Gaming Resorts: Planner’s Choice

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Gaming casinos offer a full house of options for events

For an event to be a winner, there’s more at stake than your exquisitely thought-out program—there’s the venue itself. And for many planners seeking an all-encompassing experience without ever going off property, that means a casino resort.

Much like the bets on the table at a casino, planning and organizing an event is a gamble. And the risks are greater when you must depend on a patchwork of vendors and sites. The more complex the logistics and number of suppliers, the more can go awry. But because gaming resorts offer everything under one roof, planners can hedge their bets by going all in for their next event.

Customization Is Key

Much like an a la cart meal or a buffet lunch, planners get to decide just how much or little of the gaming venue they would like to incorporate into their attendee experience.

Shelby Remington, director of event management at Opus Agency, sees gaming venues as a massive opportunity for planners. “Gaming venues stand out as great choices for events simply due to their ability to leverage economies of scale,” she says. “These venues typically can have greater infrastructure to offer meeting planners, allowing them the opportunity to design more custom and meaningful experiences for attendees.”

Read More: Gaming Properties: Drawing a Full House

For planners seeking a range of options to create their event, gaming resorts offer a choose-your-own-adventure-like style. “Every meeting planner likes having options, so if you want to bring your attendees offsite for a specific function that’s one thing, but being forced to because your venue doesn’t offer what you need is another,” Remington says.

Remington points to The Venetian Resort Las Vegas as an example. Like many casino resorts, it offers top-notch meetings opportunities: flexible and customizable meeting space, the ability to host keynotes for a large audience, breakout rooms and interactive workshops. With everything happening under one roof, transitions can be seamless, reducing stress on attendees as they move from one session to another.

“Proximity is important—as in proximity to the airport, proximity to local attractions and proximity to other nearby venues,” Remington agrees. “Gaming venues often check the box in this category as well. Using The Venetian as an example again, you’re not just close to other venues, but you can even connect them, allowing you to expand your footprint and create a more walkable campus.”

Indeed, a temporary bridge connecting The Venetian to Caesars Forum is used for some events. This enhances accessibility for mobility-challenged attendees and lets everyone move more freely.

Inclusive and Considerate

Are casino resorts the right choice for everyone? Perhaps a better way to put it is: How can planners best accommodate the experiences of everyone you are inviting to your events?

Remington answers this way: “It’s important for meeting planners to recognize that while casino resorts can make great venues, they can also be overwhelming environments. Neurodivergent attendees or individuals with sensory processing sensitivities may find the abundance of lights, sounds and smells difficult to navigate within a casino. Consider adding a quiet room to your floor plan or providing sensory kits.”

Read More: Neuroinclusion: Events for Everyone

It is also important to remember that some attendees may have personal struggles that can be triggered by these unique meeting venues, such as alcohol and gambling.

“Some brands are proactively addressing these concerns by hosting Alcoholics Anonymous meetups discreetly at the beginning of their event,” Remington notes. “At the very least, providing a variety of zero-proof beverage options at bars contributes to inclusivity and attendee comfort.”

For Your Consideration…

So, now that you’re ready to host your next event at a gaming resort, the question is where? Check out this curated selection of choices that may be just the winning bet you’re looking for.

Aruba Marriott Resort houses The Stellaris Casino with 500 slot machines and 26 gaming tables. Planners who want to incorporate the gaming floor into their event can create “Casino Royale” or “Vegas Night.” For incentives, the property can offer planners credits based on the size of the group or meeting.

“We understand that creating the right experience is paramount for meeting and event planners. Our casino is more than just a place to gamble; it’s a vibrant entertainment hub that offers unique experiences designed to bring groups together, foster connections and make every gathering unforgettable,” says Raoul Lemmerling, the complex general manager. “From exclusive slot tournaments to unique casino-themed events in our ballroom, we are committed to providing an unmatched experience at our beachfront resort and casino that aligns with the goals and preferences of our guests.”

Aruba Marriott Resort offers 10,450 sq. ft. of meeting space, seven meeting rooms and 414 guest rooms.

Atlantis Paradise Casino in the Bahamas recently finished renovations designed to give guests a more open, airy feel. The casino features 85 tables and 700 games. For those interested in the artistic side of things, the venue also features a quarter of highly impressive glass sculptures from renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

“Atlantis is the most all-encompassing destination resort in the world and redefines the standards for corporate meetings, group conferences, and incentive events. With over 500,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor flexible meeting space with state-of-the-art technology plus endless interactive experiences customizable for all group sizes from 10 to 25,000, Atlantis sets the stage for creating lifelong memories and exceeds business expectations,” says Steve Silverman, Senior Vice President of Group Sales, Atlantis Paradise Island.

After a long day of meetings, guests can check out the resort’s dining options that include Nobu and Silan, the brand-new restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Alon Shaya. The resort also has two on-site lounges: Bar Sol, which gives attendees great views to the casino floor; and Moon Bar, known for the sleek marine habitat that lives behind the bar while guests partake in classic cocktails, wine, draft beer and a selection of cigars.

Atlantis Paradise Island offers planners 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 60 meeting rooms and 3,401 guest rooms.

South Point Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas has recently completed a renovation of its one- and two-bedroom suites, including upgraded flooring and furnishings. New carpet has also been installed throughout the hotel and casino. Tech advances include self-check-in kiosks.

“We’re away from the chaos, but close to the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and 3 miles from the iconic Vegas strip. Our range of amenities and services are tailored to meet the diverse needs of meeting planners and their attendees, with standard local prices compared to The Strip’s tourist prices,” says Mary Andrews, director of sales. “From versatile event spaces to personalized support from our experienced team, we strive to exceed expectations at every turn. Our dedication to providing a seamless experience as well as affordability sets us apart as the premier choice for meetings and events in Las Vegas.”

South Point Hotel & Spa offers 110,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 22 meeting rooms and 2,100 guest rooms.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas offers a little bit of everything for guests including a luxury spa, premium fitness center and nail salon. Those interested in a having a night out can head over to the BleauLive Theater for a performance. The Fontaineblue Las Vegas Casino offers 150,000 sq. ft. of gaming from table games, slots and premier sportsbook.
550,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 52 meeting rooms and 3,700 guest rooms.

Last year, Turning Stone Resort Casino announced Turning Stone Evolution, the largest expansion of the venue to date, that will double the resort’s existing event space and make Turning Stone the largest convention venue in Upstate New York. The renovation will include The Crescent, a brand-new 258 room hotel with indoor and outdoor spaces. The Crescent will also feature Salt Seafood & Raw Bar.

“Constant evolution and expansion of world-class amenities have become synonymous with Turning Stone and something meeting planners and guests have come to expect from us. Within the last year, we have opened several new entertainment and dining venues such as NY Rec & Social Club, our new lounge and nightlife hotspot,” says Sarah Just, director of sales for Turning Stone Enterprises. “NY Rec & Social Club has quickly become a favorite destination for meeting planners because when you combine a menu prepared by our award-winning culinary team with a brand-new, beautiful space that features a lot of recreational games and entertainment, the event plans itself.”

Turning Stone Resort Casino offers 125,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 28 meeting rooms and 788 guest rooms.

Two Seneca Casinos in New York State offer a wide variety of choices and activities for meeting planners and their attendees.

At Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, for instance, there is a theater-style capacity of 2,200 people and 1,000 people for a dinner function. Planners looking to create a customized experience for their guests can book the spa for a private event.

“We understand that our customers may have specific event themes in mind, and our team can help facilitate that. Our chefs have the expertise to create any menu that is requested to make your event memorable,” says Tonia Ineson, executive director of advertising and communications. “No matter the size of your event, we can accommodate your needs. Our goal is to make your event unforgettable, and we believe there’s no better place than our resorts to host your event.”

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino has 67,202 sq. ft. of meeting space, 22 meeting rooms and 604 guest rooms.

Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino has 20,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 11 meeting rooms and 413 guest rooms.

Seminole Hard Rock & Casino Hollywood in Florida offers planners a tantalizing variety of options under one roof, including flexible meeting space and opulent and sophisticated ballroom.

“‘It’s Time to Breakout & Amplify’ is the premier music and cultural experience for meetings and events, inspired by the most popular hotel in-room amenity program,” says Mark Tascione, vice president of sales & catering. “We also included a new addition, Mix, where guests can learn to be a DJ. Additionally, we also have the Hard Rock tour where guests can learn about the iconic memorabilia collection the Hard Rock brand showcases at each hotel, and a scavenger hunt, where guests can learn interesting fun facts about the resort.”

For planners interested in varied F&B options, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood hosts group receptions called “The Taste of Hard Rock” that feature food stations with specialty small plates from various restaurants at the resort, including Council Oak Steaks & Seafood and Abiaka Wood Fire Grill.

Seminole Hard Rock & Casino Hollywood has 120,00 sq. ft. of meeting space, 41 meeting rooms and 1,271 guest rooms.

Planners looking to host their event at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pennsylvania’s Poconos have a perfect mixture at their disposal, from casino slots fun to hiking trails.

“Nestled in the breathtaking Pocono Mountains, Mount Airy Casino Resort offers the perfect combination of high-energy gaming, luxury accommodations, fine dining, world-class entertainment and so much more,” says Ben Koff, Mount Airy Casino Resort general manager and chief operating officer. “When you’re not trying your luck on the casino floor, you can relax at the spa, have a drink by the pool or play a round of golf on our award-winning championship golf course. As an adults-only getaway, Mount Airy Casino Resort offers an unforgettable escape.”

Mount Airy Casino Resort has 30,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, 12 meeting rooms and 258 guest rooms.