Since I live in SoCal, Reno is the obvious choice due to the lower travel costs (we drive!). For a Floridian's first show, Dallas is probably easier to get to. Aren't there direct Miami-Dallas flights? Hardly anyone can get to Reno direct; you have to change planes in Salt Lake City no matter where you are coming from . . . or Las Vegas.

We have more fun at Dallas, most of the guys post here and we all meet at the Judges suite, then go out for supper, your sure welcomed to join in with Mac, Rusty, Wayne, Pierre,Judge G, Rich,Harry,Butch, and a host of others.

That invite goes for everyone else thats so inclined to put up with such a bunch of common nair do wells.

It is seriously unfair o' me to make any "recommendations" about lodgin' in Reno, 'cause I don't stay there. Jim'n'I hava good ol' hikin' and fishin' buddy who lives in Carson City, about 20 minutes from the Convention Center. We just bunk over at Dave's so's our housin' costs are whatever we do to entertain Dave while we're there . . . like take him to the convention one year. As was stated above, Tahoe is close so don't forgetcher skis . . . or plan on rentin'. Don't do downhill, m'self, so cannot make any recommendations, there, either. Now about the second most important thing, eatin'! I suppose that most people who stay in hotels eat in hotels. I know we did when the Convention got lost and ended up in Las Vegas. Bleagh!!! It is a little known fact that eatin' in Reno, with the exceptions of Louie's Basque hotel is simply not in the same league as rentin' a motor and drivin' downhill to Carson City. Since CC is the capitol of Nevada and since when the legislature in is in session the local lobbiests have to make best use of their time, the CC restaurants are first class. I won't go into detail but simply stated, there are enough decent+++ eateries in CC to keep the most ardent gourmand or even gourmet happy for the entire week. Don't eat lunch! Breakfast lightly! Ya-Hey!

If you like custom guns, the American Custom Gun and Engravers Guild shows are at the Silver Legacy in Reno same time as SCI. Definitely worth attending too if you go to Reno. Lake Tahoe is close by, also Virginia City, Carson City and lots of fine walnut vendors around Chico, CA and vicinity.

Thanks to all. Sarge, We live in the panhandle of Florida, have a bunch of Delta sky miles so we will fly through Atlanta either way. Lake Tahoe is fairly close to Reno? Sounds like a good reason to get in a couple days of skiing.
Is the Atlantis a good place to stay? Thanks again.