31 minute read
Small Meetings and Retreats
Small Meetings & Retreats
As group functions gradually resume, smaller meetings, retreats and outings are playing a critical role in the hospitality industry’s continued recovery.
Historically, smaller groups have been a great source of repeat business for meeting and event venues, acting as a consistent collective economic driver – not only for the properties who host them, but also for many of the surrounding restaurants, retailers and other businesses within their communities.
Today, challenges presented by the pandemic have made smaller groups even more vitally important to these venues and businesses, and their return is providing a needed boost and forward momentum heading into the new year.
Robin Lattinville, Director of Sales, Camelback Resort Pocono Mountains, PA “Here at Camelback Resort, we are seeing more and more companies segmenting their meetings by hosting smaller groups for different departments,” observes Robin Lattinville, director of sales at Camelback Resort in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. “This allows the attendees to personally reconnect - versus using Zoom - and, in some cases, meet and get to know their new colleagues. We also are seeing shorter booking timeframes, as meeting planners navigate the continued uncertainty.”
Meeting planners are looking for interactive experiences for their teams to reconnect and reignite the culture of their companies, Lattinville explains. “We’ve seen a huge increase in requests for unique dining experiences. Meeting planners are wanting more than the traditional meeting room buffet and are looking for memorable experiences as a way to reward their employees for their countless hours of working from home.”
With 540-acres, Camelback Resort can offer groups plenty of unique spaces with room to spread out and be comfortable. “A favorite dining venue is our loft at Berrelli’s Italian Chophouse,” Lattinville notes. “This beautiful room overlooking the Poconos holds up to 40 people and has its own bar and fireplace. From there we can take guests down to the restaurant’s speakeasy opening up to a patio for a game of pool, shuffleboard or axe throwing.”
Over the summer, the property’s new UTVs were a popular way to transport guests to the Summit House for dinner. The Summit House is Camelback’s highest elevation restaurant that sits on top of Pocono Mountain and features spectacular views. “Many times, we would start with cocktails at Trail’s End Pub and Grille and then transport attendees to the Summit House for dinner. It’s such a memorable experience,” Lattinville adds.
For something more casual, food trucks are available for functions either at Summit House, on the property’s event lawn, or by Trail’s End near the resort’s bonfires.
Event set up at Woodloch Resort in Hawley, PA in the Pocono Mountains
Another unique space on-site is Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark for afterhours events. “We open the park up just for the group and arrange corn hole, Jenga and other games for attendees to enjoy after dinner,” says Lattinville. “During the warmer months, we can do similar events at our Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark. Meeting planners love hosting events at the Wave Pool after the park closes at 6:00 pm.”
The options and opportunities are virtually limitless at Camelback Resort, which has so much land that nearly anything is possible. “While touring planners around the resort, I tell them any space is available and to use their imagination,” Lattinville explains. “We also offer hybrid meetings capabilities and many team bonding experiences, including an ‘ice carve-off,’ where we bring in an ice carving artist to demo a few techniques and then give teams a block of ice with a design to carve. It’s quite fun! We also host group mixology classes, health and wellness themed experiences such a gentle yoga and meditation, movie nights, gourmet s’mores roasting, chef interactive dining experiences and so much more.”
Small meetings have been playing a very important role in the hospitality industry’s road to recovery in Loudoun County, Virginia, too. From corporate meetings to social gatherings, hotels here have been able to adjust and implement creative ideas to follow all CDC guidelines for safety.
“Small meetings, retreats and events are helping fill the void left by the postponements of our larger conferences,” notes Ann Hayes, director of sales, groups and meetings for Visit Loudoun. “We also have seen an increase in staff retreats, due to the remote workplace culture, which always include an outside component, such as a visit to a winery, brewery or a walking tour of one of our quaint, historic towns.”
Visit Loudoun has focused on promoting its small meeting capabilities and unique venue spaces through their “Branch Out” campaign, which has resulted in an increase of website traffic and bookings for their hotel partners.
“Outdoor offerings continue to be an attractive alternative for meeting planners, and these requests have increased significantly since the pandemic,” explains Hayes. “Loudoun County offers many outdoor and unique venue options for our small meetings.”
The diversity, culture and vibrancy of Loudoun County has been key in promoting DC’s Wine Country® as a destination for small meetings, as well. Located just 25-miles west of the nation’s capital, Loudoun County soon will become the last stop on the Metro’s Silver Line, and it is within driving distance of many metropolitan East Coast destinations, yet it offers countryside views, over 40 wineries, outdoor spaces, and hidden historic properties that are ideal for small meetings.
“Hundreds of Loudoun business owners have pledged their commitment to safely welcome you back to our hotels, vineyards, farms, stunning resorts and the rolling backroads that they call home. And, with a competitive incentive plan in place, now is the time to break away from traditional meeting settings and branch out in Loudoun,” Hayes urges.
Visit Loudoun has a number of ways they can offer assistance to groups of all shapes and sizes, including small meetings and retreats. For example, planners who are interested in booking a program in Loudoun County could be eligible to receive a $3 to $5 per room night rebate on actualized room nights.
Eligibility for this Visit Loudoun Meetings Incentive Program is based on the following: must be a new meeting or conference to Loudoun; groups must contract by June 30, 2022; meeting or conference RFPs need to be sent or
copied to Visit Loudoun and a minimum of 10 actualized room nights must be booked in a Loudoun County hotel, resort or conference center.
Visit Loudoun also offers a number of complimentary services for groups though their Meetings Concierge Program, such as: Meeting Room Supply Kits included in Welcome Bags provided by Visit Loudoun (hand sanitizer, wet wipe, candies, and tissue packs); Wellness Breakouts that connect meeting planners with local business; and industry experts available who can combine live in-person events with virtual online capabilities and planning assistance to create hybrid conferences, trade shows, seminars, workshops or meetings with the most up-to-date technology and virtual platforms.
In addition, Visit Loudoun can provide: exclusive Welcome to Loudoun Deals with "The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel has multiple small meeting rooms on our ground floor, all with natural light, which allows our restaurant to service a la carte options as well as smaller banquet menus. Our Chesapeake Ballroom has three sections with corresponding tented outdoor space and full open patio space, which can be customized for many small meeting options. Additionally, we are in the heart of historic Annapolis, so meeting attendees have many food options available nearby."
Chara Hutzell, director of sales for the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection
RESERVE YOUR STAY 800-393-0047
80 COMPROMISE STREET, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401
ANNAPOLISWATERFRONT.COM
A One-Of-A-Kind Vantage Point
From sailing the Chesapeake to strolling the historic streets of downtown, Annapolis Waterfront Hotel is your gateway to Maryland’s charming maritime town. With breathtaking harbor views, thoughtful services, and over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event spaces, our hotel provides everything your group needs for your next meeting or event.
"Small meetings and events have been the savior of our hotel through the pandemic. Companies who were able to meet on a small scale - and that was sometimes a four-person meeting - kept us open and serving our clients. The need for in-person collaboration, research and brainstorming was never clearer than when we didn't have it."
Chara Hutzell, director of sales for the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, part of Marriott's Autograph Collection special offers by local businesses; VIP Amenity baskets featuring unique local selections customized for an enhanced experience; personalized social media posts and custom website landing pages; and attendee welcome bags containing information on local attractions, wine guides and the LoCo Ale Trail.
Smaller meetings and events have been essential to the recovery of the hospitality industry in Bucks County, PA, too, as the pandemic has limited the number of larger meetings and events to this point as companies and individuals continue to feel more comfortable in smaller group settings that can spread out within a larger-sized room, observes Brian Shields, director of sales for Peddler’s Village in Lahaska, PA.
“The requests from smaller groups have not changed too much. They are still looking for a nice environment, good food, and comfortable setting,” Shields notes. “Planners do ask for the cleanliness policy of hotels or banquet facilities.”
Peddler’s Village is a great place for small group business because of the size of its hotel and meeting and event spaces. The Golden Plough Inn has 66 guestrooms that are spread throughout the Village. Also, its banquet space can host a meeting or event to accommodate between 5 and 180 people. “Our event space has dividers to separate the space and keep groups away from each other,” adds Shields.
For dining, Peddler’s Village offers the Cock’n Bull Restaurant and Earl’s New American Restaurant for meeting and event groups. Both restaurants have private event space on the second floor.
In Hawley, PA, Woodloch Resort in the Pocono Mountains has long been a popular host destination for meetings and retreats. According to Lisa Hugaboom, director of corporate sales, and Matt Butler, corporate sales manager for Woodloch, “We have found that many companies are calling to set up retreats to get their teams together face-to-face as many of them have been out of the office during the pandemic and working remotely. The demand is rather high at the moment, which is leading to many mid-week dates filling up early, which, in the past, might have been harder to fill. Many of those requests are still for smaller events, therefore not requiring large groups to gather and keeping everyone safe.”
Over the past few months, the number of requests for booking smaller meetings has increased at the resort, they note. “Planners want to be assured that the facility is maintaining a safe environment for their team. Many planners are interested in what measures we are specifically taking to ensure their teams safety,” explain Hugaboom and Butler.
Woodloch has been receiving many more inquiries about the size of meeting space and how their groups can spread out within the space, as well as wanting spaces with windows that open to allow for airflow, they observe. “We also have installed a new air purifier system in our large common areas through a company called Global Plasma Solutions. Their patented technology, called Neelepoint Bipolar Ionization, reduces airborne particulates, viruses, odors and pathogens. In short, this system pushes ions into the air that combine with particles, making them larger and easier to filter out. They also disrupt pathogens’ surface proteins and make them inactive.”
Hugaboom and Butler also have observed a number of inquiries from groups and planners who are looking for locations to which they can drive. “Woodloch is an attractive destination to these types of groups for many
reasons. The size of our properties works in our favor, as one of our properties, The Lodge at Woodloch, consists of only 58 hotel rooms, which helps assure groups that they won’t be among thousands of people should they decide to book there. Our properties also are all located within a couple hours’ drive from all major Mid-Atlantic cities, yet guests feel like they are a world away.”
Woodloch offers a wide variety of meeting rooms to meet the needs of planners. “We are, however, seeing a trend toward creative meeting spaces,” they note. “Since groups tend to be smaller, we can offer the main living space of one of our 6-bedroom Southwood Homes to be the setting for casual meetings. Here, groups can feel almost like they are in their own ‘bubble.’ Meals can be catered to the home, or we can offer a variety of other intimate dining options. The homes also provide a unique opportunity for evening relaxation to again avoid going to a bar or public area.”
Woodloch also can arrange for a campfire, lawn games, entertainment, wine tasting or late-night catering to enhance the overall experience for the group. At the request of planners, and to accommodate their level of comfort, service staff can be fully-masked. “Our goal is to provide a safe and comfortable place for groups to gather for their long overdue meetings,” assure Hugaboom and Butler.
Providing a safe and comfortable environment for small meeting, retreat and event groups will help to keep in-person functions flowing and growing, building back and strengthening hospitality in the weeks and months ahead.
A Drive to Destination
IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
“Road trip time... enjoy a scenic 2.5 hour drive to the Atlantic Coast from Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD & Philadelphia, PA”
Planning a meeting, conference, retreat, group block or social event? Why not consider Ocean City, Maryland! We would love to host you at one of our oceanfront locations.
Our experienced sales team is right here to partner in the planning process and execute your vision. Our process is simple, one point person for all of your needs, and we give it 110% of our attention with one goal...to make our clients shine.
VISIT US AT www.harrisongroupsales.com
11 OCEANFRONT HOTELS | DINING | CONFERENCE CENTER | MEETING SPACES
GUEST EXPERIENCES: CASINO RESORTS
Casino resort properties throughout the region feature special programs along with plenty of offerings. Here is a sampling of what is currently available or being planned for individuals and groups.
Bally’s Atlantic City Atlantic City, NJ
With over $100-million in planned renovations, Bally’s Atlantic City features over 1,200 rooms and more than 83,000-square feet of gaming space. This beachside destination also offers 10 dining outlets, a sportsbook, live entertainment and more.
Opened in 2021, the FanDuel Sportsbook at Bally’s Atlantic City features two large video walls and multiple betting kiosks. Bally’s also introduced 5 new restaurants in 2021. For large parties or when restaurants are at capacity, visit Dining On The Sixth and enjoy menu items for Guy Fieri’s Chophouse, Jerry Longo’s Martinis and Meatballs, or Red Bowl 88. In addition, the new Sportsbook Lounge features a curated food and beverage menu with modern, pub-style fare.
Bally’s offers live entertainment from the area’s hottest DJs and favorite local bands in both intimate settings and large party atmospheres, including the seasonal Bally’s Beach Bar.
In 2022, the property will unveil renovations to its hotel rooms, hotel lobby, lobby bar, and more. Also in 2022, Bally’s will introduce a new indoor/outdoor live entertainment concept - a beer garden-style venue offering live entertainment, a curated tap list from local and national brewers, craft cocktails, and a seafood-focused gastro-pub style menu.
Bally’s Dover Dover, DE
Bally’s Dover boasts a 500-room hotel with full-service spa and salon, three outdoor gaming areas, more than 1,900 slot machines on site, and The Colonnade. Additionally, there is live harness racing from November through April, The Rollins Center® ballroom, over 41,000-square feet of event space, 13 restaurants, bars or lounges, and retail shops.
To unwind, visit the Lobby Bar, Fire & Ice at Bally’s Dover Casino Resort or the Terrace Bar for a wide range of atmospheres and drink selections. For entertainment, Bally’s Dover offers live entertainment from the Rollins Center with 1,994 seats.
Enjoy the new and improved GR8 Burgers & More or the new Royal Prime Steakhouse Lounge, a classic American steakhouse that brings a fresh new experience to Bally’s Dover.
Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and The Water Club provides a creative environment to inspire and motivate attendees of any event.
Function spaces can be tailored to what each meeting and event planner envisions. Examples include: creating an intimate sunset reception in the Immersion Spa space on the 32nd Floor of The Water Club; transforming the 30,000square foot Borgata Event Center into a large-scale themed gala accommodating colorful productions such as Wizard of Oz or Moulin Rouge; developing team building activities and open-air events at the Borgata Outdoor Pool and Borgata Beer Garden; and a reception at The Water Club Indoor Pool that includes covering the pool in Lucite for an illuminated dance-on-water effect while guests are surrounded by plants and palms and dramatic uplighting.
Borgata has a variety of spacious venues for groups from 10 to 3,500 attendees along with the resources and technology to make any event happen.
The 30,000-square foot Borgata Event Center features 10 venues with flexible space that can be divided to host an array of special events, such as large formal dinners, shows, training classes, business presentations, receptions and more. Features include built-in lighting capabilities and a full-sized performance grade stage built on hydraulics that allows for flexibility in stage height.
The 18,000-square foot bi-level Central Conference Center is another highly-customizable space that includes five meeting rooms, a boardroom and a clear span ballroom outfitted with the latest tech.
In addition, The Water Club boasts contemporary and inventive spaces of its own with nine meeting rooms and four boardrooms, plus a full-service business center.
A number of Borgata’s public venues can be privatized, as well, including Premier Nightclub and Gypsy Bar that feature unique settings. Plus, each of the property’s restaurants, bars, lounges, outdoor venues, and even the Music Box Theater can be rented out and transformed to fit any need.
Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City, NJ
Caesars Entertainment in Atlantic City has so much more than just the largest ballrooms in the Northeast (including Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center), they also have showrooms for up to 2,000 attendees, as well as celebrity chef restaurants and top-tier service alongside the picturesque backdrop of the Atlantic shoreline.
Caesars’ three AC resorts – Harrah’s, Caesars, and Tropicana Atlantic City – offer tremendous flexibility and easy accessibility for attendees who live in the Northeast.
Significant enhancements will continue through 2023 for Caesars Entertainment properties in Atlantic City. Notably, Caesars Entertainment and Nobu Hospitality will open Nobu Hotel Atlantic City within Caesars Atlantic City in summer 2022. The debut of Nobu Hotel Atlantic City will not just offer
The Showroom at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY; photo credit: ©2021 Hal Silverman
a new hotel experience for guests; Nobu Hotels and restaurants blend modern luxury with traditional minimalist Japanese style to create a unique and personalized hospitality experience, making this boutique hotel another great option for attendees who are well-acquainted with the exclusivity of the brand.
Additionally, a multimillion-dollar deal between Caesars Entertainment and Las Vegas–based entertainment leader Spiegelworld will bring a brand-new theater and resident show to Caesars Atlantic City, slated to open the first quarter of 2023. Spiegelworld will resurrect the city’s historic Warner Theatre, incorporating the grand 1929 façade that has served as a centerpiece for the boardwalk at Caesars Atlantic City.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, NJ
With 2,000 rooms and more than 150,000-square feet of meeting and event space, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City has a variety of event venues available to amplify programs for groups of all sizes. For the largest gatherings, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena can stage general sessions of 7,000 people or 300-plus booth trade shows and expo events.
Hard Rock Atlantic City is motivated by music and that is ingrained in their offerings for groups. With a vast collection of music memorabilia, often touted as one of the largest in the Northeast, they are able to offer unique music-centric activities such as trivia and scavenger hunts and self-guided tours.
The legendary Hard Rock Cafe offers an indoor/outdoor dining option (including a private space for groups) with a sophisticated urban vibe and classic American menu. Additional outdoor dining options include the Hard Rock Beach Bar, Balcony Bar, Sugar Factory, and Fish & Co.
Hard Rock Atlantic City’s "Safe and Sound" program was first introduced when the hotel reopened in July 2020 followed by brand standards for meetings known as "Meet Safe and Sound."
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City was the first casino resort in the destination to bring back live entertainment in 2020. Since then, the property has continued in a big way -
and 2022 is set to be one of the biggest years yet. A few acts already set to perform include Ben Platt, Greta Van Fleet, New Kids On The Block, Rod Stewart, Sting, Sam Hunt, Alicia Keys, and more.
In May 2021, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City announced a $20-million capital investment commitment, which includes suite renovations, additional slot and table games, a new dining outlet (Sandpiper Coastal Bar & Grill), the opening of a new Starbucks, and a refresh of beachfront amenities.
In addition, market leading programming and sound enhancements are being made to both Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena and Sound Waves. Other improvements will be made to the resort’s meeting and convention space and the indoor swimming pool.
Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia is an all-encompassing entertainment destination for groups of all sizes that has transformed the city’s Stadium District into an integrated sports, entertainment and casino-resort destination combining top-notch dining and entertainment with world-class gaming and luxury accommodations steps away from the excitement of four major professional sports teams.
The property includes a 208-room luxury Live! Hotel, ample on-site covered parking, gaming and nightly entertainment. It also features 11 dining destinations, including The Prime Rib, recognized as one of the Top Three Best Casino Restaurants in the country by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice, as well as customized banquet catering for all event needs, large or small. The new Live! Event Center is a 15,000-square foot multi-use meeting, event and convention space. Groups can choose from four purpose-built event spaces: the versatile Market Ballroom, featuring a high-tech performance stage and a maximum capacity of 1,000 guests; the Liberty Room, which offers a distraction free setting for breakout sessions and smaller meetings; the Rittenhouse Room, which pairs easy access with high-tech amenities for up to 100 people; as well as the Franklin, Roosevelt and Whitman Boardrooms that offer high-tech essentials in a distractionfree setting.
Outside of the Market Ballroom, as well as the boardrooms and breakout rooms, is a stylish and contemporary Pre-Function Space. Additionally, private event space is available atop the property’s parking structure, where guests can experience one-of-a-kind outdoor gatherings that provide views of the Philadelphia skyline and Stadium District.
“We offer an easy to access property right off of all the major highways as well as free parking for all guests, including our private events,” notes Kelley Maddox, vice president of sales for Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.
“Currently, we are offering a ‘2022 is Today’ package for groups who book early for 2022. This package includes suite upgrades per 20 rooms, 2 percent rebate to their master bill, 20 percent allowable attrition, 20 percent discount on AV, and much more,” Maddox adds.
Live! Philadelphia also offers an assortment of bespoke team building opportunities, including learning table games such as blackjack, taking an art walk through the building, private chef tastings and more.
Mohegan Sun Uncasville, CT
“At Mohegan Sun,” explains John Washko, VP of exhibitions and convention sales for the property, “we know what it takes to pull off spectacular events of varying sizes, scopes and styles. Every detail of our entertainment destination provides guests with incredible accommodations, outstanding service and serious entertainment all under one roof.”
Mohegan Sun boasts more than 275,000-square feet of flexible, hightech, world-class function space, including the 125,000-square foot Earth Expo Center, located within the Earth Expo and Convention Center, one of two large-scale convention centers onsite. Earth Expo is column free, provides natural lighting, has ample load-in docks and pre-function space. The Sky Convention Center is anchored by the 37,000-square foot Uncas Ballroom.
Mohegan Sun also features an outdoor terrace that can be set up for private events and galas, over 45 total conference and breakout rooms, more than 40 restaurant options that offer 16 choices of private dining rooms and the ability to offer hassle-free dinearounds, along with a variety of unique entertainment venues.
The 18th annual Sun Wine & Food Fest (SWFF) returns to Mohegan Sun from January 27-30, 2022. This multi-day wine and food event brings together top chefs from across the country, putting on chef demos, Q&As and tastings.
TAO Asian Bistro and Lounge opened in 2021 in the lobby of Mohegan Sun Sky Tower, specializing in authentic Asianinspired dishes influenced by Chinese, Japanese and Thai techniques and in-
gredients.. Private dining rooms are featured in each wing of TAO Mohegan Sun, as well. Another newer venue at Mohegan Sun is GAME ON - a sports bar, restaurant, arcade, billiards and bowling alley, all in one. Both TAO and GAME ON are available for private parties and group buyouts.
Mohegan Sun Pocono Wilkes-Barre, PA
Mohegan Sun Pocono has very unique venues for corporate outings and special events all under one roof. “With over 20,000-square feet of meeting space and customizable menus, our team will assist in creating the meeting that is out of this world,” says Sarah Farrell, director of sales and catering for Mohegan Sun Pocono.
Mohegan Sun Pocono, located in Luzerne County, PA, is home to a world-class hotel, casino, on-site dining amenities and live entertainment. “Booking an event with MSP provides your guests all the fun - and business they can have under one roof,” Farrell explains.
Currently, groups who purchase food and beverage catering of at least $500 are able to utilize a meeting room in the new Seasons meeting space at Mohegan Sun Pocono for free.
Mohegan Sun Pocono recently opened the Seasons meeting space, adjacent to the casino gaming floor. Designed for hosting dinners, social gatherings, and breakouts, this venue incorporates the fun of the casino atmosphere into a newly renovated setting.
Resorts Casino Hotel Atlantic City, NJ
Managed by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, Resorts Casino Hotel was the
very first property to bring gaming to Atlantic City in 1978, and today features a state-of-the-art Conference Center, a major entertainment complex, the only year-round beach bar at Landshark Bar and Grill, the DraftKings Sportsbook, 942 luxury hotel rooms that are the largest on the boardwalk at 525-square feet in two world-class hotels, fine dining and more.
The property also boasts a fully-revamped conference center that has added 12,500-square feet of tech-advanced space by way of 12 meeting rooms, part of the property’s more than 64,000-square feet of space, much of which features natural light and ocean views. Award-winning dining venues include Capriccio Italian Restaurant, Dougherty’s Steakhouse and Raw Bar, Eastwind and a variety of other options.
“This winter and spring, planners can book a meeting for 100 guests or less and receive a 10 percent discount on the catering menu, 20 percent off audio-visual needs, and 10 percent of room block upgrades to suites,” notes Ritambra Verma, director of sales and revenue management for Resorts Casino Hotel. “There also is one complimentary room night with this package for every twenty utilized, cumulative.”
Additionally, there is complimentary meeting space with a purchase of catered food and beverage. All function space will have wireless Internet and guests will receive access to a 24-hour cardio center and swimming pool.
“Separately, planners looking to book something midweek can receive 150 to 250 room nights with a minimum $15,000 food and beverage purchase and receive a $500 credit to the master account,” explains Verma, “251 to 500 room nights are possible with a $25,000 food and beverage purchase, and this package also includes $750 credit to the master account. And 501 or more room nights are possible with a minimum of a $35,000 food and beverage purchase, and this will include $1,000 credit to the master account.”
Rivers Casino Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
"We take pleasure in being a destination for planners looking for a place to hold meetings and events that offers more than just a place for business,” states Paul Toennes, vice president of marketing for Rivers Casino Philadelphia. “Once the meetings are over, our casino's lively atmosphere makes for a great entertainment add-on for attendees to enjoy."
Rivers is more than just a casino – it’s an experience for all guests. “Our property has something that appeals to everyone, from meetings to events and entertainment, everything we offer is conveniently located in one place. We're extremely flexible and always ready to tend to the needs of all our guests,” observes Dominique Frio, general manager, catering and events for Rivers Casino Philadelphia.
The Event Center at Rivers Casino Philadelphia is a 10,000-square foot, configurable space offering different rooms to suit a variety of needs, waterfront views of the Delaware River, and catering by Gibsons Restaurant Group, which operates the casino's high-end steakhouse, Hugo's Frog Bar & Chop House.
With floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, the Event Center’s spacious ballroom has no columns, allowing it to hold large celebrations or to be configured for small, intimate
Aerial view of Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, PA
gatherings. The Event Center also features a private boardroom for smaller meetings, plus private lounge areas for seminars, classroom-style sessions and smaller groups that desire a cozier setting. Rivers hosts a variety of event spaces so that each event and meeting is customized to the group's needs and preferences.
“At Rivers Casino, we’ll customize our first-class amenities to fit every occasion. Our dedicated team will work hand-in-hand with your coordinator, from the big picture to the smallest detail, to ensure success,” asserts Frio. “The Event Center is a blank canvas that can be transformed for a memorable experience.”
Guests can treat themselves to various dining options on-site, from classic American or Asian cuisine to an award-winning steakhouse, and after dinner, they can try their luck on the spacious casino floor. The property also offers free, on-site parking and free valet service, too.
Jack's Bar + Grill at Rivers Casino Philadelphia unveiled a new lounge early in 2021 that includes a stage and a spacious dance floor, plus extra seating for great stage views. "The new stage at Jack's has been a great addition to our entertainment lineup,” notes Toennes. “Live music on Fridays and Saturdays makes the casino floor electric, and with a steady rotation of bands and performers, we have something for everyone."
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA
The Event Center at Rivers Pittsburgh offers event planners and guests a customizable “black box” space. The floorplan accommodates up to 800 seated guests and 2,000 for stand-up receptions. With unobstructed cornerto-corner views of the room, it allows meeting and event planners maximum flexibility for tailoring the space to deliver unique experiences. The Event Center also features an adjacent prefunction area, as well as a generous green room.
Rivers’ Ballroom features floor-to-ceiling window views of the Ohio River. This 10,000-square foot space can be broken up into three areas for small or large gatherings. It also features a riverfront balcony and a pre-function space.
For dining, there are 8 signature bars and restaurants, including the popular Italian-American steakhouse, Martorano’s Prime, Wheelhouse Bar & Grill, Mian, FLIPT, and Cíao. Music lovers can enjoy live DJs or bands every weekend in BetRivers Sportsbook, Drum Bar or Martorano's Prime.
“We take pride in offering each of our guests something different to enjoy here on property. Whether it’s grabbing a quick bite and a coffee at Ciao, or enjoying a sit-down dining experience at Martorano’s Prime, there is truly something here for everyone and every palette,” said Thor Kennedy, director of sales at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.
Coming in summer 2022 will be the opening of The Landing Hotel at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, which will offer a luxurious experience with panoramic views of downtown Pittsburgh in the heart of the city’s North Shore District. The new hotel will offer quick and easy access to “The T,” and will be just steps from Heinz Field and PNC Park. Connecting directly to Rivers Casino, the hotel will be a new Pittsburgh destination for weekend getaways, weddings, holiday parties, corporate events and long-term stays.
Rocky Gap Casino Resort Flintstone, MD
Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Rocky Gap State Park in the heart of Allegany County is a AAA Four-Diamond Award® and TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence-winning resort, offering a casino, hotel, conference center, Bonkerz Comedy Club, three restaurants, indoor and outdoor event spaces, the only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Maryland, a spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, pro shop, individual parking, and several outdoor recreational activities.
Rocky Gap’s spacious grounds offer oversized chairs and several firepits for lounging, as well as on-site activities including pedal boats, canoes and standup paddle rentals; a swimming beach, fishing and cornhole.
Rocky Gap Casino Resort provides a picturesque setting for festivals, events, retreats, large gatherings, golf outings and other events. Found inside are the Allegheny Event Center and Golfview Pavilion. Outdoor spaces include the Lakeside Terrace and Lakeside Reception Area.
The Allegheny Event Center offers two private dining rooms, outdoor space, an executive boardroom, meeting rooms, and a reception area that offers a full suite of technology and services. On the banks of the lake with views of Evitts Mountain, Lakeside Terrace can accommodate up to 200 guests to enjoy the pergola, Adirondack Chairs, fire pits, ample plush seating clusters, and a full-service bar offering beers on tap and frozen drinks. For entertainment experiences, the Event Center at Rocky Gap presents comedians, festivals, tribute acts and musicians or guests can check out great acts at Bonkerz Comedy Club.
When it comes time to dine, Lakeside Grille is a premier, upscale steakhouse that features spectacular views overlooking the lake. Located just offshore from the lake, Signatures Bar & Grill offers views of Rocky Gap State Park in a clubhouse atmosphere, and the Lobby Lounge and Café serves coffee, freshly made baked goods, a variety of sandwiches, and a full-service bar.
Turning Stone Resort Casino Verona, NY
“Our meeting spaces offer state-of-the-art features and a variety of format options to accommodate groups of all sizes, as well as hybrid-style meetings and interactive experiences for remote attendees. Throughout the last year, we have introduced new meeting spaces and expanded existing areas to offer a wider range of choices for in-person events,” notes Diane Centeno, VP of enterprise marketing and sales for Turning Stone.
Leisure time remains a key aspect of successful group meetings and events, and Turning Stone offers a diverse selection of amenities, including year-round golfing, hunting, fishing, bowling, live entertainment, two spas, boutique shopping and several bars and cocktail lounges.
“Event planners also can feel confident in the safety of their guests thanks to our Forbes Travel Guide VERIFIED Status, which identifies Turning Stone as one of a select group of hotels meeting the highest health and safety standards,” asserts Centeno.
Over the last year, Turning Stone has revitalize its meeting spaces and enhanced its amenities including extensive updates to meeting spaces and a complete remodeling of the 650-seat Showroom.
At the Lodge, Turning Stone’s Condé Nast Johansens and Forbes Four Star award-winning hotel, the all-new Executive Board Room offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Great Lawn and Kaluhyat Golf Course. When a session is complete, guests can adjourn to the Lodge’s atrium bar to enjoy drinks in an upscale setting.
Exterior of the Wind Creek Bethlehem expansion, Bethlehem, PA
Wind Creek Bethlehem Bethlehem, PA
A true, integrated resort, Wind Creek Bethlehem affords planners and their guests with amenities that extend beyond the meeting room, including dining from Celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse, on-site entertainment, and a AAA Four-Diamond award-winning hotel.
In Fall 2022, Wind Creek Bethlehem will debut its Tower 2 expansion, which will include the addition of three ballrooms, outfitted guest rooms, a high-end lobby bar, art installations, a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the city, a new spa, and an additional 35,000-square feet of meeting and event space.
“Once the project is complete, our resort will boast over 60,000square feet of combined meeting space and over 550 hotel rooms,” notes Amelia Tognoli, brand marketing coordinator for Wind Creek Bethlehem, “making it a prime venue for larger corporate events and weddings.”
