Convention may move to Vegas

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Wednesday, March 1, 2000 | 11:13 a.m.

RENO -- Reno's largest trade show is giving the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority an ultimatum: Guarantee that a newly expanded convention center will open by 2002 or risk losing the mega-event to Las Vegas for years.

Organizers of the Safari Club International event also have set a mid-April deadline for RSCVA officials to promise the facility can be ready by mid-February 2002.

The events planners had their confidence shaken by the RSCVA's conclusion last week that architects must cut expenses in the center's $105 million renovation and expansion, forcing them to redesign the project. It's unclear how that will affect the completion schedule.

The Safari group, whose show in Reno last month had an estimated economic impact of $40 million already is booked for Las Vegas next year while Reno's project is under way. Safari hoped by now, though, to have a commitment in Reno for 2002 to 2004.

"From the outside looking in, theres a lot to be lost," said Patricia Johnson, convention director for Safari.

If Safari has to book Las Vegas again in 2002, Las Vegas might also require a commitment for 2003 and 2004, Johnson said. She called it "absolutely critical" for RSCVA to complete work for the 2002 event.