5 minute read
ON LOCATION: CASINOS
TEST YOUR LUCK WITH CASINO CONVENTIONS
By Cecilia Harris, writer, KSAE Magazine
Convention and meeting planners hit the jackpot when choosing casinos connected to hotels as a destination. Nationally, casinos have evolved beyond roulette and slot machines to attract convention and meeting business by creating a “one-stop shop.” Three Kansas casinos offer a winning combination of fun and convenience with meeting spaces, hotel rooms, restaurants and leisure activities all in one location.
Owned by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, Prairie Band Casino and Resort near Mayetta is on a winning streak with multiple recreational options to make an event successful. The casino offers many ways to play, including bingo, 1,200 classic and new slot machines, and 29 table games such as blackjack, roulette and Texas Hold’em. Blackjack lessons and other such amenities may be added to the convention package.
To cultivate business relationships while alleviating stress, the Prairie Band Resort suggests a “Stay and Play” package that includes a round of golf on its nationally recognized Firekeeper Golf Course adjacent to the casino. Named the best public golf course in Kansas by Golfweek® magazine, the golf course is a par 72. For those who prefer to spend free time shopping for handcrafted items, the Prairie Band Gift Shop offers beadwork and sterling silver jewelry created by members of the Potawatomi Nation. Attendees wishing to up their networking game may choose to gather in the Resort’s Lobby Bar for fellowship while enjoying hand-chosen locally brewed beers and signature cocktails.
The 12,000-square-foot convention center offers flexible meeting space when it is time to get down to business. A pre-function space for conference registrations leads to the Great Lakes Ballroom, easily divided to create two large and four small break-out rooms. The Algonquin Conference Room seats 14, or small groups may enjoy a more intimate setting in the adjacent Prairie Meadows Lodge that offers four bedrooms, four baths, a kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, a patio and full audio/visual equipment.
Just a few steps away from the casino floor stands the luxurious hotel and courtyard, with 297 guest rooms and numerous amenities.
A sure bet is the Kansas Star Casino Hotel Event Center in Mulvane. The Kansas Star Casino offers more than 1,700 slot machines and over 50 table games including craps, roulette, no-ante blackjack and an Asian Gaming pit. There are also restaurants and a nonsmoking gaming room.
“It’s a gaming entertainment destination without equal in the region,” says Sonya Jackson, the casino’s marketing and public relations manager.
The Kansas Star Casino Hotel Event Center, 777 Kansas Star Drive in Mulvane, has a ballroom with a 1,600-guest capacity. Photo courtesy of Kansas Star.
The Kansas Star Arena is a multipurpose venue that has hosted concerts by notable performing artists, as well as the Miss Kansas USA pageant, mixed martial arts events by Bellator MMA, and equestrian events, including Championship Bull Riding and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.
Regarding meeting space, the Kansas Star Event Center Ballroom may be divided into six separate rooms or used as a whole with a capacity of 1,600 guests, depending on configuration, she says.
Each of the three boardrooms, named Sunflower, Kansas and Star, comfortably seats up to 12 guests in executive chairs at a permanent conference table and includes a flat screen television. High-speed internet, full audio/visual equipment and on-site catering are available.
Connected to the casino is the Hampton Inn & Suites that offers 300 deluxe rooms, including over 90 king suites, all offering a number of amenities.
The Kansas Star Arena has hosted events from concerts to pageants, from mixed martial arts matches to various equestrian events and rodeos.
Another winner is the Boot Hill Casino & Resort in Dodge City. The Boot Hill Casino offers over 500 slot machines, featuring all the latest games in a variety of denominations. Blackjack, craps, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Mississippi Stud, TriLux, 3-card poker and roulette are among the 18 tables games. On the menu at Firesides restaurant are steaks, burgers, salads and more for lunch and dinner; however, group reservations must be made in advance.
“Boot Hill Casino & Resort can work with your group leader to create fun, learning experiences for your attendees,” says Jessica Rabe, senior director of marketing. “Learn games like blackjack or craps or grab a few tips on slot machines. We also offer groups free play and free food based on your size; all offers are based on reservations, so call early!”
In addition, Rabe says that while the casino staff does not offer outside activities, they connect planners with the local Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“Dodge City can offer unique, personalized experiences to make any conference a ‘must attend,’” she says. “Sing along with Miss Kitty in the all-new exhibit space at Boot Hill Museum. Sip locally made spirits with friends at the Boot Hill Distillery located in Dodge City’s old City Hall building.
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The Boot Hill Casino & Resort, 4000 W. Comanche in Dodge City, is close to United Wireless Arena, where live entertainment is often featured, as well as a 7,000-squarefoot conference center.
Deputize VIPs and honored members with the Drovers. The possibilities are endless!”
Connected to Boot Hill Casino & Resort by a breezeway, United Wireless Arena brings in popular live entertainment including top musicians, comedians, ice shows and even an international circus. “Although it is a separate facility, we work closely with United Wireless Arena staff to make the conference perks seamless,” Rabe says.
Just steps away is the Conference Center, a state-of-the-art, multipurpose facility boasting approximately 7,000 square feet and offering audio/visual equipment, IT support, event coordination and food and beverage services.
Adjacent to the casino and arena is the Hampton Inn & Suites offering 108 rooms. Each includes a flat screen television, coffee maker, full and lap desks, and free Wi-Fi; a suite also contains a sitting area and kitchenette.
The odds are in your favor when you choose one of these casinos as your meeting destination. F
