Courtesy Quad Cities CVB
Casino resorts in the Quad Cities’ five Illinois and Iowa cities are major players in the meetings business, especially for its social, military, reunion and fraternal gatherings.
“The social market appreciates the entertainment that is available with an onsite casino, shows and nightclubs,” said Hunt. “The casino buffet is also appealing to their guests as a way for groups to dine affordably, as well as offering full-service catering and upscale dining choices to match their groups’ needs.
“Casino properties also work well for car clubs to have their shows as part of their conference. There is plenty of parking and the ability to ‘rope’ off areas for the clubs.
“Overall, I think having the entertainment onsite is attractive to all types of groups, especially those that have free nights built into the agenda for delegates to network and catch up,” she said.
Casinos typically add perks to their meeting packages. For example, when the International Softball Congress World Tournament was held in August in the Quad Cities, the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf included full buffet breakfast for two, $30 in gaming credits and an affordable double room rate to teams that committed to a four-night stay. Those incentives resulted in a larger-than-expected room block.
The Illinois Public Pension Advisory Committee returns to Jumer’s Casino and Hotel each year because of the full package it receives, the hotel’s meeting space and the built-in entertainment the casino and Edje nightclub provide. Another group that opts for the Isle Casino Hotel is the dog group Verein Deutsch Drahthaar-Group North America. The resort’s riverfront location has ample room for dog walking; each dog owner receives a breakfast buffet voucher and free casino play dollars.
