by Janet Dickelman
The weekend of Sept. 28th was brimming with fun and work as members of the 2014 conference and convention committee visited Las Vegas during the fall board meeting. We visited potential tour sites, discussed volunteers, sponsorships and area information with the host committee and met with hotel staff. After spending a few days at the Riviera, we are all very excited about what the hotel and the area have to offer!
Hotel Details
The hotel is in the shape of an O, with an outdoor pool and large seating area in the center. Convention attendees will have rooms in two towers: the Monaco, which is totally non-smoking, and the Monte Carlo, in which there are some floors designated as smoking floors. All sleeping rooms feature complimentary Internet. Hotel guests will also receive free parking.
Meeting rooms are on the first and second floors of the Riviera in the hotel's convention center, which is conveniently located between the two sleeping room towers.
For those who enjoy slot machines and blackjack, the hotel features a large casino. For those who prefer not to visit the casino, if you stay in the Monaco tower you do not need to walk through the casino to reach the meeting rooms or restaurants.
Food at the Riviera
The hotel features several restaurants all located on the first floor. Wicked Vicky's Tavern and Banana Leaf Café feature all-day breakfast as well as lunch and dinner. Both restaurants offer a selection of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads and entrees. The most expensive entrée is under $20 with most items in the $10 to $12 range. Banana Leaf Café also features several Asian dishes, from chow mein to curry! R Steakhouse and Seafood is the hotel's fine dining option.
The Riviera also houses a food court. Options at the food court are always subject to change, but currently feature Chinese, Indian, Italian and Mexican food as well as burgers, sandwiches and pizza.
Riviera Retail Shops
The Riviera houses several stores and businesses. The ABC store sells toiletries, souvenirs, snack items, soda, bottled water and liquor. All items are very reasonably priced.
Both men and women can get their hair cut and indulge in other beauty treatments at Celebrity Club Men's Barber Saloon and Zeba's Beauty Salon. There is a florist where you can purchase flowers to bring to your wedding at the Riviera Royale Wedding Chapel.
Learn all about magic and purchase items at Las Vegas Magic Shop. You can even get a tattoo at 3 Lions Tattoo Studio! I was told they do excellent work, but personally don’t plan to find out!
Suites
If your affiliate, company or group would like a suite at the Riviera, please contact me directly. I will handle all reservations for suites.
Reservation Details
Room rates at the Riviera are $87 plus tax (single and double), plus $10 per additional guest. Room taxes are currently 12%. Make telephone reservations by calling 1-800-634-6753 or online by visiting the ACB web site at www.acb.org and following the 2014 conference and convention link.
Convention Contacts
Stay in touch by joining the ACB convention e-mail list. How? Send a blank e-mail to [email protected].
For 2014 exhibit information, contact Michael Smitherman at (601) 331-7740 or [email protected].
2014 advertising and sponsorships information is available from Margarine Beaman; you can reach her at (512) 921-1625 or via e-mail, [email protected].
For any other convention-related questions, contact Janet Dickelman, convention chair, at either (651) 428-5059 or [email protected].