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.

Midwest Meetings: Why would an event planner want to hold an event at a waterpark venue?

Kevin Shanley: Our clients consistently tell us that they see an average 20% increase in attendance when they move their events from a traditional venue to the Kalahari. The combination of amenities, convention space, and exemplary service guarantee a high value and positive ROI for them and their organization.

Jeff Wild: Groups that choose venues with indoor waterparks are definitely thinking about including the whole family as part of their meeting or conference. Having the indoor waterpark as another fun thing to do, no matter what the weather does, is definitely a plus for groups with families traveling with them. We have had groups use the waterpark as a “main event,” like a family social or fun, catered dinner, or simply as another great recreation activity that offers something to do during free time.

Nick Edwards/Mandy Diamond: A waterpark offers that extra excitement to a meeting that other facilities do not. If you are looking for a unique and fun location, [a waterpark] redefines the corporate experience.

MM: What do you say to planners who might worry about the atmosphere being too casual or resort-like?

KS: It starts with the design and layout of the facility. The Kalahari’s development team lays out our facilities so that our convention and meeting facilities are physically separate from the majority of the leisure amenities, but extremely convenient to guestrooms, the spa, and food and beverage outlets. We also invest a lot of resources in way-finding for our guests - leisure and group alike - to maximize their efficiency in getting around our large property while ensuring all are comfortable and able to enjoy their reasons for being with us. Although everything is extremely convenient and under one roof, it is very possible for a group or an individual attendee to have a complete and fulfilling experience with us and never see or hear a water or theme park, let alone set foot in one. In practice, though, we find that what happens is our meeting attendees are able to focus on the business at hand as long as is necessary, then enjoy all we have to offer with their family, friends, and coworkers to create truly meaningful memories.

JW: The great thing about the Big Splash Indoor Waterpark at Arrowwood Resort is that, although it’s attached to the resort via skyway, the waterpark is not the “focal point” of the resort. We strategically positioned our waterpark to be on the opposite end of the resort from the conference space, so corporate groups or groups that don’t want to incorporate the waterpark into their meetings can still function in a professional setting without wet kids running through their meeting space.

NE/MD: The atmosphere at King’s Pointe, although a resort, is something that can be modified for a group and their expectations. We are able to work with all groups, from casual family reunions to high-end corporate events and weddings, to match the atmosphere with the event set.

MM: Tell us about some unique things you’ve done with groups at your property.

KS: We’re blessed in both our Wisconsin Dells and Sandusky, OH locations to have some great, supporting natural attractions in addition to our resort amenities for our groups to enjoy. We also have several certified teambuilding experts on our staff who put together tailor-made programs for our clients. We’ve done everything from remote controlled boat racing in the waterparks to resort-wide - and even destination-wide - scavenger hunts. We’ve had Olympic-style events in the theme park involving ropes courses, laser tag, climbing wall, bowling, and mini-golf. Duck, boat, and jet-boat rides in the Dells are a great way to unwind and network, as is a cruise to the Lake Erie Islands in Ohio. A poolside reception and private presidential cabana for a group to enjoy in our outdoor waterpark is a great time. Bringing live, exotic animals into a function or reception is always well received and extremely easy to coordinate at both locations… after all, who doesn’t enjoy a sloth or baby tiger or kangaroo as a guest at their function?

JW: We’ve had groups use the waterpark for water aerobics, tai chi, games, science projects, and other fun activities. We also have groups that use the waterpark as sponsorship opportunities, where a vender will sponsor park passes for attendees. We’ve also done receptions, dinners, and lunches in the park for a unique and different venue. Lots of kids’ groups and church groups use the indoor waterpark as their main event. We also offer unique things like putting contests on our mini-golf course, [or] the “Amazing Race” is a super fun activity for teambuilding.

NE/MD: King’s Pointe has hosted everything from a corporate outing at the waterpark with overnight resort rooms to conventions with meetings and hotel rooms to outdoor adventures and receptions on our Great Lawn. We work closely with our community to help add unique options to any group’s stay. We have hosted conventions and incorporated outings and activities for spouses and children to include the waterpark, fishing, boating, wine tastings, and decorating and cooking classes.

MM: What is the best way for event pros to plan an agenda while still incorporating the amenities and fun your location offers?

KS: My advice is always to not over-think it. Plan your event to accomplish the business that needs to get done and the all-important formal networking that needs to happen, and then leave the time that is left for the guests to explore everything at the resort and in the area. We’ve got a great team of catering managers, event coordinators, and concierge at our properties that will ensure this part of your planning is easy and painless. Remember: this is what we do every day.

JW: Planners should incorporate some free time in their agendas for attendees to enjoy all that resorts have to offer. Our recreation staff works with our groups to plan activities [like] golf tournaments, tee times, [or] teambuilding events, and we do everything possible to let the attendees know what’s available to them and how to best utilize their time, depending on what their interests are.

NE/MD: The best way to incorporate all amenities offered is to experience them first. We encourage planners to experience King’s Pointe Waterpark Resort themselves prior to their event.

MM: Do most of your group planners encourage attendees to bring their families along?

KS: Absolutely, although this generally depends on the time of year and day or week the group is hosting the event. Many will bring their family in pre- or post-event, if they aren’t able to have them there during because of school schedules or other commitments. The groups that may not encourage it outright certainly embrace the fact that their attendees are very likely to incorporate their family, kids, grandkids, and others into their Kalahari experience. We try to ensure through the qualification process and proposals that our clients understand the numerous options we have for families, whether formal programs for kids and spouses, incorporating them into meal and reception functions, or specific agenda events that include them. Again, the important thing to remember, as a planner, is that we help clients with these topics every day.

JW: It’s one of the first questions we ask our planners, [then] we tailor the proposal to their specific needs or desires with suggestions of the recreation or teambuilding opportunities we offer.

NE/MD: Yes, our groups enjoy bringing families with the year-round fun of an indoor waterpark, [plus the] summer fun of the outdoor waterpark, lake, and golfing. The convenience of booking hotel rooms and incorporating waterpark passes with the room night rates adds ease to the planning process. When working with meeting planners looking for community activities, we have a list of options with pricing to choose from.

MM: What advice would you offer a planner thinking about hosting an event at a waterpark?

KS: At Kalahari, we tell them to be prepared for an increase in attendance and satisfaction, a unique and memorable experience for the attendees and their families, and a great way to provide an unbelievable value for a surprisingly low investment.

JW: If hosting an event in the waterpark, keep it casual and fun. Indoor waterparks are, by design, wet and loud! Stick to finger food they can grab and go. If it’s a family event, cater to the kids’ needs - after all, it’s all about them in a waterpark event.

NE/MD: Our advice would be not to hesitate, and book today.

Shadia Cook is a contributing author for Midwest Meetings. Want to get in touch? Contact Shadia!