The Western Museums Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting will be held on October 1-4, in Reno, Nevada. With the theme of ELEVATE, WMA 2025 will be an opportunity for attendees to participate in a unique slate of educational programming that explores ideas that will help define the future of museums and the diverse communities they serve. Beyond outcomes, WMA 2025 will encourage museum professionals to celebrate the process of collaborating with others. Coming together on common ground, we look to our shared identities and unique differences to ELEVATE the work of each other and our cultural institutions. This year, WMA wishes to celebrate our 90th anniversary by building relationships and soaring higher than ever before.
To help you and other attendees plan for your time in Reno and to get the most out of this unique, vibrant, and culture-rich city, we put together this City Guide full of practical information.
INDEX
About Reno • Geography + Climate • Signature Events
Arts + Culture • For the Foodies + Beer Lovers
Getting Around Reno • Outdoor Recreation • Annual Meeting Hotel
The area now known as Reno, Nevada has a long and rich history starting with its Native populations, the Washoe, Shoshone, and Paiute peoples. Also known as the “Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno is the largest city in Northern Nevada and situated less than 20 miles east of California made the perfect connection between Virginia City and the California Trail, accommodating thousands of travelers moving to the West coast during the gold-rush.
Today, residents and visitors enjoy the beautiful Lake Tahoe and the largest concentration of ski resorts in a 50-mile radius. Between the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe water sports and fishing are popular activities in the fall months. The Sierra Nevada Mountain ranges offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and rock climbing among the beauty of the natural environment. For information on outdoor activities and cultural experiences in Reno, visit the Reno-Tahoe visitors website here!
Inventor of: Jeans! International acclaim: Home to the Largest Rock-Climbing Wall in the World (more info here)
Situated between the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Great Basin, Reno’s cold semi-arid climate makes for gorgeous fall weather, with an average temperature of 60º during the beginning of October. At an elevation of over 4,400 ft above sea level, the air is dry and crisp, carrying the scent of sagebrush through the city. We suggest bringing layers for the Annual Meeting, as days will be warm and sunny, with evenings on the chillier side.
For over 100 years Reno has hosted the Great Reno Rodeo, dubbed the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West,” is broadcasted by CBS, Fox, ESPN, and other major media outlets. The event generates great revenue for local businesses and organizations by drawing people from across the U.S. to Reno where they enjoy attractions such as a carnival and a kick-off concert.
Throughout the month of July, Reno is home to Artown, a city-wide event celebrating arts & culture in Nevada. Established in 1996, “Artown’s mission is to strengthen Reno’s arts industry, enhance our civic identity and national image, thereby creating a climate for the cultural and economic rebirth of our region.” Over 100 organizations participate, hosting over 500 events, centering the visual arts, performing arts, and cultural heritage across diverse communities.
At the Annual Meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to visit three of Reno’s major arts & cultural institutions: the National Automobile Museum, The Discovery, and the Nevada Museum of Art.
The National Automobile Museum showcases the automobile collection of Bill Harrah, owner of Harrah’s Hotels and Casinos (now owned by Holiday Inn), which is the largest and most historically significant collection in the world. The museum specifically seeks to explore how the automobile impacted the development of American society from the very first automobile to more recent stars, including vehicles from the Transformers films and Jurassic Park.
The Discovery Museum is dedicated to engaging visitors, young and old, with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) education through a multisensory experience. The museum provides opportunities for diverse communities to learn in the museum and at home through extensive programming and community outreach.
At the Nevada Museum of Art visitors are inspired to explore connections between art and environment through the museum’s collections, with an emphasis in American and landscape art. NMA is the only AAM accredited art museum in Nevada and takes the lead by centering diversity and educational outreach in their work.
FOR THE FOODIES + BEER LOVERS
Breakfast / Coffee + Tea
Café Style: Chrome Coffee Works, Truckee Bagel Company, Crafted Palette
Sit-Down: Pine State Biscuits, Peg’s Glorified Ham & Eggs
Lunch / Dinner / All Day Options
Wild River Grille (American), The Spot Riverwalk Bar & Tavern (New American), Liberty Food & Wine Exchange (Local/Artisanal), La Famiglia (Italian), Old Granite Street Eatery (Gastropub)
Vegan / Vegetarian / Gluten Free
V/VG: The Fix (Falafel), Thali (Indian), The Pizza Collective (Pizza), Silver Peak Grill & Taproom (American)
GF: Washoe Public House (New American), DOPO Pizza & Pasta (Italian)
Beer / Wine / Cocktails
Classic Bars: RedRock Studio & Bar, The EDDY, Ole Bridge Pub
Drinks + Food: The Depot Brewery & Distillery, Great Basin Brewing Co.
Specialty: The Basement Reno (Coffee/Cocktails/Shopping), Reno Axe (Axe Throwing Bar), Press Start (Arcade and Drinks)
You’ll also find a few dining options and a coffee shop inside the Renaissance Reno Downtown, and there will be food and beverage provided throughout the Annual Meeting.
Downtown Reno is a walkable area, with restaurants, shops, and convenience stores around every corner. There will be shuttles available for Annual Meeting events outside of the downtown area. Please reach out to our Executive Director, Jason B. Jones at 707-433-4701 or jason@westmuse.org about accessibility questions or concerns.
If you’re flying into Reno, the best way to get to WMA 2025 headquarters is through rideshare. You may also take advantage of one of the nine rental car services located in RNO Airport.
Boasting over 300 days of sunshine every year, the Reno-Tahoe area is a great place to get outdoors and explore the flora and fauna of America’s semi-arid climate. Hiking, biking, and golfing are popular activities in Reno. The Annual Meeting Headquarters Hotel, Renaissance Reno Downtown, offers on-site bike rentals for guests starting at $10!
Lake Tahoe and the Truckee River, which flows right past our Headquarters Hotel, are perfect for water-based activities such as boating, swimming, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and fishing. Reno- Tahoe’s website offers an extensive listing of outdoor activities, which you can explore here.
The Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa is the 2025 Annual Meeting headquarters hotel located at One Lake St, Reno, NV 89501. Located at the center of Reno’s Riverwalk district, guest experiences are ELEVATED with a view of the Truckee River and access to downtown Reno’s restaurants and shopping experiences.
At the Hotel, you’ll be able to relax at the on-site spa or get a workout in the fitness center. There are multiple dining options on-site including The Shore Room, Bundox Boccee, and Coffee & Comics. See photos of the Annual Meeting headquarters here.
For more information and to reserve your room, head over to our 2025 Annual Meeting Hotel Reservations Page.
Have any questions? Have something you'd like to add?
Please email communications@westmuse.org.