Turning Stone Resort Casino offers a 32 table, state-of-the-art Poker Room and 2,000 slots. Courtesy Photo

Gaming resorts, namely colossal hotels with over-the-top amenities, have proven to be the ideal option for today’s meetings and events. Not only do planners have a wealth of options from which to choose, but attendees can enjoy everything from swim-up blackjack tables to lavish shopping to legendary casino action.

Las Vegas Gems

At Wynn and Encore Las Vegas, meeting planners can configure their meeting, convention or special event utilizing 560,000 rentable sf of flexible space that includes 57 meeting rooms, a 20,000 sf outdoor pavilion with an adjacent 20,000 sf lawn, and four pillar-less ballrooms ranging from 20,500 to 83,000 sf. The new two-level meeting and convention space expansion sits on the southeast side of the resort’s private backyard and overlooks the Wynn Golf Club’s 18-hole championship golf course.

“Wynn Las Vegas provides a level of service to our group, our attendees, and our exhibitors that reflects back upon American Med Spa in a positive manner,” says Mary Richter, events director at the American Med Spa.

“The options for dining, entertainment, gaming and spa at Wynn Las Vegas align with our audience’s travel expectations, and heighten their experience while at our program. In addition, Wynn Las Vegas is a great planning partner — and I use the word ‘partner’ in earnest, to ensure we are achieving our organization’s goals for our annual meeting.”

The event spaces at Wynn and Encore Las Vegas boast floor-to-ceiling windows, terraces with garden or pool views and grand promenades. The resort features state-of-the-art technology, and Wynn’s event production services team, which can fully oversee event production.

Another favorite gaming resort is Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The resort features the meeting space in its own campus-like space, including separate elevators and entrances, maintaining a separation between business and pleasure activities for attendees.

Fontainebleau Las Vegas includes 550,000 sf of customizable indoor and outdoor meeting and convention space, with countless configurations throughout the five levels of the resort. A pillarless ballroom spanning more than 105,000 sf — one of the largest in Las Vegas — is an ideal venue for larger gatherings. And the three-level, 90,000-sf theater in a unique option for presentations also includes generous pre-function space.

“The Las Vegas Chamber is thrilled to join forces with Fontainebleau Las Vegas as our host for this year’s Preview Las Vegas, the region’s premier business forecasting event,” says Mary Beth Sewald, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “With more than 1,500 attendees, Fontainebleau Las Vegas is the perfect venue with its all-new state-of-the-art meeting and convention space, providing our event with a diverse and flexible space for all of our attendees to experience.”

When it comes time for fun and games, the resort’s 150,000 sf of gaming space, a 55,000 sf spa, 14,000 sf fitness center, offer a wealth of activities for attendees to enjoy.

In 2024, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will introduce 36 first-to-market restaurant concepts, including concepts from award-winning chefs and restaurateurs, such as Chef Gabriela Cámara, Michelin-starred chefs Masa Ito and Kevin Kim, Alan Yau, Evan Funke, David Grutman, and more.

Sheldon Kaye, vice president of events for ConvExx, recently held their Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) event at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event included the load-in of vehicles into the ballroom, competitions in the convention space, vendor booths and hotel room buyouts.

“Choosing the Plaza to launch PDR Expo was one of the main reasons the event was successful. Our attendees were captivated by the downtown, old-school Vegas vibe, which added an unforgettable flair to the event. Meanwhile, our exhibitors appreciated the smooth and easy move-in process,” Kaye says. “This synergy created a perfect environment for both showcasing skills and networking. The Plaza proved to be the ideal venue, blending classic charm with modern convenience.”

The Plaza hosts numerous events — large and small — at the various venues, including: 30,000 sf of refurbished ballroom and meeting space; a vintage Vegas showroom; a rooftop pool deck that overlooks the Vegas valley and downtown; the CORE Arena, which is downtown’s only outdoor equestrian and multipurpose facility; and dining and entertainment venues.

Caesars Entertainment is synonymous with Las Vegas, with several amazing gaming resort options. CAESARS FORUM is one of the most amazing venues to consider, with 550,000 sf of space, including the 100,000 sf outdoor FORUM PLACE. The venues two pillarless ballrooms can each accommodate up to 10,000 attendees.

Directly connected to CAESARS FORUM is Harrah’s Las Vegas, with freshly redesigned and remodeled accommodations for attendees, and over 25,000 sf of meeting space.

One of the ideal locales to host a meeting is at Caesars Palace, which is one of the best-known gaming resorts in the U.S. Here, attendees and planners alike revel in the five-star experience at every turn. Caesars Palace features a two-story conference center and two pillarless 51,000 sf ballrooms.

For smaller gatherings, yet for those wanting to experience all the Strip has to offer, Linq Hotel & Casino offers over 31,000 sf of meeting space, including an expansive third and fourth floor conference areas, and several special venues for more intimate affairs.

And while heading to Paris, France may not be part of the agenda, Paris Las Vegas is the next best thing. This amazing gaming resort offers 140,000 sf of adaptive meeting spaces and a vast range of room configurations to meet the exact needs of a group.

Additional Caesars Entertainment properties that have enticed meeting planners for years include the Flamingo Las Vegas, with over 73,000 sf of meeting and event space, as well as Harrah’s Las Vegas, which offers 25,000 sf of meeting venue options.

At the heart of the MGM’s presence in Las Vegas is the MGM Grand, an 850,000-sf conference center, which offers a wealth of flexible meeting space. In addition, MGM offers robust convention spaces at Mandalay Bay.

The Mandalay Bay Convention Center boasts over 2.1 million sf of meeting and exhibit space, making this center one of the largest in the world. For unique, elevated meeting experiences, MGM offers several additional gems, including The Mirage, the Bellagio and Park MGM — all of which offer exceptional entertainment facilities that go beyond the casino experience.

The Park MGM has three unique gathering spaces including the Conference Center, the Madison Meeting Center and the Ideation Studio — all of which are easily accessible from guest rooms. The opulence of the meeting spaces at the Bellagio will leave attendees in awe, as will the gaming resort’s many attractions, including the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, the Bellagio Conservatory & Gardens, and the many entertainment options gracing the resort.

In addition to gaming, Resorts World Las Vegas has 250,000 sf of flexible event space. Courtesy Photo

Innovative and contemporary are ideal ways to describe the meeting environs at the Resorts World Las Vegas, which features a total of 250,000 sf of flexible event space, a 5,000 sf theatre and six ballrooms.

Floor-to-ceiling windows offer attendees awe-inspiring views of the Las Vegas strip and an expansive outdoor terrace is the ideal spot for many corporate gatherings. When it’s time to relax and unwind, Resorts World Las Vegas touts an amazing gaming floor, nightclubs, wellness spa and seven outdoor pools.

East Coast Delights

Boston, MA is home to Encore Boston Harbor, a casino resort that sits on 33 acres right on the historic Boston Harbor, only five miles from Logan International Airport and connected to Boston via a fleet of Encore Boston Harbor water shuttles.

With 50,000 sf of state-of-the-art meeting and event space, including a 37,000-sf divisible grand ballroom, 10 customizable meeting spaces, 15 restaurants and lounges, and 650 sf hotel rooms —the largest guest rooms in the city — Encore Boston Harbor is considered the “go to” destination for many corporate meeting planners looking for a unique gaming resort experience for attendees.

“Encore has been one of the most stellar venues I have worked with in the past decade,” says Esther Fleischhacker, CMP, event planning, management and production at EFfortless-Events Inc.

“The sales team is flexible, knowledgeable and client centric in their approach, and their planning and event team provides exceptional service and adapts brilliantly when client or event needs change. The space is gorgeous, very flexible with good outdoor space, and banquets always exceed my expectations.”

Encore Boston Harbor’s appointed spaces overlook the harbor, and a 21,000 sf waterfront event lawn offers a unique space for gatherings of all sizes.

New in 2024, they will be tenting the lawn, allowing guests to enjoy the outdoor space during the spring, summer and fall months, rain or shine. The space can be staged for plated dinners, buffet service or standing room with high tops and heating and cooling options available.

Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona, NY, is one of New York’s most advanced resorts. Groups can experience 2,000 slot machines, 66 Vegas-style table games, one of the top three Bingo Halls in the world, and the largest poker room in New York State. Turning Stone Resort & Casino has made significant investments to elevate the guest experience across the resort, including renovations in nearly all of their most sought-after meeting spaces.

Located in Central New York, the resort is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and manicured grounds. Along with the diverse facilities, meeting technology and customized service that modern events demand, meeting planners will find luxurious accommodations, dining and amenities that encourage relaxation and rejuvenation, including world-class spas, golf courses and more.

Wendi Haught, senior event manager at Certified Angus Beef, recently planned a corporate event at the Turning Stone Resort & Casino.

“What a powerhouse team of event professionals at Turning Stone,” Haught says. “The culinary and event services team have gone above and beyond to show us they value our business, and their creativity and attention to detail will make sure our events there continue to shine.”

Turning Stone is home to 125,000 sf of conference space, including 22,000 sf of modular meeting space with dozens of configurations. The remodeled Conference Center includes updated modern décor, as well as state-of-the-art audio and technology for remote participants, virtual sessions and hybrid events. Turning Stone announced the Turning Stone Evolution, the largest expansion of the resort in the last two decades. The renovation will double the resort’s existing event space and, when completed, will make Turning Stone the largest convention center in Upstate New York.

Atlantic City, NJ, has long been synonymous with gaming resorts. As such, meeting planners have come to turn to Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa for meetings and events of all sizes.

The resort includes 24 venues that accommodate up to 3,500 attendees including theatre-style gatherings, boardrooms, and venues that are ideal for large formal dinners and shows.

Also in Atlantic City, the Resorts Casino Hotel offers endless entertainment for attendees after business events have unwound in the myriad of gathering spaces, including the newly expanded Resorts Conference Center. With over 64,000 sf of meeting space and over 80,000 sf of gaming space, attendees will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds. The best thing about the Resorts Casino Hotel is that is located along the Atlantic City Boardwalk so attendees can take in the amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Any event held at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, is undoubtedly memorable, thanks to the unique environment that the resort offers. The 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena is the ideal spot for large-scale presentations, while the 17,500 sf outdoor sun terrace with fire pits provides an amazing outdoor meeting experience.

Mt. Pocono, PA, is home to Mount Airy Casino Resort, an award-winning resort that is truly a retreat. With over 20,000 sf of flexible meeting space, Mount Airy Casino Resort is sure to please.

From golf to gaming, from entertainment headliners to quiet spa treatments, attendees will have ample options for rest and relaxation as well.

With 69 tables, Talking Stick Resort has the biggest poker room in the state. Photo by Mark Boisclair

Southern Gems

Overlooking Camelback Mountain and the Sonoran Desert in Scottsdale, AZ, Talking Stick Resort is the leading hospitality destination, courtesy of its stunning design and vast array of entertainment options. The beautiful resort and casino features over 100,000 sf of meeting spaces, including both indoor and outdoor options.

Following a long day of meetings, the property offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, including world-class restaurants and entertainment lounges, an expansive casino floor and the renowned spa located on the 14th floor.

Another southwestern gaming resort gem is the Inn of the Mountain Gods in Mescalero, NM. Here attendees can enjoy 45,000 sf of event space, as well as golf, comedy clubs, concerts, fishing, ziplining, and, of course, gaming options aplenty.

Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, CA, owned by the Pechanga Band of Indians, is one of the largest casino resorts in the U.S., with 200,000 sf of gaming space. In addition, the resort’s pool complex is the size of five football fields. While meeting planners enjoy the vast options within the resort’s 275,000 sf of event space, attendees can turn their attention to exploring the gaming, dining, and entertainment options that surprise and delight at every turn.

Hollywood, Florida has also made a name for itself among meeting planners looking for a gaming resort for their events.

Specifically, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, features the iconic Guitar Hotel, which has become a recognizable landmark. While attending a meeting or incentive event, attendees can also revel in the many amenities that resort has to offer including team-building experiences in the resort’s large water lagoon.

Hard Rock Live’s 7,000-capacity provides the perfect place for attendees to experience the musical offerings that have earned the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino its reputation for exceptional entertainment.

From concerts to creative performances and spectacular casinos, the gaming resorts offer the perfect venue and a win-win deal for both planners and attendees.  C&IT