Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority: the most affordable destination offers first-class service and amenities.

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority prides itself on surpassing the quality association meeting planners have come to expect. The RSCVA staff provides every group the highest level of service and is available to be the extra set of hands a meetings professional may need to make sure an event runs smoothly, from initial site inspections to security at the front door.

Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Reno-Tahoe is a four-season destination. World-class golf courses and magnificent alpine and Nordic ski resorts combine with an extraordinary mix of history and culture, 24-hour gaming and entertainment, and superb convention and meeting facilities. Reno-Tahoe offers world-class accommodations and facilities at average costs 30 percent less than competing destinations. In fact, last year Reno was named Tradeshow Week's "most affordable city."

FACILITIES

The Reno-Sparks Convention Center recently underwent a $105 million expansion, offering more than 500,000 square feet of meeting and exhibition space in 53 meeting rooms and a 30,O00-square-foot column-free, multipurpose ballroom. The new facility has drive-in access to all exhibit halls and exclusive loading and unloading areas. Technological improvements include the addition of dedicated show floor T-1 lines, in-house ISP, satellite links, a fiber-optic network, and wireless communication technology throughout the building.

The Reno Livestock Events Center offers 35,000 square feet of exhibit space and an indoor arena seating 6,200. The Events Center is a unique place to hold a special session or memorable event such as a private rodeo or team building contest.

The National Bowling Stadium is not only the nation's premier bowling facility, with 78 high-tech championship lanes and the longest video display system in the world, but also offers an unusual alternative for group events. Tournament packages and the use of an IMAX theater are available to convention groups.

TRANSPORTATION

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport is four miles from downtown Reno and 35 miles northeast of Lake Tahoe. The airport is served by Alaska, America West, American, Continental, Frontier, Northwest, Skywest, Southwest, and United airlines. There is direct or one-stop service to all major U.S. cities. The airport is just 15 minutes from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and 20,000 hotel rooms. Complimentary shuttle transportation is provided by many hotels.

Amtrak's deluxe superliner, the California Zephyr, stops in the heart of Reno.

ACCOMMODATIONS

More than 20,000 guest rooms and 1.5 million square feet of hotel meeting and exhibit space meet the needs of any group. The room tax in downtown Reno is 13.5 percent; in outlying areas, 13 percent.

The largest hotel offers 2,003 guest rooms and 200,000 square feet of convention space. Nineteen other area hotels offer all the ingredients for a successful meeting of any size. Reno has ballrooms for trade shows, general sessions, banquets, and special events. Many of the city's casino properties offer showrooms uniquely equipped to host conferences and presentations. From state-of-the-art business centers and technical support to expert catering departments, the level of quality and service meetings planners have come to expect is found in Reno-Tahoe.

ATTRACTIONS

Meeting attendees and convention delegates quickly capture the spirit of Reno-Tahoe's colorful gaming history. From table games to the latest progressive machines, the Reno area has it all. Nightly shows include top names, spectacular performances, and lively comedy.

In Reno's newly revitalized Truckee River Arts District, visitors can listen to a concert, catch a theater performance, or browse galleries filled with paintings, sculpture, jewelry, and hand-crafted pottery. Day trips include Virginia City, Pyramid Lake, and Ponderosa Ranch, as well as fascinating museums and historical sites.

WEATHER

Reno-Tahoe enjoys an average of 320 sunny days each year. Summer temperatures range from the 70s in the mountains to the low 90s in the valley. Tahoe really shines as a destination in the summer, with cool temperatures offering a great escape.

RECREATION

With more than 40 golf courses to choose from, groups are assured of a memorable golf experience. The region is becoming known as "America's Adventure Place." Ski areas, mountains, and lakes offer active adventure for land, water, or air. Activities include everything from snowmobiling and skiing to sailing, fishing, parasailing, horseback riding, and rock climbing.

CONTACT

Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority

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Web site: www.RenoLakeTahoe.com/conventions