When choosing a meeting or conference location, it is important to consider recreational qualities beyond the meeting space. Many casinos make great venues because they offer event centers, restaurants and entertainment all in one package, and there are numerous options outside of large cities like Las Vegas or Chicago. Here are five casinos to flag for your next meeting destination.
Mohegan Sun
Uncasville, Connecticut
Steeped in tribal tradition, Mohegan Sun takes events to the next level through its extensive resources and vivid casino culture.
“Our 40,000-square-foot ballroom can be divided into as many as 10 rooms or remain open to handle large groups,” said director of convention sales and services Gary Baker. “In addition, we have 21 breakout rooms on the upper level.”
Mohegan holds an astounding number of amenities, with more than 80 restaurants, clubs, retail shops and entertainment venues. Meeting attendees can try any of 24 different craft beers at Comix Comedy Club or enjoy a complimentary evening show in the Wolf Den. Mohegan Sun’s 10,000-seat multipurpose arena is renowned for hosting A-list acts like Bruno Mars, Beyonce, Bon Jovi, Carrie Underwood, KISS and more.
This year, the resort celebrated its 20th anniversary throughout October with performances from Fergie, Sia, Tim McGraw and many others. It also welcomed several major events, such as the Amazing Race Casting Call and the Comedy All Star Gala, which Kevin Hart hosted.
However, Mohegan’s most impressive features are its three exquisite casinos. The Casino of Earth displays themes of winter, spring, summer and fall, and contains 2,800 slots along with 130 table games. It includes a smoke-free, enclosed slot room called the Hall of the Lost Tribes.
Later, guests can play under the stars in Casino of the Sky, which houses the world’s largest indoor planetarium. The Sky’s opening in 2001 established Mohegan as one of the world’s largest gaming complexes. Players witness a world of motion in the resort’s most recent addition, Casino of the Wind, where wooden wings adorn the ceiling and a 35-foot animated water wall twists with color.
The property continues to expand. This month, Mohegan is opening its new Earth Tower, adding another 400 guest rooms.
Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino
Niagara Falls, New York
With Niagara Falls State Park right on its doorstep, Seneca Niagara Casino and Resort provides a meeting venue with gorgeous scenery as well as world-class gaming and entertainment. The event center holds up to 2,500 guests and features cutting-edge visual and audio systems. Technical specialists are available to assist with rigging, video production and sound.
“We are an all-inclusive resort,” said catering and special events director Karen Nordaby. “We have a beautiful spa and swimming pool, and you can relax after a meeting with a facial or massage.”
In addition to the gaming, dining, spa and pool amenities, the property also contains one of the best golf courses in the state, designed by celebrated golf-course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Each month, acclaimed performers and shows take the stage in the event center; past appearances have featured Mike Tyson; John Mellencamp; and the Hollywood Vampires, a rock group comprising Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper and Joe Perry. The hotel will also host “Dancing With the Stars Live” in January 2017. For a more intimate environment, head over to Bear’s Den Showroom, and enjoy music from no more than 40 feet from the stage.
Beyond the resort, there are local wineries and walking trails to explore. Two notable hikes are the Devil’s Hole and Whirlpool Rapids trails, which each descend around 500 steps into the Niagara Gorge. Another popular destination is the Cave of the Winds, which involves riding an elevator 175 feet down into the gorge and following wooden walkways through torrents of mist. On the breathtaking Maid of the Mist boat tour, guests encounter the foot of the falls as 600,000 gallons of water crash before their eyes.
