Member Conference 2008

Your 2008 Battery Alliance Member Conference “Roundup in Reno II” is shaping up to be better than ever. It’s hard to believe that it will have been six years since we last visited Reno. John Ascuaga’s Nugget has undergone major renovations since we were there last. By the time we arrive they will have completed a $12 million dollar makeover of the east tower. The new rooms will be the ultimate blending of contemporary comfort and sophisticated style. You can choose the newly renovated east tower for a small premium, or you may choose to stay in the more standard, yet luxurious west tower rooms. Either way you can rest assured that you will experience the highest quality resort & gaming that Reno has to offer.

Our Friday afternoon activities include a Virginia City tour, a Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Donner National Park tour, and the annual Battery Alliance Open Golf Tournament. And of course you will be entertained by some of the best headliner entertainers that we can find.

Now, for the most important part of your show, we are working with the vendors to provide you with show specials that will absolutely top any that you have seen before. In addition to the tremendous savings to be had, we will be awarding cruises, numerous LCD HD TV’s of all sizes, laptop computers, along with many other valuable prizes to the lucky sweepstakes winners.

Today’s circle tour takes you on a scenic drive from Reno to Truckee California to the famous Donner Memorial State Park.  Here, you will have the opportunity to view a dramatic short film about the plight of the group and to visit the small historical museum, which further elaborates on this tragic story.

Next, you will visit the old railroad town of Truckee.  Here, you will have time to shop and enjoy the colorful history associated with Truckee’s railroad men, miners and brothels of the 1800’s.  You will find a variety of galleries, gift shops and other specialty stores, many of which are located in historic buildings, which many of these structures have been renovated and date as far back as the 1860’s. 

From Truckee you will travel along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Tahoe, driving through numerous small communities, built along the shoreline.  You will also pass by the famous old Cal-Neva Casino & Hotel, once owned by Frank Sinatra and a favorite destination for many of his notorious and famous friends. 

As you ascend into the foothills, the exciting history of Virginia City, and how this boomtown came to life will be revealed.  Built on the riches of gold and silver ore, Virginia City was not only known as “the richest place on earth”, but was also the biggest city between San Francisco and St. Louis in the 1860’s.  Abounding with 30,000 people and 110 saloons, it was an affluent and rowdy population.  Today, Virginia City stands as a link to the past - a town vibrant with the activities of visitors, and filled with memories and ghosts of days gone by. 

Once you arrive, your personal guide will escort you through the downtown, telling many legends of “rags to riches” and “riches to rags”.  You will discover the beautiful Victorian mansions built by the mine-owners and stroll through the various mines that made them rich.   You will also have some time to stroll the wooden sidewalks and explore your individual interests. Whether you would like to browse through the many original saloons, gambling halls, and antique shops or visit old Victorian mansions, museums and churches Virginia City is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Included in your tour is a pass for The Virginia & Truckee RR. In its hey-day as many as 45 trains a day arrived and departed Virginia City.  The line was completed in 1869 and for the following 70 years hauled millions of dollars in gold and silver ore from the mines of Virginia City.  Today, 58 years after the last train left the Comstock, you will have the opportunity to ride in your choice of the open cars or in the caboose, all of which are over 72 years old. Your 35 minute narrated train tour will run from Virginia City to Gold Hill and back, going right through the most famous of the bonanza Comstock mines!

Your Beyond Travel Guide will stay with you throughout the day, not only to share the rich history of Virginia City, but also to make sure that the day runs “without a hitch”.  Most importantly we want to make sure that a good time has been had by all!

The D'Andrea Golf Club is the home to the 2008 Battery Alliance Open. Designed by award-winning golf course architect Keith Foster, the dramatic layout meanders through mountainous foothills and high desert canyons, ascending to a point on the scenic back nine that features some of the most spectacular vistas of the Reno area and the magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains