by Shadia Cook Give your players the pro experience. | 
Think outside the box for those extra-special touches that get attention, such as this unexpected participant at the Irby Outdoor Adventure.
When you think golf outing, what comes to mind? Panic because you’re not a golfer? Concern for the folks in your group who might not be ready to hit the pro circuit just yet? How about Sheboygan, Wisconsin… or, more specifically, how about golf courses like Blackwolf Run, host of the 2012 US Women’s Open, or Whistling Straits, home to the 2015 PGA Championship?
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by Shadia Cook  Q: What are resort fees, and what am I really paying for?
A: Most planners who have booked events at resorts are familiar with a little thing called the “resort fee,” which can range from $10 per day on up. Generally, resort fees are non-negotiable, unlike other expenses such as room rates, meeting room rental, and so forth. Those who are unfamiliar with these fees - or who simply don’t understand them - may find them to be unreasonable or consider them just another source of revenue for the resort.
In reality, resort fees are designed to cover the costs of many onsite services offered. Most resort fees include expenses such as internet access in guestrooms, daily newspapers, telephone calls, in-room coffee service, and use of pools, fitness centers, etc.
by Shadia Cook
 Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No… it’s the local CVB! In many circumstances, a Midwest bureau can come to the rescue - or just take an event over the top. When meeting professionals think of a CVB, they might think of the basic services: help with distributing RFPs, organizing site visits, suggesting itineraries, providing local maps, assisting with registration and welcome packets, and more. While such services are useful in planning and executing a successful event, there are many incidences in which CVBs go beyond the expected, much to the delight of meeting planners and attendees alike.
by Shadia Cook
 Q: Thanks to current economic conditions throughout the industry, I keep hearing about CVBs that are experiencing budget and funding issues. What can I do to support the CVBs that support me?
A: With city and state budgets being scrutinized, funding resources for CVBs are a concern for planners, suppliers, and visitors alike. Without locals’ understanding of how important a CVB is to a respective community, it’s up to the city’s visitors and suppliers to support bureau efforts.
by Shadia Cook  Liz Huber of Prince Corporation The old adage about never mixing business with pleasure couldn’t be more unfounded in today’s world. While the Midwest is popularly noted for its residents’ strong work ethic, increasing demands on time have encouraged even this archetypical, hard-working regional breed to blend some fun and relaxation into business hours. From small-town companies to nationwide associations, stakeholders everywhere are seeing the benefits of bringing the family into the business agenda while still accomplishing their goals.
Here, Midwest Meetings gets the word from a few planners of various industries - planners who’ve executed successful, beneficial events at waterpark destinations throughout the region. Take five with Liz Huber, marketing coordinator for the family-owned Prince Corporation, Nancy Kavazanjian, communications director for the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, and Linda Hale, meeting and event manager for the Wisconsin Credit Union League.
by Shadia Cook  Jeff Wild, CMP, Arrowwood Resort In the past decade, the Midwest has seen plenty of developments at hotel and conference centers that now feature adjacent waterparks. From expansions to brand-new additions, the trend toward this “accommodations and entertainment” hybrid continues to build steam as the industry’s economic outlook improves.
Among hotels and resorts that have recently expanded or built from the ground up, Aleatha Ezra with the World Waterpark Association notes a big trend involving property-wide theming. From Caribbean, safari, and even prehistoric themes, the waterpark “flavor” can lend a unique ambience throughout an entire property, offering each destination its own individual flair. By choosing expansive environments made up of multiple-use areas such as restaurants, gift shops, arcades, spas, and conference spaces, planners are able to incorporate themed activities and functions suitable for young and old alike.
by Shadia Cook  Author Shadia Cook Q: I’d like to propose holding our next conference at a waterpark or casino resort. I’m concerned that I might meet a lot of resistance about it being too showy or too expensive, or that the environment will encourage attendees to think more about having fun than getting work done. How can I get my stakeholders on board?
A: As with all conference and event planning, the first step is to understand the demographics of your group and the goals of the event.
by Shadia Cook  King's Pointe Waterpark Resort If you’re reviewing your upcoming meeting agenda and see activities like a hula-hoop contest or waterslide races, you might be going to a waterpark hotel or conference center! In fact, these are actual agenda items from a past meeting group at one waterpark resort, and they’re just a taste of the variety you can offer your attendees at any of these venues across the Midwest.
Who better to share firsthand knowledge about the waterpark experience than the folks who represent these venues? Midwest Meetings spoke with Kevin Shanley, director of sales at Kalahari Resort & Convention Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI, and Jeff Wild, CMP, general manager at Arrowwood Resort Hotel & Conference Center in Alexandria, MN, along with Nick Edwards and Mandy Diamond, general manager and director of sales, respectively, at King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort in Storm Lake, IA. Here, these supply-side pros share the nitty gritty, ins and outs, and tips and tricks for creating an unforgettable event at a waterpark venue.
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