There's no better time for association groups to consider meeting in Reno-Tahoe. "America's Adventure Place" is in the midst of an ambitious renaissance. While the destination already boasts 20,000 hotel rooms, the 500,000-square-foot Reno-Sparks Convention Center, the 118,000-square-foot Reno Events Center, and a host of unique group facilities, there are more exciting options on the horizon.

"Public and private entities are spending billions in tourism infrastructure developments that will benefit meeting and convention groups with new or improved hotel rooms, meeting space, added retail options, and visitor amenities," said Knud Svendsen, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority vice president of sales & marketing.

Last month, the $25 million, 28,000-square-foot Downtown Ballroom opened, which can be used in conjunction with the neighboring Reno Events Center and National Bowling Stadium. The facility's column-free meeting space is divisible into six self-sufficient rooms with heating, air conditioning, Internet access, and audiovisual controls. Its commercial kitchen has the capacity to prepare banquets for more than 1,900 guests; 2,900 delegates may be accommodated for general sessions.

Additionally, nearly a dozen hotel-casinos have completed or are undergoing multimillion-dollar renovations and/or expansions.

Near the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, the Peppermill Hotel Casino unveiled its new $400 million expansion in December. The new, all-suite Tuscany Tower combines European sensibility with contemporary amenities in 600 guest suites. The Peppermill also doubled its meeting space with the addition of the high-tech 62,000-square-foot Tuscany Ballroom.

The 1,995-room Grand Sierra Resort and Casino is putting the final touches on a $90 million, first-phase transformation. The resort has invested millions to enhance its 200,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Renovations to 11 floors of luxury hotel-condominiums were recently completed, resulting in 825 hip guest suites.

The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa began construction on a $50 million expansion, which is slated for completion in summer 2008. A 27,000-square-foot convention and ballroom expansion will double the property's current meeting space. While the Atlantis is already within a short walk of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, a new pedestrian sky bridge between the two facilities will add more convenience for convention guests by the end of 2008.

Beginning in fall 2008, shoppers will find new dining, retail, and entertainment options at the one-million-square-foot Legends at Sparks Marina.

Improvements are also slated at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, which is currently redesigning its check-in area and bag handling system. When the project is complete in 2009, Transportation Security Administration bag screening machines will be moved behind the ticketing counters, allowing passengers more space to check in and make travel arrangements.

Reno-Tahoe at a Glance
Convention Facilities: Convention facilities include the 500,000-square-foot Reno Convention Center, the 118,000-square-foot Reno Events Center, and the 28,000-square-foot Downtown Reno Ballroom, the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, the National Bowling Stadium, and many unique off-site event facilities.

Accommodations: 20,000 rooms area-wide

Attractions: A wide selection of dining options, 24-hour entertainment, arts and cultural activities, and outdoor recreation includes North America's highest concentration of ski and snowboard resorts, more than 50 area golf courses, and an urban whitewater park in the heart of downtown Reno.

For More Information: Reno-Tahoe, America's Adventure Place, Philip D'Amico, executive director of sales; phone (775) 827-7608; e-mail: pdamico@rscva.com; call (888) MTGRENO (888) 684-7366; or visit www.MeetRenoTahoe.com to download or request a visitor planner guide.