Business suites and bathing suites go hand-in-hand
For over 150 years Wisconsin Dells has attracted visitors to the area from all over. Some come in seek of respite from everyday life while others come craving the adrenaline from the newest thrilling waterslide. Whatever the reason, visitors agree on one thing, there’s nowhere in the world like Wisconsin Dells, and that truth is being echoed throughout the meetings industry. With over 5,600 meetings held every year, Wisconsin Dells is clearly a top Midwest destination for group business. So, how is the “The Waterpark Capital of the World!®” making a splash among both meeting planners and attendees alike?
Great Wolf Lodge's Howlin Tornado
Waterparks aren't just a great amenity for after-hours free time; they also offer a
unique teambuilding and bonding experience to meeting attendees.
Waterparks aren't just a great amenity for after-hours free time; they also offer a
unique teambuilding and bonding experience to meeting attendees.
Presentation Slides to Water Slides
With over 200 waterslides, 16+ million gallons of water, and the largest concentration of waterparks per capita than anywhere else in the world, Wisconsin Dells holds the title of “The Waterpark Capital of the World!” and wears it loud and proud. Waterpark resorts with convention facilities are using that to their advantage to drive meeting attendance. Home to Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark, and the birthplace of the Kalahari brand, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Wisconsin Dells sees an average increase in meeting attendance of about 20% when groups choose to book at their facility. Tifani Jones, Corporate Director of Sales, attributes this to the “combination of family-friendly resort amenities and massive, state-of-the-art convention space.” Selling the entire resort experience and not just the meeting space has become a best practice for Kalahari along with other waterpark resorts in the area with conference space. Shannon Timmerman, CMP, Director of Sales for The Wilderness Resort, America’s largest waterpark resort, attests to that by adding “meeting planners who book events at the Wilderness are constantly telling us that they find all of our amenities a huge asset to their planning.” Waterpark resorts serve as a perfect destination to tack on vacation days to a business trip and are more apt to bring the family along. Shannon adds that “hosting events at a waterpark resort make it appealing for attendees with children to bring their families as they see it as an opportunity for their families to have some fun while they are working and then they can meet up later with them.”
With over 200 waterslides, 16+ million gallons of water, and the largest concentration of waterparks per capita than anywhere else in the world, Wisconsin Dells holds the title of “The Waterpark Capital of the World!” and wears it loud and proud. Waterpark resorts with convention facilities are using that to their advantage to drive meeting attendance. Home to Wisconsin’s largest indoor waterpark, and the birthplace of the Kalahari brand, Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Wisconsin Dells sees an average increase in meeting attendance of about 20% when groups choose to book at their facility. Tifani Jones, Corporate Director of Sales, attributes this to the “combination of family-friendly resort amenities and massive, state-of-the-art convention space.” Selling the entire resort experience and not just the meeting space has become a best practice for Kalahari along with other waterpark resorts in the area with conference space. Shannon Timmerman, CMP, Director of Sales for The Wilderness Resort, America’s largest waterpark resort, attests to that by adding “meeting planners who book events at the Wilderness are constantly telling us that they find all of our amenities a huge asset to their planning.” Waterpark resorts serve as a perfect destination to tack on vacation days to a business trip and are more apt to bring the family along. Shannon adds that “hosting events at a waterpark resort make it appealing for attendees with children to bring their families as they see it as an opportunity for their families to have some fun while they are working and then they can meet up later with them.”
Family-oriented convention goers are also more likely to attend a meeting where they
can invite the family along, which is music to the ears of an event planner.
can invite the family along, which is music to the ears of an event planner.
Waterparks aren’t just a great amenity for after-hours free time; they also offer a unique teambuilding and bonding experience to meeting attendees. Tifani mentions that “groups often take advantage of VIP events in a private waterpark cabana, hold happy hour in the adult swim-up bar, or even go as far as booking an experiential team-bonding activity such as learning to surf on our indoor Flowrider surfing attraction. Experiencing an exhilarating challenge like that as a team creates lasting memories that the office will talk about long after the conference is over.”
The Scenery is Tough to Beat
One of the most defining elements of Wisconsin Dells is the Wisconsin River which meanders through the area and the towering sandstone rock formations that form along its shorelines. Scenic river tours allow groups to discover the scenery, history, and mystery of the Wisconsin River. In addition to the river, three state parks call the Wisconsin Dells area home and an additional man-made lake adds to the appeal and natural beauty of this beautiful destination.
Many of the waterpark resorts, like Chula Vista Resort, know how important our surroundings play into productivity. That is why they strive to incorporate the natural beauty of Wisconsin Dells into experiences which encourage an engaging and productive atmosphere. Two great ways meeting planners can integrate natural elements with a meeting at Chula Vista Resort is by booking an outing at Cold Water Canyon, their onsite 18-hole golf course, or schedule a teambuilding event at Dells Zipline Adventures, an eco-friendly adventure set high amongst the trees. Other ways groups can take advantage of the natural beauty in Wisconsin Dells is by booking a scenic boat tour on the Wisconsin River, visiting one of the six beautiful wineries in the area, or by saddling up and going on a trail ride by horseback. However you do it, incorporating the scenic landscape of Wisconsin Dells into your next event is a must.
Location and Accommodation
When booking a future event, meeting planners no doubt factor in many things, but one of the most critical elements to consider is location. Wisconsin Dells is centrally located in the Midwest and is easily accessible by plane, train, or automobile. The nearest airport is less than an hour away in Madison, and Milwaukee is only an hour further. The Amtrak train station conveniently stops in the heart of downtown Wisconsin Dells making train travel a breeze, and with four easy on/off exits from Interstate 90/94, navigating to your destination is made simple.
With a combined total of 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and more than 8,000 hotel rooms, Wisconsin Dells can easily accommodate regional and national events. Meeting planners love the close proximity of available activities; all within 19.5 square miles you’ll find scenic boat tours, challenging golf courses, world-class spa services, restaurants, shopping, attractions, a vibrant downtown and, of course, incredible waterparks. And if you want to narrow the travel while in town even more, area waterpark resorts have everything from restaurants, shopping, ziplining, bowling, go-carts, virtual reality, and even movie theaters all-under-one-roof, allowing attendees to stay in one spot.
The Scenery is Tough to Beat
One of the most defining elements of Wisconsin Dells is the Wisconsin River which meanders through the area and the towering sandstone rock formations that form along its shorelines. Scenic river tours allow groups to discover the scenery, history, and mystery of the Wisconsin River. In addition to the river, three state parks call the Wisconsin Dells area home and an additional man-made lake adds to the appeal and natural beauty of this beautiful destination.
Many of the waterpark resorts, like Chula Vista Resort, know how important our surroundings play into productivity. That is why they strive to incorporate the natural beauty of Wisconsin Dells into experiences which encourage an engaging and productive atmosphere. Two great ways meeting planners can integrate natural elements with a meeting at Chula Vista Resort is by booking an outing at Cold Water Canyon, their onsite 18-hole golf course, or schedule a teambuilding event at Dells Zipline Adventures, an eco-friendly adventure set high amongst the trees. Other ways groups can take advantage of the natural beauty in Wisconsin Dells is by booking a scenic boat tour on the Wisconsin River, visiting one of the six beautiful wineries in the area, or by saddling up and going on a trail ride by horseback. However you do it, incorporating the scenic landscape of Wisconsin Dells into your next event is a must.
Location and Accommodation
When booking a future event, meeting planners no doubt factor in many things, but one of the most critical elements to consider is location. Wisconsin Dells is centrally located in the Midwest and is easily accessible by plane, train, or automobile. The nearest airport is less than an hour away in Madison, and Milwaukee is only an hour further. The Amtrak train station conveniently stops in the heart of downtown Wisconsin Dells making train travel a breeze, and with four easy on/off exits from Interstate 90/94, navigating to your destination is made simple.
With a combined total of 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and more than 8,000 hotel rooms, Wisconsin Dells can easily accommodate regional and national events. Meeting planners love the close proximity of available activities; all within 19.5 square miles you’ll find scenic boat tours, challenging golf courses, world-class spa services, restaurants, shopping, attractions, a vibrant downtown and, of course, incredible waterparks. And if you want to narrow the travel while in town even more, area waterpark resorts have everything from restaurants, shopping, ziplining, bowling, go-carts, virtual reality, and even movie theaters all-under-one-roof, allowing attendees to stay in one spot.
Kaminski's Chop House at Chula Vista Resort
Combining the “fun” side of Wisconsin Dells with the business side has certainly proved to be a winning combination. Creative team-bonding experiences and bleisure activities that can only be found in Wisconsin Dells satisfies the needs of travel-hungry attendees. Family-oriented convention goers are also more likely to attend a meeting where they can invite the family along, which is music to the ears of an event planner. So, when you plan your next meeting or convention in Wisconsin Dells, don’t forget to pack the swimsuit along with the business suit.
A lot goes into planning an event and our team of planners can help you get from A to Z in the planning process. Get in touch with our expert sales staff by calling Kyra Popp at (608) 254-5604 or by email at sales@wisdells.com.
Kyra Popp has worked in the meetings and events industry for over fifteen years. She has promoted Wisconsin Dells as a meetings destination since 2015. She enjoys collaborating with planners and local venues to take advantage of the unique attractions in the area to create authentic and engaging events.
A lot goes into planning an event and our team of planners can help you get from A to Z in the planning process. Get in touch with our expert sales staff by calling Kyra Popp at (608) 254-5604 or by email at sales@wisdells.com.
Kyra Popp has worked in the meetings and events industry for over fifteen years. She has promoted Wisconsin Dells as a meetings destination since 2015. She enjoys collaborating with planners and local venues to take advantage of the unique attractions in the area to create authentic and engaging events.
