From Atlanta to Atlantis—Looking Ahead to HPBExpo 2009 in Reno

It may be too early to start packing, but you can start planning on success at HPBExpo 2008 in Atlanta! The Great Indoor-Outdoor Adventure is gearing up to showcase the latest products and accessories moving the hearth, patio and barbecue industries forward. You won’t want to miss it!

While final preparations are underway, we are also looking ahead to HPBExpo 2009 in Reno and working with the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (RSCVA) on a number of exciting city and venue improvements. We took your 2007 post-show comments and concerns to heart, and we are determined to take HPBExpo back to Reno in 2009 with renewed energy and focus.

• Peppermill Reno Hotel Casino (2009 Expo headquarters hotel) has undergone a stunning renovation and expansion and achieved four-star resort status. The luxurious accommodations in the Peppermill Tower are the best in Reno. The new Peppermill features nine award-winning restaurants from casual dining at Sports Deli to the elegant and intimate White Orchid. The hotel is conveniently located one mile from the Convention Center. For more information on the Peppermill Reno, go to www.peppermillreno.com, and see why the casino was named one of the top ten in the country. 

• Atlantis Hotel & Casino will feature a skybridge connecting directly to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Atlantis is also currently building a new ballroom with plans for additional rooms by 2009. The Atlantis will host the Expo outdoor burn area and cater the outdoor exhibit area’s food and beverage requirements. Visit the website at www.atlantiscasino.com for more exciting details.

• Grand Sierra Resort & Casino (formerly the Hilton) has gone through a major renovation with new rooms, an upgraded lobby and additional restaurants and bars. It’s conveniently located close to the Convention Center. Go to www.grandsierraresort.com to see the results.

• The Outdoor Burn Area has a new location in a lot across from the Convention Center on Virginia Street at the Atlantis Hotel & Casino. The space is a huge improvement over the lot used in 2007. – It’s flat, clear of median strips and also convenient to the indoor exhibit area. 

• RSCVA will provide attendees with a Reno Restaurant Guide in 2009. It will feature a complete list of Reno offerings outside of the hotel and casino properties. Reno offers some fabulous dining establishments that HPBA participants should experience while in town.

• Finally, Reno travel and leisure reps (hotel contacts, airport officials, CVB and convention center reps) will be on-site at HPBExpo 2008 in Atlanta to address any questions or concerns you might have regarding 2009. They will have a display prominently located in the registration area at the Georgia World Congress Center. Attendees will be able to work with airport officials to look at best flight options and hotel reps will talk about renovations and improvements.

Please visit the Reno hotel websites and stop by the Reno reps display at HPBExpo 2008. We are pleased with what has been accomplished so far and hope you are too.

Why the back and forth between the East and West coasts? That will be the topic of my next blog. Until then, check back here often for HPBExpo 2008 news and updates!

Jack Goldman, President
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association