Reno is pulling out aces and raising its stakes as a meetings destination with a major round of development. More than 10 casino hotels in the Reno-Sparks area are undergoing large-scale renovations and expansions, and placing big bets on drawing a younger demographic and the higher-end market, in addition to boosting meetings business and bringing in larger groups.
“The renaissance that is taking place throughout Reno-Tahoe is very significant to meeting planners,” says Philip D’Amico, vice president of convention sales for the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. “In Reno-Tahoe, conventions can grow, and planners can achieve their bottom-line expectations with the phenomenal value that our hotels, facilities and attractions offer. Most importantly, Reno-Tahoe is a destination that draws attendance with entertainment and outdoor recreation that attendees enjoy pre- and post-convention.”
When event planners choose Reno, they’re picking a winner, according to D’Amico.
“Between the redevelopment that is making Reno-Tahoe an even better destination for groups and the RSCVA’s increased focus on securing group business, I see convention travel becoming a bigger percentage of Reno-Tahoe’s overall mix in the future,” he says.
In December 2007, the Peppermill unveiled a new 600-suite hotel tower featuring a 62,000-square-foot ballroom, bringing the property’s total number of guest rooms to 1,635 and total square footage of meeting space to 102,000. This summer, Peppermill will add a garden with three swimming pools, Jacuzzis and cabanas that will be available for events. This fall, the property will open a three-story spa and a Caribbean steakhouse restaurant.
This will be a big year for Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, too. The property is scheduled to complete a $50 million renovation and expansion this summer that includes a 14,000-square-foot ballroom and eight new meeting rooms, as well as a new spa. In November, the property will debut a skybridge connecting it to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Following the additions, Atlantis will offer 47,000 total square feet of meeting space.
Grand Sierra Resort and Casino recently finished a $90 million upgrade and added three restaurants and a nonsmoking wine bar. The property has 1,995 guest rooms and is currently finishing a $5 million update to its 200,000 square feet of meeting space.
In Sparks, John Ascuaga’s Nugget completed a multimillion-dollar remodel of all the guest rooms in its east tower in February. The property offers more than 1,600 guest rooms and 110,000 square feet of meeting space.
The 351-room Fitzgeralds Hotel and Casino changed hands in recent months and is planning upgrades to its guest rooms, dining options and entertainment facilities.
Other large meetings hotels in Reno include Silver Legacy Resort Casino, with 50,000 square feet of meeting space; Harrah’s Reno, with 24,000 square feet of meeting space; Circus Circus Reno, with 22,000 square feet of meeting space; Eldorado Hotel Casino, with 12,000 square feet of meeting space; Sands Regency Casino Hotel, with 12,000 square feet of meeting space; Siena Hotel Spa Casino, with 11,000 square feet of meeting space; and Boomtown Casino Hotel, with 10,500 square feet of meeting space.
The two largest group spaces in the area are the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, with 565,000 square feet of exhibition and meeting space, 53 meeting rooms and a 30,000-square-foot ballroom; and Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, with two indoor and two outdoor arenas and a 20,000-square-foot exhibit hall. The new Downtown Reno Ballroom has 32,700 square feet and is adjacent to the 118,000-square-foot Reno Events Center.
Upcoming additions to the property lineup include the Legends Marina Casino Resort Spa in Sparks, which will open in late 2009 or early 2010 with 1,000 upscale hotel rooms and 50,000 square feet of meeting space; a 127-suite Hyatt Place, scheduled to debut in 2009 adjacent to Reno-Tahoe International Airport; and two new properties to be built in Reno by Station Casinos within the next four years.
Additionally, a 135-room Hilton Garden Inn opened in south Reno in March.
Reno seems to be playing a very good hand so far, with enthusiastic responses to recent developments already pouring in.
“Planners have shared very positive feedback about the Peppermill’s new tower and ballroom because it opens up so many new possibilities for groups in close proximity to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center,” D’Amico says. “The Atlantis is scheduled to open a skybridge connecting it to the convention center, and that will be another great convenience that we can offer planners and attendees this fall.”
Convenience is another factor in Reno’s attraction for meetings.
“With most hotels within a 10-minute drive of the airport, many planners have been impressed with the ease of access as well as the free airport shuttle service offered by the major hotel casinos,” D’Amico says.
Travel into Reno-Tahoe International Airport will soon be easier than ever. The facility is constructing a new ticket lobby that will connect all of the airline ticket counters and help speed passengers on their way. The new lobby is set to open in late 2009.
Apart from the convention center and larger meeting hotels, renowned Reno attractions like the National Bowling Stadium and the National Automobile Museum are available for memorable events, and a number of offbeat alternative venues can be used for gatherings that demand a little something different.
One idea is to leverage the glam and glitter of casino shows by holding an event on a stage that’s seen countless stars.
“The best entertainers of our time have graced the stages of Reno’s casino showrooms, and these elegant, amphitheater-style facilities work extremely well for groups,” D’Amico says. “Meeting planners have found many creative ways to tap into the rich histories of the showrooms at the Grand Sierra Resort, John Ascuaga’s Nugget, the Eldorado, and Harrah’s Reno.”
The Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra boasts 1,800 seats and has been played by stars such as Dolly Parton and Jerry Seinfeld. Eldorado’s Broadway-style Eldorado Showroom seats 580 people, and the Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget seats nearly 700. Named for Sammy Davis Jr., Sammy’s Showroom at Harrah’s Reno has 420 seats.
Another unusual and entertaining choice is Magic Underground at Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts. The subterranean venue takes stage magic to a new level, producing amazing illusions with an air of drama and mystery. Pre-show demonstrations let visitors witness up-close sleight-of-hand demonstrations. The theater seats 200 people, and the space is available for receptions and other events. The center offers group discounts on tickets for performances and hospitality suites large enough for groups of 120 people. Total maximum capacity for the center is 1,500.
Planners can also add a touch of history and elegance by holding an event at the Lake Mansion. Built in 1877 for Jane and Myron Lake, a founding family of Reno, the beautifully preserved mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and can host groups as large as 150.
Meanwhile, Reno is also perfectly situated for outdoor adventures and frontier fun, giving attendees plenty of leisure-time options. The landscape of the region has something to please everyone, and numerous watersports and land adventures are available, from boating and river rafting to mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and off-roading.
“While they often know about Reno-Tahoe’s renown 24-hour entertainment, planners and attendees are often surprised by how much there is to do outdoors as well,” D’Amico says. “Reno-Tahoe is geographically blessed. We have Lake Tahoe in our backyard and we’re surrounded by beautiful mountains, lakes and rivers—and four-seasons of recreation. Our Wild West heritage is still alive and well, too.”
Lake Tahoe
Just an hour’s drive from Reno, Lake Tahoe is famous for its exceptionally deep, clear lake ringed by the majestic, snowcapped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
During warmer months, groups might enjoy a lake cruise. Lake Tahoe cruises offers two old-fashioned paddlewheel boats, the M.S. Dixie II, capable of accommodating 570 passengers, and the Tahoe Queen, with space for 500 people. For a more intimate cruise, planners can utilize the 70-foot, 1966 luxury yacht Bleu Wave, owned by MontBleu Resort Casino. Charter cruises are available for parties as large as 49 people.
More active choices for water activities include jet skiing and fishing expeditions. Summer is also hiking season, giving outdoor enthusiasts a chance to enjoy spectacular mountain vistas and a variety of wildlife.
From approximately November through April or May, skiing reigns supreme in Lake Tahoe. Nearly 20 ski resorts offer terrain for skiers of every level on summits soaring from 7,000 feet to 10,000 feet. Cross-country skiing, snow tubing and snowshoeing are also available. Many resorts offer group discount packages and meeting space.
Carson City
Named for Wild West explorer Kit Carson, Nevada’s capital city offers planners small-town solitude with plenty of historic charm. With its Victorian architecture and Old West flavor, Carson City presents a more relaxed alternative to the hot spot of Reno, just 30 miles away.
Carson City provides plentiful opportunities for planners to tap into its colorful past via historical venues. Brewery Arts Center, built in 1864 as the home of Tahoe Beer, has a meeting room large enough for 200 people and a smaller art gallery for receptions. Groups can even meet in the Nevada State Capitol Building. Its Old Assembly Hall, still graced with 1870s furnishings, can accommodate 172 people.
For a real cowboy experience, groups can visit a dude ranch in the area. Seven Mile Canyon Guest Ranch, located near Virginia City, offers a 32-seat dining room.
A few of the destination’s larger meetings hotels are Carson Nugget Casino, with 8,600 square feet of meeting space; Carson City Plaza Hotel, with 4,000 square feet of meeting space; Gold Dust West Hotel Casino, with 4,000 square feet of meeting space; Best Western Carson Station Hotel Casino, with two meeting rooms; and the Hampton Inn & Suites Carson City, with one meeting room.
Golf is a year-round draw, especially the area’s “Divine Nine” courses, which offer a combined total of 171 holes and 70,000 yards of fairways boasting mountain views, in addition to meeting and event space at several of the courses. Genoa Lakes Golf Resort can host 250 people for indoor banquets or 300 guests outdoors. The clubhouse at Silver Oak Golf Club can welcome 400 people. Empire Ranch Golf Course offers a 2,000-square-foot gazebo perfect for outdoor barbeques.
For More Info
Carson City CVB 775.687.7410 www.visitcarsoncity.com
Reno–Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority 775.827.7600 www.renolaketahoe.com
