Meeting planners hit the jackpot in Reno

Saturday, 24 Feb, 2011 0

Reno, long known as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” has added to its niche as a meeting venue with two major but diverse attractions: 24-hour gambling and entertainment, and the lure of mountain meetings.

The later feature a variety of outdoor related sports.

The area has spent US$1 billion in infrastructure in the past few years to give it 20,000 rooms at all price points, an improved airport and casino upgrades. The biggest single investment has been $400 million up upgrade the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino.

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport has expanded to the point where it offers 170 flights a day with major carriers. Most Reno hotels offer free airport shuttle service.

California meeting planners are also attracted to it as a drive-in destination via Interstate 80 and Highway 50 routes that link Northern California to Northern Nevada.

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority owns and manages several major meeting venues, including the 500,000 square foot Reno-Sparks Convention Center.

Specialized venues include anything from bowling to art. Planners can meet at the National Bowling Stadium where recreation includes 78 lanes, or at the Nevada Museum of Art, which has a variety of rental spaces.

Value-driven meeting planners also think the area is a good bet.

“On average, we’re finding our prices are two to three times more affordable than those of other destinations,” said John Leinen, Reno CVB vice president of convention sales.

By David Wilkening

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