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.
When it comes to planning and executing a meeting, big or small, in Reno-Tahoe we are committed to keeping it simple by offering great facilities, proactive planning and a close relationship with our hotel partners.
Last week we shared information about the 1,600-room John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks. To the many past and potential customers who shared comments, thank you!
The Peppermill is a Reno standard with a new twist. The resort recently went through a full renovation of the old and added an all-suite tower with 600 rooms. In addition, the property added a 62,000 GSF pillarless ballroom bringing its total space to 102,000 square feet. Meeting planners rave about the flexible space at the Peppermill with a variety of available configurations. This beautifully designed property and customer service-oriented staff stand ready to serve groups up to 3,000 people.
Following are some additional highlights:
1,635 deluxe rooms
12 unique restaurants
Complimentary self/valet parking
Complimentary airport shuttle (less than 3 miles from the airport)
Brand new 30,000-square-foot Spa Toscana
Beautiful outdoor pool area open year-round
State of the art fitness center
Edge Nightclub
1 mile from Meadowood Mall
Walking distance to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center
I could certainly go on and on about this property and the value meeting planners find when booking it; instead, check it out yourself at www.peppermillreno.com.
(This is the second in an occasional series profiling Reno-Tahoe properties’ meeting and convention amenities)
