NORTHWESTERN
VisitRenoTahoe.com; @RenoTahoe.NV; @RenoTahoe—Nestled in northwest Nevada, Reno lives up to its nickname as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” offering the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. With a stunning mountain backdrop and four-season appeal, Reno provides a unique setting for meetings and events. Attendees can enjoy a variety of attractions, from outdoor adventures to vibrant arts and culture, all while benefiting from modern facilities and easy accessibility. “Reno Tahoe is a dynamic destination that offers a bit of everything, allowing planners to easily craft their ideal meeting and itinerary,” explains Mike Larragueta, president and CEO of Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority. “Against the backdrop of nearby Sierra Nevada mountains, the city provides the best of both worlds with outdoor activities and a vibrant city life.”
Reno’s versatile meeting spaces make it an exceptional choice for planners seeking flexibility and variety, Larragueta says, as the city boasts more than one million square feet of meeting space. For large gatherings, Reno-Sparks Convention Center stands out with 600,000 square feet of single-level exhibition and meeting space, ideal for conventions and trade shows. Reno Events Center offers 118,000 square feet of event space, while Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center caters to equine, rodeo, and motorsports events, with indoor and outdoor areas. For unique gatherings, National Bowling Stadium can accommodate up to 4,000 guests, making it a fun and unexpected venue for parties and receptions. Casino hotels also provide ample options, including Grand Sierra Resort, which boasts more than 200,000 square feet of meeting space, and THE ROW, a trio of properties—Eldorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus—offering meeting rooms and multiple dining options.
Beyond traditional venues, Reno offers one-of-a-kind event spaces to elevate any gathering. The Chateau at Incline Village, perched along the shores of Lake Tahoe, features the 5,200-square-foot Grand Ballroom with customizable layouts and breathtaking outdoor lawn areas—perfect for receptions or corporate retreats. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate Greater Nevada Field, home to the Reno Aces Triple-A Baseball team, which offers stadium and field access and adjacent event spaces in the Freighthouse District, ideal for teambuilding activities. For a touch of nostalgia, National Automobile Museum provides 100,000 square feet of event space, including a 157-seat theater with audiovisual capabilities, and more than 200 classic cars displayed along recreated vintage streets.
Reno boasts more than 15,000 guest rooms, and the city’s hotel properties are constantly working to elevate and add to those accommodations, Larragueta says. Grand Sierra Resort is leading the charge with a record-setting $1 billion investment—the largest private capital infusion in Reno’s history. Over the next decade, the 140-acre property will see significant enhancements, positioning it as a premier hub for business and leisure travelers. Adding to the city’s boutique charm, Best Bet Motor Lodge opened in spring 2024, offering 21 uniquely styled rooms for smaller groups or executive retreats. Meanwhile, Whitney Peak Hotel rebranded under the Hilton Tapestry collection in late 2023, providing modern updates and allowing guests to enjoy the perks of the Hilton Honors program without a change in ownership.
Exciting developments are also underway at J Resort, where a $130 million investment is redefining entertainment and event possibilities. Phase three, which began in January, will introduce a 400-seat banquet hall called Rolling Art, more gaming options, and an 800-seat banquet and meeting space. Future plans include a spa and an indoor-outdoor rooftop pool, ideal for leisure-focused attendees. The J Resort’s Festival Grounds will expand to accommodate up to 15,000 guests at a time—or a combined 200,000 visitors across more than 40 summer events, thanks to a partnership with JMF Presents.
Reno is earning a reputation as a foodie destination, adding even more appeal for meeting and event planners looking to impress attendees,” Larragueta shares. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has doubled down on the city’s culinary scene, opening Ramsay’s Kitchen in Silver Legacy at THE ROW. Inspired by Ramsay’s global travels, the restaurant delivers an upscale dining experience worthy of Ramsay’s Michelin-starred legacy.
Casino properties in the area also set the standard for exceptional service and gourmet dining. La Strada at Eldorado within THE ROW serves Italian classics in an inviting setting perfect for groups or catered events. At Atlantis Steakhouse in Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, guests can indulge in wet-aged USDA prime cuts and a wine list featuring more than 330 selections. The upscale private dining room accommodates groups of 15-50, offering a refined space for intimate gatherings or celebrations,” Larragueta says. Louis’ Basque Corner provides a taste of Reno’s Basque heritage with authentic specialties and banquet facilities for up to 125 guests.
Complementing the fine-dining options, Reno Tahoe also boasts a thriving craft brewery scene. Highlights include Great Basin Brewing in nearby Sparks—Nevada’s oldest brewery—and The Depot, the state’s first combined brewery and distillery, which offers a unique, locally crafted experience.
Groups can partake in Reno’s vibrant arts and culture scene by taking a self-guided tour along J Resort’s Reno Neon Line to view original Burning Man sculptures right in downtown Reno, Larragueta says, or get a unique walking or pedicab tour experience with Travel Pineapple. Groups can also connect on a hike, a group kayaking tour, or boating along the shores of North Lake Tahoe. Winter is a great time for bonding on the ski slopes or après at one of the many great Sierra resorts. If the group prefers indoor activities, Basecamp offers indoor bouldering for all skill levels. Also downtown, Bundox Bocce is an interactive group event space in Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa.
Reno’s commitment to infrastructure improvements is helping to position the city as a premier destination for meetings and events,” Larragueta says. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is at the center of this transformation. Last year, the airport celebrated its busiest summer in 19 years and added 90,000 more seats through new and returning flight routes. This increase in accessibility makes it easier than ever for attendees to travel to Reno from across the country.
The airport’s plans for a new Ground Transportation Center, set to open in 2028, promise to further enhance convenience and efficiency for travelers. In addition, the airport is taking significant steps toward sustainability, with the creation of an Airport Sustainability Advisory Committee,” Larragueta shares. This initiative supports eco-friendly projects, such as expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, constructing a geothermal central utility plant to lower energy and water consumption, and introducing aircraft gate electrification to reduce emissions and noise pollution.
Reno is the perfect destination for turning a business trip into a family getaway, offering a wide range of activities that blend culture, adventure, and entertainment,” Larragueta explains. Families can dive into the arts at Nevada Museum of Art, which showcases local and national artists through permanent and rotating exhibits. With a $60 million expansion set to debut in early 2025, the museum’s offerings are only getting better. Currently, visitors can marvel at the “Sea Dragons” exhibit, featuring fossils of prehistoric Ichthyosaurs. For car enthusiasts, National Automobile Museum boasts more than 200 unique vehicles, including luxury cars, racers, and famous models featured in films. Meanwhile, kids and curious minds will love The Discovery Museum, where 67,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits highlight topics ranging from astronomy to the region’s water cycle—making learning fun for all ages.
Outdoor lovers can explore Reno Riverwalk, where shops, dining, and art installations line the scenic Truckee River. MidTown is a vibrant street art hub, featuring more than 100 murals and sculptures from past Burning Man festivals. Sports fans can catch a Reno Aces baseball game at Greater Nevada Field during the Triple-A season, creating an exciting night out for groups and families.
