HelmsBriscoe celebrated their 20th Anniversary Annual Business Conference in Reno Tahoe USA, January 25-27.

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.

Opening ceremonies, volunteer and chapter awards, banquet speakers and presentations, and other select Elk Camp attractions will be broadcast live from Reno, Nevada, March 3-5, on the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Web site.

Live video will begin streaming each evening at approximately 6:00 p.m. (PT) at www.rmef.org/elkcamp.

The special Friends of the Foundation breakfast with Bob Eubanks also will broadcast live beginning at about 8:00 (PT) on March 4.

Video will be archived and available for online viewing following each event.

Elk Camp’s host hotel, the Peppermill, is assisting RMEF with the live broadcasts.

The 27th annual RMEF Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo is March 3-6. Most daily events such as the expo, RMEF/Leupold World Elk Calling Championships, seminars, luncheons and auctions will be held at the Reno/Sparks Convention Center. Evening events and the breakfast are at the Peppermill. For Elk Camp agendas and other details, go to www.rmef.org.

The broadcasts will not include concerts.

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 5.9 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.

1. The line between “Get the camera!” and “Get the straitjacket!” is always a little blurry here.
2. You’ve heard the expression, “So hungry I could eat a cow.” Test the theory here with burgers as big as your head. No, really. Just ask the Travel Channel.  
3. Reno Tahoe is home to the 519,700 Sq. Ft. Reno-Sparks Convention Center (owned and operated by the RSCVA); home to more than 20,000 hotel rooms, and more than 8,200 average daily departure seats from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Basically, it’s easy to get here, and even easier to navigate once you’re here.  
4. You can get a world-class experience at a price your wallet will appreciate. Throughout the last few years, Reno Tahoe has invested more than $1 billion in hotel renovations and expansions, including chic rooms, fine dining and fabulous meeting space.
5. If you prefer to ditch the ho-hum meeting space for a more off-beat location, try the National Bowling Stadium, the “Taj Mahal of Ten Pins,” Nevada’s only accredited Art Museum, a multi-million dollar AAA ballpark, the National Auto Museum or historic properties along the shores of Lake Tahoe.
6. Our room rates are very attractive and competitive, in some cases 30% less than other destinations. (Remember the $1 billion+ upgrades? We weren’t kidding when we said you’d get more bang for your buck.)
7. 300 days of sunshine. Average. In Reno Tahoe you can do a few runs on the slopes, play a round a golf, catch a ball game and treat yourself to a great dinner – all in a day’s work.
8. Reno Tahoe hosts 290 days (at least) of special events each year. SoMeT, when you’re here in November, you’ll be just in time for the 30 feet of fresh powder at 18 world-class ski resorts. From your hotel to the lift line it’s no more than one hour. Après ski, treat yourself to a treatment so unique, only 8 spas in the country feature it! Why is Reno among the elite few? Find out for yourself.  
9. Reno Tahoe is bursting with history, plenty of “aha” moments that may catch you off guard. Like, did you know Mark Twain started his writing career in Reno Tahoe? Or, did you know Marilyn Monroe shot her last film in Reno? Learn all about our colorful past during the Passion in the Desert Tour through downtown Reno.  

10. We can count.

Safari Club International announced that its 39^th Annual Hunters’ Convention in Reno, Nevada was a huge success. Concluded on January 29, 2011, the convention ranks as the second highest revenue generating convention ever with more than 18,000 attendees. SCI members generously contributed more than $12 million to support SCI’s advocacy to protect hunting freedoms, to promote international wildlife conservation, and to increase wildlife management education. 

The SCI Annual Hunters’ Convention includes more than 1,100 exhibiting companies, leasing over 650,000 sq. ft of booth spaces. The exhibitors’ generous donations of valuable items for SCI’s auctions ensure that SCI can advocate on behalf of hunters in the United States and at international wildlife forums like CITES. SCI’s Political Action Committee (SCI-PAC) raised nearly $200,000 to advance sportsmen’s interest in federal elections. A special auction for disabled hunters was purchased during the Saturday evening dinner and it raised $150,000 for the SCI Foundation’s Humanitarian Services Programs. 

SCI is also pleased to announce the full list of award recipients at the 39^thAnnual Hunters’ Convention. Award winners include members and chapters who display a strong commitment to and have made great contributions to the sport of hunting; displayed a dedication to the conservation of wildlife; have a history of service to the global hunting community, and are committed to SCI’s programs and mission statement to be First for Hunters.

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.

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.

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 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.