5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love Northern Nevada

Outdoor activity. The Reno-Tahoe area is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, and the beginning of fall is one of the best times to see the region in all its glory. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, golfing and water activities and more are all here. Dive in.

Art and museums. Reno-Tahoe is home to an eclectic array of museums in its downtown and the surrounding area. You can take a stroll to the National Automobile Museum, named “one of America’s Five Greatest Auto Museums,” which has more than 200 unique cars and street scenes, or, a science museum that offers hands-on experiences.

Tours. E-bikes. Stunt planes. Water Taxis. Kayaks. Beer Trails. And this isn’t all. Whether you’re seeking something relaxed or looking to get your adrenaline and  blood pumping, there are numerous ways to see Lake Tahoe. The only difficult task is making a choice.

Nightlife. Bar hopping is serious business in Northern Nevada. With themed pub crawls year-round, like The Santa Crawl in December, The Zombie Crawl in October, Leprechaun Crawl on St. Patrick’s Day and more, as well as monthly wine walks, Reno-Tahoe’s alcohol-infused explorations are something to experience.

Wellness. The Reno-Tahoe area is a great spot for treating yourself to a day (or several) of wellness. You can enjoy wellness indoors at properties like Silver Legacy, which features 21,000 sq. ft. of relaxation space, and Renaissance Hotel’s Refuge Spa.

 

Las Vegas Kicks into Gear

About six hours south of the Reno-Tahoe region, the vibe is far different, and yet, just as attractive a destination for groups of all shapes, sizes and interests. Less focused on outdoorsy-ness and more focused on glimmering lights, kicking back and relaxing and having a drink (alcoholic or not) with colleagues, Las Vegas is a city brimming with action.

With the completion of The MSG Sphere at The Venetian, Formula 1 coming to Las Vegas at the end of the year and the potential move of Major League Baseball’s A’s from Oakland, California, a city known for its major attractions is giving its visitors even more reasons to book a flight through convenient Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).

Read More: Formula 1 Las Vegas: 5 Hotels Where Groups Can Enjoy the Action

The $2.3-billion MSG Sphere, scheduled to open late September, will seat nearly 18,000 people and can accommodate standing room for 20,000. With 580,000 sq. ft. of exterior LED lighting, it’s said to be the largest LED screen in the world. After U2 kicks off its first Las Vegas residency, titled “U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At The Sphere,” the entertainment venue will also host sporting events like boxing and mixed martial arts, as well as Esports events.

Before or after catching an awe-inspiring show at MSG Sphere, groups can rest their heads at the all–suite Venetian Resort Las Vegas, MSG Sphere’s company partner and next-door neighbor. The property is home to the most rooms on The Strip and is one of the largest complexes in the world, with 7,000 guest rooms across its Venetian, Palazzo and Venezia towers. In addition to the guest rooms, 2.25 million sq. ft. of meeting space is offered in the form of ballrooms, expo halls, restaurants and more.

Another experience worth adding to the calendar is Meow Wolf, located in the event and entertainment district AREA15 just off The Strip. Omega Mart, a trippy, eye-catching experience of a supermarket is one of the Instagram-worthy features inside. Group experiences can also be had here, as scavenger hunts or a buyout.

The 2,885-room Treasure Island is a classic, well-known stay on The Strip, offering 30,500 sq. ft. of meeting space, both as traditional indoor and outdoor meeting spaces and several restaurants, including Phil’s Steak House, Seafood Shack & Mojito Bar and the Strip-facing Senor Frog’s Las Vegas. The property is also home to attractions such as Mystere by Cirque du Soleil and the interactive exhibition Marvel Avengers Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network, or S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

Much like The Strip itself, Caesars Entertainment has been making a lot of moves as well. As examples, take a look at Horseshoe Las Vegas, formerly Bally’s, marking its return to The Strip. Harrah’s Las Vegas, which underwent a more than $200-million renovation in recent years, also recently opened Ramsay’s Kitchen, home to the classic Beef Wellington, as well as delectable seafoods and grilled delights.

Off-Strip Experiences

Station Casinos is home to six properties in Southern Nevada. Two of its larger properties, Red Rock Resort, Casino & Spa; and Green Valley Ranch, Resort, Casino & Spa, offer luxury experiences just off The Strip.

Red Rock Resort in Summerlin, 10 miles west of Las Vegas, features 795 guest rooms and suites, as well as a dedicated conference center in its 100,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. The property also offers off-site experiences like Red Rock Adventures, which feature hikes around cascading waterfalls, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding and more.

Green Valley Ranch, east of The Strip in Henderson, offers 490 rooms, suites and penthouses. The property boasts 69,000 sq. ft. of space, which includes two ballrooms and outdoor spaces that are less red rocks and more palm trees.

South Point Casino serves up F&B experiences and entertainment minutes away from The Strip. During the day, visitors can catch a horse show at South Point Arena & Equestrian Center, and later, grab a seat at The South Point Showroom for a night of comedy, musical numbers or magic. Its 2,163 guest rooms and suites, and 175,000 sq. ft. of event space are complemented by 12 F&B outlets several steak houses, as well Mexican and Asian cuisine.

As you inch even closer to Las Vegas Boulevard, about 1 mile away, you may reach Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton. The property hosts musical events in a 4,600-person Theater; 24 Oxford, an underground venue; and The Event Lawn included in the property’s 130,000 sq. ft. of total event space.