Next Big Thing - Reno Tahoe USA

NEXTBIG THING

the

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

!sm_reno_0413.indd 1sm_reno_0413.indd 1 3/12/13 4:22 PM3/12/13 4:22 PM

3APRIL 2013

In a time when value is everything, there are so few destinations that actually deliver. In the case of Reno Tahoe USA, the value you get is real. Whether it’s negotiating for a great group rate with the owner of the hotel, or working hand-in-hand with the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority for a comprehensive package at one of its conference venues, you’ll fi nd true value in Reno Tahoe USA. In fact, you could save up to 30% compared to other meeting destinations. Th at savings, combined with its outstanding resort off erings—nine properties boast between 800 and 2,000 rooms—and effi cient airline connections, makes Reno Tahoe USA a shining player in the resort meetings market. And the support you receive is equally stellar. For example, the Reno-Sparks CVA staff has received the Gold Service Award for 17 consecutive years from

Meetings & Conventions magazine’s readers, and is a 10-time winner of Successful Meetings magazine’s Pinnacle Award. Th at’s a huge feat in a competitive marketplace. If you don’t know much about Reno Tahoe USA, this report will introduce you to the region’s many advantages. And if you’re already familiar with what Reno has to off er, these pages will bring you up to date. Either way, you have a lot to gain from booking your group in “Th e Biggest Little City in the World.”

DELIVERSVALUE

Reno Tahoe USA

!

ContentsReno Tahoe USA: More than you know Reno Tahoe USA: More than you know and better tand better than you thinkhan you think ...................... ...................... 4How can Reno Tahoe USA make How can Reno Tahoe USA make you look good? you look good? ........................................ ........................................6 Five top misperceptions Five top misperceptions about Reno Tahoe USAabout Reno Tahoe USA ............................. .............................8Unique meetings venuesUnique meetings venues .......................... .......................... 1111Reno-Sparks convention facilitiesReno-Sparks convention facilities ........... ........... 1212Meeting resortsMeeting resorts ....................................... ....................................... 1414

Produced by Northstar Meetings Group

Custom Media Department

100 Lighting Way, 2nd Floor,

Secaucus, NJ 07094

(201) 902-2000

Lesley Krautheim, Group Managing Editor

Alison Golub, Editor

Janice Hill Perez, Senior Editor

Sarah Veit, Associate Editor

Tessa Sestina, Art Director

Adam Schaffer, Production Specialist

Gina Russo, Production Specialist

Marianne Chmielewski, Group Production Manager

Michael Ardizzone, Contributing Writer

entsents

s


sm_reno_0413.indd 3sm_reno_0413.indd 3 3/12/13 3:02 PM3/12/13 3:02 PM

4 APRIL 2013


Reno Tahoe USA:MORE THAN YOU KNOW…AND betterTHAN YOU THINK

• Accountability. Th e Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) sells and operates most of the area’s major group facilities in the Reno-Sparks area. Th at gives the RSCVA control and accountability over the success of your event. “We have a unique model. Th e Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority owns or manages the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, the Reno Events Center, the National Bowling Stadium and Wildcreek Golf Course, so you don’t have to deal with a ‘middle man’ in Reno,” says the RSCVA’s CEO Christopher Baum.

• Proven value. While many destinations talk about value, Reno Tahoe USA brings it. Meeting planners will fi nd that its prices are up to 30% lower and the “small-town” service is greater, and that translates into higher value for your budgeted dollars. “Reno Tahoe off ers incredible value for meetings and conventions by extending second-tier pricing for fi rst-tier-quality hotels and facilities,” says Baum. “Where else can you fi nd coff ee for under $40 a gallon?”

• Negotiability. Th e destination boasts nine resorts with more than 800 rooms. And if you’re looking for a deal—and who isn’t—you’ll get it, because many of the top resorts are independently owned. So, you can negotiate the best rates directly with the property because they’re not locked in by national hotel chain formulas. Th at’s a rarity among U.S. destinations of this size.

With all it has to off er, the Reno meetings product deserves to be a top option among meeting planners. So, why choose Reno Tahoe USA? Consider these points:

APRIL 2013


6 APRIL 2013


Happy attendees make better meetings, and all that makes for successful, happy meeting planners. So how can booking your meeting in Reno Tahoe USA make you look good?

d g g

So how does that work with the RSCVA? “Th e same team that sells the facilities manages and negotiates prices and concessions at the facilities, which gives us much greater fl exibility to extend the best possible package to associations, corporations and special events,” says Baum.

• Event expertise. Th e RSCVA has earned a reputation for accommodating meetings of many kinds and making them a success. “Th e RSCVA is defi nitely meeting savvy. Our sales team alone has over 250 years of hospitality experience among them, and with nine hotels off ering between 800 and 2,000 rooms and suites—and dozens of smaller properties as well—we had better know a thing or two about hosting everything from VIP board meetings to top-tier citywide conventions and complex special events that draw over 500,000 attendees (each) here every summer,” according to John Leinen, Vice President of Sales.

• Variety of resorts. Reno Tahoe USA has an excellent mix of fi rst- and second-tier properties to choose from, especially considering that it’s a mid-size destination with an area population of 420,000. Additionally, its wide array of recreational options are strictly world-class.

• Ease of access. Th e Reno-Tahoe International Airport off ers direct service to 18 major cities in the U.S. and is only 10 minutes away from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and 20,000 hotel rooms. Complimentary shuttles are available to and from the airport from most properties. As Baum says, “It’s the best airport setup I’ve seen.” Given all these strengths, RSCVA’s Leinen says, “No other destination in North America has the unique combination we have here.” In fact, because of its many advantages, the area is fast gaining national recognition and many large corporations, including Apple, General Motors, Patagonia, Urban Outfi tters, Barnes and Noble, and many others have built major facilities in the area.

• It gives you more bang for your budget. Th anks to local ownership of many resorts, Reno’s pricing will help you stay on or under budget, and that will always make you look good. “I always tell meeting planners to book us now, because we can’t keep charging rates this low forever,” says Leinen.

HowCAN RENO TAHOE USA MAKE YOU LOOK good?


8 APRIL 2013


• For many, it’s a “new” destination. Many of your attendees may be coming for the fi rst time. Reno Tahoe USA will be new to them, and that will make for an exciting experience. Do you really think your group is looking forward to traveling somewhere—anywhere—for the 20th time?

You can help sell your attendees with this perspective: “Reno-Tahoe is one of the last, great, ‘undiscovered’ meeting destinations in North America. It off ers amazing facilities, dramatic Western settings and incredible value in a mild, high desert locale, and it’s just a four-hour drive from San Francisco,” says Baum.

• The RSCVA has many original team-building ideas. Th e RSCVA can help you craft ideas for original team-building activities that keep things exciting. And the RSCVA covers the details down to the little things, like a fully customized meetings app that they provide to qualifi ed customers...for free.

And that’s not all, according to the RSCVA’s Baum, “Reno, Sparks and North Lake Tahoe are especially well suited, as a four season destination resort, to off er unique team-building ideas. How about navigating kayaks through the rapids in the Truckee River, right downtown? A race through the desert in high performance dune buggies? Scaling the world’s tallest outdoor climbing wall over Virginia Street in downtown Reno? A stand-up paddleboard race in beautiful Lake Tahoe? Th e list goes on and on….”

• It provides many options for pre- and post-event activities. In Reno Tahoe USA, you won’t fi nd the “same old, same old.” Lake Tahoe is a world unto itself and provides countless activities—both on water and on land. A visit to Virginia City is a one-of-a-kind outing that will bring your group back to the Wild West. You may even see free-roaming wild horses on the drive over! (Northern Nevada has the most in the country.)

FIVE TOP MISPERCEPTIONS ABOUT RENOFor various reasons, Reno Tahoe USA is sometimes overlooked.

That may be because planners have an image in their

minds that doesn’t match the real Reno. Here are some

misperceptions that planners have expressed, and the realities

that counter them. Use these points when selling your group on

Reno as a destination.

1) It’s too hot. Well, no. Reno Tahoe USA is hot with activities,

but the weather is much more temperate than southern

Nevada. The city sits at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain

range, which means that the summer is warm, but not

oppressive, and a perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors.

2) It’s just a mini-Vegas. If you think that, take a closer look.

Reno Tahoe USA doesn’t have Celine Dion, but it does have

adventures in store and spectacular mountains, lakes, golf and

water sports. Nevada is a huge state (it’s the seventh largest,

bigger than New York and Alabama put together), so in fact

Reno is much closer to San Francisco (four hours by car) than

Las Vegas (about eight hours by car). Reno and Las Vegas may

be in the same state, but they’re nothing like each other.

3) All they have is gaming. For your groups who want gaming,

Reno has it, but it’s only one feature among many that will

appeal to meeting-goers. In addition to the area’s many varied

and popular events—from ballooning to classical orchestras to

desert racing—the adventures are limitless.

4) It’s hard to get to. Reno Tahoe USA is actually ideally

situated: it’s a day’s drive from the entire Western U.S., and

there are non-stop fl ights from 18 U.S. cities. The airport is only

10 minutes away from the convention center and 20,000 hotel

rooms. Free shuttles from the airport to many properties

make it easy to move your group into town. Expanding on

the level of air service, Baum says, “We’re served by

Southwest, Delta, American, United, US Airways, Alaska

and many other airlines.”

5) No one goes there. The RSCVA booked 149 defi nite

meetings in 2012 (with individual hotels directly booking

hundreds more). The area attracts approximately 4.3 million

visitors a year, and more and more people are discovering the

location. Likewise, an increasing number of mega-corporations

are beginning to recognize its many outstanding attributes

and are relocating to the area. You can see for yourself, as the

RSCVA’s Leinen says, “We’re always willing to fl y qualifi ed

prospects out for a look at this terrifi c meetings destination.”


3 2 5 - 7 4 0 1 1 - 8 0 0 - M U S T - S E E ( 6 8 7 - 8 7 3 3 ) s i l v e r l e g a c y . c o m

We’ve got enough fl exible space to house just about

any event you can think up. Plus, we’re right next door

to the Reno Events Center and the Reno Ballroom,

giving you even more room to spread out (and off er

up to vendors and exhibitors). Mix in 1,700 rooms,

award-winning restaurants, great service, big name

entertainment, and your event will be nothing less

than a big success.

Make your next BIG event even BIGGER at the Silver Legacy.

155,000 SQUARE FEET OF MEETING & EXHIBITION SPACE

ADJACENT TO RENO EVENTS CENTER & THE RENO BALLROOM

1,700 GUEST ROOMS & SUITES • BIG NAME ENTERTAINMENT

SIX RESTAURANTS • 24-HOUR GAMING & NIGHTLIFE

Why not make it even bigger?

bigPLANNING Aevent?

11APRIL 2013


UNIQUE MEETINGS VENUESReno Tahoe USA offers an endless list of venues to choose from.

How about a subterranean magic theater? Or an historic estate

with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe? The RSCVA can assist you

with fi nding the indoor and outdoor locations that will make your

meeting productive, memorable and fun.

BOWLING ANYONE? To encourage some friendly competition,

suggest a few frames at the National Bowling Stadium. It claims

to be the only facility of its kind in the world where groups of 50 to

2,000 can gather and bowl. The stadium includes 88 championship

lanes, the world’s longest video screen and stadium seating for

over 600.

CAR FARE. How often can you take a picture of your group

around a million dollar car? With more than 200 vintage and

collectible automobiles, and a “Top 5” national ranking, the National

Automobile Museum is a unique choice for meetings, receptions,

dinners, luncheons and theme events, for groups from 50 to 1,200.

Plus, there is a 157-seat theater with a 19’ x 11’ high-def screen.

DRAMATIC BALLROOM. The Downtown Reno Ballroom is the

newest and largest ballroom in downtown Reno and offers 32,700

square feet of luxurious and versatile entertainment and meeting

space to accommodate groups of more than 1,900 for an elaborate

dinner and 2,900 for a general session.

ART APPRECIATION. For groups ranging from 30 to 500 who

have an artistic or cultural affi nity, the Nevada Museum of Art is

a logical choice. The museum features unparalleled views of the

Sierra Nevada mountains, a lecture hall, a theater and elegant

reception rooms. The museum is Nevada’s only accredited art

museum and features an array of traveling and local exhibitions,

including modern, classic and Impressionist painting and

sculptures.

MEETINGS MASTERPIECE. If you’re looking for an intimate,

sophisticated venue for small to medium groups, consider Sierra

Arts in the heart of Reno’s trendy Truckee River Arts District.

The large gallery room, where attendees can mingle among the

permanent and rotating exhibits, accommodates receptions of up to

120 people.

AMAZING DISCOVERIES IN STORE. Still a new facility, the

Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum opened in September

2011. The 64,000-square-foot museum is located in Reno’s

former City Hall. In addition to fl ex spaces for cocktails, meetings

and events, the museum has a number of programming spaces,

including the World’s only Spark!Lab Smithsonian located outside

the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The staff can help you plan

interesting, educational activities tailored to your group’s needs.

MEETINGS MAGIC. The Truckee River Arts District is also home

to the Magic Underground, located under the Pioneer Center for

Performing Arts. Perfect for a quick bite or a cocktail reception, the

venue lets your attendees mix their post-meeting with magic. The

mysterious events take place in an intimate space—a subterranean

200-seat theater that includes a full bar and museum.

OLD WEST ADVENTURE. For a bit of the Old West, the Wilbur D.

May Center combines a museum, an arboretum and the Great Basin

Adventure—an experience that can bring out the “kid” in even the

toughest CEO. Your group can pet animals, ride a pony, pan for gold,

ride an old fashioned log fl ume or explore the discovery room. With

several one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor spaces, the property is

fl exible enough to host meetings from a small group of friends to

companies with 200 employees.

SPECTACULAR SETTING. For a background with jaw-dropping

beauty, consider Incline Village/Crystal Bay, set along Lake Tahoe’s

north shore. Located only 40 minutes from the Reno-Tahoe

International Airport, you’ll appreciate the fi rst-class hotel rooms,

world-class golf courses and outdoor recreation in addition to its

stunning setting.

PARK IT. The Sand Harbor State Park in Incline Village is a

Lake Tahoe location with sandy beaches, a boat launch, picnic

area, restaurant-like concession stand and covered pavilion for

100 to 150 people. You can use the park in many ways to create

an unforgettable experience for your group. With the ability to

accommodate up to 1,000 people, the theater includes a 68’ by 35’

stage area.

LAKE VIEWS. Thunderbird Lake Tahoe is a historic Lake Tahoe

estate that is home to a 50-foot waterfall, a great place to set your

group photo. Built in the late 1930s, the lodge offers 5,400 square

feet of meeting space in six rooms, including an outdoor patio with

direct views of Lake Tahoe. The main lodge features a Lakeside

Ballroom with fl oor-to-ceiling windows with lake views. The lodge

can accommodate groups of approximately 300.


12 APRIL 2013


Reno-Sparks CONVENTION FACILITIES

Reno-Sparks Convention CenterFor large gatherings, the 500,000-square-foot Reno-Sparks Convention Center (RSCC) boasts fi ve contiguous exhibit halls with 381,000 square feet of space, located all on one level. Th e drive-in doors are highlighted by a 39’ wide by 32’ high hangar door,

big enough for an airplane, if that’s on your agenda, and other oversized equipment. Th e Mt. Rose Ballroom has 30,000 square feet of column-free space for formal dining, general sessions, seminars, and/or exhibits. It’s divisible into seven meeting rooms. Fifty-three meeting rooms, accommodating groups from 50 to more than 3,000, fi ll out the Convention Center. Th e central registration lobby provides 17,500 square feet of fl exible space, while a second registration area means that multiple events can be accommodated simultaneously.

Reno Events CenterTh e Reno Events Center is a multipurpose arena that’s versatile enough to host events from rock concerts to basketball games. Its fl exible 7,500-seat capacity and its downtown location make it a popular

Th e RSCVA owns and/or operates the convention center, the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, the Reno Events Center, the National Bowling Stadium and Wildcreek Golf Course. For meetings, post-meeting cocktails, competitions, bonding challenges…the options represented here are endless. Here then, is a quick look at the RSCVA’s meetings venues and how you can utilize them to meet your needs.

MEET THE RSCVAThe Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) was established in 1959 and acts as a sales and marketing organization for

the county to promote convention and tourism business. Unlike most other convention and visitor bureaus, the RSCVA owns and operates

several facilities. The vision of the RSCVA is to be a premier, year-round, western destination for leisure and group/convention travelers.

Their award-winning staff prides itself on its unique ability to accommodate groups of varied types and interests.

RSCVA’s customer service is second to none; they’re determined to compete with better-known meetings venues. The RSCVA has

received many accolades from past meetings planners who have held events of all types and sizes.

Your direct RSCVA contact: John Leinen, Vice President – Sales; (775) 827-7704; [email protected], www.MeetRenoTahoe.com

ning, d/ hibi


p013SM_Ren0413.indd 13p013SM_Ren0413.indd 13 3/8/13 10:14 AM3/8/13 10:14 AM

14 APRIL 2013


group choice. Th ere’s 56,000 square feet of dedicated exhibit space on the fi rst fl oor, plus a 14,000-square-foot pre-function concourse.

National Bowling StadiumTh e National Bowling Stadium is the only facility of its kind in the world. Th e Los Angeles Times called it the “Taj Mahal of Tenpins.” For starters, how many bowling lanes greet visitors with a four-story lobby? Th e stadium boasts 88 championship lanes and the longest video screen in the world—ideal for your groups to project video images and other team-building programs. Th e open and versatile design of many areas of the National Bowling Stadium allows it to be

transformed to suit any event. Th e Stadium Club can host your group, or act as a pre-event lounge, and features a full-service bar, large-screen TV, pool table and a spectacular view of the downtown corridor. Th e newest addition to the National Bowling Stadium is the Kingpin Club by Brunswick—10 bowling lanes set in an intimate stadium club atmosphere with its own bar and lounging area. Th is area is ideal for VIP bowling parties of up to 280 people.

Reno-Sparks Livestock Events CenterHold your meeting at a rodeo venue? Yes! Where else could you plan your own private rodeo or have a steer decorating contest? Th e Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC) is set a few minutes from downtown Reno and 10 minutes from the airport. Th e building features two indoor and two outdoor arenas and a 20,000-square-foot exhibition hall. Th e main arena has seating for 6,200 people. Th e facility’s 20,000-square-foot exhibition hall has a 100-by-200-foot cement fl oor. Although the RSLEC hosts many equestrian and rodeo events, it also hosts college sports, motocross and monster truck competitions.

DRIVING DISTANCES BETWEEN RENO-SPARKS AND MAJOR WESTERN U.S. CITIESBend, OR ................................................ 393

Boise, ID ..................................................424

Las Vegas, NV .........................................450

Salt Lake City, UT ...................................519

Los Angeles, CA .....................................520

Portland, OR ...........................................580

San Diego, CA .........................................650

Seattle, WA .............................................752

Phoenix, AZ ............................................891

DID YOU KNOW?RENO-SPARKS…• is the most populous Nevada city outside

of the Las Vegas metropolitan area.

• sits in a high desert valley at the foot of

the Sierra Nevada mountains.

• is widely known as “The Biggest Little

City in the World.”

• was a stopover along the First

Transcontinental Railroad.


15APRIL 2013


Meeting RESORTS

The following listings provide only a brief rundown of some of the top meeting resorts in the Reno-Sparks area. Contact the RSCVA at 1-800-443-1482 for more information.

Atlantis Casino Resort SpaMeeting & convention space: 50,000 sq. ft.Rooms: 824

What’s special? Directly connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center; holds AAA Four-Diamond rating.What’s new? Recent $100 million expansion. Doubled convention space with a Grand Ballroom and eight meeting rooms, an Executive Boardroom and a new Business Center.What else? Spa Atlantis won the 2012 SpaFinder’s Readers’ Choice Award for “Best Hotel Casino Spa.”

Circus Circus RenoMeeting & convention space: over 28,000 sq. ft.Rooms: 1,572 What’s special? 8,126-square-foot Mandalay Ballroom can be divided into two rooms, and six breakout rooms surround it.What else? Part of the Tri-Property Complex (with Silver Legacy and Eldorado Resorts) with over 4,200 rooms and 110,000 sq. ft. of combined meeting space.

Eldorado Hotel Casino Meeting & convention space: Over 12,000 sq. ft.Rooms: 814 What’s special? Family owned and operated; Broadway-style productions held in the Eldorado Showroom.What else? Named “Best Rooms and Suites” by Casino Player magazine.

Grand Sierra Resort & CasinoMeeting & convention space: 200,000 sq. ft.Rooms: Nearly 2,000 What’s new? Currently undergoing a $50 million renovation. Enhancements in 2013 include indoor pool and nightclub, spa and health club.

What’s special? A cinema; 50-lane bowling; outdoor thrill rides; aqua golf driving range; the largest casino north of Las Vegas. What else? Grand Ballroom and Grand Salon alone offer 39,846 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Harrah’s RenoMeeting & convention space: 24,000 sq. ft.Rooms: 928 What’s special? The 324-seat Sammy’s Showroom is famous because Sammy Davis Jr. made his fi rst appearance there.What else? 14,000-square-foot convention center; 16 breakout rooms.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & CasinoMeeting & convention space:

Over 50,000 sq. ft. Rooms: 422What’s new? Recent $20 million renovation of its guestrooms, Sierra Café and the Spa Terrace Conference Center. What’s special? AAA Four-Diamond rating; 5,000-sq.-ft. seasonal outdoor pavilion and private beach.What else? Spa Terrace Conference Center ideal for small to mid-sized events.

John Ascuaga’s Nugget Meeting & convention space: 110,000 sq. ft., including the new Executive Conference Center. Rooms: 1,600 What’s special? The Poolside Terrace features fl oor-to-ceiling windows. Resort’s two 29-story towers present views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. What else? Convention complex features two ballrooms, a trade show pavilion and 23 breakout rooms.

Peppermill Resort Spa CasinoMeeting & convention space: 106,000 sq. ft. Rooms: 1,623 What’s special? AAA Four Diamond rating. Heating is provided from geothermal energy produced on the property.What else? 43,000-square-foot Spa & Salon Toscana and fi tness center.

Sands Regency Casino HotelMeeting & convention space: Regency and Dynasty Towers; Regency Ballroom is 4,784 sq. ft. Rooms: 833 What’s special? Meetings facilities also designed for budget-conscious groups.What else? Complimentary health club and Jacuzzi.

Siena Hotel Spa CasinoMeeting & convention space: 11,000 sq. ft.Rooms: 214 What’s special? Reno’s boutique resort; Siena ballroom at 7,000 sq. ft., with theater seating for up to 700.What else? Terrazza and River View Patio for cocktails and receptions.

Silver Legacy Resort CasinoMeeting & convention space:

50,000 sq. ft., including 19,360 sq.-ft. Grande Exposition Hall. Rooms: 1,711 What’s special? 120-ft. automated antique mining rig set under dome with laser light shows.What else? Variety of combinable breakout rooms. Adjacent to the Reno Events Center.


always something

unconventional

Please call for our FAM specialsContact Toni Koster | Director of Sales

[email protected] | 800.994.5900

*Winner of SpaFinder’s Readers’ Choice award, Best Casino Hotel Spa.

every player’s paradise.SM

3800 S. Virginia Street | Reno NV 89502 | 800.723.6500 | atlantiscasino.com/smeet |

Atlantis is an award-winning conference facility. State-of-the-art

technology in each meeting room gives you complete control.

Atlantis offers professional expertise and resources to make your

next event or conference a big success.

BOOK YOUR NEXT MEETING OR CONVENTION WITH CONFIDENCE

50,000 sq. ft. of fl exible meeting space | Reno’s only resort connected to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center via Sky Bridge

Eight award-winning restaurants | Top ten spa in the world* Reno’s only Concierge Hotel Tower

Stay. Dine. Spa. Play. In Four Diamond luxury.

Next Big Thing - Reno Tahoe USA

Documents

case of reno tahoe usa

renosparks area

th e renosparks convention

deliversvaluereno tahoe

contentsreno tahoe usa

renosparks cva staff

th ats

resort meetings market