What is PHINS to the WEST?

PTTW is a Regional Trop-Rock event that brings together Parrot Heads, Trop Rock enthusiasts and Jimmy Buffett fans from all areas of the country to enjoy a week-end of fun and entertainment. If you have ever been to a Buffett Concert parking lot party, then PHINS is a 3 or 4 day (your choice!) pre-concert party and more!

When and where is the event held?

This year is the 9th annual event and will be held on May 18 - May 20, 2012 in Laughlin, Nevada, 80 miles south of Las Vegas. We also offer a great poolside pre-party option with live music on Thursday night and the option to add on nights both before and after the core package at a very reasonable cost.

What will the PTTW 2012 event cost me?

The cost will vary by the package selected, options you choose, and the number, if any, of add-on nights that you stay. Below is a chart of 2012 prices.

What makes PTTW different from other local organizational events?

PTTW was created to be a Regional event that draws on the combined attendance of Trop Rock fans from a larger geographical area in order to provide the funding necessary to bring quality national talent to one location for a 4 day period. As a not-for-profit event/organization PHINS To The West has a goal of providing a quality party for a reasonable price. Our main objective is to offer a High Value for your dollar.

How does PTTW achieve the goals of a Best Value weekend event?

PTTW has teamed up with the AVI Resort and Casino and other sponsors to offer a week-end event that gives the attendees a full entertainment schedule, food, housing and reasonable drink prices. In addition, as a registered attendee, you are eligible to participate in a Casino managed slot tournament ($500 payout).   

What are the amenities at the Resort?

The Resort has a full 3 meal Buffet, 1 restaurant (Cafe) for light dining, a fine Italian restaurant and a fine Steakhouse. In addition, there is a fun zone for children that operates throughout the day and evening, a championship 18-hole golf course, RV park, large sand beach, water toy rental, gambling, an onsite multi-screen 8-plex theater, 3 fast food facilities and an ice cream shop on the property. As for bars, the PHINS event will have those special priced drinks ONLY at our venue sites, and if you wish to use the other bar facilities the Arrowweed Lounge has nightly entertainment. There are bars located throughout the Resort.

Is this a family event?

The Resort does offer a fun zone for children that operate throughout the day and evening. However, due to the nature of the Casino and the entertainment, PHINS To The WEST is considered an Adult event with all evening events, within the convention area, closed to anyone under the age of 21.

How big is the PTTW event?

This year is the 9th Annual event. In the past years the event has attracted well over 500 people. These attendees represent Trop Rock and Parrot Head enthusiasts from all over the country, Canada and Mexico.

Is there a limit on the number of registrations being taken?

The event has never put a limit on the registrations. With 455 rooms we have been able to comfortably accommodate all attendees. The choice rooms are located in the Beach Tower, which is near the Lagoon pool area and where most of the day activities occur. Rooms in this section are assigned based on registration dates of attendees. Registering early increases your chances of getting one of the 157 Beach tower rooms. Just for planning purposes, we use over 300 rooms each year for this event.

What is the entertainment for the event?

The PTTW committee has a goal of bringing in top-level entertainers to provide a cross section of the Trop Rock nation. Many of the performers and groups are nominees of the Margarita Mafia award event. These are the “Best of the Best” in the Trop Rock music genre. We have some regional favorites that have found a home at this event, but we are always searching for new and varied entertainment .

This year's entertainment is currently posted on the site under the Entertainment tab. As we move into the next year, we will be looking for a few more additions to our lineup. These entertainers are booked are based on availability. The goal of PTTW has been to be a large enough event to have the funding necessary to bring quality entertainment to Laughlin, but small enough to maintain the intimacy and closeness of our participants throughout the event. Many of our attendees use this event to meet with old and new friends.

What other activities are being held during the event?

We will have a Silent Auction and other special Raffles to raise funds for selected charity organizations. These activities are held on all days during the event. We never know what items we will have for this auction, but, each year we offer a wide choice of items that appeal to many of the attendees. On Saturday by the pool, we also have several very popular competitive games and contests, so watch your email for further details on those!

Another event that has been planned again for this year is the Kayak Adventure down the Colorado River on Thursday and Friday. Since many of our attendees make a vacation of this event and arrive earlier in the week, we have created activities and additional entertainment opportunities to make their week more enjoyable. You can sign up for this event when you register. Hotel pick-up will be about 11:00 AM (we drive your butt to the launch point). There will be a registration or registration confirmation table in front lobby. You will return to lagoon cove around 2:30P.M.

Where do I mail my check?

If you are paying by Check, it will need to be mailed to:

PTTW Registration
C/O Nina Hill
322 Sandra Lane
Woodruff, SC 29388

How do I get to Laughlin, Nevada?

Laughlin is located about 80 miles South of Las Vegas. It lies on the Colorado River which is a major water recreational area. Inexpensive commercial flights are available to Las Vegas from all points of the country. Laughlin can be reached by commercial air, car or Van service. Cost of Van service to Laughlin is about $75 - $100 round trip. Travel time from Las Vegas to Laughlin by car is about 1.5 hours.

We have negotiated a partnering deal with River City Shuttle out of Las Vegas for transportation to the AVI Resort and Casino, and we have received a special event rate for PTTW for that short 80 mile ride. The vans have regular public service, but if your membership or travel group can get together a group of 12 or more, the van service will arrange a special run to the AVI. Click here for more information.

Is there Internet service at the hotel?

Yes, there is free wireless service throughout the hotel.

What if I need to make a change to my Registration?

You can log back into our registration module and update your record, or click here to send an e-mail about your request: PTTW Registration For additional information, check out the website or email your questions to pttw@phinstothewest.com.