Even though the Safari Club International convention isn’t being held in Reno this year the organization is continuing the annual tradition of the “Feed the Hungry Feast.” The Eldorado Hotel Casino will once again prepare the game donated by Safari Club International members for a special wild game feed at the Reno Events Center on Tuesday, January 31 to benefit the needy.

WHO:

Eldorado Hotel Casino in partnership with The Salvation Army and Safari Club International members.

WHEN:

Tuesday, January 31 from 5 – 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Reno Events Center

400 North Center Street  Reno, NV 89501

DETAILS:

Safari Club International created the wild game feed as part of their Sportsmen Against Hunger movement, which has prepared and served tens of millions of meals since it was created in 1989. This year the Eldorado is making enough food to feed approximately 2,500 people in the Reno-Sparks community. Those that need a hot meal are invited to the Reno Events Center.

“We are excited to partner with the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority to bring the 2012 NBA D-League Showcase to the city of Reno,” said Reed. “Reno will become the center of the basketball world for four days in January, as all 30 NBA teams are expected to attend what has become the premier in-season destination to scout basketball’s top prospects.”

Conceived prior to the 2004-05 season, the NBA D-League Showcase provides an opportunity for NBA D-League players and coaches to perform in front of NBA general managers, player personnel executives and scouts over four consecutive days at one location. The 2012 event will feature each NBA D-League team competing in two games each over four days.

“Being awarded the 2012 NBA D-League Showcase is an awesome honor,” said Santos, Jr., who is part of a local ownership group, Bighorns Basketball, LLC, which includes, Stephen Adams and Jeffrey Adams, that purchased the team over the summer, giving the Bighorns local ownership for the first time in their three-year history. “We will have all 16 D-League teams in Reno at one time, along with numerous representatives from the NBA front office and scouts and executives from every NBA team.”

“Hosting the NBA Development League Showcase presents a number of opportunities for Reno Tahoe. Our locals, and visitors, will have the privilege of watching great athletes, many of whom they will soon see on NBA teams,” said Joe Kelley, Interim President & CEO of the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority. “It also gives the community a forum to prove that this destination can produce successful professional sporting events. We couldn’t be more excited about the Showcase coming to area.” The 2012 NBA D-League Showcase is estimated to generate direct, local economic impact in excess of $1 million.

As the NBA D-League’s local franchise, the Bighorns are coming off a highly successful 2010-11 campaign in which they won a franchise-best 34 games and captured their first Western Conference championship. Their 2011-12 season tips off on the road on Friday, Nov. 25, when the team visits the Bakersfield Jam. The team will return to Reno to host its first home game of the season against Bakersfield at the Reno Events Center on Friday, Dec. 2.

Twenty-three percent of players on 2010-11 NBA end-of-season rosters had NBA D-League experience, many of whom participated in an NBA D-League Showcase since its inception in 2005.  During its seven-year history, more than 30 NBA D-League players have earned GATORADE Call-Ups from the NBA D-League to the NBA during or after the NBA D-League Showcase; while an even larger number benefited from the exposure afforded them at the NBA D-League Showcase.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster (sales locations, by phone at 800-745-3000 or the website  www.ticketmaster.com/event/17004758DD0B5EAF, Silver Legacy Box Office and the Reno Events Center Box Office beginning at 10:00am on Wednesday, November 2nd.

The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) is pleased to announce the HelmsBriscoe Annual Business Conference 2012 will be held in Reno Tahoe USA! Celebrating the organization’s 20 years as the global leader in meeting procurement, more than 1,800 HelmsBriscoe Associates and Partners will meet in Northern Nevada for the event.

“It’s been a great 20 years thanks to the dedication of our Associates and Partners,” said Peter Shelly, HelmsBriscoe’s Executive Vice President and Annual Business Conference Chairperson. “We’re looking forward to a great event, and we couldn’t be more pleased to have our 20th Anniversary ABC in such a culturally rich and geographically diverse region like Reno Tahoe.”

In 2010, HelmsBriscoe generated $675 million in gross bookings, representing 25,000 events and 3.86 million room nights worldwide. The company has more than 1,200 Associates in more than 50 countries, and prides itself on finding the best possible options to fit its clients’ budget, size and entertainment needs. In its 20 year history, the company has grown to be the largest site selection meeting planning organization globally.

“The RSCVA is very excited to be a part of this event,” said John Leinen, RSCVA VP of Convention & Tourism Sales. “The destination team has a great relationship with HelmsBriscoe and its Associates, and this is a phenomenal opportunity to showcase Reno Tahoe’s beauty, amenities and meetings facilities to an important and influential group business resource. Through hosting this most important industry event, RSCVA is looking to generate additional, incremental business for the destination and to build effective relations with the HelmsBriscoe Associates.

The 2012 HelmsBriscoe ABC will be held from January 25-27. Hotel headquarters include John Ascuaga’s Nugget Casino Resort, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino and Silver Legacy Resort Casino.

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.

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/

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.

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.

Team USA made history at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center on Saturday when the U.S. men’s saber and women’s foil teams won gold at the Pan American Zonal Championships which completed a U.S. sweep of all 12 gold medals awarded during the six-day event.

The last two gold medals of the Pan Ams marked the first time in history that a U.S. Team has swept the gold medals at a Zonal Championships.

USA Fencing Executive Director Greg Dilworth said the hundreds of cheering fans on home soil motivated the players and he was happy to win gold in front of a home crowd.

Top eight results are as follows:

Men’s Team Saber
1. USA
2. Canada
3. Venezuela
4. Argentina
5. El Salvador
6. Brazil
7. Chile
8. Mexico

Women’s Team Foil
1. USA
2. Canada
3. Venezuela
5. Puerto Rico
6. Mexico

Read the full article here by US Fencing.

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.