The cards are stacked in your favor
by Terry Matthews-Lombardo, CMP
If you want to get a strong reaction from your boss during your next brainstorming session for future meetings, ask if you can take it to a casino. You will either be hailed as a creative genius, as in “why have we never thought of that before?”, or asked what beverage is in your morning coffee cup. This is because those who have never attended a meeting at a casino are often unfamiliar with all they have to offer.
by Terry Matthews-Lombardo, CMP
If you want to get a strong reaction from your boss during your next brainstorming session for future meetings, ask if you can take it to a casino. You will either be hailed as a creative genius, as in “why have we never thought of that before?”, or asked what beverage is in your morning coffee cup. This is because those who have never attended a meeting at a casino are often unfamiliar with all they have to offer.
According to Kaelyn Cervero, Sales and Catering Manager at Potawatomi Hotel and Casino in Milwaukee, WI, “There is a huge misconception out there about groups using casino facilities for their meetings. In actuality, we’re no different from other venues, and many times we offer even more amenities than regular convention facilities. For instance, here at Potawatomi we have seven different restaurants to choose from as well as a theatre with fantastic entertainment. Even non-gamers who visit enjoy themselves and stay active and engaged.”
Today’s gambling destinations have morphed into entire entertainment complexes offering everything from modern bowling alleys, chic spas, state-of-the-art golf facilities including driving ranges and putt-putt areas, shopping complexes and so much more. The activities are endless and in many cases family friendly, so meeting groups no longer have to be concerned with the perception that there is nothing for the kids to do while mom or dad attend their programs. Gambling is just one of a variety of available entertainment options in these resort areas and like all opportunities, people make their own choices about how to spend their time and money.
Many planners who include gaming elements in their site selection are taking their business to casinos that can be found closer to home, and the Midwest is bursting with excellent casino options. This helps the organization overcome the perception of unnecessary, costly travel to what is often perceived as a very glamorous location with the added boost of lessening their carbon footprint on the environment, both important considerations in the current climate of meetings.
In the end, as with the placement of all meetings, the final site selection usually comes down to the type of meeting space that the facility is offering along with rates, dates and location. Today’s savvy planners know to include more than just the standard questions in their site selection process and they also understand that casinos can check off a lot of boxes on their overall wish list.
Many planners who include gaming elements in their site selection are taking their business to casinos that can be found closer to home, and the Midwest is bursting with excellent casino options. This helps the organization overcome the perception of unnecessary, costly travel to what is often perceived as a very glamorous location with the added boost of lessening their carbon footprint on the environment, both important considerations in the current climate of meetings.
In the end, as with the placement of all meetings, the final site selection usually comes down to the type of meeting space that the facility is offering along with rates, dates and location. Today’s savvy planners know to include more than just the standard questions in their site selection process and they also understand that casinos can check off a lot of boxes on their overall wish list.
Terry is both a veteran meeting planner and a freelance writer, focusing on issues related to the travel, meetings, and leisure markets. A CMP since 1987 with a resume that covers both international planning and incentive work as well as positions on the supplier side, she advises industry newcomers that want to learn fast how to succeed in this business “make sure and sweat the small stuff!”
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