The MGM Beau Rivage in Biloxi is the largest hotel in Mississippi and offers more than 50,000 sf of meeting space. Photo by Greg Anderson

From Reno to Atlantic City, gaming resorts offer event planners one-of-a-kind, all-in-one options and over-the-top treatment. From a variety of outstanding, onsite meeting and reception venues, high-end restaurants and unique entertainment experiences such as live shows, nightclubs, outdoor recreation and spa facilities, casino resorts deal a winning hand for meetings and events.

“When a group arrives at a destination like a resort with a casino, the variety of amenities provides a different level of experience,” says Melissa Boland, director of sales & conference services at Northern Quest Resort & Casino near Spokane, WA.

Operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, the casino environment allows an opportunity for a vast array of energy and excitement that is not felt in the traditional convention, adds Boland.  This includes a number of restaurants and lounge venues that are available and open for guests to utilize, whether it’s early in the morning or late into the evening.

The New & Improved Atlantic City

While Las Vegas is the epicenter for casino resorts, there are myriad options throughout the U.S., including Atlantic City, which traces its casino resort history to 1978 when Resorts International, Atlantic City’s first casino, debuted. Today, Caesars Entertainment owns several casino hotels there, including Caesars Atlantic City, featuring 28,000 sf of event space.

Caesars has invested in updating the property, including a new lobby and valet experience, as well as new dining and entertainment additions, such as Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen; Nobu Atlantic City restaurant; The Hook, a new adult variety show with acrobats by Spiegelworld; and Spiegleworld’s Superfrico sensory overload dining experience. The property also underwent renovations to its pool area, located on the Qua Baths & Spa rooftop.

Nobu Hotel recently debuted with more than 80 rooms and suites within Caesars Atlantic City on the Centurion Tower’s top three floors. According to Steve Van Der Molen, vice president of meeting operations, Atlantic City for Caesars Entertainment, “The goal with our renovations at Caesars Atlantic City was to create the boutique East Coast version of Caesars Palace Las Vegas.

“With the addition of Hell’s Kitchen, Nobu Restaurant, Nobu Hotel and The Hook – Atlantic City’s first residency show, we’ve accomplished that. Groups can use these venues for dine arounds or buy-outs similar to Las Vegas, with special oceanfront views. For our association partners, we give them the Las Vegas experience while still being drivable to one-third of the U.S. population.”

Ocean Casino Resort in Atlantic City caters to groups with 1,860 guest rooms and suites, and its Ovation Hall & Conference Center offers 30,000 sf of space. For conferences or events that require breakout rooms, Ovation Hall can be combined with the 20 Think Tank meeting rooms on the same level.

World Insurance Associates LLC hosted a conference at the property and brought together global producers and executives in the field. The event, held over three nights, gathered a total of 340 participants.

“Our choice of venue, Ocean Casino Resort, was deliberate, as its meeting and conference facilities, along with the pre-function/registration space, are situated in an aesthetically pleasing center offering panoramic views of the Atlantic,” says Jean Wiskowski, CMO of World Insurance Associates LLC.

With the exception of the spa, all facilities were utilized by the entire group. “World organized two post-reception/dinner events each evening during our conference, and the Ocean team exceeded expectations in handling the unique needs and preferences of each of the six events,” Wiskowski says. “For example, we used the Italian restaurant for a private dinner, where the resort’s sommelier showcased wines during each course, turning the evening into culinary perfection. Additionally, the experience at Ocean Steak was outstanding, with exceptional food and service.”

The meeting rooms and the ocean views from the Convention Center received widespread positive reaction. “Prior to my World meeting, I had never done an event in Atlantic City,” says Wiskowski. “It turned out to be a hidden gem on the East Coast with its combination of reasonable food, outstanding service, beautiful rooms, and well-lit meeting rooms. The overall experience was perfection, making Ocean a strong contender for future hosting considerations.”

Another prime casino resort for association groups is Hard Rock Atlantic City, with 1,971 guest rooms and suites and more than 150,000 sf of meeting and event space. For the largest gatherings, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena can stage a general session of 7,000 people or a 300-plus booth trade show. The property’s 29,000 sf Seminole Ballroom, which is divisible into six sections, can be configured to accommodate everything from receptions to banquets.

Planners Can Always Bet On MGM

MGM Resorts International owns a variety of casino resorts on the East Coast, including MGM National Harbor in Maryland. The $1.4 billion LEED Gold Certified resort is located a short distance from Washington, D.C. The 24-story, 308-room resort features a spa and salon; an entertainment theater with flexible seating for up to 3,000; 50,000sf of meeting space; and restaurants from local, national and international chefs. The property’s five restaurants are suited for group events from 15 people to a full buy-out.

“Located right outside Washington, D.C., MGM National Harbor sits just 10 miles from the U.S. Capitol Building and has something to offer for every group,” says Sheila Hession, executive director of sales at MGM National Harbor.

“Our 50,000 sf of meeting space includes two terraces and the Potomac Plaza with sweeping views of the Potomac River. If you’re looking for something with a little more drama, The Theater at MGM National Harbor, which has hosted acts like Bruno Mars and Mariah Carey, can be cross-sold for private receptions and gala dinners,” she adds.

MGM Grand Hotel Detroit, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, has 400 rooms and more than 30,000 sf of meeting space. The ballroom can host up to 800 people for an event.

“This affords most planners the ability to hold their meetings and activities under one roof. Additionally, guests attending major shows at Huntington Place convention center enjoy 24-hour dining and entertainment coupled with added amenities and a location less than a mile from the center,” says Jenni Muscat, director of catering and convention services.

In addition to a refresh of IMMERSE Spa and D.PRIME Steakhouse, the property features a new food hall, Detroit Central Market. “The various alternative venues offered on property provide ample opportunities for networking and member engagement during programs,” Muscat says.

The property also features Topgolf Swing Suite simulator bays that also offer games such as football, soccer, hockey and zombie dodgeball, as well as tournament options for attendees.

MGM’s Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, MS, is also celebrating its 25th anniversary. Measuring in as the largest hotel in Mississippi, the property offers some 50,000 sf of total meeting space.

Groups can use a variety of venues, such as an event deck that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Last year, the resort debuted a multimillion-dollar remake of the Buffet at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino. Over the summer, they opened a new waterfront seafood restaurant called Coralines. Groups can use the Topgolf Swing Suite on property for networking or team-building events.

“What you get more than anything else is the hospitality side of the area — the friendliness that really makes a difference here,” says Randy Whiteside, executive director of sales of the Beau Rivage.

The Mississippi Municipal League hosts its annual conference of about 3,000 on the Mississippi Gulf Coast every year, with Beau Rivage as the main host hotel. “Beau Rivage is one of the most elegant casino resorts on the coast,” says Tiffany Bush, finance & meetings manager for the League. “We love the staff. When you have that relationship with the staff and they know what you need and they can anticipate things that are going wrong before you bring it to them, it sets them apart and makes it easier for you as a meeting planner.”

Caesars & New Orleans – A Perfect Pairing

Southern hospitality is a draw at Caesars New Orleans. Once Harrah’s New Orleans, the property has undergone an extensive upgrade, including updates to interior and exterior spaces, and a new 340-room Caesars Tower with 15 floors, according to Jason Gaudet, associate director of sales at Caesars Entertainment. In addition to opening a Nobu Restaurant, the $435 million investment​ also includes a 54-key Nobu Hotel.

“Caesars Entertainment has reshaped the New Orleans skyline, fusing opulence and excitement in a tapestry of iconic hotels and cutting-edge meetings and events experiences that redefine the city’s rich landscape,” says Patrick Espinoza, executive director of sales at Caesars Entertainment.

The new tower adds to the existing Harrah’s Tower that offers 450 guest rooms and suites​. Together, the towers offer 790 total rooms and suites. Options for groups include private dining areas at restaurant Emeril’s Brasserie, which opened last fall.

Tahoe & Reno Come Up Aces

Out West, Caesars Entertainment owns Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, which offers unique venues for groups including top-floor restaurant venues with panoramic lake and mountain views.

“Groups are always looking for new ways to keep their attendees engaged while attending a program,” says Andy Bomberger, director of meeting operations at Lake Tahoe for Caesars Entertainment. “With Lake Tahoe in our backyard, there is always something to do, no matter what the season, and adding a few personal days to the beginning or end of a conference is a great way to get the most from your experience. For groups on property, we offer a variety of different activities from shows, restaurants and even utilizing one of our arcade spaces for some out-of-the-box team building.”

Lake Tahoe is also the backyard for the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino, located more than 6,000 feet up the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In addition to its traditional guest rooms, the property features private lakeside cottages that are separated from the main resort. Each of the cottages are fully furnished and provide direct access to the lake and outdoor patios. The resort is connected to 500 feet of private beach on Lake Tahoe and is home to the Stillwater Spa and Salon.

“With our idyllic setting on the shore of North Lake Tahoe, we provide association groups with an ideal setting to experience the incredible location,” says Ashlee Barton, their director of sales & marketing. “When planners book an event at our property, they will have access to our incredible nature-infused outdoor venues, state-of-the-art ballrooms, premier accommodations and amazing amenities. Our talented events team is on-hand to ensure every detail of the function, from planning to execution, for a fully seamless experience that offers memorable moments for attendees.”

The resort also offers groups a wide range of wellness opportunities as part of its unique Adventure program, featuring Adventure specialists who lead groups on guided activities and excursions including hikes, lakeside yoga and meditation sessions, archery and more.

Ashley Koonce, executive director of the Association of Paroling Authorities International, plans a conference that brings together between 200 and 250 global attendees. She says, “For that conference, we allowed attendees time to make their own adventures. Many went on sightseeing expeditions, including an evening lake tour. I’ve never heard a bad word about that destination.”

Koonce adds, “Every stage of our association’s annual training conference planning journey was met with unparalleled expertise and dedication from the exceptional team at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino. From the initial meetings to the meticulous execution on-site, the Hyatt team seamlessly guided us through each transition, ensuring a flawless experience for our attendees.”

Less than an hour from Lake Tahoe, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno offers 1,621 guest rooms, including the 600-room, all-suite Tuscany Tower and the three-story Spa & Salon Toscana. There are also 10 dining options and a former nightclub on property that is now being used exclusively for private events.

The resort has remodeled its main Peppermill Tower, which has 880 rooms according to Kayla Ihnat, Western Rockies Regional Sales Director, Peppermill Resort. They also just remodeled their sports bar. Next will be a remodel of guest rooms in the Tuscany tower. In addition, all the meeting spaces have been remodeled since reopening from the pandemic.

“Once guests are on site, they don’t really need to leave. There’s so much to do outside of just gaming,” Devine says. “We’ve got a full-service salon and spa fitness center as well as two pools that are geothermally heated. So, it’s really all under one roof, which is appealing for a lot of association business.”

Erin Lightfoot, director of education & events at Self-Storage Association, is in her third year of hosting events at the Peppermill. The first two years were for the Nevada Self Storage Association. “They had a great experience at the property. We find the property to be really luxurious and affordable, which in the association world is what you’re looking for,” she explains.

Lightfoot says attendees found it an easy destination to access and they enjoyed its all-in-one options from onsite restaurants to the property’s spa.

Planners Should Roll The Dice In Tuscon

Tucson, Arizona’s Casino del Sol, an enterprise of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, features the Casino Del Sol Conference Center and an 18,000 sf Grand Ballroom, among its venues. Association groups can also use the property’s food outlets and outdoor space. There is a golf course next door and a large amphitheater that can hold 5,000 people.

When Cathy Wylet, Owner at OutSource Management, planned a meeting for the first time at Casino del Sol, which included about 50 breakout sessions and 40-45 exhibitors for a trade show, she says the location was a surprise. “We visited a couple of properties down there for this client, and I was extremely impressed with the extent of their meeting space and their restaurant options,” she says. “They also have good function space, a beautiful pool and areas that they’ve actually built up around the pool that are great for receptions. The other thing that’s great about working with them is they gave us some nice room upgrades at the group rate for our president and our committee.”

The Pascua Yaqui Tribe is planning another gaming property in central Tucson near the community known as Old Pascua. Plans for the new casino include gaming machines, table games, sports betting, and several food and beverage outlets.

Spokane Is A Great Wild Card

The Kalispel Tribe of Indians have expanded the Northern Quest Resort & Casino outside of Spokane. Last year, it debuted the 192-room new River Tower, bringing the total number of hotel rooms to 442 and making Northern Quest the largest casino resort in Washington state.

“We have about a dozen restaurants and lounges and many of our restaurants can be rented,” Boland says. “Groups can have a full buy-out.”

Other amenities include a Topgolf Swing Suite simulator, a sports restaurant with private spaces and Highball, a high-end lounge. Kalispell Golf & Country Club is also available for groups, as well as other outdoor activities in the Spokane region such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing in the winter and rafting in the summer.

Paradise Island Is Always A Good Gamble

For those seeking a gaming resort that is sure to deliver a memorable experience, Atlantis Paradise Island might just be the answer. With five hotels to choose from, an open-air marine habitat, Aquaventure water park, 18-hole golf course and plenty of restaurants, bars and lounges, there will be no shortage of things to do. Here planners will find 500,000 sf of possibilities when it comes to space for meetings and events.

No matter the location, when planners want to create one-of-a-kind, all-in-one options with over-the-top treatment meetings and events, gaming resorts are a sure bet. | AC&F |