By Maura Keller | Photo © Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa

A longtime favorite among meeting and event attendees, casinos are ideal destinations for groups across all industries.

And for good reason. These turnkey venues are teeming with fun-filled entertainment, captivating casinos, award-winning cuisine, wonderful shopping destinations and rejuvenating spas that make visitors want to stay longer.

“Professional event planners who do not plan many events at casinos will find themselves pleasantly surprised with all of the in-house amenities that a casino property offers,” says Patri- cia Baxter, senior event specialist at Vanair, who recently planned an event at Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa.

“Some of these include gaming entertainment, as well as multiple choices of dining and bar options (which can include VIP experiences with exclusive access for groups), new or recently renovated hotel rooms, banquet space and so much more. As a planner, I do not have to plan off-site activities to meet the needs of my group when I use a casino property.”

BLUE CHIP CASINO HOTEL SPA IN MICHIGAN CITY, INDIANA

The number one purpose of holding an event is for education and networking, according to Meeting Professionals International (MPI), so keeping a group on site is beneficial for everyone.

“Choosing a 24/7 entertainment venue caters to all,” explains Angela Gaghan, the director of sales and catering at Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa.

“Casinos can provide a wide range of food and beverage options, spacious and creative event spaces, live entertainment and fun casino-themed group games, such as blackjack or slot tournaments. Not to mention you can actually save on costs for not having to plan and schedule group transportation,” she says.

“Casinos have much more to offer than non-gaming hotel venues, especially in the areas of entertainment, more restaurant and lounge choices, and other amenities, such as full-service spas and valet parking,” adds Gaghan.

Blue Chip offers four ballrooms and two executive conference rooms that total over 45,000 total square feet of convention, meeting and banquet space. Within a 5-mile radius of the casino, attendees can visit Indiana Dunes National Park, or Washington Park and the North Pointe Pavilion, which provide beautiful sunrise and sunset views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline; go outlet shopping in Michigan City; or visit one of many craft breweries, wineries or hiking trails.

“One of the major benefits of working with Blue Chip is our experienced and professional sales team. Right from the start, a sales manager will meet and discuss your goals, expectations and budget for the event,” Gaghan says.

“Even before the contract is finalized, the sales manager will also introduce our event manager. Both managers work with the client to make sure every detail is covered and ensure the flow, which should align with the purpose of the event,” she notes.

ISLAND RESORT & CASINO IN HARRIS, MICHIGAN

Island Resort & Casino is located in an area that meets in the middle of northern Wisconsin and lower Michigan, only a few hours from the Mackinac Bridge. “Our location is key for meetings and conventions within this shared territory,” says Robin Bourdeau, player services and marketing manager at the casino. “Holding an event at a casino offers a wealth of benefits tailored to create a seamless experience.”

To ensure a smooth arrival, Island Resort & Casino provides shuttle service from the local airport. From there, the convention center spans 13,000 square feet, comfortably accommodating up to 650 guests, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and large-scale conventions or events. The venue also offers six flexible indoor spaces, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, that can accommodate groups from two to 600.

In 2025, the casino will add another 16,900 square feet of new convention space, increasing capacity by an additional 750 guests for dinner, or up to 1,200 guests for larger expos and events. Customizing the layout and set-up of each space ensures that an event is tailored to each client’s vision.

Meeting and event attendees also have the advantage of utilizing the full resort during their stay. For accommodations, the Island Resort & Casino hotel features over 450 guest rooms and suites.

When business winds down and the evening begins, attendees can enjoy the Splash Island pool, complete with waterpark features for children, while adults relax at Splash Island’s adult-only saltwater pool and its accompanying whirlpool. Golf enthusiasts can additionally take advantage of the 18-hole championship golf courses, Sweetgrass and Sage Run, which are consistently ranked among Michigan’s best courses to play.

“For attendees of a business convention at Island Resort & Casino, the array
of amenities we offer transforms the event from a mere meeting into a comprehensive experience that balances professional and personal enrichment,” Bourdeau says.

In addition, the casino’s expansive meeting spaces foster inclusivity and teamwork because its setup allows for breakout sessions and group activities, which can enhance both engagement and collaboration.

In an effort to continue to meet the ongoing needs of meeting and event planners, many gaming resorts throughout the Midwest are expanding upon and improving their meeting and convention offerings. Whether attendees want to drink a martini while listening to live music, attend a Broadway-style show, indulge in a spa treatment or dance the night away, gaming resorts have them covered.

“By integrating business with leisure, event planners can boost team morale and create a well-rounded experience,” Bourdeau says. “On-site amenities, such as dining options, spa services and entertainment, coupled with opportunities for golf, provide ample opportunities for networking and relaxation.”

Additionally, Island Resort & Casino’s location offers access to local attractions like fishing charters, whitewater rafting, and visits to wineries or historical sites. Incorporating these experiences into an agenda can enhance team bonding and provide memorable experiences for attendees as well.

RIVERS CASINO IN DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS

Patricia Olvera, the brand manager at Rivers Casino, warns that it’s important to be mindful when planning an event at a gaming facility that you allow enough breaks for attendees. People may be curious enough to venture out on the gaming floor. For some, it may be their first visit. Allow them moments to explore.

“Also take advantage of all the meeting spaces available. Sometimes people like to get up to move. Rivers Casino has several options for breakout areas. Giving people a change of scenery can often generate engagement,” according to Olvera.

With more than 10,000 square feet, the Event Center at Rivers Casino can accommodate groups from 80 to 1,000, with plenty of room to mill about. More intimate spaces are also available, and are perfect for breakout sessions or smaller meetings.

The casino is also home to seven restaurants. “Serving food is always a hit because it gives attendees a chance to relax. With a variety of menus featuring snacks, full buffets, plated meals and more, options are available for all meeting sizes,” Olvera says. “If food isn’t in the budget, casinos have a vari- ety of dining options available for those guests needing to grab and go, or more formal lunches and dinners, too.”

ESSENTIAL PLANNING

When considering partnering with a casino for a meeting or event, planners should still do their research and compare costs.

“Banquet facilities and pricing are more negotiable at a casino due to the purchasing power of that venue, as well as the flexibility for which food can be sourced. I think you will find that, not only are casinos more cost-effective, but they offer a lot more offerings than a non-gaming venue can provide as well. But don’t let the perception of gaming interfere with the goal of your event. Most casinos offer the gaming floor away from the event or banquet space,” advises Gaghan.

When planning an event at Island Resort & Casino, it’s important to strike a balance between structured activities and leisure time, according to Bourdeau. Planners should divide the time evenly between meetings and free time, as attendees want to be able to explore their surroundings without feeling rushed. Consider grouping all of the meetings in the morning or on one day to offer participants the option to scout their surroundings.

“To accommodate this, consider incorporating flexible scheduling into your event agenda,” Bourdeau suggests. “Allow for downtime so participants can take advantage of our spa or golf courses, or simply unwind by the pool.”

Island Resort & Casino’s full-service convention specialists can help event planners customize the schedule to fit each group’s needs, including coordinating spa bookings and golf packages. Additionally, the facilities are family-friendly, making it possible to include family members in the event.

“This inclusivity can enhance the overall experience and satisfaction of all attendees,” Bourdeau says. “And remember, when planning an event, personalized attention is key. Profes- sional event coordinators are dedicated to helping craft an event that meets a group’s specific needs.”

The value that casino resorts brings to meetings and events is paramount for many companies and organizations. Casinos typically have peak times, in which casino guests compress the hotel. This is where the most revenue is made for any casino resort. These peak times, not surprisingly, are during the weekends, however. This is why room rates tend to increase dramatically on Fridays and Saturdays.

Meeting planners benefit from this, as most conventions occur mid-week. In contrast to corporate hotels in non-gaming destinations where room rates are highest midweek, holding meetings at casino destinations offers the benefit of lower costs, which can improve the bottom line of today’s meetings and conventions.

From fun adventures and memorable gaming experiences to invigorating spa treatments, meeting and event attendees enjoy gathering at gaming resorts. The only downside is that it can be hard to get them to attend every meeting or keep their attention. This is where the content of programming is very important. Offering incentives for attending all meetings, such as solid content and continuing education credits, will help keep their attention until it’s time for fun.

“Casinos are not your ordinary meeting space at a hotel or conference center. The energy of a casino is felt the moment guests arrive. Hosting an event at a casino will always elevate the excitement among those invited,” Olvera says. “The excitement of the venue, paired with the energy of the casino floor, are sure to increase your attendance. Casinos as meeting venues hold the promise of a unique meeting or celebration.”