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.

Richard Pimentel, a disabled Vietnam veteran and one of the nation’s foremost disability rights advocates, is a brilliantly inspiring and moving speaker. He will give the Keynote Speech on August 17 at the Opening Ceremonies of VVA’s 15th National Convention. His remarkable life story was the subject of the Hollywood film, Music Within.

Pimentel suffered severe hearing loss after a Viet Cong rocket attack in 1968 and now strongly leads the advocates responsible for the congressional passage of the landmark Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act.

The Convention will be held August 17-20 at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. Eight-hundred delegates from VVA chapters across the country are expected to join hundreds of other Vietnam veterans and guests in Reno.

Other special guests scheduled to take part in the Convention include Vietnam veteran Homer Hickam, the author of the acclaimed memoir Rocket Boys, 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.

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

Sure, the FunQuest arcade at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino is great for family-friendly entertainment and birthday parties, but would you consider it for your next team-building excursion? Check out the 40,000 square feet of fun that FunQuest has to offer and decide for yourself!

FunQuest Features:

-Private party rooms for birthdays and gatherings

-State of the art 6,000 square foot laser tag arena

-Nine hole miniature golf

-Bumper car arena

-Frog Hopper thrill ride

-Spider Mountain Kids climbing apparatus

-More than 125 of the latest video and redemption games

Where:               
Grand Sierra Resort Lower Level, 2500 East Second St. Reno, NV 89595

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Thursday: Noon – 10 p.m. (Activities open at 4 p.m.)

Friday: Noon – 11 p.m. (Activities open at 4 p.m.)

Saturday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Activities open all day)

Sunday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Activities open all day)

Contact: For prices, party reservations and additional information, please visit www.grandsierraresort.com or call 775.789.1127.

Silver Legacy Resort Casino is making a statement with the final phase of a $15 million dollar renovation project.  As part of a commitment to reinvest in the overall property, Silver Legacy will begin to completely transform each of the guest rooms and suites into fresh new spaces with modern comforts July 2010.   

With soothing elements and a new status of comfort and luxury in mind, each of the new guest rooms and suites are designed to provide the perfect oasis for relaxation and modern amenities for functionality.  This fresh new makeover harnesses classic contemporary style with rich furniture finishes, sleek lighting and posh carpet and fabric textures in bold silver, red, brown and black shades.  Splashes of sophisticated décor will add to the warm, welcoming feeling each room will exude. 

“The new rooms are stunning,” says Gary Carano, general manager of Silver Legacy.  “This entire renovation project is a testament to our long-standing guest service reputation. We’re committed to reinvesting in the property and our guests comfort and enjoyment.  Giving our guests an amazing experience is the bottom line”. 

Other elements of comfort include new amenities and modern conveniences, such as easy-access outlets at our ergonomically designed desks and frameless mirrored closets.  New 32” LCD televisions provide a stunning focal point to each guest room, while 37” LCD televisions add sleek style to each spa suite. 

In addition to the haute new look, Silver Legacy is also providing a luxurious new feel with fine linens.  New bedding ensembles include triple sheeting, plush pillows, elegant damask throws and beautiful bolsters for high end comfort.  

In all, Silver Legacy will give 1,549 guest rooms and 143 spa suites a new look during this renovation.  The 10 penthouse suites were previously upgraded to reflect a classic style. 

Quick Facts about Silver Legacy Resort Casino Renovations

Here are a few quick facts on the transformation:

 -       Total Remodeled Guest Rooms: 1,549

 -       Total Remodeled Spa Suites: 143

 -       Total Cost of Project: $15 Million

 -       10 Penthouse Suites previously remodeled in classic style

 Hotel Facts:

 -       Top Name Entertainment and Nightlife: See national headliners in the Grande Exposition Hall—Bars, clubs and lounges including Aura Ultra Lounge, Rum Bullions Island Bar, Drinx Lounge, Silver Baron Lounge and Catch a Rising Star Comedy Club

 -       On Site Amenities Include: Health Spa, Pool, Concierge Services, LuLu Hair Salon, Executive Business Center, Parking and Shuttle Service, Hertz Rental Car, Shoe Shine

 -       Boutique Shopping: Harley-Davidson, Bijoux Turner, Tradewinds Casualwear, The Boutique, Carriage House, Ami Jewelers

 -       Dining Options Include: Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse, Fairchild’s Oyster Bar, Flavor’s! The Buffet, Café Sedona, Fresh Express Food Court, Sips Coffee and Tea, Room Service

 -       Facilities Include: 50,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, outstanding catering services, wedding reception packages

 -       Largest Working Indoor Mining Rig simulating the silver mining process of Nevada’s Comstock era, 120 ft. tall in the center of the property under the world’s largest composite dome

 For more information on Silver Legacy Resort Casino and this renovation project, please visit us online or call 775.789.0490.

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.