Viva Las Vegas—ISRI Convention and Exposition Preview

Neon lights won’t be the only standouts in Las Vegas when ISRI’s annual convention and exposition takes the town March 16 through 19.

Las Vegas  is a city that often seems to typify success—just look at the high rollers and big-name acts that are a mainstay of the glittering desert town. And aiming for that same ideal is the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) (Washington, D.C.), which will hold its annual convention and exposition in Vegas this year.

Scheduled to take place at the Mirage March 16 through 19, the convention will be made up of committee meetings, commodity spotlights, and workshops. Of Course, there will also be an array of special guest speakers, evening programs and elegant affairs, sporting events, spouse entertainment, and opportunities to meet and renew acquaintances with industry members from across the country, and around the world. Plus, participants can check out the latest in scrap equipment and services at the exhibition, which will feature outdoor as well as indoor displays.

What's Old, What's New

Those who attended ReMA's 1991 convention in Las Vegas certainly can't help but remember the Mirage—a hotel with more than 3,000 guest rooms and a decorating scheme that anyone would be hard-put to forget. Situated right on Vegas's "Strip," its lobby is designed to emulate a desert oasis, complete with tropical forests, flowers, and a 20,000-gallon aquarium filled with exotic sea life. Just off the lobby is more wildlife: a live dolphin display in a 1.3-million-gallon saltwater pool/aquarium and the rare royal white tigers of illusionists Siegfried & Roy. The exotic theme is echoed outside with the Mirage's free-form swimming pool—a labyrinth of islands, waterfalls, and lagoons—and a street-side volcano that erupts throughout the day.

Still, despite the familiar surroundings, attendees of the 1991 convention may be in for a big surprise—as will anyone with a fixed picture of a strictly adult playland in mind. Now that legal gambling is finding its way to other parts of the country, Las Vegas is undergoing a shift in its emphasis on just grown-up fun; in fact, there are a number of new attractions in the city that have been designed especially with a younger and non-gambling set in mind.

One of the newest—and reportedly one of the most spectacular—recent additions to the Strip is right next door to and run by the Mirage: Treasure Island, a hotel with a pirate theme. A full-scale, live-action pirate battle, including cannons, explosions, and a sinking ship, ensues at the hotel's entrance every hour, and the "adventure resort's" interior reflects the pirate motif from its buccaneer decor, 17th-century Caribbean village casino, two tropical-themed wedding chapels, and Mutiny Bay entertainment center, which features an arcade, midway, and interactive games.

But Treasure Island isn't all pirates: It's also the permanent U.S. home to Cirque du Soleil, the internationally renowned performing troupe. Traditional circus performers they're not; the show is more theatrical and atmospheric than the elephant-and-peanuts variety, with its feats of human dare and talent performed in an eerie, post-modem setting. Cirque du Soleil appears twice daily, and tickets, like everything else at Treasure Island , can be charged to your room bill when you're a registered guest of the Mirage.

Further down the Strip, Grand Slam Canyon is 5 acres of rides and sights, including what's said to be the world's largest indoor roller coaster—all built into a mountain-like rock structure. There's more to the Strip's expansion: Luxor, a 30-story bronzed plate-glass pyramid, offers a Nile River journey, a replica of King Tut's tomb, and interactive amusement-park rides, while the MGM Grand Hotel, scheduled to open in early 1994, is touted as an entertainment-themed hotel, amusement park, and casino.

Wondering what to do with your casino winnings (or how to spend your savings if you don't gamble)? Head to the Mirage's other next-door neighbor, Caesars Palace, which now houses the "Forum" shopping mall, featuring a Romanesque village streetscape of 75 shops and restaurants (including chef Wolfgang Puck's latest eatery).

It's Not All Neon

Of course, if you're looking to venture beyond the strip during your free time, or if you extend your stay beyond the convention dates, there's plenty else to see and do in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas.

Whether your interests lie in history, candy, or cars, there's a museum for everyone right in the city. Old Las Vegas Fort commemorates the oldest Anglo settlement in thevalley, dating from 1855. Tours of Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Kidd's Marshmallow Factory offer sweet entertainment, while the Imperial Palace Auto Collection houses cars owned by political and entertainment personalities. There's even a Liberace museum, with displays of the late entertainer's extravagant costumes, pianos, cars, and jewelry.

Just about a half-hour car ride from Las Vegas lies Hoover Dam, which created Lake Mead , the largest man-made body of water in the United States. The lake's 550 miles of freshwater shoreline and 110 miles of length make it perfect for boating of all kinds, fishing (especially bass), scuba, snorkeling, and waterskiing. Tours of the 726-foot-high, 1,244-foot-long Hoover Dam are also available.

Other nearby attractions include Lake Tahoe, Death Valley, canyons, mountains, and Indian reservations, which are all within a few hours' drive from Las Vegas. Scenic airplane and helicopter rides are also available to many of these natural and historic attractions. And those who now make their living through metals may enjoy a look at some of the now-depleted old mining towns in the vicinity. Goodsprings, 35 miles south of Vegas, was a boomtown at the turn of the century for mining lead and zinc; its mine workings and now-abandoned railroad are open for inspection. Eldorado Canyon—40 miles southwest of Las Vegas—was home to the Techatticup mine, which produced more than $2.5 million in gold before 1942.

Those willing to travel a little farther can experience what's been called one of the greatest natural wonders of the world: the Grand Canyon National Park . Even more convenient is the Grand Canyon's newest tourist area, Grand Canyon West, on the Hualapai Indian reservation located 120 miles from Vegas and accessible by car, plane, and helicopter. For $15, you have unlimited use of a scenic tram that travels along the more than 3 miles of trails on the canyon rim, and get a barbecue meal on a scenic overlook in the deal.

- Nancy L. Gast

Travel. Delta Air Lines offers convention delegates special discounted fares. To inquire about fares and make reservations, you or your travel agent should call 800/241-6760 and use ReMA's identification number, File J0960.

Getting around. All of the convention activities, as well as the exposition, will be held right in the Mirage. To take in the town, taxis are readily available; if, however, you plan to visit Hoover Dam, Death Valley , or any of the many other attractions outside the immediate area, you'll need a car. Alamo Rent A Car offers ReMA members a 15-percent discount off its standard lease rates; with an ISRI/Alamo membership certificate, delegates may earn a free upgrade. (Certificates are available from the ReMA membership department, 202/466-4050). To make reservations and obtain the discount, you or your travel agent should call 800/354-2322, and use ReMA's identification number, BY245303. The Mirage offers both valet and self-parking. If you don't rent a car, expect cab fares between the Mirage and the airport to run around $12 each way.

Weather. You're probably safe to leave your raincoat at home. Thanks to Las Vegas 's arid, desert climate, the sun shines around 90 percent of the time. In the peak summer months, this also means temperatures around 100 degrees F, but you can expect pleasant temperatures in the 60s to low-70s during March. Nights can get a bit chilly, so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater.

Information. Call the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority at 702/892-7011 for a copy of the Official Las Vegas Guide. The authority can also give you an up-to-the-minute schedule of Las Vegas shows and featured performers.•