweek – at least we will try.

For complete information Reno-Tahoe’s facilities, transportation and other visitor amenities, we also invite you to visit our Web site at VisitRenoTahoe.com, or follow our general visitor Twitter stream at Twitter.com/RenoTahoe.

We know planning a meeting is a sometimes-scary proposition … and we’re here to help.