It comes as a surprise to many that behind these paintings is the vibrant and absolutely delightful 28-year-old Amy Keller-Rempp. Keller-Rempp has been an artist for 18 years, drawing from her love of the outdoors to create realistic paintings of the animals she has admired her entire life.

“I have to give all credit to God for being blessed with this talent since I was a small child,” said Keller-Rempp.

Keller-Rempp grew up in eastern Ontario, Canada, in a very rural community; her family’s home sat on 300 acres of land. Hunting and fishing as a family was part survival, part family-bonding. Creating art around her experiences eventually became a way of healing for Keller-Rempp as a young child.

“I was about seven years old when my dad was diagnosed with MS. The next 14 years were a difficult journey for the family,” Keller-Rempp said. “To get through those years of life, I relied on art and creativity to relieve that stress.”

Keller-Rempp’s father was an avid outdoorsman, the true inspiration for her love of nature, and continued to hunt even from his wheelchair, up through his passing in 2008.

“It came to the point where my father could only leave for deer season. My entire family would get together to make sure he could get out to hunt white-tailed deer in November,” said Keller-Rempp.

It was this very experience that drew Keller-Rempp to Safari Club International.

“I saw that Safari Club International gave the opportunity to the disabled to get out into the wilderness, and I connected with them quickly.”

Among Safari Club International’s (SCI) many humanitarian efforts is the Disabled Hunter program, designed to help disabled hunters experience the hunting tradition. According to SCI, since 2005, SCI Chapters have provided 1,009 disabled hunters with hunting opportunities. There are more than 555,000 hunters and shooters with disabilities in the United States alone.

“SCI stood out above all the rest to me. The fact that they are diverse and, in addition to helping disabled hunters, give money to schools in South Africa. It’s all over the world,” said Keller-Rempp.

Keller-Rempp first got involved with the SCI chapter in Northern Alberta in 2009, submitting art to the yearly chapter dinner and banquet. In 2010 Keller-Rempp created an original, acrylic painting of two bighorn sheep. The piece was the highlight of the evening and was live auctioned for an astonishing $12,000, one hundred percent of which was donated to SCI.

“It was an incredible experience; the highlight of my career,” said Keller-Rempp. “I feel very passionate about giving back and this is an appropriate charity and event for me and my lifestyle.”

Following the tremendous success of the Alberta event, discussions arose about showcasing Keller-Rempp’s work in Reno.

“We talked about what was appropriate and decided upon a moose. The images started coming to me even before we finished discussing. I can visualize these paintings before they’re completed every time,” said Keller-Rempp.

Keller-Rempp’s latest piece, titled “King’s Battle,” is her largest painting to date, standing at 48” x 72”. Its showing at the Safari Club International Convention in Reno, Nevada will be the first time Keller-Rempp’s work will appear before an American audience.

“There are so many artists waiting to get in, and I’m so fortunate and blessed. I feel it’s a force bigger than mine and the people involved,” said Keller-Rempp.

Keller-Rempp worked on “King’s Battle” for five weeks. It has safely arrived in Reno and is ready to be part of a four-day auction during Safari Club International.

“I’m honored to be a part of an event that helps shed some light on hunting. Hunting and conservation is huge. For people to have the opportunity to learn about different animals; the science, biology, animal control, repopulation, disease control. To have all of this information on hand is incredible,” said Keller-Rempp.

You can see Keller-Rempp’s piece, “King’s Battle,” during Safari Club International Annual Hunters’ Convention, January 26-29, 2011, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

As for what’s next for Keller-Rempp, she says a busy year is ahead.

“I’m living in Alberta now and have fallen in love with western Canada. I have several shows lined up, including one on February 18 in Fort McMurray, and there are talks of a show on Vancouver Island as well,” said Keller-Rempp. “I will forever be thankful to SCI. They gave me an incredible opportunity, putting my work before so many people, and I will forever be indebted.”

The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) Convention and Sporting Expo, “The Sheep Show™” will offer on auction more state, tribal, and provincial permits than anywhere on earth during the February 9-12, 2011 event in Reno, Nevada. In 2010, the sale of special permits alone generated more than $2.4 million for wildlife and habitat earning the WSF convention the reputation as being THE wildlife conservation convention. For the 2011 convention, the WSF expects to generate even more.

The WSF will once again offer sheep and other permits from Alberta to Nevada and Texas to California and nearly every western state, province and tribal nation in between. With the support of our generous auction bidders, attendees, exhibitors, sponsors and donors, the WSF expects to raise more than $5 million in revenue to help wild sheep, and other wildlife across North America and around the globe. Without these all important conservation dollars, many wildlife conservation programs would not exist, limiting hunter opportunity and the quality of wildlife and their habitat. For a complete listing of the special sheep and other permits offered visit www.wildsheepfoundation.org.

Celebrating its 2011 event, the WSF has again partnered with MidwayUSA as the Official Sponsor of the convention. “MidwayUSA’s generous sponsor support demonstrates their recognition of WSF as the premier mountain hunting organization in the world!” Gray Thornton, WSF President & CEO noted on this ongoing partnership.

In addition to the special permits dedicated to state, tribal, and provincial conservation,  the 2011 WSF convention will offer on auction nearly $2 million in hunts, trips, wildlife art,  fine sporting arms, hunting gear, and accessories for the wild sheep and hunting enthusiast. Funds generated at The Sheep Show will help wild sheep conservation efforts throughout North America and the world.

The three-day convention and expo is open to the public, Thursday through Saturday, February 9-12 at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Show hours are 10 am – 6 pm Thursday, 10 am – 6 pm Friday and 9 am – 6 pm Saturday. Daily admission is only $15 with $10 off coupons available at Reno-Sparks Cabela’s, Scheels and Sportsman’s Warehouse stores. As an added incentive to attend the show “floor credit” drawings will be offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday for credits valued at $1,000 to $5,000 to be used with Expo exhibitors. Five (5) $1,000 credits will be drawn Thursday, two (2) $2,500 credits drawn Friday and one (1) $5,000 credit Saturday. Attendees must be present to win. Daily passes are available at Expo Registration.

The banquet and live auction events kick off Wednesday evening February 9^th at the Silver Legacy’s Reno Ballroom downtown. WSF will hold their legendary auctions Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings. In addition, a Ladies Brunch, International Night party, Ram Awards breakfast and Life Member Breakfast will be held at the Silver Legacy. Other events include a Sporting Clays Shoot with USA Shooting Team members Wednesday morning at Sage Hill Clays, a Sportsman’s Prayer Breakfast Thursday morning and a wine tasting in the expo hall Friday. Visit the Foundation’s website for a full schedule and details on the events.

The Wild Sheep Foundation, formerly the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, was founded in 1977 by sheep and mountain hunting enthusiasts and conservationists. With a membership of more than 10,000 worldwide and a chapter network in North America, WSF is the premier advocate for wild sheep, wild goats, other wildlife, and their habitat. Since forming in 1977, the Wild Sheep Foundation has raised and expended more than $80 million on conservation and education programs in North America, Europe and Asia. During 2010 alone the Wild Sheep Foundation raised and put on the ground more than $2.85 million to wildlife conservation and other mission programs.

For a full schedule of events, to register for the annual convention, join as a member or for more information on the Foundation and their many conservation and education programs, please visit www.wildsheepfoundation.org or contact them at 720 Allen Avenue, Cody, Wyoming  82414 USA. Telephone 800-OK-FNAWS. Email info@wildsheepfoundation.org.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is bringing its annual convention, affectionately called “Elk Camp,” back to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center March 3-6, 2011.

This year marks the 27^th annual RMEF Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo, an event held 12 times in Reno, with the remainder scattered among 7 different cities.

“We count on our annual convention to rally and energize our members and supporters, and to charge our cumulative battery for another year of wildlife habitat conservation projects across elk country,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

In 2010, RMEF reached the 5.9 million acre mark for habitat conserved and enhanced nationwide, and helped launched elk restoration initiatives in Missouri and Virginia.
As always, Elk Camp 2011 will feature the RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships. Preliminary rounds begin March 4 at 9:00 a.m. Championship rounds begin March 5 at 9:00 a.m.

Elk Camp also includes Cabela’s-sponsored seminars led by authorities on bowhunting and other hunting skills, horse packing, marksmanship, wild game cooking, game calling strategies and more. Also included are displays of record elk, attractions and activities for the whole family, plus a 400-booth expo hall filled with outfitted hunting and fishing opportunities, art, gear, firearms and everything elk. For agendas and details, visit www.rmef.org.

Daily admission is $12 per person or $25 per family, and free for kids 5 and under. Show hours: Thurs., March 3, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Fri., March 4, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sat., March 5, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; and Sun., March 6, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Registered attendees can also enjoy banquets, auctions, entertainment, awards and more.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation: Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.8 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

- Steve Wagner

Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is proud of being chosen, once again, by the readers of Smart Meetings magazine as the winner of a 2010 Platinum Choice Award! This award is one of only one hundred given out each year. Atlantis was chosen from a field of hotels found within thirteen Western United States, Western Canada and all of Mexico, because of exceptional service, amenities, ambiance, technology and overall meeting satisfaction. Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno has been the recipient of this prestigious award five years in a row!

Atlantis currently offers 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting, ballroom and convention space with new technologies catering to your every need. Atlantis’ meeting space exudes a cosmopolitan flair with a relaxing atmosphere of rich, warm colors and contemporary décor. State-of-the-art audio/video technologies including touch-screen total-room control, iPod docking stations to personalize any event and recessed equipment in every room means you never have to pack your projector again!

Atlantis’ new sky bridge connects its meeting space to the 500,000 sq. ft. Reno-Sparks Convention Center! The new bridge, a joint effort with the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, spans 650-feet and will keep you in the comfort of Atlantis’ inviting atmosphere. The bridge is 20-feet wide, on the inside, and is equipped with Janus Digital Displays.

With eight new break-out meeting rooms, a new Grand Foyer for pre function events, a registration counter and copious Janus Digital Displays, your event is sure to be a success. Our exquisite executive board room is perfect for private meetings with high-tech needs. Seating up to 24, the executive boardroom has a 103” Display, along with additional 65” TV’s, a custom built-in conference table with multiple touch-screen programmable launch pads, media plug-ins, document camera, hand-held total-room control and a private butler’s pantry with dedicated service area.

Voted Reno’s Best Special Events, for parties of 12 to 1,200, let our professional catering staff take care of all of the details. For more information on meeting packages or to schedule a site, call Atlantis Sales at (800) 994-5900 for details.

 Atlantis Casino Resort Spa is located on the strip at the corner of South Virginia and Peckham Lane, in the heart of Reno’s new shopping and dining district. Atlantis offers a variety of exceptional dining choices, world-class casino action, live entertainment, complimentary valet service and acres of free self-parking. Visit www.AtlantisCasino.com for information on events, tournaments, dining specials, online reservations and more. For more information call (775) 825-4700 or toll-free at (800) 723-6500.

Grand Sierra Resort and Casino (GSR) will license Passkey’s GroupMAX^TM technology to manage its group reservations for meeting and convention planners. Passkey is the hospitality industry’s leading group reservations technology provider. 

With more than $5 million in recent renovations and enhancements, and as the 15^th largest convention-hotel in the United States with nearly 2,000 guest rooms and more than 200,000 square feet of usable meeting, function and exhibit space, GSR strives to exceed the expectations of its group guests and meeting planners during every event. 

“Our meeting planners are specifically requesting GroupMAX, and we are thrilled to be able to provide them an advanced set of tools to optimize their events,” said Denise Banks, Vice President of Sales, Meetings and Conventions at GSR.  “With GroupMAX, each event will have a professionally designed custom booking website and each meeting planner will be able to track their event’s pick-up, pace and reservations online, as well as analyze trends, and manage their room lists securely.  If our clients are happy they will return time and time again as we consistently offer an unsurpassed event planning experience.”

In the past, GSR experienced a high call-in reservation volume for its groups. By utilizing GroupMAX, a large portion of these reservations will be shifted online, where guests can enjoy an exceptional booking experience.  Importantly, by driving bookings online, GSR can offer its guests a wide variety of room and stay options, further enhancing guest experience while generating incremental revenue from the sale of room upgrades, extended stays and amenities. In addition, GSR will be able to use GroupMAX’s built-in e-mail marketing toolset “Group Campaigns” to deliver professionally designed, highly targeted e-mail messages to its guests to further enhance the stay experience.

“We’re eager to begin using GroupMAX’s up sell tools. So far, we’ve only been able to scratch the surface,” said Banks. “With Group Campaigns, we will be able to directly target our group guests in a highly professional manner, offering promotional incentives pre and post-stay. Built-in e-marketing tools will create a strategic avenue for generating maximum incremental revenues from group guests.”

In addition, with GroupMAX, GSR can use the industry’s only fully automated, secure room lists tool to ensure a PCI-compliant room list process.

More information about booking meetings and conventions at GSR
can be found online  or by calling 866.473.6672

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) announces Audrey Higashi has been hired as the National Convention Sales Manager for the agency. The position is responsible for effectively selling the Reno, Sparks and North Lake Tahoe area as a convention destination. The position reports to the Vice President of Convention Sales for the RSCVA.  Higashi’s first day on the job is August 16.

“Higashi has more than 20 years of experience in service and hospitality sales, account management and staff training, and has worked in the Reno-Sparks area since 2001” said Ellen Oppenheim, RSCVA President and CEO. “Higashi’s experience as a former National Sales Manager for the RSCVA demonstrates that she will bring valuable sales experience and contacts to the position.”

Prior to accepting this position, Audrey Higashi previously worked at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada as the Director of Sales. In her new position at the RSCVA, Higashi will be responsible mainly for Texas, Colorado and the Great Plains states.

“I’m thrilled to join the sales team and become a part of the driven sales staff at the RSCVA,” Higashi said. “I am also excited to work for the RSCVA again, and I look forward to working with the sales team to help promote our wonderful destination to all of the potential meeting groups and conventions.”

“Higashi has a strong understanding of the Reno Tahoe marketplace and is effective in analyzing market trends and developing strategies that exceed sales goals,” Oppenheim said. “She will make a great addition to the RSCVA Sales team.”

About the RSCVA: 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.

26th Annual Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo
March 4-7, 2010 Reno-Sparks Convention Center

The Expo Hall at the Elk Camp is a great way to spend time with family and friends, as you experience a wilderness adventure as you enter our extensive hall filled with nearly 400 exhibits. Roam through fantastic exhibits of custom rifles, hunting accessories, outdoor gear and unique handcrafted art. You can even scout out the hunt of your dreams.

The World Record Elk display is definitely something you won’t want to pass by. This is your chance to see some of the world’s biggest bulls.

World Elk Calling Championships will be held on Saturday, March 6th with preliminaries on Friday, March 5th. When the world’s best callers get together, things get exciting, so come experience this incredible competition and choose your own favorite, or grab your tube to squeal, grunt and bellow with the best.

If your interested in learning more about everything elk, stop by the Spike Camp Hunting Seminars, and learn how to hone your hunting skills as some of America’s best known outdoor enthusiasts share their latest tips on bow hunting, horse packing, marksmanship, calling wildlife, cooking and more!

Don’t miss out on the Interactive Area, which includes everything from a Kids Camp to the Archery Range to the LaserShot Shooting System, this addition to the Exhibit Hall has something to entice everyone. The Reno Fly Shop will provide fly casting instructions for the entire family. And on Friday and Saturday, you can lean how to pack your horse or mule at the Packing Clinic.

General Admission tickets may be purchased in the lobby during show hours.
General Admission
Members Non-members
Daily Individual Pass $10 $12
Daily Family Pass $20 $25
Kids 5 and under FREE FREE

Exhibit Hall Hours
Thursday, March 4, 2010 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Friday, March 5, 2010 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 6, 2010 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 7, 2010 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) is pleased to welcome the 2010 Wild Sheep Foundation’s Annual Sheep Show to Reno Tahoe USA.

“The Wild Sheep Foundation has strong roots in our destination and we are thrilled to officially open this year’s exhibition and show,” said RSCVA President and CEO Ellen Oppenheim. “We look forward to kicking off this long-term partnership and fulfilling it to mutual benefit for many years to come.”

The Wild Sheep Foundation recently signed an agreement to bring its convention and international sporting expo, “Sheep Show,” to Reno for six years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

“We are looking forward to a great week in Reno Tahoe,” said Gray N. Thornton, Wild Sheep Foundation president and CEO. “This year we are expecting increased attendance from last year. We welcome Reno, Sparks and Lake Tahoe enthusiasts to visit this years show. The event is open to the public and the cost to attend is $15.”

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 because the group has grown in size.

“We selected Reno Tahoe because the destination is focused on hospitality and understands the conservation market,” said Thornton. “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.”

Hours of the show are:
Thurs. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Show is open to the public. Membership in the Wild Sheep Foundation is not required.
Day Pass $15 per person
Membership special is $45

The 38th annual Safari Club International Hunters’ Convention (SCI) has arrived at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center (RSCC). This is the eighth consecutive year SCI has held its annual convention in Reno Tahoe and the 19th year overall. Additionally, SCI recently announced that they have selected Reno Tahoe to host the 2013 and 2015 shows, extending SCI’s presence in the destination for an additional two years. SCI was previously committed to bring the 2011 Annual Convention to Reno Tahoe.

SCI estimates the 2010 event will generate 21,000 room nights and drawing 23,000 people to Reno Tahoe, up from 20,500 in 2009. More than 50 different countries are represented. The RSCVA estimates the 2010 convention to have a local economic impact of $20 million.

The show features more than 2,000 booths with 1,100 vendors. Additionally, the convention features exhibits, seminars and auctions spread throughout 560,000 square feet of convention space.

SCI first held its convention in Reno at what was then known as Bally’s hotel in 1989 with 2,500 attendees. In 1999, the convention moved to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and attendance increased to 15,500.

According to TradeShow Week Magazine, in 2008 SCI was the 101st largest show in the United States by net square feet.

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.