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.

When they are not in meetings, The Reno, Sparks and Lake Tahoe communities have plenty to do for convention delegates. Following are some highlights of some of the great attractions in our community:

National Automobile Museum

More than 200 antique, vintage, classic and special interest vehicles in authentic street scenes; roam in a fun setting and enjoy four-wheeled icons, like the 1953 Corvette convertible once owned by John Wayne.

Nevada State Historical Society

Nevada’s oldest museum – artifacts here describe Nevada’s native people, first explorers, the discovery of silver and gold and the emergence of ranching and gaming industries.

Nevada Museum of Art

This is Northern Nevada’s center for the visual arts and the centerpiece of the Truckee River Arts District. The Nevada Museum of Art showcases diverse creations on four levels. Exhibits include regional artists and national shows such as “Andy Warhol’s Dream America.” Additionally, groups can use this beautiful backdrop to host opening receptions, small dinner parties or meetings.

National Bowling Stadium

Known as the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins,” the National Bowling Stadium features 80 lanes, a 10,000 GSF concourse and professional staff.  This amazing facility has hosted social events up to 2,000 guests including dinner, music and an evening of fun.

Reno Events Center

This facility is used for everything from tradeshows to rodeos and acts as Reno’s premier concert venue.  Enjoy performances from popular artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire, Journey and Rob Thomas.

Reno Livestock Event Center

Take in one of the featured equine and rodeo events or consider hosting one of your own. Many groups have used the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center for special events. We have Destination Management Companies who will help to arrange a rodeo just for you!

Shopping

The new Legends at Sparks Marina opened in August and has become a favorite of visitors. This beautifully landscaped project showcases water features, fireplaces and statues of the area’s legends.  Additionally, you will find the 248,000 GSF Scheels All Sports Store, Saks Off 5th, Nike Outlet and much more.  The Summit Sierra Mall is a beautiful lifestyles mall with featuring Dillard’s, Orvis and 70 other stores.  The Summit has redefined the art of high-end shopping.  Looking for something a little more eclectic or boutique shopping? Enjoy the Riverwalk in downtown Reno where unique shops can be found; a few steps farther and you will be on California Avenue featuring a fun mix of stores from the Kaliforia Jean Bar to Planet Blue.  These are just a few of the fun locations our guests will enjoy if shopping is what they are looking for!

Dining

In the Reno area you will find the chain restaurants you are familiar with PF Chang’s, Outback Steakhouse and Red Lobster. However, look a little closer and you will find some fun, unique and offbeat dining opportunities.  Enjoy something from the menu at the Stonehouse Cafe. El Adobe, features fantastic margaritas and traditional Mexican fare in a fun atmosphere. Francis’ Asian Bistro includes sushi and Asian Fusion meals. Dine outside for a spectacular view of Reno. The list could go on and on there are one-of-a-kind restaurants in all local casino properties and many more hidden gems around Reno.  During your convention we provide attendees with a dining guide and maps to help them easily find the tasty delights in and around the Reno area.

I am ready to help you with proposals from any of our quality properties. Please call or e-mail to discuss your RFP to tmctee@rscva.com or (775) 827-7798.

We eagerly anticipate the opening of the Legends at Sparks Marina on June 18.  This destination retail center adds dozens of shops and restaurants – from flagship stores to independent retailers – and another great resource for hosting Reno-Tahoe meetings.

Phase 1 of the Legends at Sparks Marina will add to the already successful operation of Scheels, the World’s Largest All Sports Store (265,000 GSF of space including an indoor Ferris Wheel).

This project is a great location for planners to create unique opening receptions, dinners, off-site functions and activities. The beautiful landscape creates a fun environment with waterfalls, plazas, firepits and history all within a 15-minute bus ride of major convention hotels.

The concept of Legends is to provide a comfortable, unique environment for shoppers; a place where people come to experience the setting and possibly pick up a few necessities while they are enjoying themselves.  Why the name “Legends” you ask? The developer has incorporated Northern Nevada legends in the design; you will find a statue of Mark Twain, sculptures depicting the area, a water feature celebrating the Pony Express, depictions of the Reno Air Races and much more.

In addition to the fun atmosphere, guests will enjoy quality shopping with more than 50 percent of the development accommodating outlet shopping (Saks Off 5th, Banana Republic, Bose, Guess, Lane Bryant, etc.) and when guests are ready to rest their feet they can enjoy a meal or their favorite cold/hot beverage – there are plenty of dining establishments to meet a variety of tastes and budgets.  Whet your whistle at the Cadillac Ranch and try your hand at pool, bowling or the electronic bull; enjoy great music and food at Jazz, A Louisiana Kitchen or grab a sandwich at Subway and slip outside to watch the sunset …

In future phases the Legends at Sparks Marina will offer a 13-screen movie complex featuring IMAX, more restaurants, family activities and expanded opportunities for our region’s guests.

The dedicated sales staff at the Reno-Sparks Convention Visitors Authority is ready to help book your meeting in Reno and show you how the Legends at Sparks Marina will provide an affordable option for various elements of your event.

Please call or e-mail to discuss your meeting to rnichols@rscva.com or (775) 827-7798.

- Robyn Nichols, RSCVA National Sales Manager

Downtown Reno is the bustling epicenter of our region, featuring thousands of conveniently located rooms, modern facilities and after-hours amenities like a Triple A baseball park (home of the Reno Aces), a Riverwalk region, and countless cafes, restaurants and nightclubs.

In the heart of downtown Reno, the 928-room Harrah’s Reno offers a tradition of service steeped in history. Bill Harrah opened the original Harrah’s Club in 1946 and to this day Harrah’s boasts a loyal customer base due to years of service and an impeccable reputation.

Harrah’s is perfect for groups needing 24,000 GSF of flexible meeting space, using the Downtown Reno Events Center/Downtown Ballroom or as an overflow property for citywide groups. Harrah’s is the closest hotel to the brand new Aces’ stadium and the city’s entertainment district, and within a few blocks of the Truckee River, arts district, National Automobile Museum (Bill Harrah’s Collection) and much more. Meeting planners who select Harrah’s will find a dedicated staff ready to meet their needs with impeccable service.

Harrah’s Reno highlights:

• 928 deluxe rooms
• Seven unique restaurants and cafes
• Complimentary self/valet parking
• Complimentary airport shuttle (less than 3 miles from the airport)
• Close proximity to a variety of outdoor and indoor venues
• Heart of downtown Reno with plenty of cultural and recreational offerings
• Sammy’s Showroom with nightly entertainment

Harrah’s provides quality, value and service in a downtown setting; do not hesitate to consider this gem when looking at Reno for your next meeting. I am ready to help you with proposals from any of our quality properties. Please call or e-mail to discuss your RFP to tmctee@rscva.com or (775) 827-7798.

(This is the fifth in an occasional series profiling Reno-Tahoe properties’ meeting and convention amenities)

- Tanna McTee, RSCVA National Sales Manager

Throughout the Reno-Tahoe area there are myriad choices for meeting planners looking for excellent spaces coupled with first-class lodging. In downtown Reno, a shining example of the “best of all worlds” for meetings is the Silver Legacy Resort Casino.

Located in the heart of downtown Reno among several resorts and an entertainment and shopping corridor, the Silver Legacy offers 1,720 luxury rooms. When combined with the other hotels in the tri-property complex (Circus Circus Reno and the Eldorado Hotel Casino) the number of available rooms jumps to 4,200.

With over 90,000 GSF of meeting space and a convenient location to 56,000 GSF of exhibit space at the Reno Events Center, the Silver Legacy is a favorite among meeting planners. Small and mid-size convention groups enjoy the opportunity to take over the downtown community and find themselves the “big event” in town.

The Silver Legacy can comfortably handle groups up to 3,000 people and offers an experiences services staff for any meeting planner’s needs.

Silver Legacy Resort Casino highlights:

• 1,720 Deluxe Rooms
• 28 unique restaurants (within the tri-properties complex)
• Complimentary self- and valet parking
• Complimentary airport shuttle (less than 5 miles from the airport)
• Walking distance to the Truckee River Arts District (three blocks)
• Walking distance to outdoor recreation, entertainment and museums
• Walking distance to the brand new Reno Aces Triple A baseball park
• Regularly scheduled A-list entertainment and an on-site comedy club

I could say more; however, a past customer best describes the service at Silver Legacy: “In all my years of association meeting planning, I have yet to run across a staff as efficient, courteous and professional as that of the Silver Legacy.” – The Rental Industry Association

I look forward to working with you to get proposals from our quality properties. Please call or e-mail me to discuss your RFP to tmctee@rscva.com or (775) 827-7798.

(This is the third in an occasional series profiling Reno-Tahoe properties’ meeting and convention amenities)

- Tanna McTee, RSCVA National Sales Manager

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!

Another great option for meetings attendees is the Peppermill Reno Hotel Casino.

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)

- Tanna McTee, RSCVA National Sales Manager

One of the benefits of meeting in Reno-Tahoe is access to more than 1 million square feet of flexible meeting space, coupled with nearly 20,000 conveniently located hotel rooms. Here, in addition to a large-scale convention center (as well as other regional convention spaces) dozens of hotel and casino properties offer their own high-quality rooms. One such property is John Ascuaga’s Nugget in Sparks.

John Ascuaga’s promise and commitment to service for the last 50 years is best described by this statement: “I am committed to providing the premier meeting and convention complex in the country,” says owner John Ascuaga. “We tailor our facilities to fit your group’s needs. Your meeting will be a success. You have my word.”

This family-owned property exceeds expectations; with over 110,000 GSF of meeting space featuring a trade show pavilion and 23 breakout rooms it is a great fit for meetings from 30-3,000 people.

Some additional highlights found at the Nugget:

• 1,600 Deluxe Guest Rooms (including a recent full tower remodel)
• Eight award-winning restaurants from fine dining to home-style fare
• Complimentary self and valet parking
• Complimentary airport shuttle (less than 3 miles from Reno-Tahoe International Airport)
• Complimentary year-round indoor pool and fitness center
• Full service salon and spa
• Situated on Victorian Square with a variety of additional restaurants, shopping and recreational activities
• Located less than 1 mile from Sparks Marina recreation area
• Located 1 mile from the Legends at Sparks Marina destination shopping center, home to Scheels, the World’s Largest All Sports Store (nearly 300,000 square feet)
  This is just a sample of what you can expect at the Nugget and it is available at a surprising value – for more information visit www.janugget.com.

(This is the first in an occasional series profiling Reno-Tahoe properties’ meeting and convention amenities)

- Tanna McTee, RSCVA National Sales Manager

A new pedestrian walkway connecting the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa has elevated the amenities available to convention exhibitors and attendees in Reno-Tahoe.

The Atlantis Sky Bridge offers convenient, all-weather access between the two facilities as well as opportunities for exhibitors to use the new space to attract attention in a high-visibility traffic area. Since the project was completed this year, it has already seen significant use by conventioneers looking to grab a bite at one of the resort’s many restaurants, visit the gaming floor or stop in to their hotel rooms.

The project was conceived as a partnership between the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority and the Atlantis, and was fast-tracked for construction. Panoramic windows on either side of the walkway offer a stunning view of the Sierra Nevada to the West and the desert mountains to the East.

The project adds significant meeting capabilities to the already 500,000 square feet available at the convention center, with the hotel’s meeting rooms, as well as after-hours restaurants and nightclubs. A wide walkway area is a great place to set up tables, displays and information kiosks.

- Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority staff

Preparations are complete, and the party is underway as the 2009 Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Expo takes over the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and a large outdoor showcase area at the adjoining Atlantis Casino Resorts Spa. HPBExpo is one of Tradeshow Week’s Top 200 North American Shows.

More than 6,000 HPBExpo attendees and exhibitors in the hearth, patio and barbecue industries are expected to attend Thursday-Saturday from all points of the globe, including Japan, China, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Switzerland.

The show uses most of the 500,000-plus square feet of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, which has been fitted with gas and exhaust lines to accommodate the convention. When all is said and done, attendees and exhibitors will have booked approximately 12,000 room nights (20,000 rooms are available in the region), many in deluxe hotel-casinos. Dozens of properties are within walking distance or a short drive to the convention center.

To kick of the week of activities, attendees were greeted at Reno-Tahoe International Airport on March 18 with live music, concierge service and barbecued tri-tip courtesy of Washoe Flats steakhouse.

To read about the hearth, patio and barbecue’s leading trade show, visit them online at HPBExpo.com. To learn more about meetings and conventions in Reno-Tahoe, log on to MeetRenoTahoe.com.

- Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority Staff

Many are not aware of the possibilities in Reno-Tahoe when it comes to pulling off the perfect meeting or convention.

We at the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority have heard meeting planners and executive directors from various organizations tell us about perceptions; how they have thought of our area as a small town with casinos and maybe a few hotel rooms with limited meeting space.

This perception could not be further from the truth; in fact Reno-Tahoe boasts the following meeting capabilities and activities for delegates:

• 20,000 hotel rooms with peak blocks up to 8,000 in as few as five hotels
• An international airport with one-stop access from most worldwide hubs and affordable rates with major airlines (Southwest, Delta, American, United…to name a few)
• Over 1 million GSF of meeting space including a 565,000 GSF Convention Center and a major convention hotel with 200,000 GSF
• All major convention hotels in Reno proper are within 5 miles of the airport and offer complimentary shuttle transportation
• Lake Tahoe is 45 minutes from the airport with very reasonable shuttle costs
• The Truckee River runs through the middle of downtown Reno and through Sparks, and features two kayak parks, a performing arts amphitheater, nightclubs, restaurants, shopping, casinos and much more
• The Legends at Sparks Marina destination retail center includes shopping and recreation, while visitors can also take advantage of beach activities, fishing, scuba diving and much more
• Mountain views from just about every room in town
• A thriving arts and culture scene; one legacy event, Artown, includes more than 300 events during the month of July
• Twenty-four hour nightlife, including music, nightclubs, casino action and live performance art
• Affordable food and beverage – about 35 percent lower – offering affordability from a cost standpoint
• A new Triple A baseball team the Reno Aces begins its first season in April in a brand new 10,000-seat baseball stadium in the heart of downtown Reno

This is a sample of what you can expect to find in our community and we look forward to providing you a full proposal to showcase what we have to offer. Those same meeting planners and executive directors selected Reno-Tahoe when they took the time to visit our destination…we hope you will be next!

- Tanna McTee, RSCVA National Sales Manager