RSCVA Taps SMG to Manage Reno-Sparks Event Facilities
April 3, 2018
The Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) Board of Directors has appointed global entertainment and convention venue management company, SMG, to oversee operations at Reno-Sparks’ major convention and entertainment facilities.
The four-year operating agreement includes the RSCVA-owned Reno-Sparks Convention Center (RSCC), the state-owned Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (RSLEC), as well as the Reno Events Center (REC) and the National Bowling Stadium (NBS), which are both owned by the City of Reno.
“This is a great opportunity for the entire Reno Tahoe region and an important step in the right direction for the future of northern Nevada’s economy as it relates to tourism, entertainment and conventions,” said Bob Lucey, RSCVA board chair.
He continued, “This partnership will allow the RSCVA to focus on sales and marketing, while vastly improving efficiencies and customer service at the region’s most visible event venues.”
Historically, the RSCVA has managed almost all of Reno Tahoe’s major event facilities since the authority was created in 1959 but last year, the CVB’s executive staff proposed third-party facility management to allow for a greater focus on drawing in more meetings, events and leisure travelers to Reno Tahoe, according to Ben McDonald, communication manager for the RSCVA.
“Being part of SMG’s network of facilities will also result in an increase of big-name, traveling entertainment, which is great news for both leisure and business travelers,” McDonald said.
SMG currently manages more than 75 convention centers, including McCormick Place in Chicago, the Colorado Convention Center in Denver and the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, as well as 13 stadiums, 70 arenas, and 67 theatres and performing arts centers.
“We have been longtime admirers and believers in the Reno Tahoe region and note numerous milestone decisions like the development of the downtown Reno Events Center some 15 years ago,” said Gregg Caren, executive vice president of SMG.
He added, “We share a number of convention and trade show clients and look forward to supporting the sales efforts of the RSCVA to help grow business tourism for casino and hotel partners.”
With a feasibility study for expanding the 600,000 square foot RSCC currently underway, RSCVA President and CEO Phil DeLone expressed enthusiasm about the resources SMG can provide in the case of a large-scale facility expansion.
“SMG has developed 30 new or expanded convention centers in the last 15 years,” said DeLone. “If an expansion of the convention center is approved, SMG will give us a considerable advantage in ensuring the process is strategic, efficient and comprehensive so that we can continue to attract significant, large-scale business to Reno Tahoe for decades to come.”
The operational management of the RSCC, RSLEC, REC and NBS will begin in June and includes culinary services through SAVOR…/Premier brands, SMG’s in-house food and beverage division.
Reno Tahoe’s largest annual conventions and trade shows include Interbike Marketweek; Wild Sheep Foundation “The Sheep Show” annual convention; Safari Club International and Worldwide Distributors.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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