Reno-Sparks/Lake Tahoe.

We Know Meetings, Naturally

There's no time like the present to book RenoSparks/Lake Tahoe for your next meeting or convention. A $105 million expansion and renovation of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center (RSCC) makes it an increasingly popular place for groups to meet.

Upon completion in July 2002, the convention center will offer approximately half a million square feet of exhibit and meeting space. Delegates have room to move with 381,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space and 109,000 square feet of meeting space. The new convention center will also offer 46 meeting rooms and a 30,000-square-foot centrally located ballroom that can be used for either exhibition, divisible meetings rooms, or banquet space. And, once complete, the convention center will be capable of staging multiple groups simultaneously with increased facility services, amenities, and extensive show-production services.

In addition to more meeting space, the convention center's high-tech amenities will include

* dedicated T-1 lines to the show floor;

* in-house ISP through PCS World;

* satellite links;

* up to 100Mbs network speed; and

* wireless pocket phones and LAN service upon request.

The architectural design of the new facility incorporates the unique characteristics indigenous to the Reno-Sparks/Lake Tahoe community and landscape, with the Sierra Nevada as a unique and scenic backdrop. A dramatic glass front will mirror the mountains' beauty and reflect the region's four seasons, as well as fill the entry and reception area with natural light and unparalleled views.

The renovated convention center will also boast a specially designed public art piece designed by noted artist Patrick Zentz that will creatively highlight the destination's features. A nationally recognized artist, Zentz is also known for his work on projects for the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City and the Richard Tam Alumni Center at the University of Nevada Las Vegas as well as the Health Sciences Center at the University of Washington.

In addition to the RSCC, local hotel casino properties are poised to host your meeting or event. Host a meeting or convention in or near downtown and benefit from millions of dollars spent to upgrade facilities and add amenities for smaller conventions.

The area also offers off-site meeting locations. Give your meeting a Western feel at the Ponderosa Ranch, home of TVs popular "Bonanza" series, with facilities for up to 2,000 people. For a theatrical experience, try Shakespeare Festival Stage on the shores of Lake Tahoe, best known for the annual, award-winning Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor.

Collectively, the Reno-Sparks/Lake Tahoe area boasts more than 20,000 guest rooms in every price category. Ten major airlines offer daily flights in and out of the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which is located within a five-minute drive of the convention center.

As for spare-time diversions, Reno-Sparks/Lake Tahoe offers an abundance of outdoor recreation, golf, and skiing opportunities. Golfers choose from 40 championship courses; skiers choose from the largest concentration of ski resorts in North America, all within go minutes of downtown Reno.

Reno-Sparks/Lake Tahoe is one of the fastest growing cities in America and the hospitality industry is keeping pace with the region's popularity. Meeting and convention planners find customer service isn't a department--it's an attitude. Whether you need help with site selection, event planning, or computerized housing registration, a staff of specialists is ready to serve you.

The RSCVA Web site, www.renolaketahoe.com, offers convention and meeting planners a comprehensive, one-stop-shop for booking in Reno-Sparks/Lake Tahoe. Visitors to the site can book an event, review available meeting facilities, make online requests for proposals, and download pertinent industry information--24 hours a day, seven days a week. Interested planners simply click on the convention and meeting planner icon and fill out a request for proposal. Based on the information from the RFP, the meeting and convention planner's request is sent automatically to all qualifying hotels. In as little as a few hours, hotels interested in hosting the group will contact the meeting planner.