Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546515
January with the American Bus Association Marketplace, which welcomed 2,800 delegates and generated more than 8,000 room nights. Group demand continued into the spring with the USBC Open Championships, bringing more than 55,000 competi- tors to Reno across 128 consecutive days from March through July. The NCVA Girls' Far Western National Qualifier also brought nearly 2,000 volleyball teams to the destination over three weekends in April, marking record participation and an increase of more than 21% from the previous year. Additional sporting events included the USA Volleyball Girls 18s Junior National Championship and the Jam On It Memorial Day Tournament, which brought nearly 700 basket- ball teams to Reno. The Mountain West and MPSF Indoor Track & Field Championships also welcomed athletes from 26 universities to compete at the Reno Tahoe Indoor Track. More Nonstop Access Connects Key Markets to Reno Tahoe Expanded air service made Reno Tahoe more accessible from key markets during the spring and early summer. Seasonal nonstop routes connected Reno-Tahoe International Airport with Minneapolis on Sun Country Airlines and Delta Air Lines, Dallas and Chicago on Southwest Airlines, New York on JetBlue Airways and Las Vegas and Carlsbad on JSX. Airlines added nearly 45,000 roundtrip seats for summer 2026, providing travelers with more nonstop options and reflecting continued confidence in the Northern Nevada air service market. Reno Tahoe's nonstop network will expand further this fall with Southwest Airlines' new nonstop route from Nashville (BNA), launching Oct. 1. Momentum Continues Into Fiscal Year 26-27 Visit Reno Tahoe enters fiscal year 26-27 with an action- packed calendar of events expected to sustain visitation throughout the year. Following the 40th anniversary of Hot August Nights, drawing more than 5,000 registered classic vehicles from across the country, the destination will wel- come Burning Man Aug. 30–Sept. 7, attracting approxi- mately 70,000 to 80,000 attendees. The 45th anniversary of the Great Reno Balloon Race and Street Vibrations Fall Rally extend hotel demand and visitor spending into September. The World Long Drive Championship brings competitors from more than 30 countries to Reno Tahoe in October, beginning a three-year agreement extending through 2028. Winter events provide additional group business during tradi- tionally slower months, building on a Reno Tahoe Indoor Track season that previously attracted nearly 8,000 athletes and generated more than 16,000 room nights. Visit Reno Tahoe is also advancing a $32 million capital investment plan that will continue to enhance destination venues and strengthen Reno Tahoe's ability to host large- scale conventions, competitions, and events. "Reno Tahoe is competing differently than it did even a few years ago," Larragueta said. "We have more reasons to visit, more ways to get here, and a stronger pipeline of events and experiences throughout the year. Our focus now is building on that momentum and continuing to grow tourism in ways that create lasting value for the destination." To learn more about all that Visit Reno Tahoe has to offer, visit: https://www.visitrenotahoe.com/. B M & T ••• September/October 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 7 IN THE NEWS