Airfares and hotel rates are a crapshoot. Las Vegas is a major destination for trade shows and conventions, and the annual International Jewelry Show will be in town during our weekend with an anticipated 50,000 attendees. That said, we offer the following suggestions:

Airfares

From the New York metropolitan area, Jet Blue and America West offer direct flights to Las Vegas out of JFK, and Continental Airlines has direct flights from Newark. As of February 1st, all three airlines had published round trip fares of $295. Most of the other major airlines offer connecting flights between New York and Las Vegas, some at lower fares.

We have arranged for a group discount on America West Airlines. Booking more than 60 days prior to departure, a discount of 10% off the lowest published fare will be offered. Between 59 - 0 days prior to departure, a discount of 5% off the lowest published fare will be offered. Call 1-800-548-7575 or 1-800-634-2312 to book your America West Flight and use CAMS Code 8190 to obtain your discount.

If you have access to the Internet, check the airfares on some of the general travel sites such as www.travelocity.com, www.orbitz.com and www.expedia.com. You should also check with your travel agent and the websites of individual airlines for any special offers.

Hotels

The Main Event and associated happenings will be held at the fabulous 5-star Bellagio Hotel. We have a block of 50 rooms set aside for our guests at a discounted rate of $299 per night (plus 9% room tax). To make a reservation at Bellagio, call 888-987-6667 and identify yourself with the Gretch/Chernoff Wedding (Block #1797MZ). Reservations must be made and guaranteed to a credit card before April 30th.

However, Bellagio is not the only game in town. We have also made arrangements with Liberty Travel for group rates at Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Paris and Aladdin Hotels. The other three hotels are all on "The Strip" nearby Bellagio. The rates quoted us by Liberty Travel include accommodations for three nights, room taxes, round trip transfers from the airport to the hotel and some additional freebies. Liberty Travel quotes their rates as per person, double occupancy. If you do the math, the rates quoted by Liberty Travel for Bellagio are cheaper than the block of rooms available directly from Bellagio hotel reservations, but the view may not be the same. The choice of hotel and how you make your reservations is up to you. You may find a better rate available on The Internet or through another travel agent. If you would like to use the services of Liberty Travel, we have provided a Reservation Form and contact information for your use.